And while copy trading has become central to client acquisition and retention strategies, it’s not the only area where brokers are turning to technology for an edge.
Following the interview on copy trading, we continued our conversation with PLUGIT to explore how their IB & Affiliate Management technology is reshaping this side of the brokerage business. Almost every broker today works with IBs and Affiliates, but managing those relationships with flexibility and transparency can be just as complex as running a copy trading program.
How can brokers design IB and affiliate structures that reward growth without exposing the business to runaway costs?
It’s a balancing act. If you make the program too generous, costs spiral. If you make it too tight, IBs lose interest. The key is flexibility in how commissions are set up; flat fees, revenue share, or tiered rewards that encourage real growth.
With PLUGIT’s IB & Affiliate module, brokers can build multi-tier structures and test different payout models, on both Rebates or CPA tiers. That way, they can fine-tune rewards based on actual performance and profitability, not guesswork.
With PLUGIT’s IB & Affiliate module, brokers can build multi-tier structures and test different payout models, on both Rebates or CPA tiers. That way, they can fine-tune rewards based on actual performance and profitability, not guesswork.
What role does real-time data and transparency play in strengthening broker–IB relationships?
Honestly, it’s huge. Nothing creates tension faster than an IB questioning their commission statement. If they can see everything in real time, how many clients they’ve referred to, what those clients are trading on, what commissions are building up, then the trust level increases. Brokers benefit too, because they don’t waste time dealing with disputes.
With the IB & Affiliate module, brokers get clear dashboards, instant reports, performance fee reports, revenue made and no grey areas.
With increased regulatory scrutiny, what compliance considerations should brokers keep in mind when running affiliate programs?
Regulators have been cracking down for quite some time now. They are looking closely at how affiliates promote trading, especially in cross-border situations. Brokers need tools that give them oversight, not just over payouts, but also over who’s doing the promoting and how.
For example, keeping proper records of referrals, disclosures, and campaign activity is becoming critical. Having this data readily available in your system is a must have.
How can IB and affiliate programs be used strategically for client acquisition in emerging markets versus mature ones?
They play very different roles depending on the market. In emerging markets, the Affiliates and IBs are the first point of trust for new traders. They’re usually local, they speak the language, and they give the broker reach they’d struggle to get otherwise. In mature markets, the strategy shifts more towards segmentation and loyalty.
Programs are often about keeping high-value clients engaged or expanding into niche communities. That’s why flexibility matters so much in your technology. With PLUGIT’s IB & Affiliate module, brokers can run both styles side by side: high-growth recruitment in one region, and retention-focused setups in another, by mixing and matching payout rules and profiles.
What future trends do you see shaping IB and affiliate technology / AI-driven recruitment, dynamic commission models, or deeper CRM integration?
All of the above, honestly. We’re already seeing demand for smarter analytics. Brokers want to know not just how many clients an IB brought in, but which ones are profitable long term. That’s where AI could make a real difference, spotting patterns and helping brokers focus on quality, not just quantity.
Dynamic commission models are also a thought, programs that adjust rewards automatically based on performance. And deeper CRM integration is a must. Brokers don’t want five different systems; they want one dashboard to manage their client database and partner network.
That’s the path we’re taking at PLUGIT: building technology that covers all your needs, and more like a natural part of the broker’s day-to-day operations. Any technical engineer will tell you that every day they wake up and there is already something new to learn. Our team is inspired and hopefully this reflects in our innovative tools, as well as the new functionality in future products releases to come.
who is who
Maria is the General Manager at Plugit, a leading fintech company celebrated for its award-winning solutions in the forex industry, including the Best All-In-One Broker Solution for their flagship product, the YOONINT suite of intelligent modules. With over a decade of experience in the financial sector, Maria has excelled in management positions at some of the industry’s top fintech companies. At PLUGIT, Maria is driving the company’s expansion into new global markets, streamlining the client onboarding journey, and reinforcing PLUGIT’s reputation for delivering outstanding partner support and scalable, broker-focused technology.
Read the full interview on fintechview digital issue #6
