IG Group has reduced its foreign exchange fee on overseas share transactions to 0.49%, a discount the UK-based broker confirmed will remain in place until September.

The move underscores intensifying competition in the retail trading sector, where platforms are increasingly using lower transaction costs to attract and retain active investors.

The fee reduction targets a persistent pain point for retail traders who hold diversified international portfolios.

Foreign exchange conversion charges have long been a significant drag on returns for investors buying non-domestic equities, often adding up to several percentage points in costs on top of standard trading commissions.

By slashing this specific charge, IG is attempting to lower the barrier to entry for global diversification among its client base.

This development aligns with a wider trend of financial institutions stripping back cross-border fees.