The Introducing Broker (IB) model has quickly become one of the most accessible and effective ways to earn in the forex world, especially in fast-growing regions like Indonesia. More and more traders are becoming IBs by simply referring others and creating strong local networks. With the right broker and a clear understanding of how it all works, it’s possible to build a steady income stream without needing to trade full-time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it really means to be an IB in the Indonesian forex market, how to get started, and what to consider when choosing the right partner program.
A Forex IB is someone who partners with a broker to refer new clients. In return, the IB earns a commission or rebate based on the trading activity of those referred clients. It’s a performance-based model, the more active traders you bring in, the more you earn.
IBs don’t need to handle client funds or provide investment advice. Their main role is to introduce new traders, offer basic guidance, and help clients connect with the broker’s platform. Some IBs operate entirely online, while others build face-to-face relationships in their local communities.
In Indonesia, the IB model started gaining traction in the early 2010s as more global forex brokers began targeting Southeast Asian markets. At first, most partnerships were informal, with traders referring friends and earning simple bonuses. But as competition grew between international and local brokers, structured IB programs with official tracking portals, multi-tier commissions, and localized support became more common.
Today, IBs in Indonesia are an important part of client acquisition for many brokers. Some work through online channels like Telegram, Instagram, or YouTube, while others hold offline seminars, trading workshops, or even set up small offices. The mix of digital marketing and strong community networks has made the IB model one of the most active partner channels in the country.
With more traders looking for personalized support and familiar communication, local IBs have become a key link between brokers and the Indonesian trading community.
Indonesia has become one of the most active forex markets in Southeast Asia. With a large population, growing internet access, and a strong interest in additional income opportunities, the country offers real potential for IBs who know how to connect with local traders.
Many new traders in Indonesia feel more comfortable opening accounts through someone they know and trust, especially when working with offshore brokers. That’s why IBs play such an important role. They’re not just referral points; they often help with deposits, withdrawals, and navigating the trading platform. IBs who speak the local language and understand the culture naturally build stronger relationships than distant support teams ever could.
Urban areas like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan have growing online trading communities. IBs here often build digital networks using WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and TikTok.
Smaller towns and offline communities still rely heavily on word-of-mouth. IBs who organize meetups, basic seminars, or offer one-on-one help can grow fast with minimal competition.
Younger audiences are drawn to forex through YouTube, social trading, and influencer content. IBs who know how to engage with these platforms can scale quickly.
Multi-level IB programs give ambitious partners the chance to not only refer traders, but also recruit other IBs (sub-IBs) and earn override commissions from their networks.
Whether you’re an experienced trader or just someone with a strong network, the IB business in Indonesia is wide open, but also increasingly competitive. The key is to offer real value, localize your approach, and work with a broker that supports long-term partnership growth.
Getting started as a Forex IB in Indonesia doesn’t require a license or a company setup. Most brokers make it easy to join by offering free registration and ready-to-use marketing tools. But to succeed, it takes more than just a referral link.
1. Choose the Right Broker
Not all brokers treat IBs the same. Look for those with a clear partner program, a good reputation in the region, and support in Bahasa Indonesia.
2. Register as a Partner
You’ll usually find a “Partnership” or “IB” section on the broker’s website. Once registered, you’ll get access to your own dashboard and referral tools.
3. Share Your Referral Link
This is how the broker tracks your clients. You can promote your link through social media, trading communities, WhatsApp groups, or directly to friends.
4. Support Your Clients
Answer basic questions, guide them on deposits or platform setup, and stay available. Traders value IBs who stay responsive.
5. Grow Your Network
Once you have a few active traders, scale up. Consider setting up a sub-IB network or hosting small online/offline trading meetups.
Becoming an IB is not just about commissions. It’s about building trust and providing real support. The more value you offer, the stronger your network becomes.
Local traders have specific needs, and as an IB, your success depends heavily on choosing a broker that supports you properly, not just with commissions, but with tools, support, and payout flexibility.
You can make your own prioritization, but these points are key things to take into consideration.
Make sure the partner portal, marketing materials, and client services are available in Bahasa Indonesia. Many Indonesian clients feel more comfortable when they can speak and read in their native language.
A competitive commission per traded lot makes a huge difference, especially as your client base grows. Look for transparent payout structures, ideally with a multi-tier system if you plan to build a sub-IB network.
Most Indonesian IBs prefer local bank transfers, e-wallets, or crypto for faster access to earnings. Check if the broker offers weekly or even daily payouts.
If you plan to grow your team or manage sub-IBs, the ability to earn override commissions from downline partners is essential. This helps you scale your income beyond direct referrals.
A responsive and helpful partner manager makes onboarding, marketing, and support easier. Especially helpful when you’re just starting or expanding your IB operations.
You’ll need to track registrations, trading volume, commissions, and more. A clean, simple dashboard in Bahasa makes daily tasks more efficient.
Access to special promotions, banners, landing pages, marketing and tech consultancy. More support and tools mean better conversion rates.
Understanding how rebates function is crucial for any Introducing Broker (IB). Rebates are typically calculated based on the trading volume, measured in lots, and the rebate rate offered by your broker or IB partner.
At zForex, the IB rebate program is designed to reward partners based on the total trading volume of their referred clients. This tiered system helps IBs to grow their client base and encourage active trading, as higher volumes lead to increased earnings.
For full details, you can view the zForex IB rebate structure.
To understand what’s possible, take a look at the actual results of zForex partners. On the Highest IB Rebate Earnings board, you’ll see examples like an Indonesian IB who referred 120 clients with a combined volume of over 54,000 lots; earning more than $300,000 in rebates.
For instance, one of the top IBs from Indonesia referred 120 clients who collectively traded 54,140 lots, resulting in a rebate payout of $308,146.
These figures demonstrate the substantial earning potential for IBs who effectively build and support their client networks.
While the IB business offers solid income potential, it comes with a few challenges. This is especially true in a fast-growing and competitive market like Indonesia. Understanding these issues in advance can help you build a more stable and effective IB strategy.
Many clients enter the market with little or no background in forex. They often expect quick profits, misunderstand how leverage works, or get confused with basic platform usage. As an IB, you're often their first point of contact. It helps to prepare simple guides, videos, or step-by-step tutorials to save time and offer real value.
Here’s where a key challenge comes in. Educating and supporting the progress of Indonesian traders requires local presence, resources, and availability, which makes it difficult even for the best international forex brokers.
Indonesia is a highly active market. Multiple IBs often target the same trader groups. To stand out, you need to be faster, more responsive, and more visible. Focus on building real connections, speaking the local language, and offering hands-on support when needed.
To compare local and global forex brokers, along with their IB programs, rebate schemes, and key features, please check the related article: Best Forex IB Programs.
Most brokers operating in Indonesia are offshore and not regulated locally. This isn't illegal, but it does require caution. Make sure you work with brokers who have a good reputation, and a consistent payout history.
To verify this, you can do some quick research online and read feedback on platforms like Trustpilot, WikiFX, Babypips, or Forex Factory.
It’s not unusual for new traders to lose momentum after a few weeks, which can impact your earnings if you’re paid based on trading volume. The key is to stay connected. Follow up with your referrals, offer regular support, and keep your network engaged by bringing in new traders consistently.
You can host online webinars, local meetups, or quick training sessions to keep your community active. It’s also worth checking in with your broker to ask for additional support, like a small marketing budget or an exclusive promotion that encourages traders to stick around and keep trading.
Many IBs use platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram to grow their network. These are effective. It’s a good idea to build a mailing list or have alternate ways to stay connected with your traders.
Improve your marketing communication skills; even a few online courses can make a big difference. Building a strong network isn’t just about technical knowledge; it also requires interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with people.
It’s about creating trust, staying involved, and offering real value to your traders. If you want to build a network that lasts, and actually earns, here are some useful strategies tailored for the Indonesian market.
What Works Well:
If you're looking for a broker that supports your growth as an IB in Indonesia, zForex is built with partnership in mind.
Here are the key reasons to consider zForex:
If you want a forex and CFD broker that values its partners, then become an IB today!
Here are some locally relevant and practical questions we often hear from current or aspiring IBs in the financial markets in Indonesia.
Is it legal to be an IB in Indonesia?
Yes, it's legal to be an IB in Indonesia as long as you’re not acting as a broker or taking deposits yourself. Most IBs work with offshore brokers and operate under affiliate agreements, which is common practice across the country.
Do I need to register with a company or get a license to become an IB?
No, in most cases you don’t. Brokers usually accept individuals as IBs without needing a formal business license. However, if you’re planning to scale your operations or run seminars, setting up a small, registered business (like a CV or PT) can help you appear more professional.
Which payout methods do Indonesian IBs usually prefer?
Most prefer local bank transfers, followed by e-wallets like DANA or OVO, and cryptocurrency (especially USDT) for faster payouts.
How many clients do I need to start earning?
Technically, you can earn with just one active trader. But to see meaningful results, most IBs aim for at least 10–20 clients to trade regularly. If you also manage sub-IBs, your income can grow faster through their activity as well.
Can I get marketing support in Bahasa Indonesia?
Yes, many brokers, including zForex, offer localized marketing materials, banners, landing pages, and even custom campaigns in Bahasa Indonesia.
What happens if a referred trader becomes inactive?
If your client stops trading, you simply stop earning commissions from their activity. That’s why it’s important to stay in touch, offer support, and keep your community engaged with updates or education.
Can I work as an IB for more than one broker?
Yes, unless your agreement has an exclusivity clause, you're usually free to partner with multiple brokers. Just be transparent with your clients and avoid promoting too many platforms at once to prevent confusion.
What’s the difference between referring traders and recruiting sub-IBs?
Referring traders earns you direct commissions from their trading. Recruiting sub-IBs means building a downline of partners who refer their own traders, and you earn an override percentage from their total volume.
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