Frequently Asked Questions

We are an Independent Introducing Broker (IIB), so we are neither a Market Maker nor an STP or ECN, and we don't act as a clearing counterpart. Our Independent status allows us offer direct market access (DMA) to Futures products and direct FIX API connectivity to selected Forex ECNs, through the counterpart(s) where your trading account will be held. We primarily offer access to multiple Forex ECNs with no dealing desk execution (such as Currenex) through our proprietary PathFinder Trader™ platform.

Our registration status does not allow us to receive or hold funds in our name. Instead your account and funds will be held at one of the counterparts we work with. For Futures trading accounts, your funds will be held in the segregated or secured customer funds of the FCM where your account is open. Consequently, in case of the FCM failure your funds will not be considered part of the company assets. For Forex accounts held in the US, funds will be held in the FDM/RFED’s account and will not be segregated. Unfortunately, in the US there is no Forex regulation that requires the use of segregated accounts; this is true for all US Forex brokers. However, Forex accounts held with European counterparts (i.e. UK or Malta) are required to use segregated accounts for the deposits. Keep in mind that segregated or secured accounts are not insured or otherwise protected against fraud or bank failure, therefore you should only keep in your account those funds necessary for trading.

Fast Trading Services, LLC d/b/a FastBrokers is registered as an Independent Introducing Broker with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and it's a member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID: 0342002). Even if we’re required to maintain a minimal net capital and to file audited financial reports with our regulators, we are not required to publish our net capital because we don't hold any clients' funds. For this reason, on the CFTC monthly financial reports, you'll find only FCMs and FDMs/RFEDs, but not for IBs. You can check our registration status and history at the following link: NFA BASIC.

Please note that our registration status does not allow us to receive or hold funds in our name. Instead your account and funds will be held at one of the counterparts we work with. Before considering opening an account, you might want to review the FCM or FDM/RFED financial reports by clicking on the following link: CFTC FCMs Reports.

Because we are registered as an Independent Introducing Broker, we are allowed by our regulator to maintain multiple clearing arrangements with different US Forex Dealers and Futures Commission Merchants, as well as with non-US Forex Dealers (for non-US clients only). So, we are not limited to one specific counterpart, rather we can add or remove counterparts based on our needs. Depending on the Data Feed you'll select, your account and funds will be held at the corresponding counterpart. Please note that even if the account will be held at the counterpart, we'll still be your broker, assist you and provide you with our customer service. In fact, most administrative accounts requests, withdrawals and general logistics will be handled by our firm.

An Introducing Broker (IB) is an individual or organization that solicits or accepts orders to buy or sell futures contracts, Forex or commodity options but does not accept money or other assets from customers to support such orders. IBs must carry all accounts, including customer, proprietary and foreign futures, with an FCM or RFED on a fully disclosed basis. Customer accounts of guaranteed IBs must be carried by the guarantor FCM or RFED while the customer accounts of Independent IBs may be carried by one or more FCM or RFED. FastBrokers hold a registration of Independent IB.

For further information please visit the NFA website.