Global brokerage firm Interactive Brokers has launched a cryptocurrency trading service for individual investors in the European Economic Area (EEA). Offering this service through its Ireland-based subsidiary, the company provides investors with access to both digital assets and traditional financial products through a single platform.
Which cryptocurrencies?
Under the new service, users can trade a total of 11 different crypto assets, primarily Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). The list also includes leading altcoins such as Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Chainlink (LINK), Cardano (ADA), XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Avalanche (AVAX), and Sui (SUI). These assets are offered integrated with platforms where investors already trade stocks, options, futures, and bonds.
According to the company's statement, this expansion aligns with Interactive Brokers' goal of making its digital asset services more accessible in Europe. Trading can be done through the company's platforms such as Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, and IBKR GlobalTrader. This allows users to manage their portfolios within a single ecosystem instead of dividing them across different applications.
Multiple asset management on a single platform
Interactive Brokers CEO Milan Galik emphasizes that the new service offers significant flexibility to investors. According to Galik, investors no longer have to compromise on the trading tools and pricing structure they are accustomed to when turning to crypto assets. This approach makes risk, liquidity, and capital management more efficient, especially for users who want to diversify their portfolios.
Crypto transactions can be carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Transaction fees are stated to range from approximately 0.12% to 0.18% of the transaction value. The company also states that no hidden spreads or custody fees are applied, and users can control prices with limit orders.
The infrastructure of this service is provided by Zerohash, which offers digital asset and stablecoin solutions. Through this integration, Interactive Brokers aims to provide crypto access in compliance with regulations, while also managing security and operational processes according to corporate standards.
Competition is heating up in Europe
Interactive Brokers' move signals a new era in Europe where crypto and traditional finance are merging. Especially recently, with the clarification of the regulatory framework, it is observed that large financial institutions are increasing their activities in the region. These developments facilitate access to crypto assets for both individual and institutional investors. On the other hand, a similar step was recently taken by Coinbase. The company, under its MiFID II license, launched futures products in the European Economic Area, offering its users products for both crypto and traditional markets. This shows that competition in the region is intensifying not only among crypto exchanges, but also between established financial institutions and technology-focused platforms.
