Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR) reported record financial results for the first quarter of 2026, driven by surging trading activity and client growth, while simultaneously expanding its cryptocurrency services in Europe. The brokerage giant announced adjusted net revenues of $1.68 billion, a significant increase from $1.43 billion in Q1 2025. Adjusted earnings per share rose to $0.60 from $0.47 a year earlier.
The firm's performance was powered by a dual engine of commission revenue and net interest income. Commission revenue jumped 19% year-over-year to $613 million, crossing the $600 million threshold for the first time. This was supported by a 24% increase in Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) to 4.37 million. Specifically, stock trading volume rose 25%, futures volumes increased 20%, and options volumes grew 16%.
Net interest income grew 17% to $904 million, bolstered by record client cash balances. Uninvested client cash soared 35% year-over-year to a record $168.8 billion, while client equity climbed 38% to $789.4 billion. This growth occurred despite a 5% decline in the S&P 500 during the quarter, indicating strong net new account funding.
The company's pre-tax profit margin remained exceptionally high at 77%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter above 70%. Interactive Brokers' client base expanded rapidly, with total customer accounts rising 31% to 4.75 million.
A key development for the crypto sector was the expansion of the firm's digital asset services. Interactive Brokers rolled out crypto trading services to clients in the European Economic Area (EEA) and added crypto transfer-in capabilities. The brokerage also launched access to the Coinbase Derivatives Exchange for nano-sized contracts and perpetual futures. The company noted that staking services are on the roadmap, pending readiness from its partner, Zero Hash.
Other strategic moves included the launch of 24/7 prediction markets and an "Election Board" ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterms. The firm also welcomed the SEC's elimination of the Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rule, viewing it as an opportunity to increase engagement with its large base of smaller individual accounts.
Reflecting confidence in its financial strength, the company's board approved an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.08 to $0.0875 per share, raising the annual dividend from $0.32 to $0.35.
