IB vs affiliate vs master IB vs white label
Side-by-side comparison
| Model | Typical income | Client relationship | Effort and cost | Compliance load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affiliate | One-off fee per qualified sign-up, sometimes with revenue share | Light. Traffic is sent to the broker. | Low set-up, marketing spend | Advertising rules apply |
| Introducing Broker (IB) | Ongoing rebate, commission or share on client trading | Ongoing. You educate and support clients. | Moderate, audience and time | Depends on the country and the activity |
| Master IB | Your own rate plus an override on sub-IBs' clients | You manage sub-IBs, and they manage clients. | Higher, recruiting and management | Multi-level rules can apply |
| White label | Revenue from your own branded brokerage offering | Full brand relationship with clients | Highest, set-up, running costs and staff | Highest, licensing and obligations vary |
These are typical patterns, not fixed rules. Brokers use the labels differently, so always read the agreement.
Affiliate
Affiliates are marketers first. They optimise traffic and conversion, and they are usually paid when a referred person completes set steps. The relationship with the trader ends once the client is handed over, so income does not usually continue beyond the fee unless a revenue share is included.
Introducing Broker
IBs stay involved. They educate, support and retain, and they are paid on the activity that follows. This suits people with an audience or community and the time to look after it. Read the IB basics for detail.
Master IB
A master IB recruits and supports other IBs and earns an override on their clients. It scales faster, but it depends on sub-IBs performing, and some jurisdictions restrict multi-level structures. Understand the rules before you build one.
White label
A white label gives you your own brokerage brand, usually running on a partner's licence, technology and liquidity. You gain control over branding, pricing and the client experience. In return you take on higher costs and more responsibility, and the regulatory position differs by structure and country, so professional advice is important.
How to choose
- Testing an audience: start as an IB with one broker and learn what your audience needs.
- Large traffic, little relationship: an affiliate arrangement may fit.
- Building a team: consider a master IB structure once your process works.
- Want your own brand: explore branded infrastructure and, later, white label, with proper advice.
MultiPrime works with IBs who want stronger terms, newcomers who want a structured start, communities, and IBs who want branded infrastructure and tools instead of a shared referral link. See the IB partner program.
Quick answers
What is the difference between an IB and an affiliate?
An affiliate usually sends traffic through a link and is paid a one-off fee. An IB stays involved with clients and is paid on their ongoing trading.
What is a master IB?
A master IB recruits and supports other IBs, and earns an override on the trading of the clients those sub-IBs bring in, in addition to their own referrals.
Is a white label better than being an IB?
A white label gives more control over brand and pricing but brings higher costs and more responsibility. Many partners start as an IB and consider white label later.
This page is general information, not investment, legal or tax advice. Forex and CFDs are leveraged products and can result in losses. Examples are illustrative and are not offers or guarantees. See the Risk Disclosure.