TLDR
- IG Group to acquire 70% of Independent Reserve for $72M, with performance-based options.
- Independent Reserve saw 70% annual revenue growth, reaching $23.9M.
- The deal will expand IG Group’s regulated crypto services in Australia and Singapore.
- Independent Reserve has 11,600 active customers, with 76% of revenue from Australia.
IG Group has made a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by agreeing to acquire the Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve for $117.1 million. The acquisition, which will initially see IG purchase a 70% stake, will enhance the company’s digital asset offerings and expand its reach in the highly competitive markets of Australia and Singapore. This deal is set to reshape IG’s crypto business by tapping into emerging opportunities in the region.
Strategic Expansion into the Asia-Pacific Market
The acquisition of Independent Reserve marks a major step in IG Group’s efforts to broaden its crypto offerings beyond the UK and the U.S. With an enterprise value of approximately $117.1 million, the deal highlights IG’s ambition to tap into the fast-growing digital asset market in Australia and Singapore. Independent Reserve is one of the largest and fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia, known for its established regulatory framework and advanced technology.
IG will initially pay around $72 million for a 70% stake, with the potential to pay up to $82 million if specific performance targets are met in 2026. The deal also includes a call option for IG to acquire the remaining 30% based on future performance.
According to Matt Macklin, Managing Director of IG Asia Pacific & Middle East, this acquisition will help IG fill a critical gap in its crypto offerings and expand its services into key regions in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Independent Reserve’s Growth and Market Influence
Independent Reserve has seen rapid growth over the past year, doubling its revenues to $23.9 million. A significant portion of this revenue, approximately 76%, is generated from its Australian market, while 24% comes from Singapore.
The company has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 70% and has also seen a 60% increase in its monthly active customer base, now reaching 11,600.
Adrian Przelozny, co-founder and CEO of Independent Reserve, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that joining IG would enable the company to accelerate its growth. He highlighted the alignment between IG’s vision for secure and regulated crypto trading and Independent Reserve’s mission. The merger is expected to provide greater opportunities to expand both the product range and market reach.
Regulatory Approval and Completion Timeline
The transaction, valued at $117.1 million, is subject to regulatory approval from the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). If these approvals are granted, the acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Following the deal’s completion, Independent Reserve will continue to operate under its own brand in the Australian and Singaporean markets, with the existing leadership and staff staying on board.
This acquisition aligns with IG’s broader strategy to increase its presence in regulated markets and further integrate digital asset services across its platform. The transaction will also mark IG Group’s commitment to strengthening its position as a major player in the global digital assets space.
IG Group’s Growing Crypto Presence
This acquisition builds on IG Group’s previous initiatives in the crypto sector. In May 2025, IG became the first UK-listed company to offer retail crypto trading through a partnership with Uphold, allowing UK customers to trade a wide variety of cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, IG’s U.S. subsidiary, Tastytrade, recently expanded its crypto offerings, enabling clients to trade a selection of cryptocurrencies and use stablecoins for funding their accounts. With this acquisition of Independent Reserve, IG Group is positioned to play a larger role in the rapidly evolving crypto market.
The acquisition provides the company with the regulatory and operational framework needed to expand further into key markets like Australia, Singapore, and potentially other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.As IG continues to strengthen its crypto services, the company is laying the groundwork for broader international expansion.
