How to Earn from Trading Affiliates: A Step-by-Step Guide
Many people want to make extra money online but don’t know where to start. One powerful method is through trading affiliate programs, which allow you to earn commissions by referring others to FCA-authorized trading platforms.
This guide walks you through how to choose the right niche, join verified programs, and build an online income — all while staying compliant with UK regulations.
Choose the Right Trading Niche
Start by choosing a trading niche that aligns with your interests. Popular areas include forex, stocks, commodities, and crypto derivatives. According to Statista, over 68 million blockchain wallet users existed globally in 2023 — proving that digital finance is booming.
Use tools like Google Trends or keyword planners to research niches that have strong demand but manageable competition. A targeted niche makes it easier to create helpful content and connect with an interested audience affiliate programs .
“Successful affiliate marketers target specific groups for higher engagement,” says digital marketing expert Neil Patel.
Join FCA-Approved Affiliate Programs
Only work with platforms that are registered with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures you’re promoting legally compliant services and protecting your readers from unregulated entities.
✅ Examples of FCA-Authorized Platforms:
| Platform | FCA Registered Entity | FCA Number |
| eToro (UK) Ltd | Authorized | 583263 |
| IG Markets Ltd | Authorized | 195355 |
| Plus500UK Ltd | Authorized | 509909 |
Avoid promoting platforms that are not registered with the FCA. Doing so may breach UK advertising regulations and risk your content being taken down or flagged for non-compliance.
Compare Commission Models
Each affiliate program offers a different commission structure. Choose one based on your audience and content style.
| Commission Type | Description | Example | Best For |
| CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) | One-time payment for new sign-ups. | Up to £200 per referral (eToro UK, FCA No. 583263) | Affiliates driving high volume. |
| Revenue Share | Ongoing % from referred users’ trades. | 30% monthly commissions (Plus500UK, FCA No. 509909) | Long-term earnings. |
| Hybrid | Mix of CPA + revenue share. | £100 upfront + 20% revenue (IG Markets, FCA No. 195355) | Balanced income strategy. |
| Tiered Commissions | Rewards increase with referral volume. | Scaled rates with milestones (Plus500UK) | Advanced affiliates. |
Build Your Online Platform
📝 Start a Blog or Website
Set up a website using platforms like WordPress or Wix. Choose a domain name that reflects your niche (e.g. forexstrategies.co.uk). Write about topics such as:
- Market trends
- Beginner tutorials
- Strategy tips
- Trading platform reviews
Keep content updated and easy to read. Well-researched blog posts build trust and encourage users to click on your affiliate links.
📱 Use Social Media & Video Platforms
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram let you connect directly with aspiring traders. Create engaging videos that explain:
- How to start trading
- Platform comparisons
- Trading risks and rewards
Use hashtags like #FCAregulated or #TradingTipsUK to reach the right audience.
Create Useful, Targeted Content
Successful affiliate marketers help their readers first — the commission comes second.
- Offer simple tutorials like “How to read candlestick charts” or “What is leverage?”
- Use charts and visuals to break down complex ideas.
- Link to only FCA-authorized platforms, and include their registration number in your content.
Example: “eToro (UK) Ltd (FCA Registration No. 583263) is an FCA-authorized broker offering commission-based affiliate opportunities for UK-based marketers.”
Add Affiliate Links Strategically
Don’t just drop links everywhere. Place them where users are more likely to click — for example:
- At the end of a helpful tutorial
- Inside a call-to-action box
- Within comparison tables
Use tracking tools like Bitly, Google Analytics, or affiliate dashboards to monitor:
- Click-through rates
- Conversion rates
- Commission performance
This helps you tweak your content for better results.
Drive Traffic to Your Content
To succeed in affiliate marketing, people need to find your content. Here’s how to get visibility:
📈 Use SEO
- Target long-tail keywords like “best FCA regulated brokers UK”
- Write informative headlines and meta descriptions
- Get backlinks from finance-related blogs
🎯 Run Paid Ads
If you have a budget, invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Target users interested in:
- Trading for beginners
- UK investment platforms
- Forex education
Make sure your landing pages are FCA-compliant and do not mislead or overpromise.
Analyze & Improve
Always monitor your performance. Use affiliate dashboards and SEO tools to check:
- Which content converts best
- What pages bring in traffic
- Which platforms generate the most income
Then adjust. Maybe one platform brings more signups, or maybe video content outperforms blog posts. Use what works and scale it.
⚠️ Legal & Compliance Disclaimer
Important: This article mentions only trading platforms that are registered and authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always verify the platform’s registration number on the FCA Register. Affiliate marketing involving financial products must follow UK advertising laws and should not promote unregulated platforms.
Conclusion
Earning through trading affiliates is possible — but only if you promote FCA-regulated platforms, build valuable content, and follow ethical marketing practices.
Pick the right niche, sign up with compliant affiliate programs like eToro (UK) Ltd (FCA No. 583263) or IG Markets Ltd (FCA No. 195355), and focus on educating your audience.
With time and consistency, affiliate marketing can become a steady source of income — while keeping both your readers and the law on your side.