For years, forex and CFD brokers relied on generic CRM platforms — or expensive custom-built solutions — to manage their operations. These systems were designed for general sales teams, not for the specific needs of a regulated brokerage. The result: workarounds everywhere, limited automation, and a constant struggle to make things fit.
The problem with legacy CRMs
Traditional CRMs weren't built to handle KYC workflows, multi-currency wallets, IB commission structures, or compliance reporting. Brokers end up bolting on third-party tools, building custom integrations, and maintaining fragile connections between systems that were never designed to work together.
The cost adds up fast. A typical brokerage might spend $5,000–$15,000 per month on a combination of CRM licensing, custom development, and third-party integrations — plus the salary of at least one developer to keep everything running.
What modern brokers need
A purpose-built CRM for brokers should handle client onboarding, KYC/AML verification, IB management, multi-currency wallets, and compliance reporting out of the box. It should integrate natively with the trading platform, risk management tools, and payment systems — without custom development.
Multi-tenancy is another key requirement. Brokers operating multiple brands or white-labels need tenant isolation with shared infrastructure. Each brand should have its own domain, branding, and configuration while running on the same platform.
The shift to vertical SaaS
We're seeing a broader industry shift toward vertical SaaS — purpose-built platforms for specific industries rather than horizontal tools that try to serve everyone. In brokerage, this means platforms like BrokerVu that are built from the ground up for the unique workflows, compliance requirements, and operational needs of forex and CFD brokers.
The advantage is clear: faster setup, lower total cost, better integration, and features that actually match what brokers need. Instead of spending months customizing a generic CRM, brokers can deploy a purpose-built solution in days.
What to look for
When evaluating a brokerage CRM, look for: native KYC/AML workflows, multi-currency wallet management, IB commission structures with multi-tier support, integration with trading platforms and payment systems, compliance reporting, and multi-tenant architecture. If a platform doesn't offer these out of the box, you'll end up building them yourself.