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Regulation & Safety · 2026

Interactive Brokers Regulation & Safety 2026

All regulators, license numbers, compensation schemes, and regulatory history for Interactive Brokers as of April 2026.

ESMA Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Quick Answer

Yes, Interactive Brokers is fully regulated. It holds 4 active licenses from SEC, FCA, CBI, MNB. Compensation scheme: Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000. Regulation score: 9.9/10.

All Regulators & License Numbers

Interactive Brokers's regulatory framework as of April 2026.

SECUSA

SEC

Jurisdiction: USA

License No. CRD 36418

FCAUK

FCA

Jurisdiction: UK

License No. 208159

CBIIreland

CBI

Jurisdiction: Ireland

License No. C423427

MNBHungary

MNB

Jurisdiction: Hungary

License No. III/73.059-4/2002

Compensation Scheme

Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000

This scheme protects eligible clients in the event of broker insolvency. The ceiling applies per client per firm, and coverage is automatic for all qualifying retail clients.

Years Operating Under Current License

Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978 and has been operating for approximately 48 years as of April 2026. Long operational history under active regulation is one of the strongest positive signals of broker trustworthiness.

Regulatory History

Based on publicly available regulatory records as of April 2026, we have identified no material enforcement actions, sanctions, or fines against Interactive Brokers from SEC, FCA, CBI, MNB. All licenses remain active. Before opening a live account, we recommend cross-checking the current status of each license directly on the respective regulator's official public register.

Client Protection Summary

Negative Balance Protection

Yes — ESMA-mandated for EU retail clients, guaranteeing accounts cannot go below zero.

Segregated Funds

Yes— Client money held in dedicated accounts separate from the broker's operational capital.

ESMA Compliance

Yes — Subject to EU leverage caps, disclosure obligations, and best execution requirements under MiFID II.

Regulatory Score

9.9 / 10 — Our regulation dimension score, updated quarterly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Interactive Brokers regulated?
Yes, Interactive Brokers is regulated by 4 authorities: SEC (USA, License CRD 36418); FCA (UK, License 208159); CBI (Ireland, License C423427); MNB (Hungary, License III/73.059-4/2002). Interactive Brokers is fully ESMA-compliant for EU clients.
What is Interactive Brokers's license number?
Interactive Brokers holds the following licenses: SEC license CRD 36418, FCA license 208159, CBI license C423427, MNB license III/73.059-4/2002. You can verify each license directly on the respective regulator's public register.
Is Interactive Brokers covered by an investor compensation scheme?
Yes. Interactive Brokers participates in the Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000. In the unlikely event of broker insolvency, eligible EU clients are covered for losses arising from broker failure up to the scheme's per-client ceiling.
Has Interactive Brokers been fined or sanctioned?
Based on publicly available regulatory records as of April 2026, Interactive Brokers has no material history of enforcement actions or sanctions from SEC, FCA, CBI, MNB. All licenses remain active. We recommend checking the current status directly on each regulator's website before opening an account.
Does Interactive Brokers have top-tier regulation?
Yes, Interactive Brokers holds at least one top-tier license from: SEC, FCA. Top-tier regulators apply stricter capital, operational, and reporting requirements than second-tier authorities.
How long has Interactive Brokers been operating?
Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978 and has been operating for approximately 48 years. Long operational history under active regulation is a positive signal for trust and stability.

Trade with confidence at Interactive Brokers

Fully regulated with investor compensation coverage and ESMA protections.

Read Full ReviewVisit Interactive Brokers

CFD Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.