A Professional trading account is designed for experienced clients who meet the relevant eligibility requirements and are assessed as having the experience, knowledge and expertise to understand the risks involved. Professional clients may have access to different trading facilities and arrangements, but some protections available to Retail clients will no longer apply.

For the relevant Professional classification, you will generally need to meet at least two of three criteria relating to your trading activity, financial instrument portfolio and professional experience. Guardian must also assess your experience, knowledge and expertise before approving Professional classification.

No. Meeting two of the quantitative criteria does not automatically qualify you for Professional status. Guardian must also assess your experience, knowledge and expertise and be satisfied that you are capable of making your own investment decisions and understanding the risks involved.

Certain protections that apply specifically to Retail CFD clients will no longer apply. These include Retail leverage limits, the 50% margin close-out rule and Retail negative balance protection. This means Professional clients may lose more than the funds held in their trading account.

Depending on your trading activity and individual requirements, Professional arrangements may include Professional margin rates, individually reviewed cash rebates and eligible portfolio collateral facilities, together with direct access to experienced Guardian brokers.

Yes. If you already trade with IG or another provider, Guardian can review your trading activity, costs, existing benefits and account requirements, then discuss what a Guardian Professional relationship could offer. There is no obligation to move your account, and any terms available will depend on your individual trading activity and requirements.