Final Account Setup: Permissions, Branding, and Billing

With the account officially open, take a moment to handle some final configuration steps. These ensure the account operates smoothly within your advisory structure and that your client’s experience is tailored and professional.

If you have a team, now is a good time to set up any User Access Rights for your internal staff who will work with this client. IBKR allows the advisor master account to have multiple users (with their own logins) with role-based permissions (e.g., a portfolio manager, a client service associate, etc.). You can grant access to specific client accounts or functions. Ensure that any colleagues who need to view or manage the new account have been added and given proper rights (trading, reporting, funding, etc. as needed).

1. White Branding the Client’s Experience: If you haven’t done so already, take advantage of IBKR’s white branding features to customize client-facing materials. Through the Advisor Portal settings, you can upload your firm’s logo and set branding preferences for:

   • Client Account Application and Portal: The registration emails and Client Portal interface can show your advisory firm name/logo instead of IBKR’s name in certain places. This was an option during the advisor master account setup, but you can update it now. It helps reinforce to the client that you (their advisor) are their primary point of contact, with IBKR acting in the background as custodian.

   • Statements and Reports: You can have the client’s monthly statements, trade confirmations, and PortfolioAnalyst reports carry your firm’s branding on the header/footer. In the Advisor Portal, under Settings > White Branding, customize the text and logo as per your preference. For example, you might input a custom advisory disclosure or your firm’s address to appear on statements in lieu of IBKR’s default.

   • Client Communications: Even things like system-generated emails can be white-labeled to an extent. IBKR allows you to put your organization’s identity on certain notifications so that clients see your name. Review the white branding section of the portal for all available options. (Keep in mind some regulatory documents will still mention IBKR as the broker/dealer for compliance.)

   White branding is important for maintaining a consistent client experience. It ensures that even though IBKR is the custodian, your client visually perceives the account as an extension of your service. According to IBKR, advisors can white-brand client statements, registration emails, performance reports and more with their own corporate identity, so make full use of that feature.

2. Set Account Permissions & Client Access: By default, in the IBKR advisor framework, clients do not have trading access to their own accounts – meaning they can’t place trades themselves unless you enable it. The assumption is that as the advisor, you are managing the trading. However, you have flexibility here:

   • If you want the client to be able to trade with their account via IBKR’s Client Portal, review the permissions. In the Advisor Portal, find the settings for Client Access or Account Permissions for that sub-account. You can enable client login trading access if appropriate. Once enabled, the client will use their username/password to log into IBKR’s Client Portal and can place trades (or trade with restrictions you set). If you prefer a read-only access for clients (so they can check balances but not trade), you can configure that as well. Each client’s needs may differ – some advisors give full online access to the client, others keep it read-only or completely off. Make sure to communicate this clearly to the client.

   • Confirm that any trading permission settings (like options trading, margin trading, etc.) are correctly set for the account. These are based on permissions that the client requested. You can see the trading permissions in the account management area. If changes are needed (for example, enabling futures trading permissions), you might need to submit a request or have the client sign additional disclosures. It’s good to handle this early if the client’s strategy requires it.

3. Configure Billing (Advisory Fees): If you charge your client fees that are to be deducted from their account (such as an assets under management fee, quarterly flat fee, or performance fee), the IBKR Advisor Portal can automate a lot of the billing and invoicing process. Fees are typically set up at the application invitation/creation stage, however they can also be configured post approval. Note that it will require client consent before they are active. Final setup of the account should include establishing the fee arrangement in the system:

   • Navigate to the Fees or Client Billing section of the Advisor Portal. Here you can set the fee schedule for the new client. IBKR supports a variety of fee structures, including an annualized percentage of net liquidation value (i.e. % of AUM), annual flat fees, performance-based fees (% of P&L), per-trade commission markups, or hourly fees entered as manual invoices. Choose the structure that matches your agreement with the client.

   • For example, you might set a 1% annual management fee, which IBKR will calculate daily (pro-rated) and can deduct from the client’s account. You could also set an annual flat fee which is paid daily, monthly, or quarterly. The system even allows tiered fees or combination structures. Once configured, IBKR can automate the fee calculation and deduction process. They will sweep the fee from the client account to your master advisory account at the intervals you specify.

   • You can also configure client fee templates if you have a standard fee schedule for multiple clients – this saves time if you onboard many clients with identical terms. In this case, apply the template to the new account.

   • After setting the fee, IBKR provides invoicing and reporting tools. It will generate invoices that you can share with clients or keep for your records, detailing how the fee was calculated. Make sure to double-check the first fee calculation after a quarter to ensure it matches your expectations.

   • If you do not charge fees (for example, if you bill clients outside of IBKR or are compensated via other means), you can skip this. But most advisors will use the IBKR billing feature for convenience.

   By configuring these final aspects – permissions, branding, and fees – you ensure that the new account is fully ready and aligned with your business practices. Your client will have the access you intend, your firm’s name will be front-and-center, and your compensation mechanism will run automatically. This completes the onboarding from the advisor’s side.

   Before moving on, it’s wise to do a quick post-onboarding checklist:

   • Verify the client appears under your advisor master with the correct account type and is active.

   • Open the account in Advisor Portal to confirm details like base currency, trading permissions, and fee schedule are correct.

   • Send the client a welcome note or give them a walkthrough of their Client Portal. Let them know how to reach out if they have questions on using the IBKR interface, and reassure them that assets are now securely held with IBKR (one of the largest global brokers) under your guidance.

   With the account live and configured, you’re ready to begin managing the client’s portfolio. Next, we’ll cover ongoing management tips and how to leverage the Advisor Portal’s tools (its CRM and reporting capabilities) in your day-to-day operations with the client.