Interactive Brokers to Allow Stablecoin Funding, Expanding Crypto Access for Retail Investors

Interactive Brokers is preparing to let retail investors fund individual brokerage accounts using stablecoins, a move that underscores how traditional financial firms are increasingly embracing crypto-related services to stay competitive. According to a Bloomberg report published Friday, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based brokerage will gradually roll out the new funding option, beginning with a select group of eligible U.S. clients.

The introduction of stablecoin funding places Interactive Brokers alongside rivals such as Robinhood Markets and Charles Schwab, both of which have been expanding their digital asset offerings as retail demand for crypto-related services continues to grow. By enabling customers to fund accounts directly from cryptocurrency wallets rather than relying solely on traditional bank transfers, Interactive Brokers aims to reduce friction, speed up funding times, and appeal to a new generation of digitally native investors.

The firm has already broadened its cryptocurrency trading capabilities earlier this year, integrating crypto alongside its core offerings of stocks, options, and futures. Allowing stablecoins for account funding represents another step in blending traditional brokerage services with blockchain-based payment infrastructure. Market participants increasingly view stablecoins as a bridge between conventional finance and digital assets due to their price stability and efficiency in cross-border transfers.

Interactive Brokers chairman Thomas Peterffy first revealed the upcoming stablecoin funding feature during a Goldman Sachs conference on Wednesday. An Interactive Brokers spokesperson later confirmed via email that the rollout would be phased and limited initially to certain U.S. customers. The firm did not immediately respond to a separate request for comment from CoinDesk.

Beyond brokerage account funding, Interactive Brokers has shown growing interest in the broader crypto ecosystem. The company has been involved in prediction markets tied to economic events and, in October, led a $104 million funding round for ZeroHash, a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider valued at $1 billion. Earlier in the year, Peterffy also told Reuters that the firm was exploring the possibility of issuing its own stablecoin while evaluating the use of third-party tokens.

As digital assets gain a firmer foothold in mainstream finance, Interactive Brokers’ move highlights a broader industry trend: established brokerages are increasingly integrating crypto features to retain retail clients and compete in an evolving financial landscape.