IBKR Launches Crypto-to-Account Transfers, Cutting Sell-and-Deposit Friction

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has enabled crypto-to-account transfers, allowing traders to move supported cryptocurrencies directly into their linked brokerage accounts without first selling to fiat. Clients initiate the transfer inside the IBKR platform, sending assets from external private wallets or other exchanges. After receipt, the crypto shows up as a position in the unified portfolio. IBKR says the transfer itself is typically not a taxable event in many jurisdictions because customers often do not sell at the time of transfer. Custody is designed with security controls including cold storage for most assets, along with encryption and other safeguards. For traders, the crypto-to-account transfer reduces operational friction and may lower total costs versus a sell-then-deposit workflow. It also consolidates exposures across traditional markets and crypto in one interface. A further use case is collateral efficiency: transferred crypto can potentially be used as margin collateral subject to IBKR margin rules and crypto haircuts. The feature follows IBKR’s phased crypto rollout with Paxos, including earlier crypto trading steps and broader expansion via Paxos Trust Company. IBKR frames this as a more competitive way to access diversified global trading while keeping later trading/selling inside IBKR subject to tax and normal market volatility.