
Interactive Brokers Merger – What Does It Mean For Your Portfolio?
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the largest brokers in the world, with a $37 bn market cap and ‘A-‘ Credit Rating from S&P.
In September 2023, it announced merging its EU operations, and moving all customers to its Irish entity (IBIE).
We don’t know the exact reasons for this move, except the stated efficiencies, but in January 2024, the U.S. ends its double taxation treaty with Hungary, where its second entity was based.
Most of its Central and Eastern European customers were historically assigned to the Hungarian entity (IBCE).
For most IBKR customers, the major difference will be the change of the regulator. IBIE falls under the supervision of the Central Bank of Ireland, whereas IBCE fell under the supervision of Hungarian Central Bank. Both countries have difference Investment Compensation Schemes.