Online trading platform IG Group ( IGGRF ) has acquired a majority stake in Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve for 109.6 million Australian dollars ($72.4 million).

The deal, the company said, aims to strengthen IG’s position in Asia-Pacific’s fast-growing crypto markets and complements its recent crypto rollouts in the U.K. and U.S.

Independent Reserve is one of Australia’s oldest regulated crypto platforms, IG’s managing director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Matt Macklin, said. It also supports trading in 34 cryptocurrencies across Australian and Singaporean markets.

IG will initially acquire 70% of the company, with the option to buy the remaining 30% based on future performance. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close in early 2026 for a total of 178 million Australian dollars ($117.6 million).

Independent Reserve CEO Adrian Przelozny said the transaction gives the exchange a bigger platform to grow while staying aligned with its goal of secure, regulated trading.

The move fills a regional product gap for IG, giving the firm “immediate access” to Australia and Singapore.

Independent Reserve reported revenue of $23.3 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025, up 88% year-over-year, the announcement adds. The platform also saw a 60% increase in monthly active users, reaching around 11,600, and has $1.12 billion in assets under custody from 129,400 funded accounts.

IG Group ( IGGRF ) said the deal will be accretive to earnings starting in fiscal year 2027. Its shares are down 1.8% in today’s trading session.