As mentionned before the issue seems to be for all using IbUk no matter their residency. I m domiciled in Asia,with an account significantly over 500k with IBUk and can t buy spy either. Gonna check futures and futures options. That s a problem if Not available anymore although on Holidays now and no rush
If You are resident in Asia, You shouldn't be under IBHK rather than IBUK? As a matter of fact I am resident in Asia as well but I did not find the reason and time (perhaps till now) to switch account.