Independent Reserve Review 2026
Operating normallyTrust Score™ breakdown
Our 8-pillar score, applied identically to every exchange. How we score →
Exchange health
Our review
Overview
Independent Reserve is a Sydney-based exchange founded in 2013 and one of the most trust-focused options available to Australians. It is AUSTRAC-registered, ISO 27001-certified, and — unusually for the local market — holds customer crypto with an insured qualified custodian. In January 2026 it was acquired by the ASX/LSE-listed IG Group, adding significant institutional backing. Its Trust Score™ of 8.1 reflects genuine strengths in security and regulation, offset by a smaller coin range and higher spreads.
Security
This is Independent Reserve’s standout area. It was the first Australian exchange to offer insured crypto custody (from 2019), keeps the vast majority of assets in cold storage via a qualified custodian, is ISO 27001 certified (2021), and supports two-factor authentication. We found no security incidents in its history. Note that insurance typically covers large-scale custodian failure, not losses from an individual user’s own credential compromise.
Fees
A single volume-tiered trading fee applies to both sides of a trade: 0.5% at entry level, reducing toward 0.02% at very high volume. AUD deposits via bank transfer and PayID/Osko are free. Independent reviews note its buy/sell spreads can be wider than some competitors, so factor that in for smaller one-off trades.
Coins & features
The line-up is deliberately narrow — around 37 cryptocurrencies — and there is no staking and no NFT marketplace. It offers a dedicated OTC desk and strong support for self-managed super funds (SMSFs), including accounting-software integration.
Verdict — who should use it
Independent Reserve is our top pick for security-conscious investors, SMSFs, and anyone who values insured custody and a long, clean track record, now with the added weight of IG Group ownership.
It is less suited to traders who want a wide altcoin selection, staking, or the very tightest spreads on small trades.
General information only — not financial or tax advice. Figures were verified on 30 July 2026 and can change; always confirm current details on Independent Reserve’s official website before acting.
Fees
| Fee type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Market order (maker / taker) | 0.5% / 0.5% |
| Instant buy / sell / swap | — |
| AUD deposit (PayID, Osko, Bank transfer) | Free |
Timeline
Independent Reserve — frequently asked questions
Is Independent Reserve available in Australia?
Yes. Independent Reserve is registered with AUSTRAC as a digital currency exchange, which lets it legally offer AUD services to Australians. You can fund an account with PayID, Osko, Bank transfer. Trading crypto is legal in Australia when you use an AUSTRAC-registered platform.
Is Independent Reserve safe?
Independent Reserve has operated for about 13 years and has no recorded security incidents. It does not publish proof-of-reserves, backs customer funds with insurance or a protection fund, and supports two-factor authentication. No exchange is risk-free, and crypto is not covered by any Australian government guarantee — enable strong 2FA and move long-term holdings into a self-custody wallet.
What fees does Independent Reserve charge?
Independent Reserve's trading fees are around 0.5% maker / 0.5% taker on market orders. AUD deposits via PayID, Osko, Bank transfer are typically free. Like most platforms, using an "instant buy" button costs more than a market order because the spread is baked into the price — trade on the market or "pro" screen to pay less.
Is Independent Reserve regulated in Australia?
Independent Reserve is registered with AUSTRAC, so it must verify customer identities (KYC) and follow anti-money-laundering rules. It does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Remember that AUSTRAC registration covers financial crime, not consumer protection — it is not a guarantee your money is safe if the exchange fails.
Does Independent Reserve have a mobile app?
Yes — Independent Reserve has both iOS and Android apps, alongside a web platform. It lists around 37 cryptocurrencies.
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