In a significant move within the cryptocurrency sector, online trading platform IG Group has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve for 109.6 million Australian dollars (approximately $72.4 million). This acquisition is part of IG’s strategy to enhance its presence in the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific crypto markets, and it complements its recent initiatives in the cryptocurrency domain within both the U.K. and U.S. markets.
Independent Reserve, recognized as one of Australia’s longest-standing regulated crypto platforms, facilitates trading in 34 different cryptocurrencies across markets in Australia and Singapore. Matt Macklin, IG’s managing director for the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, emphasized the strategic importance of this platform in bolstering IG’s offerings in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, IG Group will initially acquire a 70% stake in Independent Reserve, with an option to acquire the remaining 30% based on the company’s future performance. This transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is anticipated to finalize by early 2026, with a total valuation of 178 million Australian dollars (approximately $117.6 million).
Adrian Przelozny, CEO of Independent Reserve, highlighted the advantages of this partnership, indicating that it would provide the exchange with a broader platform for growth while adhering to its fundamental commitment to secure and regulated trading practices. This acquisition is expected to fill a crucial regional gap for IG, affording the company “immediate access” to the Australian and Singaporean markets.
Financially, Independent Reserve has shown impressive growth, reporting revenues of $23.3 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025, reflecting an 88% increase year-over-year. The platform also experienced a 60% rise in monthly active users, reaching approximately 11,600, alongside managing assets worth $1.12 billion from 129,400 funded accounts.
IG Group anticipates that this deal will be accretive to earnings beginning in the fiscal year 2027. However, the company’s shares saw a slight decline of 1.8% during today’s trading session.
