The brokerage landscape has changed dramatically over the last five years. Competition is rising, costs are climbing, and client expectations are shifting. For securities and CFD brokers, the old playbook of offering tight spreads and a MetaTrader license is no longer enough. To stay relevant, brokers need to rethink how they build platforms, diversify revenues, and retain traders.
Platforms: Beyond the MT4/MT5 Standard
MetaTrader 4 and 5 are still widely used, but they have also boxed brokers into a corner:
- Licensing costs continue to increase,
- Almost every broker looks the same on the front end,
- Margins are shrinking, and competition is fierce.
That is why leading players like IG, Saxo, Swissquote, and FxPro have invested heavily in proprietary platforms. Owning the technology allows them to tailor user experience, roll out new features quickly, and create a trading environment that feels distinct.
A two-tiered approach works well: a simplified platform for first-time retail clients, plus advanced tools for experienced traders. Crypto exchanges like Coinbase have already proven this model: “easy entry” plus “deep tools” keeps users from graduating to competitors.
Diversifying Revenue Streams
Commissions and spreads remain the backbone of brokerage income, but relying on them exclusively is risky. Many brokers are moving into payments, banking, and crypto to balance revenue.
- Crypto & Virtual Assets – Beyond listing BTC or ETH CFDs, brokers are integrating crypto deposits and withdrawals directly. This cuts costs and offers traders more flexibility.
- Payments & EMI Licensing – Some brokers are applying for e-money licenses, allowing them to control deposits, withdrawals, and even issue cards. This makes payments a business line of its own.
- Banking Services – A smaller number of firms go further, pursuing investment or digital banking licenses. Offering clients a “trade-transfer-spend” account structure increases trust and locks in loyalty.
Swiss brokers like Dukascopy and Swissquote show how banking and trading can be combined effectively, especially in jurisdictions with looser ESMA restrictions.
Partnerships and Outsourcing
No broker can build everything in-house. White-label and modular solutions let firms expand quickly without sinking resources into development. Compliance and regtech providers can reduce the burden of AML/KYC. Advisory firms can streamline licensing and structuring across multiple jurisdictions.
Specialized consultancies, such as Zitadelle AG, work with brokers who want to scale into new regions, obtain additional authorizations, or diversify into payments and banking. These partnerships often save time and reduce regulatory risk, giving brokers more room to focus on growth.
Client Trust Is the Differentiator
At the end of the day, traders want a broker they trust. That trust comes from:
- Transparent fee and spread structures,
- Strong regulatory oversight,
- Clear information on fund custody,
- Responsive, multilingual customer support,
- Educational tools that reduce entry barriers for new traders.
In volatile markets, these “soft” factors often matter as much as execution speed or spreads.
Data-Driven Iteration
The most competitive brokers treat every new feature or product as a test. Data and feedback loops drive decision-making:
- Monitor user behavior to streamline onboarding,
- A/B test new commission structures,
- Use analytics to track retention and lifetime value,
- Roll out new order types or charting features in stages.
The ability to iterate quickly keeps a broker from falling behind in a market that changes fast.
Bottom Line
The brokerage industry in 2025 rewards firms that think bigger than spreads. Proprietary platforms, diversified revenue streams, smart partnerships, and relentless focus on client trust are what separate the winners from the rest. For brokers, the real challenge is not just competing today, it is building a model that can withstand the next wave of change in global markets.
Advisory groups like Zitadelle AG can provide the expertise to accelerate that journey, helping brokers secure new authorizations, expand internationally, and position themselves for long-term growth.
Read More: How Securities and CFD Brokers Can Stay Competitive in Today’s Market by Zitadelle AG
