Let’s be honest. As a freelancer or remote worker in Bangladesh or Pakistan, earning in dollars is only half the battle. The other half is protecting the value of those dollars.

Many freelancers withdraw their salary to a local bank account as soon as it arrives. Converting hard-earned USD into BDT or PKR may cover today’s expenses, but it also exposes long-term savings to inflation and currency depreciation. Over time, purchasing power can quietly shrink.

The solution is not to work more. It is to invest smarter and invest globally.

In this review, we take a closer look at Interactive Brokers (IBKR), widely regarded as one of the strongest platforms for international investors. The platform is open to residents of Bangladesh and Pakistan. We will explore why it stands out and how you can use your Elevate Pay account to fund it without the usual banking friction.

What is IBKR? (And is it Available in BD/PK?)

Interactive Brokers is not just another trading app. It is a US-based brokerage firm listed on Nasdaq. Unlike many newer fintech platforms that limit access based on geography, IBKR has served international clients for decades.

It provides access to more than 150 markets across 33 countries. That means you are not limited to US stocks. You can invest in markets such as London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, all from one account.

For a freelancer in Dhaka or Lahore, that access opens the door to the global economy.

Why We Recommend IBKR for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Freelancers

After testing multiple platforms, IBKR consistently ranks at the top for several key reasons.

1. You Retain Liquidity in USD

When you purchase U.S.-listed stocks or ETFs on Interactive Brokers, your investments are priced and held in US dollars.

For freelancers who earn in USD, this means you can keep your capital within the dollar system instead of immediately converting it into BDT or PKR. You retain flexibility over when and if you convert your funds into local currency.

This structure allows you to:

• Hold cash balances in USD inside your brokerage account

• Invest in USD-denominated assets

• Liquidate investments and remain in USD

Your portfolio value will still move based on market performance and exchange rates if measured in local currency. However, you maintain control over your USD liquidity rather than being forced to convert at the time you receive income.

For many remote workers, that flexibility is the practical advantage.

2. You Can Start Small with Fractional Shares

A single share of a major company can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Interactive Brokers offers fractional share trading for many eligible U.S., Canadian, and European stocks and ETFs.

This means you can place an order based on a dollar amount instead of buying a full share. If the stock is eligible and fractional trading is enabled on your account, you can invest small amounts, often starting from around $1.

For example, instead of buying one full share of Apple, you can invest a fixed amount such as $10. IBKR allocates the fractional portion within your account.

Not all stocks or ETFs are eligible for fractional trading, and availability depends on IBKR’s policies and the exchange. However, for many large U.S. companies and ETFs, fractional investing is supported.

This flexibility makes strategies like dollar-cost averaging more accessible, allowing you to invest a consistent amount from your income on a regular schedule.

3. Is IBKR Safe? US Regulation & SIPC Protection

Trust is often the biggest concern when sending money abroad. Interactive Brokers operates through regulated entities in multiple jurisdictions.

Its primary U.S. entity, Interactive Brokers LLC, is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of FINRA. Its UK entity, Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Other IBKR entities are regulated by their respective local authorities.

For accounts held with the U.S. entity, client assets are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). SIPC coverage is up to $500,000 per customer, including a $250,000 limit for cash. It is important to note that SIPC does not protect against investment losses due to market movements. It applies if a brokerage fails and client assets are missing.

IBKR also maintains additional excess SIPC coverage through private insurers, subject to specific limits and conditions.

Protection rules may vary depending on which IBKR entity your account is held with. You can confirm your specific coverage during the account opening process.

4. Halal Investing: Access Shariah-Compliant ETFs (HLAL & SPUS)

For many freelancers, investing in line with Shariah principles is important.

Interactive Brokers does not provide Shariah certification or screening itself. However, because it offers access to the full US market and many international exchanges, you can independently choose investments that align with your criteria.

This includes Shariah-screened ETFs such as SP Funds S&P 500 Sharia Industry Exclusions ETF (SPUS) and Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL), as well as individual stocks that meet your personal screening standards.

IBKR provides broad market access. The responsibility for selecting Shariah-compliant investments remains with the investor. Many third-party research tools and screening services are available to help with this process.

IBKR Fees: Low Commissions & No Inactivity Fees

There is a common misconception that IBKR is only suitable for high-net-worth or professional traders. That is no longer the case.

No inactivity fees:
IBKR no longer charges monthly inactivity fees for most individual accounts. If you invest long term and do not trade frequently, you are not penalized.

Low, transparent commissions:
Most users from Bangladesh and Pakistan are placed on the IBKR Pro plan. Under this structure, US stock trades are typically charged on a per-share basis, with a small minimum commission per order. The exact cost depends on the number of shares traded and the exchange.

In practice, commissions are generally low compared to many traditional brokers, especially for long-term investors placing periodic trades.

It is important to note that additional costs may apply depending on what you trade. These can include exchange fees and optional market data subscriptions. IBKR clearly discloses these charges within your account.

Overall, the platform is cost-efficient for freelancers who want access to global markets without excessive brokerage fees.

Getting Started

Opening an IBKR account is fully digital, but it does require identity verification. 

You will typically need:

• A passport or national ID

• Proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill

If you are ready to proceed, you can follow our detailed guide:

Read here: How to Open an Individual Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Account from Bangladesh

How to Fund IBKR in Bangladesh & Pakistan with Elevate Pay

For many users, the hardest part is not opening the account. It is funding it.

Sending money from a local bank in Bangladesh or Pakistan to a US brokerage often involves complex paperwork, regulatory restrictions, and high SWIFT fees. These costs can significantly reduce the amount you actually invest.

This is where Elevate Pay simplifies the process.

Because you receive your salary in your Elevate Pay US account, your funds are already within the US banking system. There is no need to convert your earnings into local currency and then send them abroad again.

ACH transfers within the US are domestic transfers. They are typically faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective than international wire transfers. You also avoid double currency conversion losses.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide:

Check here: How to Fund Your Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Account with Elevate Pay

Final Thoughts

Building wealth as a freelancer requires more than securing your next client. It requires a structured approach to growing what you earn.

Interactive Brokers offers a professional-grade platform with access to global markets. Elevate Pay provides a practical way to move your funds there efficiently.

For freelancers earning in USD, it offers a way to:

• Retain liquidity in US dollars

• Access international markets

• Invest incrementally through fractional shares

Investment decisions involve risk, and suitability depends on individual financial circumstances. Carefully review IBKR’s disclosures and consider independent research before investing.

The best time to start investing may have been years ago. The next best time is now.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please conduct your own research before making investment decisions.