This article will examine the reasons behind the limited cryptocurrency trading options on Interactive Brokers. It is puzzling why such a well-established brokerage firm does not offer cryptocurrency trading services worldwide.
This article aims to explain the lack of cryptocurrency trading on Interactive Brokers by examining regulatory barriers, the types of accounts available to users, and other factors hindering the use of the firm’s platforms.
Overview
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a well-established brokerage firm that provides a range of trading services. However, several users have encountered issues when attempting to access cryptocurrency trading through the platform.
This article looks into the reasons that explain the lack of crypto trading on Interactive Brokers, while giving users information on how to go about trading cryptos.
Why Is Crypto Not Available on Interactive Brokers
Geographical Restrictions
Geography can be a significant factor when it comes to trading cryptocurrency, and it can be a barrier for anyone trying to trade on IBKR. Europe and many other regions offer limited to no trading options for cryptocurrency trading.
This is often a result of vigorous local regulations and the firm’s business policies in respective countries. People in these regions are limited to trading crypto-related ETPs, which is not the same as crypto trading.
Account type and Subsidiary
The type of IBKR account and the subsidiary with which it is registered are the major factors that either allow or restrict access to crypto trading.
For instance, accounts under Interactive Brokers LLC, which has a presence in more than 140 countries, may permit crypto trading. The reverse is true for accounts with Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited, which can only trade in virtual ETPs.
Trading Permissions and Platform Settings
It may come as a surprise that account type and geography are not the only factors that block crypto trading.
Permissions that are set in the IBKR Client Portal may be the reason why they are not trading crypto.To obtain trading permissions for cryptocurrency, clients must visit the Client Portal and click on Settings.
Then Trading Permissions and then Cryptocurrencies. Clients should be aware that requests to modify trading permissions are typically approved within one business day and are usually processed overnight.
Diligence and Legal Aspects
Interactive Brokers, as a business entity, must comply with international law as well as local regulations, and this entails the obligation to balance the law with its business. Because of that, some trading options are limited and some features are missing.
The company had internal issues and received legal sanctions on several occasions due to a lack of compliance. And those issues negatively affect the crypto trading options the company can (or chooses to) provide in some territories.
Other Options for Crypto Trading
For clients who are unable to trade crypto directly on IBKR, there are alternative options available on the market.
Digital trading platforms have started to integrate crypto trading features to their products as a result of partnerships with crypto asset infrastructural service providers.
To illustrate, Morgan Stanley has a partnership with Zerohash and plans to offer crypto trading on its E\*Trade platform as early as 2026, providing clients with access to Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana coins.
Is the unavailability of Crypto Due to Regulatory Reasons?
Integrity Brokers Interactive (IBKR) is committed to diligently complying with cross-border regulatory obligations. Many regions still highly regulate cryptocurrency trading, with investor protection and rules aimed at preventing fraud, money laundering, and market manipulation.
Therefore, in certain regions, IBKR is legally compelled to avoid direct crypto trading. Some countries permit trading cross-border crypto-related products (Exchange-Traded Products, ETPs),
While trading crypto is prohibited. These regulatory limitations primarily explain why crypto trading is not universally available for IBKR accounts.
Conclusion
Clients from certain locations are offered the cryptocurrency trading feature by Interactive Brokers, although client locations, account types, trading restrictions, and other legal and regulatory issues can hinder the availability of such services.
Unlike other users, IBKR users are required to satisfy the needed conditions and take the required actions to request permission to trade cryptocurrencies. Users with restrictions may consider other trading services available on different platforms.
FAQ
Only in certain regions and account types. Some clients can trade crypto directly; others can access crypto ETPs.
Your trading permissions may not be enabled, or your account/subsidiary doesn’t allow crypto.
Go to Client Portal → Settings → Trading Permissions → Add Cryptocurrencies. Approval usually takes overnight.
Yes. Some countries have strict rules, limiting IBKR’s ability to offer crypto.
Use crypto ETPs on IBKR or trade crypto on other platforms that support digital assets.