Multi-Level Programs by Vertical
Vertical Context Shapes Structure
Multi-level structures look different depending on the vertical. A Forex IB hierarchy has different depth, commission logic, and compliance requirements than an iGaming affiliate network or a prop trading referral chain. Understanding these differences helps you design the right structure from the start.
iGaming: Network Affiliate Structures
- Typical depth: 2 levels (network affiliate + individual affiliates)
- Commission model: RevShare (NGR-based) with fixed overrides for network operators
- Key challenge: Compliance -- network affiliates must ensure sub-affiliates follow responsible gambling rules
- Regulatory note: Some jurisdictions require all affiliates in the chain to be individually licensed
- Common setup: Network affiliate gets 5-10% override on sub-affiliate NGR
Forex: IB Hierarchies
- Typical depth: 3-4 levels (regional IB > local IB > sub-IB > trader)
- Commission model: Lot-based or spread-based with tiered overrides per level
- Key challenge: Deep hierarchies mean commission stacking -- model total cost carefully
- Integration note: MT4/MT5 integration required to track lot volumes per trader across the hierarchy
- Common setup: Regional IB gets $2/lot, local IB gets $1.50/lot, sub-IB gets $1/lot
Prop Trading: Influencer Referral Chains
- Typical depth: 2 levels (influencer/affiliate + referred sub-affiliates)
- Commission model: CPA per challenge purchase with fixed override for referrers
- Key challenge: Coupon code attribution across levels -- ensuring each level gets proper credit
- Common setup: Affiliate earns $50/purchase, referring affiliate earns $10 override
Start with the minimum number of levels your vertical requires. Forex programs may genuinely need 3-4 levels due to regional IB structures. Prop trading programs rarely need more than 2. iGaming sits in between.
Compliance Considerations Across Verticals
Every vertical has its own compliance requirements for multi-level programs. iGaming requires responsible gambling compliance at every level. Forex requires regulatory disclosure and may require each IB to be registered. Prop trading has fewer regulatory requirements but needs clear terms around challenge purchases and refund policies. Build compliance into your hierarchy design from day one.
Key Takeaways
- iGaming typically uses 2-level structures with NGR-based RevShare overrides
- Forex IB hierarchies often go 3-4 levels deep with lot-based commission tiers
- Prop trading referral chains are usually 2 levels with CPA-based overrides
- Always model total commission cost across all levels before launching in any vertical
Explore Further
Key terms and tools related to this lesson. Deepen your understanding and see how Track360 supports these concepts.
Affiliate Manager
An affiliate manager is the operator-side role responsible for recruiting, onboarding, managing, and optimizing affiliate partnerships within a partner program.
Publisher
A publisher is an individual or company that promotes an advertiser's products or services through an affiliate program in exchange for commissions on conversions they drive.
CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
CPA is a commission model where an affiliate earns a fixed payment for each qualifying action, such as a deposit, registration, or purchase, that a referred user completes.
Hybrid Commission
Hybrid commission combines two payout models, most commonly CPA and RevShare, in a single affiliate deal so operators can reward both conversion volume and long-term customer value.