EBC Links Trading Volume to Prizes in New Brazilian Campaign

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – January 19, 2026 – EBC Financial Group, a global brokerage firm, has launched a novel promotional campaign in Brazil that directly links a client's trading activity to their probability of winning high-value prizes. The '2026 New Year Deposit Lucky Draw,' running from January 12 to February 13, 2026, moves away from traditional deposit-based bonuses and introduces a dynamic, tiered reward system driven by trading volume. While the initiative aims to boost client engagement, it also enters a complex debate surrounding the gamification of financial markets and the potential risks for retail investors.

A New Model for Engagement

The campaign's structure is designed to incentivize continuous market activity. Eligible clients in Brazil can obtain entry tickets by making deposits, receiving one ticket for every cumulative net deposit of USD200, with a cap of 20 tickets per person. However, securing a ticket is merely the first step. The core of the initiative lies in its 'upgrade' mechanic.

Once a client holds a ticket, its status is not static. As the client executes trades and accumulates volume in closed lots, their tickets are automatically upgraded through five distinct tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. This system effectively creates a direct correlation between a participant's trading volume and the potential value of their reward. A more active trader has a statistically higher chance of securing a top-tier prize.

This volume-driven framework represents a significant departure from the static, one-off promotions common in the brokerage industry. By creating a system where participants can actively influence their reward potential, EBC is implementing a form of gamification designed to foster sustained engagement rather than just attracting initial deposits.

The prize pool has been strategically curated to appeal to the Brazilian market. Top-tier rewards include globally sought-after technology like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPad 11”, while supporting tiers feature localized digital benefits such as Virtual Visa e-gift cards. This blend of global and local rewards underscores a targeted approach to the region. According to the campaign terms, prize claims must be made before the February 13 deadline, with a verification and fulfillment process that can take over a month to complete.

The Gamification Debate: Engagement vs. Risk

EBC's initiative is the latest example of a growing trend in the fintech and brokerage space: the use of game-like elements to make financial activities more appealing. Proponents argue that gamification can increase financial literacy and user engagement by making complex platforms more intuitive and providing instant feedback. However, the practice is not without its critics, particularly when applied to high-risk products like Contracts for Difference (CFDs).

Industry analysts and consumer advocates have raised concerns that such promotional models can blur the line between investing and gambling. By tying rewards directly to trading volume, critics argue that brokers may inadvertently encourage over-trading—a pattern of excessive buying and selling that can rack up transaction costs and amplify exposure to market volatility. This is especially concerning for novice retail investors who may be more susceptible to the psychological pull of 'leveling up' to achieve a better prize, potentially leading them to take on risks they do not fully understand.

"While engagement is a key metric for brokers, regulators are increasingly wary of features that could be perceived as manipulative," one market analyst commented. "The challenge is to innovate without compromising the principles of responsible trading and investor protection."

The disclaimer included in EBC's announcement acknowledges that trading on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors, a standard but crucial warning in this context. The central question is whether the allure of a tiered prize system could overshadow such warnings, encouraging behavior driven by the pursuit of a reward rather than sound financial strategy.

Navigating Brazil's Regulatory Landscape

Launching such a campaign in Brazil requires navigating a stringent regulatory environment. Promotions involving sweepstakes or the free distribution of prizes are tightly controlled under Brazilian law, primarily governed by statutes like Law No. 5,768/1971 and overseen by the Ministry of Finance. Typically, such campaigns require prior authorization and must adhere to strict rules regarding transparency and fairness.

Furthermore, Brazil's Consumer Protection Code mandates that all advertising be clear and accurate, strictly prohibiting any marketing practices deemed misleading or abusive. A campaign that links financial rewards to high-risk trading activity could attract scrutiny to ensure it fully discloses the potential for significant financial loss.

Beyond consumer promotion laws, the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM), Brazil's securities and exchange commission, maintains a vigilant watch over the marketing of financial products to protect investors. The CVM has been actively modernizing its rules to balance market innovation with robust investor safeguards. Any promotional activity that incentivizes trading falls within its broader purview, and firms are expected to ensure their marketing aligns with the principles of providing transparent and adequate information about investment risks.

EBC's Strategic Play for Latin America

This targeted campaign is a clear signal of EBC Financial Group's strategic ambitions in Latin America, a key emerging market for retail trading. Headquartered in London and holding licenses from top-tier regulators like the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), EBC is leveraging its global reputation to make a calculated push into the region.

The decision to localize the prize pool and create a sophisticated, engagement-driven campaign specifically for Brazil highlights a nuanced market-entry strategy. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the firm is adapting its marketing to local consumer preferences and competitive dynamics. This initiative allows EBC to differentiate itself from other brokers competing for market share in Brazil and the wider LATAM region.

By introducing a dynamic reward system, EBC is betting that a more interactive and engaging model will build greater client loyalty than traditional, passive incentives. The success of this 'gamified gambit' will likely be watched closely by competitors and regulators alike, as it could set a new precedent for how financial brokers attract and retain clients in one of the world's most dynamic and competitive markets.