IB deals are hard to compare because each one is expressed differently. The trick is to estimate what each deal would pay for your actual clients, using the same assumptions for all of them.
Step 1: describe your typical client
Use your own history if you have it, or make a careful estimate:
- How many clients you expect to refer per month.
- What share of them deposit, and roughly how much.
- How many lots an active client trades per month, and on which instruments.
- How many months a typical client keeps trading.
Step 2: convert each deal into the same number
Estimate the total you'd earn from one month's referrals over, say, 12 months.
| Deal | Assumptions | 12-month estimate |
|---|---|---|
| CPA $400 | 10 referrals, 6 qualify | 6 × $400 = $2,400 |
| Rebate $8/lot | 6 active clients, 10 lots/month each, half still trading after 6 months | About 6 × 10 × $8 × 9 months ≈ $4,320 |
| Revshare 30% | Broker revenue $60 per client per month, same retention | About 6 × $60 × 30% × 9 ≈ $972 |
The "9 months" figure is an average that allows for half the clients leaving halfway through. With different assumptions, the ranking can flip completely. That's the point: the best deal depends on your clients.
Step 3: adjust for the small print
- Qualification: stricter CPA rules mean fewer paid clients.
- Instruments: if your clients trade gold or indices and the rebate is lower there, use the lower rate.
- Clawbacks and carry-forward: reduce the estimate if the deal can take money back.
- Payout timing: money paid weekly is worth more to you than money paid quarterly.
Step 4: compare what you can't put in a spreadsheet
- Is the broker regulated for your clients' countries?
- How do other IBs rate it?
- Will your clients be happy there, with fast withdrawals and decent support?
A slightly lower rate at a broker your clients trust usually beats a higher rate at one they leave.
A simple worksheet
Copy these columns into a spreadsheet, one row per deal: broker · regulator for my clients · model · rate · qualification rules · instruments covered · payout frequency · clawback terms · my 12-month estimate · notes.
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Frequently asked questions
What are IB deals?
IB deals are the commission offers brokers make to Introducing Brokers: CPA, per-lot rebates, revenue share or a hybrid, plus the conditions attached.
Should I always pick the highest-paying deal?
No. Regulation, client experience, payout reliability and contract terms often matter more than a small difference in rate.
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