IG Group, a UK-based online trading platform, will use Upvest's technology infrastructure to offer stock and exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading to customers in France, the companies announced this week.

IG Taps Upvest to Power French Stock Trading Expansion

The arrangement gives IG access to Upvest's Investment API, a modular system that handles trading infrastructure and back-office operations. IG plans to use the technology to expand beyond France into other European markets, though the company didn't specify which countries or when those launches might occur.

“We selected Upvest because of its proven ability to deliver modern investment infrastructure with the speed and flexibility we need,” Esteve Jane, Managing Director of IG Europe, said in a statement.

The deal comes as online brokers face pressure to attract younger retail investors who expect mobile-first platforms and commission-free trading.

IG, which has historically focused on contracts-for-difference (CFDs) and foreign exchange Exchange An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv Read this Term (FX) trading, has been broadening its product lineup to compete with newer entrants like Trade Republic and Revolut that have gained ground in European markets.

For example, the London-based neobank wants to invest more than €1 billion in France and seek a local banking license.

European Retail Platforms Battle for Market Share

IG currently offers access to roughly 19,000 financial markets and is listed on the London Stock Exchange Stock Exchange A stock exchange, also known as a securities exchange or bourse represents is a facility where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.This includes shares of stock, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other financial instruments. By extension, stock exchanges can also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividendsStock exchanges have developed into a permanent fixture in the fin A stock exchange, also known as a securities exchange or bourse represents is a facility where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.This includes shares of stock, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other financial instruments. By extension, stock exchanges can also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividendsStock exchanges have developed into a permanent fixture in the fin Read this Term (LSE: IGG) with a market capitalization that places it in the FTSE 250 index. The company hasn't disclosed how many active customers it serves in France or what trading volumes it expects from the new stock and ETF offering.

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Upvest, founded in 2017, provides the technological backbone for several consumer finance apps including Revolut, N26, and bunq. The Berlin-based company says it processes more than 100 million orders annually and employs about 250 people. It remains privately held with backing from venture capital firms Earlybird and Bessemer Venture Partners.

“We can onboard multiple clients in parallel while maintaining the reliability and speed expected from a leading investment infrastructure provider,” Jonathan Brander, Chief Operating Officer at Upvest, said.

The companies didn't disclose financial terms of the partnership or whether IG will pay licensing fees, transaction-based charges, or both for access to Upvest's technology.

Recently, Webull UK also announced a similar partnership with Upvest, adding London-listed shares to its offering and cutting commissions amid an ongoing fee battle.

Infrastructure Providers Gain Traction

Traditional brokers increasingly rely on third-party technology providers to avoid building proprietary systems from scratch. This approach lets them launch new products faster but also creates dependencies on vendors that serve competitors.

IG Group has recently focused heavily on expanding its offerings in Singapore, targeting the Asian market and the cryptocurrency sector to align with emerging market trends. Now, however, it appears the company is shifting its attention back to Europe.

Upvest competes with firms like DriveWealth and Saxo Bank, which also sell trading infrastructure to financial institutions. The sector has attracted investor attention as more banks and fintechs look to add investment products without obtaining separate securities licenses or building custody capabilities.

The French market for online stock trading has grown as local regulations encourage retail participation in equity markets through tax-advantaged accounts like the Plan d'Épargne en Actions. However, French investors have historically favored domestic banks over foreign online brokers, presenting a challenge for UK-based platforms trying to expand their footprint.