Hong KongHong Kong
| Quick IB Review Summary | |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Registered | Hong Kong |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, FSA, SFC, CIRO |
| Market Instruments | 150 markets, stocks/ETFs, options, futures, spot currencies, bonds, mutual funds |
| Demo Account | ✅ |
| Account Type | Individual, Joint, Retirement, Trust, Family, Institutional |
| Min Deposit | $0 |
| Leverage | Up to 1:400 |
| Spread | From 0.1 pips |
| Trading Platform | IBKR GlobalTrader (Mobile), Client Portal (Web), IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS) (Desktop), IBKR APIs (Desktop), IBKR ForecastTrader (Web), IMPACT (Mobile) |
| Inactivity Fee | ❌ |
| Customer Support | Live chat, phone, email, FAQs |
IB, or Interactive Brokers, is a discount brokerage firm founded in the United States in 1978. It is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, and has offices in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Australia. The company provides electronic brokerage services to individual and institutional clients, offering a range of financial products, including 150 markets including stocks/ETFs, options, futures, spot currencies, bonds, and mutual funds. Interactive Brokers is regulated by several financial authorities, including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), SFC (Hong Kong), and CIRO (Canada).
Interactive Brokers (IB) has many advantages, including low commissions, access to a wide range of financial products, and a highly customizable trading platform. Additionally, IB is known for its advanced research tools and competitive pricing.
However, complex trading platforms are not suitable for all investors.
Below is a table outlining the pros and cons of Interactive Brokers (IB):
| Pros | Cons |
| • Wide range of trading instruments | • Complex platform and steep learning curve |
| • Advanced trading platform with many features | |
| • Low trading fees and commissions | |
| • Access to international markets and exchanges | |
| • Multiple account types to choose from | |
| • Strong regulatory oversight and safety of client funds |
Note: This table is based on general observations and may not represent the experience of every individual user.
Interactive Brokers is a well-established and reputable broker. The company is publicly traded and regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities around the world, including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), SFC (Hong Kong), and CIRO (Canada).
| Regulated Country | Regulated by | Regulated Entity | License Type | License Number |
 | Australia Securities & Investment Commission （ASIC） | INTERACTIVE BROKERS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD | Market Making (MM) | 000453554 |
 | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Interactive Brokers (UK) Ltd | Market Making (MM) | 208159 |
 | Financial Services Agency (FSA) | インタラクティブ・ブローカーズ証券株式会社 | Retail Forex License | 関東財務局長（金商）第187号 |
 | Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) | Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited | Dealing in futures contracts & Leveraged foreign exchange trading | ADI249 |
 | Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) | Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. | Market Making (MM) | Unreleased |
Furthermore, the broker has a long history of providing high-quality services to its clients, with a track record of financial stability and reliability. Therefore, based on these factors, it can be concluded that IB is a legitimate broker.
How Are You Protected?
Interactive Brokers (IB) provides a range of security measures to protect its clients' funds and personal information. Some of the key security measures include:
| Protection Measure | Detail |
| Regulatory Oversight | ASIC, FCA, FSA, SFC, CIRO |
| Account Protection | SIPC protection (up to $500,000) and additional third-party insurance coverage (up to $30 million) |
| Two-Factor Authentication | adding an extra layer of security to their accounts |
| Secure Login System | a proprietary security measure that requires users to have a security device to log in to their accounts |
| Privacy Policy | outlines how it collects and uses customer data |
| Secure Website | uses SSL encryption on its website to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access |
| Cybersecurity Measures | firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, to protect against cyber threats |
It's important to note that while no investment platform can completely eliminate risk, IB's measures are designed to mitigate risk and protect its clients as much as possible.
Our Conclusion on IB Reliability:
Based on the information provided, Interactive Brokers is a reliable broker with a strong focus on client protection and security measures. It is regulated by multiple authorities and has a history of being in the industry for several decades.
IB offers 150 markets across multiple asset classes, including:
| Asset Class | Supported |
| Stocks | ✔ |
| ETFs | ✔ |
| Options | ✔ |
| Futures | ✔ |
| Spot Currencies | ✔ |
| Bonds | ✔ |
| Mutual Funds | ✔ |
| Commodities | ❌ |
| Indices | ❌ |
| Cryptocurrencies | ❌ |
Interactive Brokers (IB) offers various types of accounts for different trading needs, including Individual, Joint, Retirement, Trust, Family, and Institutional accounts.
While the margin rates that IB offers are the same for all customers, local regulators may impose different or higher rates. Regulatory requirements for margin deposits in a given jurisdiction will take precedence over those set by the IB if they are greater.
And since high-risk leverage is regulated differently in different countries, your ability to use it will vary based on the trading instrument you use and the law where you live. As a result, IB provides a convenient online tool to let you quickly and easily view all applicable margins, allowing you to select the optimal trading conditions.
For customers who come under the jurisdiction of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the maximum leverage available on Forex trades is 1:400.
It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.
Spreads:
Commissions:
A tiered commission of $0.0035 per share for a monthly volume of fewer than 300,000 shares, $0.002 per share for a monthly volume of 300,001-3,000,000 shares, $0.0015 per share for a monthly volume of 3,000,001-20,000,000 shares, and $0.0015 per share for a monthly volume of 20,000,000 shares. $0.001 per share for a monthly volume of 20,000,001-100,000,000 shares and $0.0005 per share for a monthly volume of 100,000,000 shares or more. The minimum commission is $0.35, and the maximum commission is 1% of the trading volume. The commission for metals trading is 0.15 basic points of the volume, with a minimum of $2.
IBKR GlobalTrader, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR APIs, IBKR Event Trader, and IMPACT are different trading platforms and tools offered by Interactive Brokers (IB) to its clients.
Overall, IB offers a variety of trading platforms and tools that cater to the needs of different types of traders and investors. These platforms provide access to a wide range of markets and instruments, advanced trading tools, real-time market data, and research resources. Additionally, the IBKR APIs enable clients to customize and automate their trading strategies.
There are several major options for traders to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts, including bank wire transfers, ACH, BPAY, EFT, online bill payment and more.
Note that the availability of deposit and withdrawal methods may vary depending on your location and account type.
Minimum deposit requirement
The minimum deposit requirement for Interactive Brokers (IB) varies depending on the account type and the location of the account holder. For example, the minimum deposit for a US-based individual account is $0 for IBKR Lite and $0 for IBKR Pro, while for a non-US-based individual account, the minimum deposit is $0 for IBKR Lite and $10,000 for IBKR Pro. However, the minimum deposit for other account types, such as institutional accounts or margin accounts, may be higher.
IB minimum deposit vs other brokers
| IB | Most other | |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $/€/£100 |
Interactive Brokers offers a variety of educational resources for traders, including webinars, courses, videos, and articles.
The education section of their website includes topics such as trading basics, options trading, technical analysis, and trading strategies. They also offer a wide range of educational videos on their YouTube channel.
In addition, Interactive Brokers offers a simulated trading account that allows traders to practice trading with virtual funds before risking real money. This is a useful tool for beginners who are learning to trade.
In conclusion, Interactive Brokers is a reputable and reliable broker that offers a wide range of investment products and trading platforms to its clients. The broker is known for its low commission rates and competitive pricing structure, making it a good choice for active traders and investors.
IB also provides a high level of security and protection to its clients, through various measures such as SIPC and excess SIPC insurance, and two-factor authentication. The broker also offers educational resources, customer support, and a variety of account types to meet the needs of different traders.
However, IB may not be the best fit for beginners due to its complex trading platforms and sophisticated tools.
Overall, Interactive Brokers is a good choice for experienced traders and investors who are looking for a reliable broker with low commissions and a wide range of investment products.
| Q 1: | Is IB regulated? |
| A 1: | Yes. It is regulated by ASIC, FCA, FSA, SFC, and CIRO. |
| Q 2: | Does IB offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5? |
| A 2: | No. Instead, it offers IBKR GlobalTrader (Mobile), Client Portal (Web), IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS) (Desktop), IBKR APIs (Desktop), IBKR ForecastTrader (Web), and IMPACT (Mobile). |
| Q 3: | What is the minimum deposit for IB? |
| A 3: | There is no minimum initial deposit with IB. |
| Q 4: | Is IB a good broker for beginners? |
| A 4: | No. Beginners may find IB's trading platforms are difficult to uderstand. It is more suitable for experienced traders. |
| Quick IB Review Summary | |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Registered | Hong Kong |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, FSA, SFC, CIRO |
| Market Instruments | 150 markets, stocks/ETFs, options, futures, spot currencies, bonds, mutual funds |
| Demo Account | ✅ |
| Account Type | Individual, Joint, Retirement, Trust, Family, Institutional |
| Min Deposit | $0 |
| Leverage | Up to 1:400 |
| Spread | From 0.1 pips |
| Trading Platform | IBKR GlobalTrader (Mobile), Client Portal (Web), IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS) (Desktop), IBKR APIs (Desktop), IBKR ForecastTrader (Web), IMPACT (Mobile) |
| Inactivity Fee | ❌ |
| Customer Support | Live chat, phone, email, FAQs |
IB, or Interactive Brokers, is a discount brokerage firm founded in the United States in 1978. It is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, and has offices in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Australia. The company provides electronic brokerage services to individual and institutional clients, offering a range of financial products, including 150 markets including stocks/ETFs, options, futures, spot currencies, bonds, and mutual funds. Interactive Brokers is regulated by several financial authorities, including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), SFC (Hong Kong), and CIRO (Canada).
Interactive Brokers (IB) has many advantages, including low commissions, access to a wide range of financial products, and a highly customizable trading platform. Additionally, IB is known for its advanced research tools and competitive pricing.
However, complex trading platforms are not suitable for all investors.
Below is a table outlining the pros and cons of Interactive Brokers (IB):
| Pros | Cons |
| • Wide range of trading instruments | • Complex platform and steep learning curve |
| • Advanced trading platform with many features | |
| • Low trading fees and commissions | |
| • Access to international markets and exchanges | |
| • Multiple account types to choose from | |
| • Strong regulatory oversight and safety of client funds |
Note: This table is based on general observations and may not represent the experience of every individual user.
Interactive Brokers is a well-established and reputable broker. The company is publicly traded and regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities around the world, including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), SFC (Hong Kong), and CIRO (Canada).
| Regulated Country | Regulated by | Regulated Entity | License Type | License Number |
| Australia Securities & Investment Commission （ASIC） | INTERACTIVE BROKERS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD | Market Making (MM) | 000453554 |
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Interactive Brokers (UK) Ltd | Market Making (MM) | 208159 |
| Financial Services Agency (FSA) | インタラクティブ・ブローカーズ証券株式会社 | Retail Forex License | 関東財務局長（金商）第187号 |
| Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) | Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited | Dealing in futures contracts & Leveraged foreign exchange trading | ADI249 |
| Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) | Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. | Market Making (MM) | Unreleased |
Furthermore, the broker has a long history of providing high-quality services to its clients, with a track record of financial stability and reliability. Therefore, based on these factors, it can be concluded that IB is a legitimate broker.
How Are You Protected?
Interactive Brokers (IB) provides a range of security measures to protect its clients' funds and personal information. Some of the key security measures include:
| Protection Measure | Detail |
| Regulatory Oversight | ASIC, FCA, FSA, SFC, CIRO |
| Account Protection | SIPC protection (up to $500,000) and additional third-party insurance coverage (up to $30 million) |
| Two-Factor Authentication | adding an extra layer of security to their accounts |
| Secure Login System | a proprietary security measure that requires users to have a security device to log in to their accounts |
| Privacy Policy | outlines how it collects and uses customer data |
| Secure Website | uses SSL encryption on its website to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access |
| Cybersecurity Measures | firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, to protect against cyber threats |
It's important to note that while no investment platform can completely eliminate risk, IB's measures are designed to mitigate risk and protect its clients as much as possible.
Our Conclusion on IB Reliability:
Based on the information provided, Interactive Brokers is a reliable broker with a strong focus on client protection and security measures. It is regulated by multiple authorities and has a history of being in the industry for several decades.
IB offers 150 markets across multiple asset classes, including:
| Asset Class | Supported |
| Stocks | ✔ |
| ETFs | ✔ |
| Options | ✔ |
| Futures | ✔ |
| Spot Currencies | ✔ |
| Bonds | ✔ |
| Mutual Funds | ✔ |
| Commodities | ❌ |
| Indices | ❌ |
| Cryptocurrencies | ❌ |
Interactive Brokers (IB) offers various types of accounts for different trading needs, including Individual, Joint, Retirement, Trust, Family, and Institutional accounts.
While the margin rates that IB offers are the same for all customers, local regulators may impose different or higher rates. Regulatory requirements for margin deposits in a given jurisdiction will take precedence over those set by the IB if they are greater.
And since high-risk leverage is regulated differently in different countries, your ability to use it will vary based on the trading instrument you use and the law where you live. As a result, IB provides a convenient online tool to let you quickly and easily view all applicable margins, allowing you to select the optimal trading conditions.
For customers who come under the jurisdiction of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the maximum leverage available on Forex trades is 1:400.
It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.
Spreads:
Commissions:
A tiered commission of $0.0035 per share for a monthly volume of fewer than 300,000 shares, $0.002 per share for a monthly volume of 300,001-3,000,000 shares, $0.0015 per share for a monthly volume of 3,000,001-20,000,000 shares, and $0.0015 per share for a monthly volume of 20,000,000 shares. $0.001 per share for a monthly volume of 20,000,001-100,000,000 shares and $0.0005 per share for a monthly volume of 100,000,000 shares or more. The minimum commission is $0.35, and the maximum commission is 1% of the trading volume. The commission for metals trading is 0.15 basic points of the volume, with a minimum of $2.
IBKR GlobalTrader, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR APIs, IBKR Event Trader, and IMPACT are different trading platforms and tools offered by Interactive Brokers (IB) to its clients.
Overall, IB offers a variety of trading platforms and tools that cater to the needs of different types of traders and investors. These platforms provide access to a wide range of markets and instruments, advanced trading tools, real-time market data, and research resources. Additionally, the IBKR APIs enable clients to customize and automate their trading strategies.
There are several major options for traders to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts, including bank wire transfers, ACH, BPAY, EFT, online bill payment and more.
Note that the availability of deposit and withdrawal methods may vary depending on your location and account type.
Minimum deposit requirement
The minimum deposit requirement for Interactive Brokers (IB) varies depending on the account type and the location of the account holder. For example, the minimum deposit for a US-based individual account is $0 for IBKR Lite and $0 for IBKR Pro, while for a non-US-based individual account, the minimum deposit is $0 for IBKR Lite and $10,000 for IBKR Pro. However, the minimum deposit for other account types, such as institutional accounts or margin accounts, may be higher.
IB minimum deposit vs other brokers
| IB | Most other | |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $/€/£100 |
Interactive Brokers offers a variety of educational resources for traders, including webinars, courses, videos, and articles.
The education section of their website includes topics such as trading basics, options trading, technical analysis, and trading strategies. They also offer a wide range of educational videos on their YouTube channel.
In addition, Interactive Brokers offers a simulated trading account that allows traders to practice trading with virtual funds before risking real money. This is a useful tool for beginners who are learning to trade.
In conclusion, Interactive Brokers is a reputable and reliable broker that offers a wide range of investment products and trading platforms to its clients. The broker is known for its low commission rates and competitive pricing structure, making it a good choice for active traders and investors.
IB also provides a high level of security and protection to its clients, through various measures such as SIPC and excess SIPC insurance, and two-factor authentication. The broker also offers educational resources, customer support, and a variety of account types to meet the needs of different traders.
However, IB may not be the best fit for beginners due to its complex trading platforms and sophisticated tools.
Overall, Interactive Brokers is a good choice for experienced traders and investors who are looking for a reliable broker with low commissions and a wide range of investment products.
| Q 1: | Is IB regulated? |
| A 1: | Yes. It is regulated by ASIC, FCA, FSA, SFC, and CIRO. |
| Q 2: | Does IB offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5? |
| A 2: | No. Instead, it offers IBKR GlobalTrader (Mobile), Client Portal (Web), IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS) (Desktop), IBKR APIs (Desktop), IBKR ForecastTrader (Web), and IMPACT (Mobile). |
| Q 3: | What is the minimum deposit for IB? |
| A 3: | There is no minimum initial deposit with IB. |
| Q 4: | Is IB a good broker for beginners? |
| A 4: | No. Beginners may find IB's trading platforms are difficult to uderstand. It is more suitable for experienced traders. |
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