What is Trading Affiliation ?

Trading affiliation could be defined as compensation that a person/entity earns for registering a client with a partner. In the trading world, traders must register with brokers or crypto exchanges to place their trades.

These platforms, like any company, constantly seek to acquire more clients. To promote their platforms, some brokers and exchanges use affiliate programs. The principle is simple. The platform offers advertisers (influencers, brands, websites) compensation for every client who signs up through them.

Affiliation is therefore a system of “advertising”: an intermediary brings a client to a company, and the company compensates the intermediary for doing so. To track which client comes from which advertiser, companies generally use two techniques :

1. Tracking links
2. Promo codes

Tracking links contain information to identify the traffic source. For example, a tracking link might look like this: “https://brandname.com/&source=advertiser”. The brand can then know that all clients who registered via this link came from a specific advertiser.

Promo codes are more commonly used in influencer advertising than in trading affiliation. The influencer promotes a brand by saying “Get X% discount using my code XX“.

Different Remuneration Models for Affiliation

Beyond the volume-sharing model used by crypto exchanges, there are different types of affiliate programs offered by brokers and other platforms. The type of remuneration differs based on the actions taken by the client. We’ll explain these different types in detail and what they entail.

Many people think that trading affiliation compensates the advertiser based on client losses. You’ll discover below that this is generally not the case.

Here are the 5 most common commission types in trading affiliation :

1. CPL (Cost Per Lead)
2. CPA (Cost Per Action)
3. Revenue Sharing
4. Hybrid Scheme
5. IB Deal

1. CPL (Cost Per Lead)

CPL is the simplest type of commission offered in affiliation. The advertiser is simply paid for the leads they bring to the broker.

A lead is generally a person registered on the platform. Some may also pay per click, but the compensation is obviously lower.

CPL doesn’t require any further action from the client other than registering. It’s a relatively rare scheme in the affiliation world because many clients, whether in trading or elsewhere, register on a platform and do nothing more. In this case, the brand is obviously losing out.

2. CPA (Cost Per Action)

CPA is the most common type of commission in affiliation. It’s a type that can encompass more. In this model, the brand defines an action that the client must take to trigger compensation for the advertiser.

This action can be registration (which would be identical to CPL) or, in the case of trading, a deposit. For other domains, the action can also be subscribing to a plan.

CPA is the most widespread in trading. The broker often compensates the advertiser when the new client makes a deposit on the platform. The commission generally varies according to the deposit amount.

To prevent abuse, many brokers have implemented a CPA that includes the deposit plus a certain number of opened trades. This helps them avoid fake accounts and “deposit-withdrawal” schemes.

3. Revenue Sharing

Revenue sharing is the type of commission where the advertiser is paid based on client performance. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not client losses that trigger commissions but their trading volume.

In a revenue-sharing system, the advertiser earns a portion of the fees that the broker or exchange charges the client. When opening a position, the trader generally pays fees. When closing the position as well, particularly through spreads.

The advertiser therefore earns a percentage of the fees collected by the platform. Remuneration based on client losses is prohibited in trading, whether for brokers or advertisers.

4. Hybrid Systems

Hybrid systems combine several types of remuneration. For example, a classic hybrid scheme would be a commission upon client registration (CPL) followed by a CPA if they subscribe to a paid plan or formula.

In trading affiliation, a possible scheme would be a CPL followed by revenue sharing based on client activity.

5. The IB “Introducing Broker” Deal

An Introducing Broker (IB) is a brokerage agent who helps traders open a trading account with a broker. In exchange for these services, the IB receives a commission. The role of the Introducing Broker is to identify individuals or companies interested in trading or investing and then direct them to a broker.

As an intermediary, the IB does not directly manage client transactions or capital. The broker handles all operational aspects of transactions, including order execution, asset custody, and regulatory compliance.

The compensation of an Introducing Broker in the trading sector is primarily based on commissions. Here are the different remuneration methods commonly used :

• Commission on Trading Volume : The IB receives a commission calculated as a percentage of the transaction volume made by the clients they referred. The more trades clients make, the higher the IB’s commission can be.
• Revenue Sharing : Some IBs have a revenue-sharing agreement with the main broker. In this case, the IB receives a percentage of the revenue generated by the broker thanks to the introduced clients, such as spreads or commissions.
• CPA : In some cases, the IB may receive a fixed commission for each new client they bring to the broker. This type of remuneration is simpler but doesn’t take into account the client’s trading activity.
• Performance Thresholds : Sometimes, commissions may be linked to achieving certain performance thresholds. This may include a minimum number of trades made by referred clients or a minimum deposit amount reached.

Affiliation with Crypto Exchanges : The Volume Sharing Model

Cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitget, Binance, Bybit or Kucoin have revolutionized the affiliation model in the trading sector. Unlike traditional brokers, they primarily offer a model based on sharing revenues generated by the trading volume of referred users.

How Does Affiliation with Crypto Exchanges Work ?

The crypto exchange affiliation model is based on a simple but powerful principle: the affiliate receives a percentage of the trading fees generated by users they’ve brought to the platform. Here’s how it works:

1. Program Registration : The affiliate signs up for the exchange’s affiliate program
2. Obtaining a Referral Link : The exchange provides a unique link or referral code
3. Promotion : The affiliate shares this link via their website, social media, or other channels
4. User Registration : Users register via the affiliate link
5. Commission Generation : The affiliate earns a percentage of the trading fees generated by these users

Advantages of the Exchange Affiliation Model

This model offers several significant advantages over traditional affiliation models :

• Recurring Revenue : As long as referred users continue to trade, the affiliate continues to receive commissions
• Alignment of Interests : The affiliate is incentivized to attract active traders rather than just registrants
• Transparency : Commissions are directly tied to users’ actual activity
• High Earning Potential : Big traders can generate substantial commissions
• No Conflict of Interest : The affiliate earns whether the user wins or loses on their trades

Examples of Exchange Affiliate Programs

Here are some examples of affiliate programs offered by major cryptocurrency exchange platforms:

Bitget

Bitget offers a multi-tier affiliate program with commissions up to 50% of trading fees. The program also includes bonuses for high-performing affiliates and advanced marketing tools.

Bybit

Bybit’s affiliate program offers up to 30% of the trading fees from referred users. Affiliates can also benefit from a multi-tier commission system and personalized marketing support.

Binance

Binance’s affiliate program offers up to 40% of the trading fees generated by referred users. Affiliates can track their performance in real-time via a dedicated dashboard and receive their commissions directly in cryptocurrencies.

KuCoin

KuCoin offers an affiliate program with commissions up to 50% of trading fees. The program also includes bonuses for affiliates who reach certain performance goals.

Effective Strategies for Exchange Affiliation

To succeed in crypto exchange affiliation, here are some effective strategies :

• Create Educational Content : Offer tutorials, guides, and market analyses to attract interested traders
• Target a Specific Niche : Focus on a particular segment of the crypto market (DeFi, NFT, futures trading, etc.)
• Be Transparent : Clearly disclose affiliate links and explain how you are compensated
• Compare Exchanges : Offer objective comparisons between different platforms
• Provide Added Value : Offer bonuses, training, or exclusive tools to users who register via your link

Affiliation with Traditional Brokers

Traditional brokers are financial intermediaries that allow traders to access financial markets to buy and sell assets such as stocks, bonds, currencies (forex), or commodities.

Unlike crypto exchanges that primarily focus on cryptocurrencies, traditional brokers generally offer a wider range of financial instruments.

Differences Between Broker and Crypto Exchange Affiliation

Affiliation with traditional brokers presents several notable differences compared to affiliation with crypto exchanges :

Aspect	Traditional Brokers	Crypto Exchanges
Main remuneration model	CPA (Cost Per Action)	Revenue sharing (% of volume)
Commission duration	Often one-time payment	Recurring (as long as the user trades)
Commission amount	Generally higher per client	Variable depending on client activity
Regulation	Stricter (AMF, FCA, etc.)	Varies by platform
Requirements for affiliates	Often stricter	Generally more accessible

Advantages and Disadvantages of Broker Affiliation

Advantages :

• Potentially higher initial commissions
• More established regulatory framework
• Ability to target traditional financial markets
• Often well-structured affiliate programs

Disadvantages :

• Generally non-recurring revenue
• Stricter marketing requirements
• Sometimes more complex registration process
• More established competition

Examples of Broker Affiliate Programs

Several traditional brokers offer attractive affiliate programs:

• eToro : Offers up to 25% of the net revenue generated by referred clients
• XTB : Offers a CPA that can reach several hundred euros per active client
• IG : Offers a hybrid program combining CPA and revenue sharing
• Plus500 : Offers a fixed CPA per qualified client

The Case of InvestX in Affiliation

In our case, affiliation is part of the revenue in our business model. On our website investx.fr, you may sometimes see links to brands, such as Bitget for example.

Our main business plan is based on the volume-sharing model with crypto exchanges. This model is at the heart of our strategy because it creates a perfect alignment between our interests and those of our community: we only earn when our affiliates earn and generate trading volume.

Why This Model ?

We find this model much more ethical than systems based solely on deposits or registrations. This approach allows us to focus on the quality of our content and training, rather than aggressive marketing tactics.

Affiliation is a type of revenue that we particularly appreciate because it allows us to share our passion for free. Our crypto media is 100% free and offers hundreds of news articles and informative guides to understand cryptocurrency and trading.

Our Telegram channel brings together a community of passionate traders united around a common passion. We can also afford to run this community thanks to affiliation.

However, our commissions are never triggered by the losses of our members. All our remuneration comes through sharing the revenue generated by trading volume, regardless of user gains or losses, or through CPA when a user registers on a platform.

Our Approach to Affiliation

At InvestX, we have adopted an ethical and transparent approach to affiliation:

• We only recommend platforms that we use ourselves
• We clearly disclose our affiliate partnerships
• We prioritize the quality of information and the training of our community
• We select our partners according to strict reliability and security criteria
• We favor models based on trading volume rather than simple deposits

This approach allows us to maintain a relationship of trust with our community while ensuring the sustainability of our free services. Our success is directly linked to that of our users, creating a virtuous circle where everyone wins.

Our Review on Trading Affiliation in 2026

Trading affiliation, whether with crypto exchanges or traditional brokers, represents an interesting opportunity for both platforms and affiliates. Crypto exchanges have revolutionized this sector by introducing a model based on sharing revenue generated by trading volume, thus creating an alignment of interests between all parties.

To succeed in trading affiliation, it is essential to understand the different remuneration models, choose partners suited to your audience, and bring real added value to your community. Transparency and ethics are also fundamental values for building a lasting relationship of trust with your users.

Whether you’re a content creator, an influencer, or a site specializing in finance, trading affiliation can be an interesting source of revenue while allowing you to share your passion and expertise with your community.