Broker comparison · Checked 25 Oct 2026
IG vs Plus500: licences in Kenya and South Africa
Two listed companies with FSCA licences for South African traders.
IG vs Plus500 at a glance
| IG | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇪 Kenya (CMA) | Not licensed | Not licensed |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa (FSCA) | FSP 41393IG Markets South Africa LimitedIG says IG Markets South Africa no longer opens new trading accounts; new applications are handled by IG International. Existing local accounts stay with the South African company, which is an approved OTC derivative provider. | FSP 47546Plus500AU Pty LtdThe FSCA licence is held by Plus500's Australian company, Plus500AU Pty Ltd, not a South African company. Plus500AU (Pty) Ltd is an approved OTC derivative provider (ODP) on the FSCA list of OTC derivative providers, checked 25 Oct 2026. |
| M-Pesa (Kenya) | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Also regulated by | FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia) | FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), DFSA (Dubai) |
| Full review | IG review → | Plus500 review → |
Licence data from the CMA register and the FSCA FAIS register. Always confirm on the regulator's own site before you deposit.
Which should you choose?
In Kenya, we have not confirmed a CMA licence for either broker. Consider a broker from our Kenya list instead.
In South Africa, both IG and Plus500 hold FSCA licences, so the choice comes down to costs, platform and deposit methods. Open your account with the local company shown below.
Buttons appear only where the broker holds a local licence. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure. Our real-money tests of fees and withdrawal times will be added to this page.
Questions people ask
Is IG or Plus500 regulated in Kenya?
In Kenya, we have not confirmed a CMA licence for either broker. Consider a broker from our Kenya list instead.
Is IG or Plus500 regulated in South Africa?
In South Africa, both IG and Plus500 hold FSCA licences, so the choice comes down to costs, platform and deposit methods. Open your account with the local company shown below.
Which is safer, IG or Plus500?
Safety starts with the licence in your own country: a CMA licence in Kenya or an FSCA licence in South Africa gives you a local regulator to complain to. Neither licence protects you from trading losses; most retail CFD accounts lose money.