Daniel Walker
Interactive Brokers, a global leader in brokerage services, has expanded its crypto trading options by adding Solana (SOL), XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin (DOGE) to its platform. This update comes more than three years after the firm first introduced cryptocurrency trading.
Eligible customers in the U.S. and U.K. can now trade these digital assets 24/7, using the same integrated platform they already utilize for stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs across 160+ global markets. This feature allows investors to take spot positions in cryptocurrencies while also hedging exposure using crypto-related futures, options, and ETFs.
Unlike traditional exchanges, Interactive Brokers does not manage blockchain infrastructure directly. Instead, it connects to infrastructure providers for crypto transactions. The firm clarified that clients with Zero Hash accounts can access SOL, ADA, XRP, and DOGE, while Paxos accounts also support SOL. Paxos is a regulated financial institution specializing in stablecoins, tokenization, and blockchain finance, whereas Zero Hash provides custody, settlement, and clearing services for digital assets.
Crypto Withdrawals and Strategic Asset Inclusion
One key advantage for clients is the ability to withdraw crypto holdings to external wallets. The addition of XRP, SOL, and ADA also aligns with President Trump’s proposed U.S. Digital Assets Stockpile, which includes these cryptocurrencies as part of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve initiative.
Commitment to Low-Cost Trading
According to Steve Sanders, EVP of Marketing and Product Development at Interactive Brokers:
โAdding these new tokens gives our clients even more flexibility to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on digital asset opportunities. With our low-cost structure and powerful trading tools, this expansion reinforces our dedication to delivering a comprehensive and efficient trading experience.โ
The firm offers some of the lowest crypto trading fees in the market, charging between 0.12% and 0.18% of trade value, with no hidden spreads, markups, or custody feesโa rate more competitive than many leading crypto exchanges and online brokers.
From Skepticism to Adoption
Interactive Brokers first entered the crypto market in 2021 in partnership with Paxos, launching support for BTC, ETH, LTC, and BCH at the peak of the previous bull market.
Founded by Thomas Peterffy in 1977 as a market-making firm, Interactive Brokers later transitioned into a broker-dealer in 1993. With $16.6 billion in equity capital as of March 1, it remains one of the largest electronic brokerages globally.
While Peterffy was once skeptical of digital assets, he eventually invested in cryptocurrencies, acknowledging:
โYou have to play the odds.โ
