About .markets domain
.markets is a brand gTLD operated by IG Group Holdings PLC. It was delegated to the root zone on March 12, 2015, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry operator is Verisign. The extension was established to serve as a dedicated, authoritative online space for the registry's own services and communications.
Who can register .markets domain
Registration is highly restricted. The TLD is intended primarily for use by IG Group Holdings PLC itself, its affiliates, and its partners. Initially, domain registrations are limited to the registry for promoting its trading platforms and services. The registry has indicated it may consider offering second-level domains to its core trading customers in the future for personalized access to its tools.
How to register .markets domain
.markets is a brand TLD not issued through standard commercial registrars. Domain names are allocated internally by the registry operator, IG Group Holdings PLC. The process is managed directly by the registry for its own strategic use and for authorized partners. Requests for domains are not submitted through a public registration or checkout process.
Typical uses of .markets domain
The .markets extension is used almost exclusively by IG Group Holdings PLC and its affiliated entities. Its primary use is to promote and provide secure access to the company's financial derivative trading platforms, such as its Pure Deal dealer platform. This creates a trusted, branded online environment for its customers engaging in contracts for difference (CFDs) and spread betting. It serves as a dedicated space for marketing the company's services and resources related to financial markets.
Tips for registering .markets domain
- The registry initially projected only 5 to 15 domain name registrations in the first few years of operation.
- Domain names are not available for public registration through typical domain registrars.
- The registry operator maintains full control over all registrations and their use in compliance with its brand TLD registry agreement.
Frequently asked questions about .markets domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .markets domain?
As of today, .markets domains start from $4.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $124.59/yr across 21 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .markets domains?
NameBeta tracks 21 registrars that support .markets domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .markets domain?
The registry for .markets domains is Identity Digital, administered by Dog Beach, LLC.
Who can register a .markets domain?
Registration is not open to the general public. Eligibility is restricted to the registry operator, IG Group Holdings PLC, and its authorized affiliates and partners. The TLD functions as a closed brand space, meaning all registrations are controlled and approved directly by the company. There is no public application process for individuals or unrelated organizations.
Can I transfer a .markets domain between registrars?
As a closed brand TLD, domain names under .markets are not available for public registration and therefore standard inter-registrar transfer procedures do not apply. Any allocation or management of domains is handled internally by the registry operator. There is no public marketplace or registrar interface to facilitate transfers of these domains between parties.
Can I register a .markets domain for my personal trading blog?
No, you cannot. The .markets TLD is a closed brand extension reserved for the exclusive use of IG Group Holdings PLC and its authorized entities. It is not available for registration by individuals, unrelated businesses, or for general commentary sites about financial markets. The registry controls all second-level domains under this extension.
What dispute policies apply to .markets domains?
Given its status as a brand TLD with restricted registration, standard public dispute policies like UDRP are largely superseded by the registry's internal control. The registry operator manages all domains and their use directly, minimizing public disputes. Any internal issues would be resolved according to the registry's own policies and its agreements with ICANN.
Will .markets domains ever be available to the public?
The registry's application indicated it may consider offering second-level domains to its core trading customers in the future for personalized login access to its platforms. However, this would still be a restricted offering within its customer ecosystem, not an open public registration. There is no timeline or guarantee for such an expansion.
