Interactive Brokers Review and Information 2024

As 2023 dawned, Interactive Brokers proudly marked its 46th anniversary in the broker/dealer landscape. Born from a vision to revolutionize the financial industry, today, the firm stands tall with a consolidated equity capital exceeding $12.7 billion. Our guiding principle remains steadfast: To harness cutting-edge technology, ensuring liquidity under superior conditions. Our prowess is defined by our competitive edge in pricing, swiftness in execution, expansive offering of global products, and a suite of avant-garde trading tools. Earning an investment grade rating by Standard & Poor's only reinforces our commitment to excellence and financial integrity.

From Humble Beginnings to a Financial Behemoth The seeds of Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. were sown by its visionary founder and Chairman, Thomas Peterffy. Almost half a century later, the firm stands as a testament to his foresight, with a robust equity capital reservoir of over $12.7 billion.

Interactive Brokers has etched its presence across over 150 global market destinations. Within its broker/dealer domain, IBKR revolutionizes trading by offering direct access to a plethora of electronically traded assets – ranging from stocks, options, futures, and bonds to gold, cryptocurrencies, and a diverse range of funds. The sheer volume speaks for itself, with the firm and its associates facilitating around 1,865,000 trades daily. In a noteworthy event of May 2023, Thomas Peterffy graced the SIFMA meeting as the keynote speaker, commemorating half a century of listed options trading. His poignant speech traces his personal journey through the ebbs and flows of listed options trading, culminating in the genesis of Timber Hill and Interactive Brokers. [Read the Full Speech Here]

A Global Legacy with a Local Touch With its roots in Greenwich, Connecticut, Interactive Brokers now spans the globe, boasting a talented team of over 2,900 professionals stationed in various corners of the world, from the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and Hungary, to India, China (including Hong Kong and Shanghai), Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Upholding its commitment to ethical practices and transparency, IBKR is stringently regulated by prestigious bodies like the SEC, FINRA, NYSE, FCA, and numerous other global regulatory institutions.

The Fortitude and Resilience of Interactive Brokers: A Deeper Look

When charting a course through the financial seas, the choice of your brokerage partner is paramount. Interactive Brokers LLC has consistently demonstrated its mettle and resilience even amidst turbulent market conditions. To foster transparency, all our financial statements are available on our website for thorough scrutiny.

Under the corporate umbrella of IBG LLC, Interactive Brokers LLC stands tall, with our founder and chairman, Thomas Peterffy, always at the helm. In a candid recent conversation, Mr. Peterffy unveiled insights into the prevailing financial winds, addressing the swell in interest rates and how they interplay with Interactive Brokers' operations. He also elaborated on our offered interest rates on accessible cash balances, providing tailored strategies for clients to navigate today's financial landscape.

The Pillars of Interactive Brokers' Financial Robustness

• Regulatory Framework: As a regulated securities broker-dealer, Interactive Brokers is bound by strict governance. We don't handle HTM (Held To Maturity) securities – these are set aside from market valuations in bank ledgers. Additionally, we cannot issue long-term unsecured credits.
• Secure Loaning: Our lending is rooted in margin loans, which are fully anchored by marketable securities. This ensures that the client's investment remains fortified.
• Real-time Monitoring: Our state-of-the-art real-time margin system diligently keeps client positions attuned with market values. A pre-emptive credit check precedes every transaction, and accounts lacking funds are immediately reconciled.
• Daily Valuation: Every client position is vetted against the current market standards daily. Automated reconciliations with external data fortify this system.
• Strategic Cash Deployment: We judiciously invest the platform's liquidity into short-term ventures. These mature within months, ensuring we remain free from deep entanglements in over-the-counter securities or convoluted derivatives.
• Strong Financial Position: IBG LLC boasts of a consolidated financial stronghold, with a staggering equity capital of over $12.2 billion, surpassing mandated regulations by a whopping $9.0 billion.
• Stakeholders and Ownership: A blend of our public entity, Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (24.5%), and dedicated employees along with their associates (75.5%) forms the backbone of our stakeholding. This alignment ensures collective interests, risk-sharing, and potential benefits. In 2022 alone, IBG LLC celebrated a pretax profit margin of $2.0 billion. Remarkably, IBG LLC operates devoid of any long-term debt. For added assurance, Interactive Brokers LLC proudly carries an "A- Outlook Stable" badge from Standard & Poor's.
• Financial Reporting: Our unwavering commitment to transparency translates into monthly financial statements. These comprehensive reports, detailing profit/loss evaluations for all securities, are regularly dispatched to governing bodies.

Protocols Upholding Client Security

Our approach to client money is emblematic of our dedication to security. Primarily invested in U.S. Treasury securities, these funds are channeled through central counterparty clearinghouses or directly into U.S. Treasury entities, all underwritten by guaranteed third parties. Moreover, these collaterals are custodially held by IBKR at designated banks for the exclusive benefit of our clients.

Diversification is key to our strategy. Client funds are dispersed predominantly among leading U.S. banks in reserve accounts. By distributing across several esteemed banks, we mitigate the risks of concentration. As of April 2023, stalwarts like Bank of the West and BMO Harris Bank, N.A., are among the banks entrusted with IBKR deposits.

Weekly detailed reconciliations, as mandated by the SEC, ensure a clear demarcation between broker-dealer and client funds. In our relentless pursuit of client asset protection, we've secured FINRA's nod to compute and report reserves daily, a practice we've upheld since December 2011.

Why Interactive Brokers Remains a Top Contender in Online Trading

Interactive Brokers, with its storied history and expansive offerings, remains a beacon for global traders. Here's an in-depth look into what keeps IB at the vanguard:

• Competitive Trading Environment: Interactive Brokers offers unparalleled trading conditions, from razor-thin spreads in major trading pairs to a deep pool of liquidity, ensuring large volume trades find their mark with minimal slippage.
• Transparent Fees: IB's transparent tiered fee system, especially rewarding to active traders, coupled with a fixed fee structure for those valuing consistency, sets it apart. Moreover, the absence of inactivity fees augments its appeal for long-term investors.
• Diverse Account Offerings: Catering to a spectrum, from individual traders to institutional giants, IB offers tailored account features to satiate varied needs.
• Superlative Customer Support: Boasting a robust support system accessible via multiple channels, along with an exhaustive FAQ segment, IB's support is second to none.
• Comprehensive Market Analysis: IB's exhaustive market analysis toolkit, complete with daily insights and expert-driven research, offers invaluable, actionable insights.
• State-of-the-Art Trading Software: IB's flagship Trader Workstation (TWS) remains a favorite among both neophytes and seasoned professionals, thanks to its intuitive interface and cutting-edge tools.
• Unyielding Reliability: Decades of trust, a 99.9% platform uptime, and advanced encryption protocols underline IB's unwavering reliability.
• Speed and Precision: In the frenzied world of trading, Interactive Brokers ensures rapid order execution, minimizing slippage risks.

Interactive Brokers seamlessly melds tradition with innovation, offering a trading experience par excellence. Catering to all – from novices to experts – it remains a platform of choice. However, it's imperative to analyze its offerings against individual trading aspirations and requirements.

Interactive Brokers: Setting the Standard for Global Trading

Unparalleled Margin Fees Recognized by StockBrokers.com for boasting the industry's lowest margin fees, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers competitive margin loan rates ranging between USD 5.83% to USD 6.83%. This is accompanied by professional pricing structures that are both accessible and transparent.

Professional Pricing Paradigm With commissions starting at an impressive $0, IBKR redefines the concept of value. The platform eliminates hidden costs, including spreads, ticket charges, and miscellaneous platform fees. What's more, there's no stipulation of account minimums. High-interest rates of up to USD 4.83% are also provided on readily accessible cash, allowing users to optimize their financial efficiency. And for those seeking an additional income stream, IBKR facilitates earning through your lendable shares.

IBKR BestXTM: Advanced Trading, Refined This feature-packed suite is the embodiment of trading evolution. IBKR BestXTM is tailored to facilitate best execution practices, ensuring that clients can seamlessly navigate market fluctuations to realize maximum price improvement with minimal market disruptions.

Discover the Global Trading Landscape IBKR's expansive reach allows clients to dabble in a diversified range of instruments, be it stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, or funds, all under one holistic platform. Further bolstering this global appeal, clients can fund their accounts in myriad currencies and venture into assets in multiple denominations. With round-the-clock access to market data, spanning six days a week, you're always in the pulse of global financial currents.

• 150 Active Markets
• 33 Accessible Countries
• 27 Available Currencies

Technological Prowess with Premier Platforms

IBKR takes pride in its award-winning platforms tailored for every investor's unique journey:

• Powerful Trading Platforms: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trader, IBKR's platforms, available across mobile, web, and desktop, offer a seamless experience.
• Research and News: Stay ahead of the curve with access to over 200 premium and complimentary research and news sources.
• Innovative Trading Tools: Spot trends, assess results, and manage your portfolio with our suite of free tools.
• Diverse Order Types: From basic limit orders to intricate algorithmic strategies, IBKR hosts over 100+ order types, catering to every trading strategy imaginable.
• Transparent Reporting: Real-time confirmations, in-depth margin insights, transactional cost breakdowns, and advanced portfolio analytics are just a click away.

Institutional Integrity

The IBKR Assurance Entrusting your capital with a broker is a decision of magnitude. IBKR, with its fortified capital position, prudent balance sheet, and automated safeguards, promises protection against adverse trading scenarios. By the numbers:

• NASDAQ Listed: A testament to our market credibility.
• $12.7B in Equity Capital: Demonstrating our financial stamina.
• 75.2% Privately Held: Reaffirming our independent decision-making prowess.
• $9.4B Excess Regulatory Capital: Ensuring we're always a step ahead of industry mandates.
• 2.29M Client Accounts: A growing community of satisfied global clients.
• 1.87M Daily Average Revenue Trades: Reflecting our active market presence.

Choosing Your Ideal IBKR Account

Whether you're an individual, an institution, or somewhere in between, IBKR offers an array of account types tailored for every financial aspiration:

• Individual Accounts: For the solo financial enthusiast.
• Joint or Trust Accounts: Collaborative financial management.
• Retirement Accounts: Secure your golden years with specialized accounts.
• Non-Professional Advisor: For those offering financial advisories.
• Institutional Accounts: Tailored for organizational financial undertakings.

At Interactive Brokers, we're more than just a brokerage; we're your partners in navigating the complex world of finance.

IBKR: Your Premier Portal to the Global Financial Arena

Unparalleled Access to World Markets With a clientele spanning over 200 countries and territories, IBKR stands as a beacon for global trading. This vast network enables trading in diverse instruments – from stocks, options, and futures to currencies, bonds, funds, and even emerging segments like crypto. With 150 global markets at your fingertips, you experience true trading universality, all from a singular, cohesive platform.

Discover the Expanse of Global Markets Empower your global trading endeavors by funding your account in any of 27 currencies. By doing so, you not only diversify your portfolio but also stand at the cusp of real-time global financial movements.

IBKR GlobalAnalyst

Your Personal Financial Scout Sift through global markets effortlessly and identify undervalued stock gems with the innovative IBKR GlobalAnalyst tool. Make data-driven decisions and amplify your investment prowess.

Competitive Professional Pricing Experience financial flexibility like never before:

• Commence trading with USD 0 on US-listed stocks and ETFs. Dive into other products at surprisingly low commissions. Plus, rest easy knowing there are no hidden costs, ticket charges, or pesky account minimums.
• Rejoice in margin rates that are up to 49% below industry standards.
• Elevate your liquidity with high-interest rates, reaching up to USD 4.83% on readily accessible funds.
• Explore the potential of the IBKR BestXTM – an advanced trading toolkit engineered to secure best execution outcomes, prioritize price improvements, and curtail market disturbances.

Augment Earnings with Lendable Shares Tap into an additional revenue stream by harnessing the potential of your lendable shares.

Deciphering the Perfect Plan: IBKR Lite vs. IBKR Pro

• IBKR Lite: Crafted for the retail clientele, this plan offers zero commissions on US-listed stocks and ETF trades.
• IBKR Pro: Tailored for the discerning investor and high-frequency trader. Benefit from the integrated IB SmartRoutingSM technology, which continually scouts for the best price offerings across a plethora of exchanges and dark pools.

Technology that Empowers: Experience Trading Excellence

• Robust Trading Platforms: Navigate your trading journey on our award-winning platforms. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, our platforms, accessible across mobile, web, and desktop, are designed to cater to all expertise levels.
• Research and Insights: Dive deep into the financial world with insights from over 200 top-tier research and news providers.
• Advanced Trading Tools: Pinpoint market trends, dissect results, and strategically manage your portfolio with our complimentary suite of tools.
• Diverse Order Mechanisms: From basic limit orders to intricate algorithmic paradigms, choose from a vast array of 100+ order types, ensuring every trading strategy is within reach.
• Transparent Reporting: Stay updated in real-time. Be it trade confirmations, margin intricacies, transactional cost insights, or in-depth portfolio analytics – knowledge is always at your fingertips.

At IBKR, we don't just offer you a platform; we offer an ecosystem where global financial ambitions are realized.

The Ultimate Trading Command Center: TRADER WORKSTATION (TWS)

Revolutionizing Speed and Efficiency in Trading Step into the world of TWS, our pioneering platform curated specifically for the zealous traders and insightful investors. The Interface that Leads Designed by the maestros of market making, TWS allows a myriad of users, from individual traders and investors to vast institutions, to navigate and trade a plethora of instruments. Whether it's stocks, options, futures, or the emerging crypto segments, dive into over 150 global markets—all from this single, harmonized platform.

TWS Mosaic

Your Personalized Trading Canvas Unveiling Mosaic: a canvas that effortlessly blends essential trading tools into one space. Enjoy:

• A seamlessly integrated trading and live quoting system, enriched with in-depth technical research and analysis tools.
• A comprehensive Portfolio window displaying a concise account summary, paired with detailed position insights.
• The ability to swiftly formulate and transmit orders using the Order Entry window, whilst simultaneously monitoring and adjusting live orders.
• An assortment of order options right within the Orders panel—be it bracket, stop limit, or FX order.
• Tailored Market Scanners, complete with customizable visual aids, for trend-spotting precision.
• Live, interactive charts imbued with detailed studies and trendlines.
• A continuous feed of global news, filtered to your preferences, as well as targeted news for selected underlyings.
• Enhancements with premier research subscriptions from giants like Reuters, Dow Jones, and Morningstar.
• A modular workspace that adapts to your trading vision, allowing interconnected windows and tools.

Classic TWS

The Eternal Favorite Classic TWS retains the traditional charm, offering rapid order entries directly from bid and ask prices. For those yearning for advanced tools and algorithms, Classic TWS remains your steadfast companion.

Research, News, and Market Data With TWS, knowledge is always at your fingertips:

• Instant news updates from renowned providers including Reuters and Dow Jones.
• In-depth research and analysis from powerhouses like Morningstar and Zacks.
• Detailed financial insights on a plethora of companies via Reuters Worldwide Fundamentals.
• Real-time data streams from global exchanges and comprehensive event calendars.

Monitoring and Management in Real-Time

The real-time monitoring framework within TWS ensures you're always aware of your account's stance. This crucial feature offers:

• A meticulous Account Window displaying all your financial metrics in a user-friendly format.
• Detailed Margin Requirements to pre-empt potential deficiencies.
• An exhaustive Trades report, showcasing daily activities by symbol.
• Customizable Watchlists for a tailored market observation experience.
• Real-time Alerts to keep you updated on market fluctuations.
• Transparent Profit and Loss insights.

IBKR's Diverse Order Palette

Access an extensive range of over 100 order types and algorithms, designed to simplify your trading process, from risk mitigation to speedy executions.

• Risk Management: Always One Step Ahead Harness our avant-garde risk-assessment framework to navigate the dynamic world of trading.
• Risk NavigatorSM: Navigating Complex Waters with Ease A cutting-edge risk management tool, Risk NavigatorSM offers comprehensive insights into risk exposure across diverse global asset classes.
• Model Navigator: Your Guide in the Options World Refine pricing assumptions and integrate them into the model price using this sophisticated toolkit.
• Option Analytics: Deciphering Option Dynamics Dive deep into the nuances of options with detailed analytics reflecting risk dimensions.
• Paper Trading: Your Virtual Trading Realm Hone your trading tactics in a risk-free simulation environment. Test strategies, explore new products, and familiarize yourself with different exchanges and order types—all in real-time market conditions.
• TWS Software: Seamless Installation Install our award-winning TWS platform effortlessly. Choose your desired version, install, and start your trading journey with a simple double-click.
• Offline TWS: For the Traditionalists For those who prefer manual updates, our Offline TWS version ensures you have all the tools you need. Remember to check back for newer versions to stay updated.
• TWS: Where innovation meets expertise. Dive into the future of trading.

IBKR Trading Platforms: Elevate Your Trading Experience

Embark on Your IBKR Journey Delve into the world of IBKR's prestigious platforms, where we offer an array of features tailored for both the veteran trader and the budding enthusiast. Let's discover the platform that resonates with your trading persona.

• IBKR Trader Workstation (TWS) Suited For: Advanced and Intermediate Traders Our crown jewel desktop environment, TWS is crafted especially for the seasoned traders who dabble across varied products and seek a blend of potency and versatility. Delve into a myriad of trading options, from stocks, bonds, and futures to currencies and more, all accessible across 150+ global markets from this integrated platform.
• IBKR Mobile: Trading On-the-Go Suited For: Advanced and Intermediate Traders Tailored for the astute trader always on the move, IBKR Mobile encapsulates the prowess of a comprehensive trading platform in the palm of your hand. Dive into a plethora of trading avenues, equipped with sophisticated order types and tools, irrespective of your geographical location.
• IBKR GlobalTrader Suited For: Beginners and Intermediate Traders An intuitive trading platform designed to simplify your trading journey. Whether you're dabbling in stocks, ETFs, options, or crypto, GlobalTrader is your gateway to global markets. With the flexibility to invest starting at just $1 and the option to trade in fractions, you can also familiarize yourself with the platform through a simulated trading account.
• IBKR Client Portal: Simplified Access Suited For: All Traders - From Beginners to Advanced Unveiling a streamlined web platform that centralizes all your trading needs. From viewing and managing trades to a comprehensive account overview, the Client Portal offers a seamless experience without the hassle of downloads.

Diverse Platforms Tailored For Unique Needs

• IBKR APIs: Whether you're a novice exploring our Excel API or a professional delving into our robust FIX API, we've got a spectrum of options. Our TWS API comes with extensive resources and examples to guide your integration journey.
• IBKR IMPACT: Align your investments with your values. Available on both iOS and Android, this app empowers you to discover and invest in companies that resonate with your ethos, including options and cryptocurrencies.

Navigating the Ideal Platform for You Our platforms are designed to complement every trader's unique style and expertise. Explore how our diverse client base harnesses these platforms to fulfill their trading aspirations.

For the Advanced Trader: Maximize your trading momentum with the IBKR Trader Workstation. From stocks and bonds to futures and currencies, explore 150+ markets globally, all from a single cohesive platform. Seamlessly integrate a plethora of tools to bring your trading strategy to fruition.

• IBKR Trader Workstation
• IBKR Mobile
• IBKR Client Portal

For the Aspiring Trader: Step into the world of trading with IBKR GlobalTrader. Access over 90 global stock markets with ease and embark on your trading journey. No matter the size of your investment, every trade is valuable. Make the most of every dollar.

• IBKR Global Trader
• IBKR Client Portal

Decoding the Ideal Platform

Dive deep into our platforms through our comprehensive video guide and learn about the functionalities of Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, and the powerful TWS API. IBKR Platforms: Awarded for excellence, yet designed for all. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting out, our platforms are here to elevate your trading experience.