Experience - have been with the same Clearing Firm since 1978.
Financial Strength -
Use of Capital -
Locations - and Remote trading
Education -
Affiliations -
Technology -
Cost Structure -
Flexibility -
Independence -
Before choosing any Firm, and putting your own money OR valuable time at risk, be sure to ask for this basic information:
1. Financial Statements (Don't ever go into business with anyone who won't share their balance sheets with you!).
2. Clearing Firm affiliations. Be sure that the Trading firm is aligned with solid Clearing Firm(s).
3. Exchange memberships. Be sure that your chosen Firm is a member of a Stock Exchange and has it's own Broker Dealer.
This is only common sense, and applies to any business, whether you are trading or not. Know who you are associated with!