How to become an Introducing Broker
Becoming an Introducing Broker doesn't require a licence, a large upfront investment, or financial services experience — but doing it well takes a bit more care than just signing up for the first programme you find. Here's the realistic, step-by-step process.
Assess whether it's a genuine fit
The IB model works best when you already have some level of trust with an audience interested in trading — a community, a following, a network of traders. Before applying anywhere, be honest about whether your audience actually trades, and how actively. A large but passive following will generate far less rebate volume than a small, genuinely engaged one. See what an Introducing Broker actually is if you want the full picture before deciding.
Choose the right broker partner
This is the step most new IBs rush. The rebate rate alone tells you little — what matters is the full picture: regulation and client fund protection, trading conditions your referrals will actually experience, how reliably and how often rebates settle, and whether you'll get a real account manager or a support queue. Our guide to what makes a strong IB programme walks through the specific criteria worth evaluating.
Complete the application
Once you've chosen a partner, the application itself is usually short — name, contact details, an estimate of your audience's trading volume, and a brief description of your community or client base. With Equity IB, the form takes under five minutes, and there's no cost to apply.
Get approved and onboarded
Applications are typically reviewed within 24 hours. Once approved, you'll usually have a short onboarding conversation with your account manager to confirm your rebate agreement, discuss your audience and set expectations — this is also the point where broker-specific details are disclosed.
Get your tracking links and start referring
You'll receive a unique referral link and access to a partner dashboard. From here, you can start sharing your link with your audience — there's typically no minimum volume required to get started, and every client who signs up through your link is attributed to your account automatically.
Have specific questions about rebate tiers, payment methods or approval timelines? Our FAQ covers the most common ones, or you can also model potential earnings with the IB earnings calculator.
Ready to start the application?
It's free to join, takes under five minutes, and most applications are reviewed within 24 hours.
Apply Free Today