IG Group Acquires Independent Reserve Australia for A$178 Million
British trading platform IG Group has acquired Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve for A$178 million ($117.41 million), marking a significant expansion into the Asia-Pacific crypto market. This strategic acquisition positions IG Group as a major player in the region’s growing digital asset ecosystem.
IG Group Independent Reserve Acquisition Details Transform Asia-Pacific Strategy
IG Group will initially acquire 70% of Independent Reserve for A$109.6 million (£53.4 million), with the remaining 30% available based on future performance metrics. The deal structure includes contingent payments tied to performance targets for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
The acquisition values Independent Reserve at 5.0x revenue for the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, reflecting the premium investors place on established crypto exchanges. This valuation multiple demonstrates confidence in the Australian crypto market’s growth potential.
The transaction requires regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions. The deal is expected to close in early 2026, giving both companies time to navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing crypto acquisitions.
Independent Reserve Australia Performance Drives Strategic Value
Independent Reserve generated revenue of £17.7 million in the 12 months ending June 2025, representing an 88% year-over-year increase. This remarkable growth trajectory makes the acquisition particularly attractive for IG Group’s expansion plans.
The Australian exchange has established itself as a trusted platform in the region. Independent Reserve offers spot trading services across major cryptocurrencies, serving retail and institutional clients. The exchange’s regulatory compliance and established user base provide IG Group with immediate market access.
Independent Reserve’s technology infrastructure supports high-volume trading and advanced order types. The platform’s security measures and custody solutions meet institutional standards, essential for IG Group’s professional client base.
IG Group Crypto Expansion Accelerates Through Strategic Acquisitions
This acquisition complements IG’s strategic progress in enhancing crypto propositions in the UK and US, where the Group launched spot crypto trading in May 2025. IG Group became the first UK-listed company to provide spot crypto products to retail investors.
The Independent Reserve acquisition follows IG’s acquisition of Freetrade, as the group grows the number of brands within its stable. This multi-brand strategy allows IG Group to serve different market segments while maintaining operational synergies.
IG Group’s expansion strategy focuses on regulated markets with clear cryptocurrency frameworks. Australia’s progressive crypto regulations provide a stable operating environment for digital asset services. The acquisition gives IG Group access to Australia’s growing crypto user base.
Asia-Pacific Crypto Market Opportunities Drive Investment Decision
The Asia-Pacific region represents one of the largest crypto markets globally. Australia’s regulatory clarity attracts international crypto companies seeking compliant operations. IG Group’s entry through Independent Reserve provides immediate market presence without lengthy licensing processes.
Australian crypto adoption continues growing among retail and institutional investors. The market’s maturity and sophisticated user base align with IG Group’s service offerings. Independent Reserve’s established relationships with Australian financial institutions create additional growth opportunities.
The acquisition positions IG Group to capture cross-border trading opportunities between the UK, US, and Australian markets. This geographic diversification reduces regulatory risk while expanding revenue potential across multiple time zones.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
IG said the deal is expected to be accretive to cash earnings, indicating a positive financial impact from the acquisition. The combined entity can leverage operational synergies and cross-selling opportunities across different geographic markets.
The transaction demonstrates traditional financial services companies’ commitment to crypto markets. IG Group’s investment signals confidence in digital asset adoption and regulatory maturation across key markets.
This acquisition may trigger additional consolidation in the Asia-Pacific crypto exchange sector. Established players with regulatory approvals become increasingly valuable as compliance requirements intensify.
Conclusion
IG Group’s acquisition of Independent Reserve Australia for A$178 million represents a strategic milestone in crypto market expansion. The deal provides immediate access to the growing Australian crypto market while complementing existing operations in the UK and US.
The transaction’s structure and valuation reflect confidence in crypto market growth and Independent Reserve’s performance trajectory. Regulatory approval timelines will determine when the combined entity can fully realize operational synergies.
