A UK-based online trading operator firm, IG Group, has acquired an Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve for an initial enterprise value of AUD 178.0 million, approximately $177 million.
According to the official press release by IG Group, it will buy a 70% stake in Independent Reserve for AUD 109.6 million at first while an extra payment of AUD 15 million will be paid if the exchange does well in fiscal year 2026. The acquisition is anticipated to help IG Group enter the Asia-Pacific market, apart from the existing US and UK markets.
“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,” commented Matt Macklin, Managing Director of Asia Pacific & Middle East at IG. He added, “I am delighted that the Independent Reserve team will join IG as they embark on their next phase of growth.”
The acquisition, expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board of Australia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The leadership team of Independent Reserve will retain the remaining 30% ownership and manage the business. IG has the option to buy the remaining stake in the future, depending on how it performs.
“Joining IG provides us with the platform to accelerate our growth. IG’s vision aligns with our mission to provide secure, regulated crypto trading, and this transaction will enable us to expand our product and market reach,” said Adrian Przelozny, CEO and Co-Founder of Independent Reserve.
IG said the transaction is expected to be cash earnings-per-share accretive in its first full year after closing (FY27) and to deliver a return on capital above the group’s cost of capital within three to five years.
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