IB Forex Trading Platforms and Instruments Overview

What Trading Markets and Platforms Does IBKR Offer?

Interactive Brokers Hong Kong (IBKR) gives retail and institutional clients a unified gateway to over 160 markets in 36 countries and 28 currencies. Traders can access forex, stocks, options, futures, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds and more from a single account. Our review of IBKR's platform confirms that it is designed for both beginners and advanced professionals: high-speed execution, 100+ order types, and real-time margin and cost analysis are standard. The company is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for futures and leveraged FX, which signals a higher standard of investor protection in that jurisdiction. However, some licenses in other regions are shown as revoked or exceeded, so clients must carefully read disclosures and consider the regulatory scope of the affiliate they sign up with. IBKR's mobile, desktop, and web platforms support complex strategies such as options combinations, algorithmic orders, and portfolio margining. In this context, ib forex stands out as a core service, offering access to dozens of currency pairs with competitive spreads and no hidden platform fees.

Which Markets and Instruments Can Be Traded on IBKR?

IBKRs single account structure allows trading in multiple asset classes without separate logins. Clients can fund in different currencies and trade products denominated in those currencies. We have verified on the Hong Kong site that the broker offers a monthly custody fee for crypto holdings and high interest on idle cash, but the main focus remains global multi-asset execution. The table below summarises key instruments:

IBKR states that all products carry risk and may not suit every investor. Options, security futures and complex bonds are specifically flagged with additional disclosure requirements.

What Trading Platforms and Tools Does IBKR Offer?

IBKR provides three main front-ends plus APIs, all of which are free to download. Trader Workstation (TWS) is the flagship desktop software with advanced charting, option strategy builders, and algo trading. IBKR Desktop is a simplified version for active traders who want fast, intuitive order entry. IBKR Mobile covers iOS and Android and supports multi-asset trading on the go. An extensive API suite lets institutions and quant traders integrate directly. Over 200 free and premium research and news feeds, margin calculators, and PortfolioAnalyst reporting tools are included. The table below shows the main platforms:

All platforms provide 100+ order types, real-time confirmations, and cost analysis. There are no ticket charges or platform fees.

FAQs about IBKR Trading Platforms and Instruments

Q: Does IBKR charge extra for its trading platforms?

A: No. IBKR does not impose ticket charges, platform fees or account minimums. Commissions are per contract or share and depend on the product traded (e.g., USD 0.15–0.65 per US option contract).

Q: Can I trade forex and stocks in the same account?

A: Yes. IBKRs unified account structure allows you to trade forex, stocks, options, futures, and other instruments without opening multiple accounts or transferring funds between them.

Q: What regulatory protections apply to my trades?

A: Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited is licensed by the Hong Kong SFC for futures and leveraged FX. Other licences shown for global affiliates may differ or be revoked. Always check which entity you are contracting with and read the relevant risk disclosures.

Risk Disclosure

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Trading forex, leveraged products, options or security futures carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The presence of regulatory licences in one jurisdiction does not guarantee protection in another. Some licences displayed by affiliates are revoked or exceeded; clients must verify the regulatory status of the entity they open an account with. We strongly recommend reading all official risk disclosure statements on Interactive Brokers website before trading on any IBKR platform.