By Staff Writer
IG Group will acquire Independent Reserve in a A$178m deal, fast-tracking its crypto expansion in Asia-Pacific.
The acquisition gives IG access to one of Australia’s largest digital asset exchanges, with strong operations in Australia and Singapore.
Completion expected in early 2026, pending regulatory approval, with IG saying the deal will be earnings-accretive in year one.
IG Group Holdings Plc is making a bold move into the Asia-Pacific crypto market with the acquisition of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s largest digital asset exchanges, in a deal valued at A$178 million, amounting to approximately £86.8 million.
The transaction gives IG Group a fast-track entry into a region that has seen explosive growth in digital asset adoption. It also adds a seasoned team of crypto specialists to IG’s global operations, positioning the firm to compete more aggressively in one of the industry’s most dynamic markets.
Under the agreement, IG will purchase 70% of Independent Reserve for A$109.6 million, excluding A$8.4 million in surplus cash. A potential earn-out of A$15 million may also be paid depending on the firm’s performance in FY26.
The remaining 30% stake is subject to a call option, with valuation linked to results in FY27 and FY28. Pending regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close in early 2026.
Independent Reserve already holds a strong foothold in both Australia and Singapore, serving retail and institutional clients with trading in 34 digital assets. The company posted revenues of A$35.3 million in the 12 months to June 2025, nearly double what it reported the year before.
This acquisition for IG looks to be about embedding itself in a booming regional market while reinforcing its global crypto strategy. The company has already made organic rollouts in the UK and US, but this deal gives it instant scale in Asia-Pacific.
Matt Macklin, IG’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific & Middle East, described the acquisition as a milestone:
“This acquisition marks an important step in IG’s crypto strategy in a key region. Independent Reserve is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing digital asset exchanges with established regulatory foundations, proven technology and strong leadership. I am delighted that the Independent Reserve team will join IG as they embark on their next phase of growth.”
IG also highlighted that the deal will be earnings-accretive in the first full year after completion, showing that the business sees clear profitability potential once the exchange is fully integrated.
Asia-Pacific is one of the most competitive regions for digital assets, with exchanges and brokers alike racing to secure regulatory approvals and grow market share. By acquiring Independent Reserve, IG Group not only gains an established platform but also sends a clear signal: it intends to be a serious player in the global crypto space.
