Also known as: cTrader Partner Program, cTrader Affiliate Program, cBroker IB Program
A cTrader IB Program is an Introducing Broker partnership built on Spotware's cTrader platform, where partner tracking, sub-IB hierarchies, and rebate calculation are handled natively inside the broker's cTrader/cBroker back office rather than through bolt-on plugins. It gives IBs transparent, near real-time visibility into referred clients' volume and commissions.
cTrader is the main challenger to MetaTrader in the ECN retail space, used by brokers such as Pepperstone, IC Markets, FxPro, and Axi. Its partner tooling lives in cBroker, the broker administration layer, which lets a broker define multi-tier IB structures and volume- or spread-based commission rules that update as trades close.
For the IB, the practical payoff is trust and automation. Instead of waiting for a monthly plugin export, you see commission accrue against each client's closed trades, and multi-level sub-IB splits are computed by the platform. For example, on a client generating 50 standard lots a month at a $3-per-lot rebate, that is $150 in IB commission; if a sub-IB introduced that client on an 80/20 split, cTrader routes $30 to the sub-IB and $120 to you automatically.
Because cTrader is favored by more experienced, execution-sensitive traders, IBs who position around it tend to attract higher-value clients: algo users running cBots, copy-trading followers, and traders who care about Level II depth-of-market pricing. That client profile usually means larger volumes and longer lifetimes than a typical entry-level signup.
The broker runs cTrader with cBroker, where it configures IB accounts, commission models (per-lot, per-million notional, or spread markup share), and multi-tier hierarchies. When you are approved as an IB, referred clients are linked to your ID, often via cTrader's built-in invite links.
As each client trade closes, cBroker calculates the rebate and attributes it up the IB chain according to the split the broker set. Sub-IBs see their own slice, you see your override on their clients, and the broker sees the full tree. Payouts are then made from the broker's wallet on the schedule the broker defines. Copy-trading adds a second layer: as a cTrader Copy strategy provider you can earn volume-based commission plus a performance fee from investors who copy you.
Choose a regulated broker offering cTrader (e.g. Pepperstone, IC Markets, FxPro) and get approved as an Introducing Broker in their cBroker back office.
Settle whether you are paid per lot, per million notional, or as a share of spread markup, and confirm the rate before you start driving traffic.
Use the platform's native invite/tracking links so referred clients are attributed to your IB ID automatically.
Recruit sub-IBs and let cBroker define the multi-tier split so overrides calculate automatically as their clients trade.
Track real-time commission per client, spot inactive accounts early, and support high-volume algo and copy traders to protect lifetime value.
Why it matters for partnership: cTrader's native partner tools give you real-time commission tracking and automated multi-tier sub-IB splits without third-party plugins, which builds client trust and attracts higher-value, execution-focused traders. That transparency is a real edge when recruiting tech-savvy clients.
You introduce a sub-IB who brings in three algo traders on Pepperstone's cTrader. Together they close 120 standard lots in a month at a $3.50 per-lot rebate, or $420. Under the 80/20 split you configured in cBroker, the platform routes $84 to the sub-IB and $336 to you automatically as each trade closes, with both parties seeing the accrual in real time.
| Factor | cTrader IB | MetaTrader IB |
|---|---|---|
| Partner tracking | Native in cBroker | Broker-side plugin required |
| Sub-IB tiers | Multi-tier, automated splits | Depends on plugin capability |
| Reporting | Real-time per closed trade | Often periodic/exported |
| Typical client | ECN, algo, copy traders | Broad, including entry-level |
| Copy trading | cTrader Copy (built in) | MT signals/MT5 copy |
Position yourself as a cTrader Copy strategy provider so you earn volume-based IB commission plus performance fees from investors who copy your trades, layering two income streams on one platform.
Assuming cTrader's commission and sub-IB logic mirror MetaTrader's; it calculates rebates and splits natively, so partners who don't learn cBroker's specific models misquote earnings and mismanage their tiers.
Many IBs prefer cTrader because multi-tier tracking and real-time commission updates are native, whereas MetaTrader usually relies on broker-side plugins. The better choice ultimately depends on your audience and the broker's setup.
Usually per standard lot, per million of notional volume, or as a share of the spread markup, depending on the broker's cBroker configuration. Confirm the exact model before you promote.
Yes. cBroker supports multi-tier hierarchies, and the platform routes each level's split automatically as referred clients' trades close.
No. Partner management is built into the cBroker back office, so you don't need the third-party plugins common in MetaTrader setups.
cTrader is offered by brokers such as Pepperstone, IC Markets, FxPro, and Axi. Availability and commission terms of the IB program vary by broker and region.
Yes. As a cTrader Copy strategy provider you can earn volume-based commission plus a performance fee from investors who copy you, but never advertise guaranteed returns.
A practical guide for trading educators on matching MT4, MT5, cTrader, or TradingView to your curriculum before you pick a broker partner.