How to build an IB program

An IB program is the set of terms, tools and support a broker offers to Introducing Brokers. A good one attracts IBs who bring active, long-term clients. A poorly designed one attracts bonus hunters and creates compliance risk.

1. Decide which models to offer

• CPA for content creators and affiliates with large, newer audiences.
• Rebates for communities of active traders.
• Revenue share for educators and long-term client bases.
• Hybrid options to reduce risk on both sides.

Offering more than one model lets IBs choose what fits their audience, which leads to better clients.

2. Set rates you can sustain

Base rates on the expected lifetime value of clients by country, account type and instrument. Rates you later cut damage trust more than modest rates you keep. Publish clear tables instead of "up to" figures.

3. Make terms clear and fair

• Exact CPA qualification rules and time windows.
• Per side or round turn, by instrument.
• Gross or net revenue, and whether there is carry-forward.
• Notice before changes, and commission after termination.

Clear terms reduce disputes and support tickets. Experienced IBs check them closely; see the checklist IBs use.

4. Invest in tracking and reporting

IBs expect a portal showing clients, deposits, volume and commission close to real time, with client-level exports. Opaque reporting is one of the main reasons IBs leave.

5. Pay reliably

Fixed payout days, several payment methods and low minimums are a competitive advantage. Late or unexplained payouts spread quickly in IB communities.

6. Build in compliance controls

• Verify IBs (identity and, where relevant, registration) before paying.
• Give IBs approved marketing material and the current risk warning.
• Define restricted countries and banned practices, such as income claims and brand bidding.
• Monitor for fraud patterns: duplicate accounts, self-referral and bonus abuse.

Regulators hold brokers responsible for promotions made on their behalf. See forex IB marketing rules.

7. Support IBs as partners

Dedicated partner managers, onboarding guides, localised landing pages and training for new IBs all improve results. Ask your best IBs what would help them.

8. Decide where to recruit

Expos, agents and paid ads are expensive. See how brokers can find quality IBs. On IB2broker, brokers list programs with no listing fee, receive applications from verified IBs and pay only to unlock the ones they want. Founding brokers can list before launch on 10 November 2026; see the broker page.

Frequently asked questions

What should a forex IB program include?

Clear commission models and rates, fair terms, a reporting portal, reliable payouts, marketing support and compliance rules.

How do brokers stop IB fraud?

By verifying IBs, setting clear qualification rules, monitoring for duplicate or self-referred accounts and paying CPA only after the qualification window.