How does settlement affect my share trading position?

Settlement is the point at which payment and asset are exchanged. Here's how it can impact the share trades on your IG account.

What does settlement mean to a share trading position?

Settlement is the point at which cash is actually paid, or received, in exchange for shares. It usually takes two business days after the trade is agreed for the money to enter or leave your account.

Your Share Trading account balance will include all agreed credits and debits, whether market settlement has happened or not. 

Why is my 'available to withdraw' amount less than my cash balance?

The balance available to withdraw from your account can be less than your cash balance if it includes funds that you are expecting to receive upon market settlement. 

Until settlement happens you can use these funds for further trading, but you can't withdraw them from your Share Trading account.

Does IG offer guaranteed settlement?

No, our settlements reflect the market settlement status of your trades on your Share Trading account. While the vast majority of trades settle on time, there is the possibility of a delay that can cause the trade to remain unsettled on your account until it is settled in the market.

Why is my share trading position not settled?

The settlement of your share trading position may be delayed if:

• The counterparty from which you are buying has not delivered shares to IG on the agreed date
• IG are unable to deliver shares on your behalf, on the agreed settlement date, due to a counterparty failing to deliver stock to us

The expected settlement window for share trading positions is two or three business days, depending on the exchange.