BLOGSIA.EU.ORG - Global trading and investment firm IG Group, listed on the FTSE 250, has announced the acquisition of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The move is expected to accelerate IG’s digital asset expansion beyond the UK and the United States.
According to a statement cited by Yahoo Finance on Friday, IG Group valued Independent Reserve at approximately USD 117.1 million (around IDR 1.94 trillion at an exchange rate of 16,639 rupiah per dollar). The figure represents a valuation of five times the exchange’s revenue for the 12 months ending June 30.
The company confirmed it will initially pay about USD 72 million for a 70% stake. That payment could rise to USD 82 million if Independent Reserve achieves performance targets in fiscal year 2026. IG also secured a call option to acquire the remaining 30% of shares, subject to performance milestones in 2027 and 2028.
The company confirmed it will initially pay about USD 72 million for a 70% stake. That payment could rise to USD 82 million if Independent Reserve achieves performance targets in fiscal year 2026. IG also secured a call option to acquire the remaining 30% of shares, subject to performance milestones in 2027 and 2028.
“This acquisition marks a critical step in IG’s crypto strategy in key markets,” said Matt Macklin, IG’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
He described Independent Reserve as “one of the largest and fastest-growing digital asset exchanges in Australia, with a well-established regulatory foundation, proven technology, and strong leadership.”
-- Filling a Gap in IG’s Crypto Offering
Headquartered in London, IG Group provides access to more than 19,000 financial markets worldwide. The company said the deal addresses a major gap in its crypto portfolio by giving it regulated access to Australia and Singapore, with potential to expand further across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Independent Reserve’s leadership and staff will remain in place, while the brand and trading platform will continue to operate in both Australia and Singapore following completion of the acquisition.
The exchange reported revenue nearly doubling last year to around USD 23.9 million. Of that, 76% was generated in Australia and 24% in Singapore. Independent Reserve has grown at a compound annual rate of 70% and now claims roughly 11,600 monthly active customers, a 60% increase year-on-year. The platform supports trading in 34 digital assets across multiple currency pairs.
Headquartered in London, IG Group provides access to more than 19,000 financial markets worldwide. The company said the deal addresses a major gap in its crypto portfolio by giving it regulated access to Australia and Singapore, with potential to expand further across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Independent Reserve’s leadership and staff will remain in place, while the brand and trading platform will continue to operate in both Australia and Singapore following completion of the acquisition.
The exchange reported revenue nearly doubling last year to around USD 23.9 million. Of that, 76% was generated in Australia and 24% in Singapore. Independent Reserve has grown at a compound annual rate of 70% and now claims roughly 11,600 monthly active customers, a 60% increase year-on-year. The platform supports trading in 34 digital assets across multiple currency pairs.
Joining IG Group, said Independent Reserve co-founder and CEO Adrian Przelozny, would give the exchange a stronger foundation to accelerate its growth.
“IG’s vision aligns with our mission to provide safe and regulated crypto trading,” Przelozny stated. “This deal will allow us to expand both our product range and market reach.”
-- Awaiting Regulatory Approvals
The acquisition still requires clearance from two regulators: the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) in Australia. Both approvals are expected to be completed by early 2026.
Industry analysts say the deal underscores IG’s determination to compete in regulated crypto markets at a time when compliance is tightening worldwide. By targeting Independent Reserve, which has operated under established regulatory frameworks, IG reduces risk while entering a fast-growing market.
“IG’s vision aligns with our mission to provide safe and regulated crypto trading,” Przelozny stated. “This deal will allow us to expand both our product range and market reach.”
-- Awaiting Regulatory Approvals
The acquisition still requires clearance from two regulators: the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) in Australia. Both approvals are expected to be completed by early 2026.
Industry analysts say the deal underscores IG’s determination to compete in regulated crypto markets at a time when compliance is tightening worldwide. By targeting Independent Reserve, which has operated under established regulatory frameworks, IG reduces risk while entering a fast-growing market.
-- Building on UK and US Crypto Moves
The transaction complements IG Group’s earlier crypto launches in the UK and the US. In May, IG became the first FTSE-listed company in Britain to offer retail crypto trading through a partnership with digital asset platform Uphold. The service provides access to 35 cryptocurrencies, directly integrated into IG’s trading platform and its IG Invest app.
In the United States, IG’s brokerage subsidiary Tastytrade has expanded into crypto by offering 23 digital assets. The platform also allows clients to fund trading accounts using stablecoins via on-chain infrastructure provider Zero Hash.
With the Independent Reserve acquisition, IG is positioning itself as a global crypto player bridging Western and Asia-Pacific markets. The move highlights how traditional financial firms are racing to capture demand in digital assets while adhering to regulatory requirements.
By 2026, if approvals are secured, IG Group’s entry into Australia and Singapore could serve as a springboard for further expansion into emerging crypto hubs across Asia and the Middle East.
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