Research showed that successful trading platform localisation required more than translation.
By redesigning core trading workflows around Japanese traders’ mental models, we created a more intuitive web and mobile experience that improved customer adoption, conversion, and supported IG’s continued growth in Japan.
Context
IG wanted to expand its presence in Japan, but research showed that a direct translation of the existing platform would not meet local traders expectations.
Japanese users had different trading conventions, regulatory requirements, and interaction patterns, creating friction across key trading journeys.
Goal – design a trading experience that felt familiar to Japanese traders while remaining scalable within IG’s global platform.
Understanding the problem
We partnered with a specialist Japanese UX research agency to conduct user interviews and usability testing with local traders.
Key insights
- Japanese traders followed different workflows and mental models.
- Existing Deal Ticket interactions created uncertainty during order placement.
- Terminology, information hierarchy, and interface patterns needed to better match local expectations.
The key learning – localisation required redesigning critical trading workflows, not just adaption.
Defining the scope
Working with Product, Engineering, and business stakeholders, I translated research insights into a prioritised redesign strategy focused on improving user confidence and trading behaviour.
Key focus areas
- Deal Ticket redesign
- Information hierarchy and terminology
- Interface components and visual patterns
- Consistent experience across web and mobile
Key results
Grow IG presence in Japan and significantly boost new and active client numbers. Company increased share of Japan’s OTC derivatives market.
Increased client conversion and retention, contributing to approximately 30% revenue growth.
The redesigned Speedy Ticket generated around 34% higher trading volume in its first month compared with the previous experience.
Design System update with localisation notes, typography, components and Navy theme colour tokens
