interactive brokers

IMPORTANT: concerns about possible internet access interruption for Russian residents

This notice is directed at all IBKR clients whose access to IBKR’s brokerage platform requires internet and/or telecommunications networks based in Russia.

Based on publicly available information, we are alerted that restrictions on access from Russia (and perhaps its dependencies) to the broader global internet network are being considered. If any restriction is deployed that blocks access to the internet or IT services outside of Russia from its residents, this will likely impact IBKR clients’ ability to access their account and manage their portfolios.

Since the commencement of the military actions in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, global markets have experienced extraordinary volatility. Without a substantial reduction in the scale of this conflict, we do not see market volatility decreasing, and therefore we reasonably expect the volatility of most financial portfolios to also remain high.

We urge our clients to independently assess the impact of a broad technology restriction on Russian residents, including the ability to continue to access international financial services such as provided by IBKR. Furthermore, we urge IBKR clients to consider more specifically the risks to their IBKR portfolios in light of current events, and to consider the impact(s) of losing the ability to readily manage their investments and execute funds transfers.

Lastly, Interactive Brokers has no way to confirm the degree of accuracy of the information that Russian internet access may be disrupted, nor to the scope or timing under consideration. We also have no way to mitigate these risks on behalf of our clients within a short time frame should restrictions be implemented in the next days,