Fidelity Investments vs Interactive Brokers
Business model, scale, and a side-by-side Litmus framework score — which model wins, and for whom.
Fidelity wins on mass-retail breadth, 0.00% funds, and 401(k) distribution; IBKR wins for global, active traders needing the widest access and lowest margin cost.
At a glance
| Metric | Fidelity Investments | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $37.7B (FY2025) | $6.2B (FY2025) |
| Profit | $12.7B operating income (FY2025) | ~$4.4B net income (FY2025) |
| Active users | 57M customers | 4.1M+ accounts |
| Employees | 80,000+ | ~3,000 |
| Founded | 1946 | 1978 |
| HQ | Boston, Massachusetts | Greenwich, Connecticut |
LLitmus Framework Score
Overall: Fidelity Investments 91 · Interactive Brokers 91
Customer Segment
97
90
Value Proposition
94
95
Marketing Channel
86
80
Engagement
88
91
Income Source
95
98
Asset Validation
96
93
Core Operations
88
91
Strategic Alliance
83
81
Expense Validation
90
96
Fidelity Investments leads 4 modules, Interactive Brokers leads 5. Overall edge: Tie.
Head to head
| Dimension | Fidelity Investments | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Customers / accounts | 57M customers | 4.1M+ accounts |
| Assets | $18T administered | $780B+ client equity |
| Global market access | Far narrower global reach | 150+ markets, 34 countries |
| Professional tooling | No TWS-class platform | TWS, full API, 7+ asset classes |
| Index fund fees | 0.00% ZERO funds | No in-house ZERO funds |
FAQ
Is Fidelity Investments or Interactive Brokers a better business?
Fidelity wins on mass-retail breadth, 0.00% funds, and 401(k) distribution; IBKR wins for global, active traders needing the widest access and lowest margin cost. It depends on what you optimise for — see the module-by-module breakdown above.
What is the difference between Fidelity Investments and Interactive Brokers's business model?
Fidelity Investments operates in Fintech (Every investor deserves to be treated like a pro), while Interactive Brokers is Fintech (The Professional's Gateway to the World's Markets). Their revenue, scale and Litmus scores are compared in detail above.
Which is more profitable, Fidelity Investments or Interactive Brokers?
Fidelity Investments: $12.7B operating income (FY2025). Interactive Brokers: ~$4.4B net income (FY2025).