XTB Launches Tax-Advantaged Retirement Accounts in Poland

Polish publicly listed broker XTB (WSE: XTB) has officially launched individual retirement security accounts, known as IKZE, providing clients with access to tax-advantaged retirement investing. This highly anticipated move follows months of preparation and marks a significant expansion of XTB's offerings in the Polish market.

The rollout of these new XTB retirement accounts began today, with full availability expected within a week. While XTB had initially aimed for a first-quarter launch, the timeline was adjusted to mid-2025 to ensure a seamless introduction of these crucial Polish investment accounts.

The timing of this launch aligns with a growing trend in Poland: increased interest in retirement planning. Government data from the end of 2024 reveals that over 593,000 Poles held IKZE accounts, with more than 122,000 managed through brokerage accounts. This demonstrates a clear demand for robust retirement solutions.

Omar Arnaout, XTB's chief executive, emphasized the strategic importance of this new offering. “Introducing IKZE was a natural step in further developing our offering,” he stated. “After the success of IKE accounts, which met with great interest from clients, we clearly see that Poles are increasingly thinking about their financial future and want to invest consciously and effectively.”

These IKZE accounts complement XTB's existing IKE individual retirement accounts, which were launched in late 2024. XTB also provides similar tax-advantaged products in other markets, such as ISA accounts in Britain and PEA accounts in France, showcasing their commitment to global retirement solutions.

True to its innovative approach, the mobile-first brokerage XTB is initially making IKZE accounts accessible exclusively through its smartphone app. A desktop version is slated for release in 2026. The company is also implementing a phased approach for new account openings, with transfers from other brokers becoming available gradually through the end of 2025.

IKZE accounts will grant access to XTB's comprehensive range of Polish and international stocks and exchange-traded funds. XTB maintains its competitive edge by not charging commissions on stock and ETF trades up to 100,000 euros monthly. A 0.2% fee with a 10-euro minimum applies thereafter. It's important to note that currency conversion fees of 0.5% may apply for foreign investments.

A key benefit of IKZE accounts, similar to XTB's IKE accounts, is the exemption from custody fees that typically apply to larger portfolios.

The primary appeal of IKZE accounts lies in their immediate XTB tax advantages. Investors can deduct contributions from their taxable income, leading to a reduction in their annual tax bill. Furthermore, investment gains can be exempt from Poland's 19% capital gains tax, provided certain conditions are met.

To qualify for these significant tax benefits, investors must typically wait until age 65 to withdraw funds and make regular contributions for at least five calendar years. Withdrawals that meet these criteria are subject to a flat 10% tax on the entire balance, which is often more favorable than standard income and capital gains taxes.

For 2025, the annual contribution limits are set at 15,611 zloty for business owners and 10,408 zloty for employees, based on projected average wages. An employee in Poland's higher tax bracket could potentially save up to 3,330 zloty in taxes this year by maximizing their IKZE contribution. A 200-zloty fee applies for withdrawals made within 12 months of opening, consistent with XTB's policy for IKE accounts.

About XTB

XTB is a global fintech company providing retail and institutional clients with access to online investment platforms and mobile applications. Established in 2002, XTB has grown to become one of the largest stock exchange-listed FX & CFD brokers in the world. It offers over 5,500 financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and ETFs. XTB is regulated by the world's largest supervision authorities, including the FCA, KNF, CySEC, and FSC. The company is committed to providing a comprehensive and user-friendly investment experience.

Ready to explore XTB's offerings? Visit their broker page to learn more: https://www.wikifx.com/en/dealer/1561892500.html