IG Group has finalized its acquisition of Independent Reserve, a leading regulated cryptocurrency exchange in Australia, marking a significant expansion into digital assets across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The deal, initially announced in September 2025, received approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, allowing IG to enhance its crypto offerings. Independent Reserve, established in 2013, is known for its trusted and regulated services catering to both retail and institutional clients. With this acquisition, IG plans to launch new crypto services in Singapore, Australia, and the UAE by the second half of 2026. This move positions IG to capitalize on the growing demand for cryptocurrency trading in these regions, as highlighted by IG's managing director for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, Matt Macklin. Australia's crypto market, valued at $57.5 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $158.9 billion by 2034, with a 10.7% CAGR. The acquisition allows IG to diversify beyond traditional CFD and forex trading, while Independent Reserve gains access to IG's global scale, enhancing its reach across APAC and the Middle East.