Interactive Brokers review 2025 for Emiratis & Expats

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the most established and respected brokerage platforms in the world, having been active since 1978. It has built a reputation for institutional-grade reliability, global market access, and competitive pricing.

However, it is often seen as more suitable for experienced investors, largely due to its flagship platform, the Trader Workstation (TWS), which can be overwhelming for beginners. That said, IBKR has made significant strides in user accessibility through simplified interfaces such as the IBKR Client Portal and the mobile-first IBKR GlobalTrader app.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Interactive Brokers operates through Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (DIFC Branch), which is licensed and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The DIFC Branch is authorized to carry out the financial services of Arranging Deals in Investments and Arranging Custody, as defined under DFSA rules.

While this means that UAE clients are technically contracting with the UK entity, they benefit from local oversight and a regulated presence within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Who is IBKR for?

Interactive Brokers is well-suited for:

• Long-term investors in stocks, ETFs, and global markets
• Those interested in advanced products like options and futures
• Investors looking for low currency exchange costs and powerful portfolio tools
• People who prioritize security, regulatory oversight, and a long-term investing partner

Unlike some other platforms, IBKR does not offer commission-free trading. However, it compensates with some of the tightest spreads and most advanced execution systems in the industry. This makes it especially attractive to serious investors who prioritize value, transparency, and reliability over flashy marketing or gimmicks.

Client accounts opened via the DIFC branch fall under the DFSA’s regulatory framework, which provides transparency and safeguards aligned with international standards. However, it's important to note that protections such as the EU's Investor Compensation Scheme (e.g., up to €20,000 in Ireland) do not apply here. UAE investors should assess the DIFC’s protections and IBKR’s global reputation when considering their risk comfort.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key features of Interactive Brokers in the UAE, covering fees, functionalities, advantages, and drawbacks, so you can decide whether this broker is the right fit for you!

_{Disclosure: I hold both personal and business accounts with Interactive Brokers.}

IBKR highlights

Pros and cons

Pros

• Low commissions for stocks, ETFs, and options
• Very low currency conversion fee
• Widest product range in the brokerage industry
• Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
• Extensive research and educational tools
• Modern mobile app (IBKR GlobalTrader) for stocks, options, and ETFs—great for beginners

Cons

• Complicated, time-consuming account opening process
• Steeper learning curve for beginners (especially if using TWS)
• Website navigation can be confusing
• No interest on uninvested cash below €10,000

Interest on uninvested cash

One standout aspect of Interactive Brokers is that it pays interest on clients’ idle balances. However, there is a significant caveat: you only earn interest on cash above $10,000 (or AED 35,000). In other words, if you hold $15,000 uninvested, interest is only paid on $5,000. As of the date of this article, the interest rates offered in USD and AED were 3.83% and 3.487%, respectively.

Furthermore, if your total account balance is below $100,000 (or equivalent in AED), you still earn interest but at a proportional rate based on your account’s value.

For example, if you hold $50,000 in total assets and $30,000 is uninvested cash, you would only earn the full rate on €20,000. Applied to your entire portfolio, that results in an effective rate of around 1.277%:

Your uninvested funds are typically held in a mix of short-term deposits or money market instruments (e.g., short-term government debt).

This interest feature is particularly appealing to higher-net-worth investors. In June 2025, the average account at Interactive Brokers had about $158,600 in equity (calculated by dividing total “Client Equity” by “Total Accounts”).

Fees and commissions

Interactive Brokers has a complex yet very transparent fee structure. UAE investors typically choose between two pricing models: “Tiered” or “Fixed.” The choice depends on the type of assets you plan to trade and the amounts involved.

Tiered Plan

A flat commission per trade that includes all fees. Simple and predictable. Best for occasional or long-term investors who prefer clarity and trade larger sizes.

• U.S. Stocks/ETFs: $0.0035 per share (min. $0.35; max. 1% of the transaction value)
• European Stocks/ETFs: 0.05% of the transaction value (min. €1.25; max. €29 per transaction)
• Options: $0.65 per contract (min. $1)

Fixed Plan

Fees are broken down (brokerage + exchange + regulatory). Costs decrease with volume. Best for active traders or professionals who trade frequently and want lower per-trade costs.

• U.S. Stocks/ETFs: $0.005 per share (min. $1; max. 1% of the transaction value)
• European Stocks/ETFs: 0.05% of the transaction value (min. €3; no maximum)
• Options: $0.65 per contract (min. $1)

For more specifics, consult the official Interactive Brokers website.

Currency Conversion Fees

You should also consider currency conversion fees, especially when buying assets in a different currency (e.g., U.S. equities). Interactive Brokers offers some of the lowest conversion rates in the market, around 0.002%.

• Example: Converting AED 10,000 to USD would cost roughly AED 20.

Additional money-saving features

• Stock Yield Enhancement Program: Interactive Brokers shares 50% of the revenue generated by lending out your shares to third parties (commonly for short selling).
• Reduced Spreads (Smart Routing): Interactive Brokers uses a highly intelligent order-routing system (Smart Route), which aims to secure better execution, you pay less when buying and earn more when selling by finding the best counterparties at any given moment.

Safety and regulation

If safety is your top concern, Interactive Brokers might be exactly what you’re looking for.

• Multi-Regulated Broker: IBKR is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the U.S. SEC, the UK’s FCA, and in the UAE, by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) through its Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited – DIFC Branch. While no regulation guarantees zero risk, being supervised by well-established regulators adds a crucial layer of investor protection.

• Investor Protection Schemes: As a UAE resident, if you open an account through the DIFC branch, your relationship is legally with Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, under DFSA oversight. Unlike some European entities (e.g., IBKR Ireland), this setup does not include EU investor compensation schemes such as the €20,000 protection. However, IBKR’s long-standing reputation, strong capital position, and global regulatory footprint help mitigate concerns for long-term investors.
• Publicly Traded Company: IBKR is listed on the NASDAQ, meaning it must publish quarterly and annual financial reports. This transparency allows investors to assess its financial health. Our analysis shows solid financial standing, with no long-term debt and robust capital reserves:

• Proven Reputation: Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers has weathered multiple market crises, including the 2007–2009 global financial crisis, emerging even stronger. While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, top-tier regulatory oversight and transparent financials give considerable confidence in IBKR’s stability.

If security is your priority, Interactive Brokers ranks among the industry’s best.

Trading platforms offered

IBKR offers different trading platforms for users with different experience levels:

Advanced customization on TWS

TWS offers an exceptional level of customization, with dedicated tabs for risk management, options trading, and the ability to create advanced conditional orders such as “one-cancels-another” and “one-triggers-another.” These features let you tailor the platform to your specific trading or investment strategies.

Alternative platforms: Web & Mobile

In addition to TWS, you can also use the Client Portal (web-based) or IBKR Mobile. Both are easier to navigate and still offer all the essential functionalities—real-time monitoring, favorites/watchlists, alerts, and more.

IBKR GlobalTrader, a modern mobile app designed for less experienced investors, provides a simple and intuitive interface for trading stocks, ETFs, and options. Key features include automatic currency conversion and fractional shares, among others.

Financial products and markets supported

A key differentiator of Interactive Brokers in Europe is its vast range of global markets and products, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms for investors at any level.

You can access more than 150 markets across 30+ countries, allowing you to build a truly diversified, international portfolio.

Whether you’re a casual investor or an experienced trader, IBKR’s extensive product lineup offers an unparalleled breadth of opportunities.

Through Interactive Brokers, you have access to an extensive variety of financial instruments, including:

• Stocks listed on the major global markets (U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and more)
• Bonds issued by governments and corporations
• ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
• Forex (currency trading)
• Mutual Funds
• Commodities
• Options and futures, for more advanced hedging or speculative strategies
• CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which allow for leveraged positions
• Fractional shares, ideal for those looking to invest in high-priced stocks without buying a whole share

It’s important to note that Interactive Brokers generally does not offer direct cryptocurrency trading to European investors in certain regions. Instead, only crypto futures may be available. This broad product selection makes Interactive Brokers a solid choice for both conservative investors and experienced traders looking for exposure to specific markets or more sophisticated strategies.

Customer support

Interactive Brokers provides functional but somewhat limited customer support for UAE-based investors, especially beginners.

Available support channels include:

• Live Chat (iBot): An AI-powered assistant for basic queries
• Contact Form: For more detailed or account-specific issues
• Phone & Email: Available, though response times can vary

Support is primarily offered in English, and while it's generally reliable, responses may not always be immediate or beginner-friendly, something to keep in mind if you're new to investing.

Opening an account

You’ll open an account under IBKR PRO, choosing between a “Fixed” or “Tiered” pricing structure for all products. This fee model might be less straightforward than other low-cost brokers, so ensure you understand which assets you’ll trade and the amounts involved.

• All-Digital Registration: The process can be detailed, requiring personal information and your investment experience. This helps IBKR set appropriate trading permissions. You can adjust these later if you find them too restrictive.
• Verification and First Deposit: Once you verify your identity and residency and make your initial deposit, your account is generally active within 2 business days (based on our experience).
• Funding Methods: You can fund your account via bank transfers (Wire/SEPA). Debit/credit cards, PayPal, or other methods are not accepted.
  • One free withdrawal per calendar month is included.
  • After that, each additional withdrawal costs $10 (or the equivalent in your account currency).

Final verdict: Is Interactive Brokers worth it?

Interactive Brokers is undeniably one of the most comprehensive and robust brokerages worldwide, and this reputation is well-earned. If you’re seeking a well-regulated, financially solid broker with an extensive product lineup, competitive fees, and advanced trading/portfolio management tools, then IBKR could be an excellent fit.

That said, it’s not for everyone:

• Ideal for experienced investors: If you have a larger portfolio and value sophisticated tools, IBKR is hard to beat. You can trade fractional shares, earn interest on idle cash, benefit from minimal FX fees, and even lend your shares through its stock yield program.‍
• Potentially challenging for beginners: The main TWS platform has a steep learning curve. The account opening process can feel bureaucratic. However, IBKR has introduced more user-friendly solutions like IBKR GlobalTrader, making it easier for new investors to get started.