How to Trade TEL (PLDT) on IG Markets

When you are trading a stock like PLDT, discipline matters. But before you even look at a chart, you have to understand the broker holding your position.

This guide breaks down how to trade TEL (PLDT Inc.) through IG Markets from the Philippines. We will cover the specific conditions, the costs, and the regulatory reality, so you know exactly what you are working with before you click that buy button.

What You Trade When You Buy TEL

TEL is the ticker for PLDT Inc., the Philippines' largest telecommunications company, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). It is a large-cap stock, a core member of the PSEi index, and a famous dividend payer, with yields typically above 5%.

When you trade this through a broker like IG Markets, you are not buying the physical share from the PSE. You are trading a CFD, which is a contract to exchange the difference in the price from when you open the position to when you close it. This allows you to trade the price movements of PLDT without actually owning the stock.

In the Philippines, IG is served through their offshore entity, IG International Ltd, based in Bermuda.

Working with IG in the Philippines

You are opening an account with IG International Ltd (Bermuda), not a local Philippine broker. This is a common setup for Filipino traders, as most international brokers operate this way.

The account is based in USD, not PHP. This means you are trading a US-dollar-denominated CFD of a Philippine stock. When you deposit money, you will be converting your PHP to USD, which comes with a small conversion fee, usually around 1-3%.

Understanding the Real Cost of a TEL Trade

The spread is the most consistent cost you will pay. For major FX pairs like NAS100, IG's spread starts at 0.6 pips, which is sharp. For Philippine equities, the spread will be wider due to lower liquidity, but the principle is the same.

This is not a commission-heavy model for equities. IG often offers zero commission on share dealing, which means their income comes from the spread. This is transparent and predictable. Let's look at the cost breakdown:

A quick note on your money: Because the account is in USD, every trade has a conversion lag. The spread on the trade is the primary fee, but the currency conversion on deposit and withdrawal is a secondary, real cost. Plan for that 1-3% when you calculate your break-even point.

Regulatory Status: One Clear Look

IG Markets does not hold a local license from the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC PH). The entity available to you, IG International Ltd, is regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) under a Class F license.

This is not inherently an illegal setup, but you must understand the protection you have. You are covered by Bermuda's regulatory framework, not the Philippine SEC. This means the local SEC's jurisdiction on your account is different than if you used a local broker.

The practical implication is that you should do your due diligence. This is a choice made by most Filipino CFD traders, as the SEC PH does not currently issue local retail-forex/CFD dealer licenses. You are trading legally as an individual, but you are operating within the offshore regulatory space.

Realistic Risks and Limits

Let's be clear about what can bite you. Leverage is the sharpest tool. IG offers up to 1:200 under the Bermuda entity. That is double the leverage you would get in most regulated European jurisdictions. If you are not careful, a 0.5% adverse move against your position can wipe out your entire margin.

Before you sign up for TEL trading, consider the execution quality. IG offers platforms like MT4 and TradingView. If you see poor charting or delays in order execution, it is a red flag.

My experience tells me to break this down into two categories.

Fits if you...

You understand that you are an offshore client and you are comfortable with that. You are a trader who values a platform with institutional-grade tools, and you are prepared to manage leverage below the maximum offered. If you are trading a specific event, like a dividend date or an earnings report, IG's platform gives you the speed and charting to act quickly.

Doesn't fit if you...

You want your account to be under direct Philippine SEC supervision or expect to make deposits in PHP using local rails like GCash or Maya without conversion. The platform does not offer an Islamic account verified for the Philippines, and the base currency is USD, which means you carry unnecessary FX exchange friction.

If that is your appetite, you should look for a broker that holds a stronger tier-1 regulatory license (like FCA, CySEC, or ASIC) or one that offers a PHP-denominated account. You have many options for international brokers; the key is to check their regulatory credentials and see if they match your needs better.

How Deposits and Withdrawals Work

Getting money in and out is where the friction is, and the Philippines has specific rails. IG accepts cards, bank transfers, and PayPal, but they have not verified local PHP rails.

The BSP systems like InstaPay (real-time, capped at PHP 50,000) and PESONet (batch, higher value) are available in the country, but you will be converting PHP-USD-PHP. This is an extra step compared to using a local broker.

Taxes on Your TEL Trades

You are required to declare your trading profits to the BIR. Forex and CFD profit is considered ordinary income, not capital gains. You will report it under "Other Taxable Income" in your annual return.

You pay taxes only on realised gains, meaning closed trades, and you can deduct losses. As an individual, you are taxed on a progressive scale: 0% up to PHP 250,000, then up to 35% on income over PHP 8,000,000. Keep records of every trade; you will need your trading history to file accurately.