Best Spread Betting Service


A look at the awards and accolades for best spread betting and/or CFD services.
Best Spread Betting and/or CFD Services



About the Awards

Please note that the following awards are for spread betting, CFDs and margined forex products/services. These forms of trading carry a high level of risk to your capital and it’s possible to lose more than your initial investment. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Only speculate with money that you can afford to lose. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent financial advice where necessary.

We are not passing judgement on any companies on this page or the individual awards, we’re simply listing awards and accolades given by third parties.

Note that not all awards are 100% transparent. Some awards are voted for by website users and magazine readers, others are voted for by panels etc. None of these systems are perfect.

This is not an exhaustive list of awards but we have tried to pick the more prestigious awards / awards that are normally recognised within the industry.

Where relevant, we have listed awards for other forms of trading, for example, where a spread betting company has picked up a forex specific award.

Spread Betting Company User Ratings, Comments and Spread Comparison

For a look at how CleanFinancial users have rated some of the largest firms, see spread betting company user ratings. Also see our ‘spread comparison‘.

2018 Spread Betting Awards

  • If there aren’t many awards for the coming year, that is not because we are lazy and haven’t updated this page, it is because the main award season is in December. We may be waiting for a wee while.

2014-17 Spread Betting Awards

  • Sorry! We do need to update this section. Although it’s the usual suspects below who have made the running for 2014-17.

2013 Trading Awards

  • 2013 Shares Magazine Awards

    At the 2013 Shares Magazine Awards there were 27 different categories, here is a selection of the winners:

    • Financial Services Provider of the Year: CMC Markets
    • Best Online Trading Platform: CMC Markets
    • Best Spread Betting Service: IG
    • Best CFD Provider: CMC Markets
    • Best Execution-Only Broker: Halifax Share Dealing
    • Best Futures & Options Broker: Saxo Capital Markets
    • Best FX Broker: FxPro
    • Best International Share-Dealing Service: TD Direct Investing
    • Best Investor Education: IG
    • Best Mobile/Tablet Trading Application: City Index

    For more details see, SharesMagazine.co.uk/Awards/.


  • 2013 Financial Times and Investors Chronicle Investment Awards

    At the 2013 ‘Financial Times and Investors Chronicle Investment Awards’ there were 24 different categories, here is a selection of the winners:

    • Best Spread Betting Provider: IG
    • CFD Provider of the Year: IG
    • Best Spread Betting App: CMC Markets
    • Best Forex Provider: FOREX.com
    • Best Forex trading platform: FxPro
    • Stockbroker of the Year: Bestinvest
    • Best Stockbroker for International Sharedealing: Charles Stanley
    • Execution-only Stockbroker of the Year: The Share Centre

    For more details see, FTInvestmentAwards.co.uk.


  • 2013 MoneyAM Awards

    At the 2013 MoneyAM Awards’ there were 18 different categories, here is a selection of the winners:

    • Best Overall Online Finance Provider: IG
    • Best Online Spread Betting Service: IG
    • Best Online CFD Provider: IG
    • Best CFD Advisor: Galvan Research and Trading
    • Best Online FX Provider: FXCM
    • Best Online Trading Platform: CMC Markets
    • Best Online Charts: CMC Markets
    • Best Mobile/Tablet Application: Capital Spreads

    For more details see, MoneyAm.com/Awards/.

2012 Trading Awards

Capital Spreads Mobile
(Now called ‘LCG’)
  • Capital Spreads had its service recognised at the 2012 Money AM awards by winning two prestigious accolades:

    • Best Online Trading Platform
    • Best Mobile Trading Platform
    The awards were for voted for by traders and investors who use many different providers for their spread betting and CFD needs.

    These recognitions are testament to the hard work and considerable investment that has been put into both the mobile and trading platform over the past year and show that Capital Spreads is one step ahead of the competition.

    With technology being a crucial part of online trading it’s important to remain cutting edge and deliver what clients want and need in order for them to trade via popular devices such as smart phones and tablets.

    The advanced Capital Spreads mobile platform means that clients are able to access the financial markets via several different devices as reliably as they would using the robust browser based online trading platform.

  • IG won two awards at the 2012 Investors Chronicle† and Financial Times awards:
    IG Index Mobile Platform
    • Best Spread Betting Provider
    • Best Spread Betting App
    Managing director of IG, Tim Hughes: “I am pleased our spread betting service has gained this recognition. It confirms that our drive for quality in everything we do, from our transparency in dealing to our best-in-class trading platforms, has made its mark in the wider financial industry.

    “The IG mobile trading apps are going from strength to strength, with 25% of all orders placed with IG this year being placed on a mobile device.”

  • CMC Markets won the 2012 Money AM award for Best Online Spread Betting Service

  • CMC Markets were top in the 2012 Investment Trends‡ Report for Best CFD Mobile App

  • ETX Capital won the 2012 Money AM award for Best Online Charts

  • ETX Capital won the 2012 Shares Magazine award for Best Futures & Options Broker

  • GFT Markets were top in the 2012 Investment Trends‡ Report for Best Customer Service

  • GFT Markets won the 2012 Shares Magazine award for Best Mobile Platform

  • GFT Markets won the 2012 Stockies award for Best Forex Broker

  • IG won the 2012 Shares Magazine award for Best Online Trading Service

  • IG won ‘Best Forex Trading Tools’ at the 2012 UK Forex Awards

2011 Trading Awards

  • The readers of Shares Magazine have voted and named CMC Markets as:

    • Best Spread Betting Service for 2011
    • Financial Provider of the Year 2011
    The aim of the Shares Magazine awards is to provide investors a voice with which to recognise the highest quality retail investment products and services.

    Doug Richards, CEO of CMC Markets, who accepted the awards at Grosvenor House on 10 November 2011 said, “Since we launched, our goal has always been to become the world’s leading online financial services business.

    “This accolade reflects our efforts to respond to the needs of our clients, bringing them the best possible trading experience through award winning education and innovative technology.

    “Of course, we will not stop here. We will continue to listen to our clients and deliver what they ask for to the highest possible standard.”

    Russ Mould, Shares Magazine editor, said: “To win one of these awards is difficult but to win this one is particularly difficult because it is based upon the number of votes collected across all of our award categories.

    “The CMC offering has prevailed yet again following its victories in 2010 when the firm scooped both Best Spread Betting Service and Best Investor Education.

    “Our readership is well informed, market facing and highly demanding. To consistently win trophies is a huge compliment.”


  • GFT has received the prestigious award of 2011 “Best Forex Provider” by AFR Smart Investor Magazine, Australia’s leading monthly investment magazine.

    This is the fourth year in a row that GFT received a Blue Ribbon Award for its innovation and excellence in delivering online financial services to traders throughout Australia, and beyond.

    In previous years, the highest award for forex was the “Recommended for Forex” award, which GFT received in 2008, 2009, and 2010. This year GFT beat the other five finalists to pick up the award.

    “It’s always been our goal to give our account holders the tools they need to trade quickly and securely,” said Gary L. Tilkin, president and CEO, GFT. “That’s why it’s truly an honour to be recognised as the best forex provider by Smart Investor magazine.

    “Our dealing desk, execution, integrity and leadership in the industry are among the reasons that people trade with GFT. We thank Smart Investor magazine for the ongoing recognition and look forward to serving our customers in Australia and around the world.”


  • GFT Markets Won the Award for Best Online Trading Platform

    GFT has seen its DealBook platform receive the prestigious Shares Magazine award for Best Online Trading Platform.

    “We are very honoured to have the DealBook trading platform recognised by Shares Magazine,” said Gary L. Tilkin, CEO, GFT Markets. “We are always developing and expanding the GFT trading platform in order to provide clients with the flexibility, execution and security they need.

    “DealBook is available online, via your mobile and we will soon be releasing an iPad app. This allows clients the flexibility to trade however they like.

    “We thank Shares Magazine for their continued recognition and will strive to maintain the level of quality in the platform that investors have come to expect.”

  • Number One for Forex Spread Betting

    IG Index, has been judged to be the most popular financial spread betting platform for forex by the respondents of the annual Investment Trends‡ survey.


  • InterTrader were 2011 Spread Betting Operator of the Year, eGaming Review

    The eGaming Review award recognises the progress InterTrader.com has made in 2011, to become a major provider of financial spread betting and CFD trading services.

    InterTrader Platform
    During 2011, InterTrader:

    • Launched Mobile Dealing
    • Added an MT4 Dealing Account
    • Expanded into Germany

    At the same time the firm has maintained its core mission to provide low-cost trading for investors across a wide range of markets and products.

    Most recently, InterTrader launched a campaign to promote its fixed dealing spreads, which ensure investors get reliable pricing in volatile trading conditions.

    InterTrader is a partner of bwin.party digital entertainment, which also took the award for Socially Responsible Operator of the Year.

    About eGaming Review

    “eGaming Review is the most widely read publication in the online gaming industry, with more up-to-date news, insight and expert opinion than any other eGaming business title.”


  • GFT Markets won the The Bull Stockies Award for Best Forex Broker 2011

  • GFT Markets won theIBTimes Best Forex Education Provider Award 2011

  • GFT Markets won the IBTimes Customer Service Excellence Award 2011

  • GFT Markets won the IBTimes Forex Broker Japan Excellence Award 2011


2010 Trading Awards

  • “IG Index Named Best Spread Betting Service (and Charts)”

    IG Index has been awarded Best Spread Betting Service and Best Overall Online Provider at the MoneyAM Online Finance Awards 2010.

    According to the IG Index website, “These awards confirm IG Index’s position as the world leader in financial spread betting and are welcome additions to our extensive collection of industry awards”.

    MoneyAM is one of the UK’s leading financial websites and a popular resource for private and institutional investors seeking the latest stock market news and data.

    IG Index also scooped the award for Best Online Charts, in recognition of its superior charting package.

  • The title of ‘Best Spread Betting Service’ has been awarded to CMC Markets by Shares Magazine readers at the 2010 Shares Awards.

    Peter Cruddas, Executive Chairman and founder of CMC Markets, said: “This is a great moment for CMC Markets because it reflects all the hard work and energy that we have put into transforming our technology in order to give our customers the best possible user experience.”

    This year has been an particularly busy year for the company: the award follows the launch of their spread betting platform and their iPhone® app.

    “Customers are at the heart of our business and we never forget that. We are passionate about our product and we are continually looking at new ways to help investors trade the financial markets.” Cruddas added.

    “The award is very important to us because it is voted for by the people that count: the customers.”

  • GFT Markets won the The Bull Stockies Award for Best Forex Broker 2010

  • GFT Markets won the MoneyAM Best Online Overseas Trading Platform 2010

2009 Trading Awards

  • Best Spread Betting Service

    IG Index took home the award for ‘Best Spread Betting Service’ at the Shares Awards 2009 which were organised by Shares Magazine, the leading weekly publication for stock market professionals and private investors.

  • Spreadex won the categories for ‘Best Online Spread Betting Service’ and ‘Best Online Sports Betting Service’ at the 2009 MoneyAM Online Financial Awards.

    Spreadex spokesman Andy MacKenzie said: “These are particularly pleasing awards to win as votes were collated from thousands of traders and sports bettors across the UK rather than by industry representatives.

    “Spread betting is still relatively unknown compared to fixed odds betting but we are seeing more and more people opening accounts with us as they look to try out alternative investment opportunities during the recession.

    “We have a number of improvements planned to help advance both our financial and sports betting offerings so hopefully we may see more awards heading our way in the future!”

    The MoneyAM awards are now in their second year offering retail traders the opportunity to formally praise companies who have served them well. This year 5,229 votes were cast, up from 3,850 in 2008.

  • GFT Markets won the Bull Stockies Award for Best Forex Broker 2009

  • GFT Markets won the MoneyAM awards for Best Online Charts 2009

  • GFT Markets won the Shares Magazine award for Best Product of the Year, 2009

  • Spreadex named as Runner-Up for Online Betting Company of the Year

    Spreadex were named as second only to high street giant Ladbrokes for the title of Betview ‘Online Betting Company of the Year’.

    The spread betting experts beat off competition from dozens of other UK bookies to be included in the plush awards night held at the Dorchester Hotel, in Park Lane, London last week.

    Spreadex spokesman Andy MacKenzie said: “We beat some extremely established names in the industry to be nominated for the award and to finish second only to a company as well-respected as Ladbrokes highlights the nature of the achievement.

    “Spreadex is one of only two firms in the UK to offer financial and sports spread betting from the same account.

    “This makes us quite specialised in the world of betting and is one of the reasons we were shortlisted.”

    The Betview awards were “the first event of its kind to reward and recognise the UK betting and gaming industry for outstanding achievement, ingenuity and innovation”.

2008 Trading Awards

  • Best Active Trading Tools 2008

    GFT received the 2008 Shares Magazine Award for Best Active Trading Tools for its DealBook® suite of trading applications.

    The category is designed to “recognise the provider that offers the most comprehensive, convenient and useful tools for active traders”

    According to GFT their tools “such as a trading signals program that helps traders find the best markets to trade along with a timing tool that forecasts the best times to trade offer the one-two punch needed to make the most informed trading decisions.”

    It should be noted that DealBook® 360 also offers more than 100 technical indicators, as well as access to streaming news from Dow Jones Newswires.”

    According to the magazine’s website, active traders need software that’s responsive to their needs in differing market conditions. Issues like reliability and support are important, as are execution and pricing, along with features such as customised alerts, single-click dealing and fast access to newsfeeds. In choosing GFT, Shares’ readers acknowledged that the company’s software is second to none.

    GFT COO Simon Mansell said “the company is honoured to be chosen, adding that the award is even more exciting because it was chosen by the magazine’s readers.

    “To have their readers recognise our efforts to create a powerful, flexible and responsive application for trading spread bets, CFDs and spot forex is very special for us.”

    “We created our DealBook® suite of trading platforms to be simple enough for beginners, but with the features and versatility to handle the demands of even the most active traders,” he added. “We believe our software represents a high-water mark in online trading applications and we’re proud that Shares’ readers agree.”

  • GFT Markets won the Shares Magazine award for Best Active Trading Tools, 2008

  • Spreadex has been named in the Sunday Times Pricewaterhouse Coopers Profit Track 100 for the third year in a row.

    The list compiles the UK’s private companies with the fastest growing profits over the past three years. And Hertfordshire-based Spreadex has been awarded 49th place in this year’s chart which was published on Sunday (April 20).

    Managing Director Jonathan Hufford said, “We are absolutely delighted to be featured in the Sunday Times list for a third year in succession. The achievement reflects the continued growth of the company and we have exciting plans to expand the business even further in the coming years.”

    “We are a financial trading company with most of our business based in and around the city. Although the current economic climate is turbulent, the beauty of our product is that our customers are able to benefit from both rising and falling markets.”

2007 Trading Awards



  • “Best Product of the Year in 2007”

    GFT has won major awards around the world for its products and services, including its DealBook® 360 desktop trading platform which won Shares Magazine Best Product of the Year in 2007

  • GFT Markets won the Shares Magazine award for Best Product of the Year, 2007

2006 Trading Awards

  • GFT Markets won the Shares Magazine award for Best Foreign Exchange Broker, 2006

† How the Investors Chronicle and Financial Times Awards Work

Readers of the Investors Chronicle and the Financial Times are asked to complete detailed questionnaires detailing their views on the providers they use.

The criteria used include financial security, range of services and commissions and charges. The scores are then collated by an independent research agency and the winners identified.

Editor of Investors Chronicle, John Hughman said, “These awards are a great way for our readers to let others know about the good value deals, quality service and new trading platforms they get from their stockbrokers and other financial services providers.”

The Investors Chronicle and Financial Times Investment Awards exist to give public recognition to those financial service providers who offer excellent service and value for money.

‡ Investment Trends

For 2011, the Investment Trends ‘Financial Spread Betting and CFD report’ canvassed almost 14,000 individuals in the UK and provides a comprehensive insight into the behaviour of those trading retail derivatives products.