I’m with IBKR UK. I noticed that bitcoin related funds e.g. GBTC and IBIT are blocked.
Does anyone know the reason for the block? I know that there are other ways to buy BTC, but I was wondering why/how these funds are blocked and who is blocking (IBKR?, UK?, CH?)?
Is it blocked? Does not look blocked for me. You just need to request permission to trade complex/leveraged products and you should be good to go.
e.g IBIT: “Trading Restricted: Clients from your country cannot open positions in crypto-related products.”
I have similar experience, and they don’t have license for some countries like Suisse, but a way getting around is to buy MSTR, a kind of proxy.
Hello all,
This is my first post in the forum, although I have been a reader for many months.
Sorry for jumping straight into the discussion without introducing myself in the “Share your story” section. First, I want to thank all of you for the invaluable experiences and recommendations I have gained from the blog and the forum.
Regarding IBKR and cryptocurrencies, I tried trading cryptocurrency ETFs (like IBIT) through IB at the end of last year. As most forum members have highlighted, it is not possible for us as Swiss residents to trade these ETFs because our accounts are with IBKR UK. Currently, the only way to trade cryptocurrency ETFs at IBKR UK is to be qualified as a professional trader.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interactive-brokers-ibkr-unveils-crypto-trading-for-uk-clients
Things may change by 2026 for UK (So I guess for us too with IBKR UK accounts).
However, IBKR offers crypto trading through a third-party partner (Paxos) via the IBKR account/interface. You need to request permissions by filling out a questionnaire, and takes approximately 2-4 days for confirmation from IBKR.
Personally, I opted for Crypto Basic, which allows access to 5 cryptocurrencies directly from my IBKR account (from what I understood, Crypto Plus requires transferring money from IBKR to Paxos and trading from their platform; TBC).
Also, IBKR-Paxos Basic (not sure for Crypto Plus) comes with the limitation that you can only trade max 10% of your NAV.
I hope this helps.
Cyrus.
Looks like IBKR increased the limit from 10% to 30% on Crypto with PAXOS
PS. did not tried yet
Ref.
Dear Client,
We are writing to inform you about an important update to our cryptocurrency trading policies.
IBKR’s relationship with digital asset providers has allowed our clients to trade cryptocurrencies alongside stocks, options, futures, bonds, funds and more on over 150 exchanges and market centers in 36 countries.
To better support the needs of our clients, we are increasing position limits for cryptocurrency holdings in IBKR-linked digital-asset-provider accounts (“Crypto Accounts”).
Effective immediately, cryptocurrency positions through Crypto Accounts will be limited to the lesser of:
If your current cryptocurrency holdings exceed these thresholds, please note that:
For detailed information about these changes, please visit our Cryptocurrency Trading Limits FAQ.
The BTC trading on IB is closed over weekends. Wtf??
Do stop loss get executed?
The market is moving on…
Yes… It needs questionnaire filling… And 2-4 days waiting time for approval.
I personally find SQ much more useful and simpler for Crypto… Despite the higher fees (1% per transaction + exchange fees of 0.95%)… And orders are treated 24hrs/7days as it should be…
