Quote from MiamiHurricanes:
Spoke with a representative from the CME. The current business model does not include retail.
Right... retail traders will not have direct access to it just like they don't have direct access to Globex. But retail brokers will have access to it just like they do to Globex which in turn means you, the retail Joe, will have access it it via your broker.
It's a virtual exchange. Not simply a platform like Lava, Currenex, or EBS. You get those front ends through a bank or prime broker in which you establish a credit relationship with. Since the CME is the counterparty and central clearing agent, they are not just matching orders.
The other hint that it will be available to retail traders through their brokerage is the fact that it will be accessible via iLink. Any brokerage currently trading on Globex 2 (which is iLink2.0/ fix 4.xx) will in all probability offer Forex trading through FXmarket space. And it will have the same 5 level DOM as Globex 2 currently has. Plus it's transaction fee based just like Globex.
The only question is, what will the brokerages set the margin rate to? 50:1? 100:1? Totally up to their discretion.
One other thing, in all probability it will spell the end of the bucketshop model. I foresee spreads as tight a 1 pip consistently on FXMarketspace since not only because it will be transaction fee based as oppossed to spread based, but also because more players will be able to make the bid/offer. Not just the top 10 banks. Hedge fund players, banks, traders, etc. will be posting bids and offers. Be nice if they will allow 1/2 pip increments.