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This has been a very interesting discussion. I have not yet made the leap to CTA, but currently work at an established private managed futures fund. I have done plenty of due diligence and continue to come back to the nature of my current company's success: The retail customer. I know, go...

I'm headed to the Expo next week and looking for input from anyone that's been. Curious who are the most recommended speakers and which seminars are the most helpful ,as well as, any other helpful advice. Thanks, BGB

I am headed to the Vegas Expo and curious which paid speakers (if any) are worth seeing? I need to decide whether to stay for the Linda Rashke seminar on Saturday. Has anyone seen her speak and is it applicable to managing OPM or just daytrading.

I am trying to decide on whether to attend the Expo. Looking for a little experienced insight. Are the expo sessions worthwhile? Are the paid events worth the cost? Have people made lasting and useful connections at these events? Thanks, BGB

I have potentially found a group of bond salesman that have their own firm and are interesting in backing me to leave my current firm and start a CTA as an offshoot of their current holding company. They would basically pay for my operational costs as well as a generous draw for a year or two so...

Qtip- You are going throught he same same motions that I have for a year or two now. The advice given so far is excellent and you can find more in former posts I had started. My biggest issue has been the reality that I'm in a position making decent money and a have a family to support...

Thanks to everyone for the very informative answers. Hopefully, we can keep this thread going and expound upon these answers as well as other info that might be of interest. I have another question to add. Assuming an emerging CTA managing $1-2 million to start and with 2000-2500 RT per...

I would like to restart an old discussion on the costs associated with starting a CTA business and any pitfalls to be aware of. I am considering this move and would appreciate any experienced advice on the subject. Thanks alot, BGB

I hope this doesn't soond lazy, but I've been told by a couple fo CTA's that the have borrowed Disclosure Documents from other CTA's to use as a "skeleton" for their own. Simply being able to change the information around and performance numbers would sure be easier than typing up the whole...

I've been doing plenty of investigation on the same type of move as a CTA trading OPM. It seems that the barriers to entry are small financially but the key for me is getting enough money under management to be OK with just management fees at first. It seems the upside to being successful in...

The reality is that the CTA would most likely be out of business lso since he return was over 50 % in the hole. i was just wondering if there was more documentation/proof on the front end besides just a promissory note.

What are the requirements of notional funding. I realize the consent forms must be signed, but what other requirements must be met. ie. An individual wants to open a menaged account for $50,000 but wants it traded as $100,000. Must that individual keep the extra $50,000 in a seperate account at...

I haven't even read the other posts on this subject but felt the urge to reply as soon as I saw the title. The fact that this book is a bestseller shows the mentality of our general public. The book started with a good hook and has a good general premise but could have been conveyed in...

Aaron and all practicing CTAs on the board- I want to state an earlier question in a different manner. Hypothetically, as if you were just starting your CTA, can you give a number and breakdown of your startup costs? (Considering a minimal startup out of your own home.) Also, give a...

Aaron- Does your disc. document remove all of the liability associated with being a sole proprietor? Are there tax advantages of LLC over sole proprietor or vice versa?

Aaron or anyone else- How do you pay yourself when running your own CTA? I know it depends on what type of entity you are set up as, but in general do you pay yourself a salary or do you basically get all of the advisor's fees? Also, what are people's opinions on insurance costs? Seems that is...

Aaron- what is your reasoning for being set up as a hedge fund as opposed to just a CTA? Does it take more work and startup capital as a hedge fund? Also, when you mention highwater mark when speaking of returns and fees, I'm guessing you mean highest month end after fees have been removed...

RWK- At this time I just plan to get started simple ,the way that I allocate at my current company. I plan to raise individual accounts as a CTA and allocate trades to each account. For this reason I plan to ask for a minimum of $100K so I don't have to have contracts for 1,000 $20,000 accounts...

Aaron, Thank you for your comments. It's nice to hear from a voice of experience in this business.

Thanks Richard for the info on the CME book " How to Become a CTA" I recieved it in the mail yesterday and read it last night. It is very informative and covers all the bases but is outdated. It was compiled after a seminar in 1993. It has experts in every field commenting on their experiences...