Most traders use a single broker. That is simple — but not optimal. A multi-broker strategy offers advantages in security, costs, and access that most investors overlook.

Why Multiple Brokers?

1. Risk Diversification

Deposit insurance covers cash balances up to 100,000 euros per bank. If you have 150,000 euros, the excess at one broker is uninsured. Two brokers = full safety net.

2. Cost Optimization

Different brokers have different strengths: Trade Republic is cheapest for individual trades, Interactive Brokers for options and forex, Scalable Capital for ETF savings plans. Use each broker for what it does best.

3. Failover Safety

Server outages happen. On March 13, 2023, Trade Republic was offline for several hours — in the middle of a volatile market day. With a second broker, you could have continued trading.

4. Exchange Access

Neo-brokers usually trade through only one exchange. For illiquid securities or foreign stocks, you need access to Xetra, NASDAQ, or the Tokyo exchange — only possible through direct banks or IB.

The Optimal Setup

Our suggestion for a balanced multi-broker strategy:

Broker 1 (Neo-broker): Trade Republic or Scalable Capital for active trading with AI signals. Low costs, fast execution, mobile app.
Broker 2 (Pro broker): Interactive Brokers or CapTrader for API trading, options, and international markets.
Broker 3 (Direct bank): ING or comdirect for long-term depot (buy-and-hold), savings plans, and as safety backup.

Organizational Tips

Split tax exemption orders: Distribute the 1,000 euro saver allowance across brokers proportional to expected returns
Portfolio tracking: Use an external tool (Portfolio Performance, Parqet, Tresor.one) to maintain the overall overview
Clear separation: Define in advance which broker handles what. No duplicate positions in the same stock across different brokers

Bottom Line: Multi-broker is not a luxury for professionals — it is a sensible strategy for anyone investing more than 10,000 euros. The management effort is minimal, the advantages in security and costs significant.