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Vaulted IB Academy is a structured training programme for individuals who want to build a legitimate Introducing Broker business with StarTrader as their broker partner.
⚠ Trading in financial markets involves significant risk. Clients can lose money. Vaulted IB Academy does not guarantee income or trading results. This programme is for education and professional development only.
Vaulted IB Academy is a professional training programme designed exclusively for people who want to become Introducing Brokers in the trading industry. An Introducing Broker introduces clients to a regulated broker — in this case, StarTrader — and earns a commission for doing so responsibly.
This is not a trading course. We do not teach you how to trade. We teach you how to build a professional IB business: how to understand the broker model, how to communicate responsibly, how to generate leads ethically, and how to support clients properly.
You already run a community, group or audience interested in trading and want to monetise it professionally through a legitimate IB partnership.
You create content about trading, markets or finance and want to learn how to do so compliantly while building a sustainable referral business.
You work in a finance-adjacent field and want to expand into broker introductions as a structured, professional activity with clear guidelines.
We built Vaulted IB Academy because most IB training does not exist. Partners are left to figure it out alone. We believe there is a better way.
A defined curriculum from first principles to active IB, not a loosely assembled document dump.
Every module is built around responsible communication, accurate claims and proper risk disclosure.
The curriculum is built around how StarTrader's partnership model actually works — no guesswork.
We focus on building sustainable IB businesses, not short-term recruitment with no ongoing support.
Applications are reviewed individually. We accept people who are serious about building a professional, compliant IB business with StarTrader.
No commitment required at application stage.
The Introducing Broker model is one of the most established ways of working within the financial services industry. IBs introduce clients to regulated brokers, earn commissions for doing so, and — when done properly — provide genuine value to the clients they work with.
Yet despite this, very few IBs receive any formal training. Most are given a referral link and left to work it out for themselves. The result is poor communication, misleading claims, frustrated clients and unsustainable businesses.
Vaulted IB Academy was created to change that. We provide a structured training pathway for people who want to become professional Introducing Brokers with StarTrader as their broker partner.
To train Introducing Brokers who communicate honestly, operate professionally, and build businesses that are sustainable for themselves and fair to their clients.
What an Introducing Broker is, how the commission model works, what IBs are and are not responsible for, and how to position yourself professionally.
How to explain StarTrader's offer accurately, how to set client expectations properly, how to use risk warnings and how to avoid misleading language.
How to identify suitable prospects, build trust over time, use digital channels professionally and convert interest into completed account registrations without pressure.
How to support clients after they open an account, how to manage expectations, how to track your IB performance and how to build a book of clients that stays active.
18 modules across 6 learning tracks. Click any module to read the full lesson. A PDF summary is available to download at the end of each module.
An Introducing Broker — commonly referred to as an IB — is an individual or entity that refers clients to a regulated broker in exchange for a commission. The IB does not hold client funds, does not execute trades on behalf of clients, and does not provide regulated financial advice. Their role is introductory: they connect people who want to trade with a broker who facilitates that trading.
The IB model has existed in financial markets for decades and is widely used across forex, CFDs and commodities trading. It is a legitimate, structured commercial arrangement — but it must be practised professionally and responsibly.
Understanding what you are — and what you are not — as an IB is the foundation of operating professionally. Many compliance issues arise because IBs blur the line between introducing clients and advising them. Your role is to facilitate an introduction and provide support, not to guide trading decisions.
This distinction also protects you. If a client loses money and feels they were advised to trade by you, that is a far more serious situation than if it is clear you introduced them to a broker and they made their own independent decision to open an account and trade.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand what an Introducing Broker is, what they do, and what they are not permitted to do — forming the foundation for everything that follows in the programme.
The StarTrader IB programme is a formal commercial arrangement. When you become a StarTrader IB, you enter into a partnership agreement that defines your obligations, your commission structure, and the standards you are expected to maintain. This module walks through how that relationship works in practice.
As a StarTrader IB, you are provided with a unique referral link. When a prospect clicks your link and opens a live trading account with StarTrader, they are tagged to your IB code. Any commissions generated by that client's trading activity are attributed to you. The link is your primary commercial tool — use it accurately and never share it in a way that could mislead prospects about what they are clicking on.
Your IB agreement is a binding document. Read it carefully before you begin referring clients. It will specify your commission terms, exclusivity arrangements (if any), grounds for suspension or termination, and your obligations around compliance. If anything in the agreement is unclear, ask the StarTrader IB team before proceeding.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand the mechanics of the StarTrader IB programme, what the partnership involves, and what is expected of you as a partner.
IB commission is the income you earn from referring clients to StarTrader. Understanding how it is calculated — and what drives it — is essential for building a realistic and sustainable IB business. This module explains the mechanics clearly.
The most common IB commission structure in the forex and CFD industry is volume-based. You earn a fixed amount per lot traded by your referred clients. A "lot" is a standardised unit of trading volume. The more your clients trade, the more commission you earn. Your commission rate is agreed with StarTrader in advance and set out in your IB agreement.
Your commission is not affected by whether your clients make or lose money on their trades. This is important to understand: you do not benefit financially from clients losing money, and you do not earn less when they are profitable. Your earnings are based solely on trading volume. This removes any incentive to push clients towards excessive trading or poor decisions.
Commissions are typically calculated on a regular cycle — daily, weekly or monthly depending on your agreement — and paid to your designated account. The StarTrader IB portal will show you your accrued commission in real time. Always verify your portal figures against your payment receipts and raise any discrepancies with the IB team promptly.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand how IB commission is calculated, what drives your earnings, and how payments work in practice.
There are three main commission structures you may encounter as an IB. Understanding each one will help you evaluate your own arrangement with StarTrader and assess which model suits your business approach.
Under a CPA model, you earn a fixed one-time payment for each client who opens a live account and meets a minimum deposit or trading threshold. The payment is made once, regardless of how long the client remains active or how much they trade after that.
Best suited to: IBs who generate high volumes of new account registrations and prefer predictable, upfront income.
Trade-off: Once a client is introduced and the CPA is paid, there is no ongoing income from that client's future activity.
Under a revenue share model, you earn a percentage of the spread or commission that StarTrader earns from each trade your referred clients make. Payments are ongoing for as long as the client remains active.
Best suited to: IBs who focus on client retention and building a long-term book of active traders.
Trade-off: Earnings build more slowly initially, but compound over time as your client base grows.
A hybrid model combines both approaches — a smaller CPA payment on acquisition plus an ongoing revenue share on trading activity. This balances immediate income with long-term earnings.
Best suited to: IBs who want both upfront reward and ongoing residual income, and who have the client support systems to retain clients over time.
✓ By the end of this module, you will be able to identify and compare the three main IB commission structures and evaluate which model is most appropriate for your business approach.
Before you can introduce clients to StarTrader effectively, you need to understand what StarTrader actually offers. This module gives you a structured overview of the broker's key features from an IB's perspective — so you can describe them accurately, without overstating or misrepresenting.
StarTrader offers different account types suited to different levels of trading experience and capital. As an IB, you should familiarise yourself with the key differences — minimum deposit requirements, available leverage, spread types and any account-specific conditions — so you can help prospects identify the right starting point. Always direct clients to StarTrader's official account documentation for the most current terms.
StarTrader provides access to industry-standard trading platforms including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and/or MetaTrader 5 (MT5). These are widely used, well-documented platforms. IBs should know that these platforms exist and be able to describe them at a basic level — but should not position themselves as platform trainers or technical support.
StarTrader clients can typically trade across forex pairs, commodities, indices and other CFD instruments. You should know broadly what is available, but always verify the current instrument list with StarTrader before making specific claims to prospects.
StarTrader offers demo accounts that allow prospective clients to practise trading using virtual funds before committing real capital. Encouraging interested prospects to try a demo account is a responsible and effective first step. Always clarify that demo trading conditions differ from live trading — particularly with regard to execution, liquidity and emotional pressure.
✓ By the end of this module, you will be able to describe StarTrader's core product offering accurately and direct prospects to the right account type and resources.
Knowing what StarTrader offers is only half the task. The other half is being able to communicate it clearly, honestly and professionally to people who may know nothing about trading or brokers. This module gives you a practical framework for doing so.
When introducing StarTrader to a prospect, your first job is to explain what the broker is and how it works — not to lead with income potential or lifestyle promises. A professional introduction might sound like: "StarTrader is an online broker that allows you to trade financial markets including forex, commodities and indices through a regulated platform. If you are interested in trading, they offer both demo and live accounts."
Prospects will ask questions. Your job is to answer what you know accurately, and refer anything you are unsure about to StarTrader directly. Never invent an answer or speculate about platform features, fees or regulatory status. Saying "I will find that out for you and come back" is far more professional than guessing.
✓ By the end of this module, you will have a clear, honest and practical framework for describing StarTrader to prospects across any channel or conversation.
Trust is the foundation of every successful IB business. Prospects who trust you will open accounts, remain active, and refer others. Prospects who do not trust you — or who feel misled — will not convert, will not stay, and may report you. This module covers what genuine trust-building looks like and how to practise it.
Credibility is built through consistent, honest behaviour over time. Posting genuinely useful information about trading, being transparent about the risks, sharing your genuine perspective rather than scripted hype, and treating prospects as intelligent adults who can make their own decisions — these are the foundations of a credible IB presence.
You do not need to pretend to be an expert trader to be a credible IB. You need to be an honest, knowledgeable, professional partner who helps people navigate the process of opening and using a trading account.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand the principles of genuine trust-building and how to apply them consistently across your IB activity.
Lead generation is the process of finding people who may be genuinely interested in opening a trading account with StarTrader. Ethical lead generation means finding the right people through honest means — not mass messaging, not misleading advertising, and not targeting people who have indicated they cannot afford to lose money.
Before generating leads, be clear about who you are looking for. The right prospect for a StarTrader IB referral is someone who has a genuine interest in trading financial markets, understands that it involves risk, and has disposable capital they can afford to put at risk. Anyone who does not fit this profile is not a suitable referral — no matter how easy they would be to convert.
✓ By the end of this module, you will have a practical, compliant approach to identifying and attracting genuinely suitable prospects for StarTrader.
Converting a prospect into a registered StarTrader client should be the natural result of a good introduction — not the result of pressure, urgency or manipulation. This module covers honest conversion conversations that move people forward without pushing them.
Your job is to help an interested person make an informed decision. That is it. If someone is genuinely interested in trading and StarTrader is a suitable option for them, your role is to make the process easy and clear. If they are not ready or not suitable, your role is to be honest about that — not to talk them into something against their interests.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand how to guide interested prospects through a registration decision honestly, without applying inappropriate pressure.
Onboarding refers to the process of getting a referred client from initial interest to a fully verified, funded, live trading account. This process involves StarTrader's systems, the client's own documentation, and your support as their IB. A smooth onboarding experience increases the likelihood that a client will remain active.
Your role is to support and encourage — not to complete the process for the client. You cannot submit KYC documents on a client's behalf, handle their funds, or log into their account. Any attempt to do so would breach the IB agreement and potentially constitute a regulatory violation.
✓ By the end of this module, you will be able to guide a referred client through the full StarTrader account opening process clearly and professionally, knowing exactly what your role is at each stage.
Many IBs focus entirely on getting clients to sign up and then disappear. This is both a commercial mistake and a professional failing. Clients who feel abandoned after registration are unlikely to stay active — and an inactive client generates no commission and no goodwill. This module covers what post-registration support looks like in practice.
A brief, friendly message a day or two after registration — asking if they have any questions about the platform or the account setup — goes a long way. It shows professionalism, keeps the relationship warm, and increases the likelihood that the client will deposit and start trading. Keep your check-ins genuine and non-pressuring.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand what ongoing client support as an IB looks like, and where the clear boundaries of your role lie.
Poorly managed expectations are one of the most common causes of client dissatisfaction, complaints and IB reputational damage. If a client believes they were told they would make money and they do not, they will blame whoever gave them that impression. This module gives you the tools to set honest expectations from the outset.
If any of these expectations exist when a client opens a live account, the potential for disappointment — and complaint — is significant. Your job is to address them honestly before the account is opened.
If a client comes to you frustrated after a loss, your role is to acknowledge their experience, remind them of the risks they were informed about, and direct them to StarTrader's client support for any account-related issues. Do not minimise their frustration, but do not accept responsibility for market outcomes you had no part in creating.
✓ By the end of this module, you will be able to set accurate, honest expectations with new clients in a way that protects both them and your professional reputation.
Digital channels are the primary tools for most IBs. Each platform has different norms, audiences and risks. This module gives you channel-specific guidance on how to use each one professionally and compliantly.
These are direct messaging and group platforms. They are excellent for building a focused community of people interested in trading. Best practices: keep a pinned risk warning in any group, be responsive to questions, do not share signal-style content, and never share your referral link without context or without the relevant risk disclosure attached.
Discord is well-suited to structured communities with multiple channels. You can create dedicated channels for different topics — general discussion, platform guides, onboarding help — which presents a more professional image. Apply the same content standards as Telegram. Pin your risk warning and commission disclosure in an #about or #rules channel.
Instagram is a visual platform. The temptation on Instagram is to lean into lifestyle content — and this is where many IBs get into trouble. Focus on educational content, honest market commentary and genuine insights rather than wealth signalling. Every post or story that mentions StarTrader or trading should include a risk disclaimer, either in the caption or as a slide.
TikTok is a high-reach, short-form video platform with a younger audience. Content about trading on TikTok spreads quickly — both good content and problematic content. Be especially careful here: avoid dramatic profit claims, do not show account balances without full context, and include a verbal or text risk warning in every video related to trading. TikTok also has its own policies on financial promotion — review them before posting.
✓ By the end of this module, you will know how to use each of these platforms in a way that builds your audience professionally, maintains compliance and avoids the common mistakes that get IBs into difficulty.
Content is how most IBs build an audience and generate leads. But trading-related content comes with specific responsibilities. Get it wrong and you risk misleading your audience, breaching your IB agreement, or creating content that could be classified as unlicensed financial promotion. This module covers what responsible trading content looks like.
Before posting, ask: "If a regulator saw this, would they consider it misleading financial promotion?" If there is any doubt, revise it — or do not post it. Adding a risk warning does not automatically make problematic content compliant; the substance of the content itself must be honest.
✓ By the end of this module, you will be able to create trading-related content that builds your IB audience credibly and compliantly, without putting yourself or your clients at risk.
A misleading claim does not need to be an outright lie. A claim can be technically true but still mislead — by omitting important context, by implying something that is not the case, or by presenting a best-case scenario as though it were typical. This module helps you identify and avoid all forms of misleading communication.
Before making any claim in your marketing or communications, ask: "Is this claim accurate in all typical circumstances, not just in the best case?" If the answer is no — if it only holds true sometimes, or for some people, or under specific conditions — then the claim needs to be qualified or removed.
If you want to reference results or performance, you must provide enough context for the claim to be fair. This means including the timeframe, the account size, whether the result was sustained, and a clear statement that past performance does not indicate future results. In practice, it is usually simpler and safer to avoid results-based claims altogether.
✓ By the end of this module, you will be able to identify misleading claims in all their forms and ensure your own communications are accurate, fair and free from implication that could mislead a prospect.
Risk warnings are not just a legal formality. They are a genuine communication tool that helps clients make informed decisions. Used properly, they demonstrate professionalism. Used as a small-print afterthought at the bottom of promotional content, they fail their purpose — and may not provide any protection from a compliance standpoint.
At a minimum, every piece of content or communication involving StarTrader or trading should include a statement along these lines: "Trading financial instruments involves significant risk. You could lose some or all of your invested capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Only trade with funds you can afford to lose."
Risk warnings should be proportionate to the content they accompany. A heavily promotional piece of content — one that emphasises earning potential — requires a more prominent risk warning than a neutral informational post. The more a piece of content could encourage someone to open an account, the clearer and more prominent the risk warning needs to be.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand risk disclosure requirements and be able to include appropriate, genuine risk warnings in all your communications and content.
Understanding your IB performance data allows you to make better decisions about where to focus your time, which activities are generating results, and where clients are dropping off. This module walks you through the key metrics available in the StarTrader IB portal and how to use them.
Track these numbers over time, not just in a single snapshot. Look for patterns: Are new registrations up but active clients flat? That points to an onboarding or post-registration support issue. Are verified clients not depositing? That may point to an expectation issue that needs addressing earlier in the conversation. Data-driven IBs consistently outperform those who operate purely on instinct.
✓ By the end of this module, you will understand how to read your IB performance data and use it to make informed decisions about where to focus your effort.
Retention — keeping your referred clients active over time — is the single biggest driver of long-term IB income. A client who trades for six months generates far more commission than six clients who trade for a week each. This module covers what drives retention and how to improve it ethically.
✓ By the end of this module, you will have a practical, ethical retention framework that supports client longevity and builds a sustainable IB business over time.
A clear seven-step process from application to active IB, with full module access as soon as you are accepted.
Complete a short application form. We review all applications individually to ensure the programme is appropriate for you. There is no cost to apply.
Once accepted, you will receive a welcome email containing your members area password and full access to all 18 training modules. No delays, no locked content — everything is available immediately.
Complete all 18 modules at your own pace across the six learning tracks. Each module opens with a full written lesson and closes with a downloadable PDF summary. Work in order or revisit modules as needed.
Complete the StarTrader knowledge track so you can describe the broker's offer accurately, demonstrate the platform to prospects, and answer common client questions with confidence.
With training complete, you will have your IB link, your compliance framework and a practical system for generating leads and onboarding clients through your chosen channels.
Use the StarTrader IB portal to monitor your referrals, active clients and commission. Apply what you learned in Module 17 to focus on what is working.
Academy members receive continued access to all modules and ongoing support from the StarTrader IB team for any questions that arise as you grow your business.
All Vaulted IB Academy graduates partner with StarTrader. This page gives you the foundational knowledge you need to represent StarTrader accurately and professionally.
StarTrader is the broker your referred clients will open accounts with. As an IB, you are introducing clients to StarTrader — you are not the broker, you are not managing their funds, and you are not providing them with trading advice.
Your role is to introduce clients responsibly, ensure they understand what they are signing up for, and support them through the onboarding process.
As an Introducing Broker, you are a referral partner — not a financial adviser, not a fund manager, and not a trading signal provider. Your clients trade at their own risk using their own judgement.
StarTrader offers demo accounts for practice with virtual funds. Encourage prospects to start here. Clarify that demo conditions differ from live trading.
Live accounts involve real capital and real risk. Clients must understand this fully before opening a live account. Never minimise this.
StarTrader provides access to industry-standard trading platforms. Know what is available but do not present yourself as a platform trainer.
StarTrader has a structured KYC and verification process. IBs support clients through it — but do not complete it on their behalf.
The majority of retail traders lose money. IBs must communicate this consistently. Never imply clients are likely to be profitable.
IBs can describe StarTrader's features honestly. IBs cannot guarantee profits, predict movements, advise on trades, or imply trading is risk-free.
| ✓ IBs Can Say | ✗ IBs Cannot Say |
|---|---|
| StarTrader offers competitive spreads on major instruments. | StarTrader is the best broker in the world. |
| You can open a demo account to practise before going live. | You will make money with StarTrader. |
| Trading involves risk — you could lose your capital. | This is a risk-free way to grow your money. |
| Here is a link to open an account with StarTrader. | I can show you exactly which trades to take. |
| I earn a commission when referred clients trade. | Everyone I refer is doing well — so can you. |
Every Vaulted IB Academy member is expected to uphold these standards at all times. This is a condition of participating in the programme and operating as a StarTrader IB.
Trading in financial instruments involves a high degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. You should only trade with capital you can afford to lose. Before deciding to trade, consider your investment objectives, risk appetite and level of experience.
Every post mentioning StarTrader or trading must include a risk disclaimer. Do not imply profit potential or suggest trading is straightforward.
Include a clear verbal and/or on-screen risk warning. Do not use screenshots of profits as the central hook of any video.
Be transparent about who you are and your relationship with StarTrader. Do not cold message with profit claims.
Post the full risk warning prominently in group descriptions and pin it for new members on all platforms.
Any paid advertising must include proper financial promotion disclaimers. Consult StarTrader before running paid ads.
Only use genuine testimonials with explicit consent. Never fabricate, edit or present testimonials in a misleading way.
Applications are reviewed individually. We are looking for people who are serious about building a professional, compliant IB business with StarTrader.
There is no fee to apply. If successful, you will receive an acceptance email with your members area password and full access to all 18 training modules immediately.
We review your application, typically within 3 working days. If accepted, you receive an email with your password and immediate access to the full module library. No waiting, no phased unlock — everything is available from day one.
Applications are reviewed within 3 working days.
If you have questions about the programme, the application process or the StarTrader IB partnership, get in touch. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.
For questions about active IB accounts, commission payments or client issues, contact the StarTrader IB team directly. This form is for programme enquiries only.
Enter your client numbers below to see a monthly and annual income projection across different commission rates. The average retail client trades around 0.25 lots per day — use this as your baseline.
The typical average is 0.25 lots per day. Adjust based on your client profile.