This is my take on the subject, any questions should be directed to the ECHOtrade office in AZ if you have any questions.
Currently, ECHOtrade holds the initial trader deposit (10k to 25k) for a year from joining the firm following the SEC rule. After a year you can walk with the cash at any time. (It is all in the LLC agreement)
When asked I suggest:
1. Only put in what you need to.
2. Take out profits regularly.
We can beat to death the risk department, firm vs. firm capital, how many traders vs. capital, overnight risk, etc. but the real fact is if you do not feel comfortable, trade retail! If I did not feel comfortable with ECHO, I would not have joined, my money is precious to me! I am a class B member and my cash is at risk behind the Class A partners, and I know the partners do not want to lose a dime of their money!
BTW - I have been with ECHO for well over a year and can withdraw all my money at any time. I believe the intent of the SEC ruling was to prevent LLC trading firms from taking or having the appearance of "customer accounts".
If you are acting like this is a customer account and this is not a permanent capital contribution to a Broker/Dealer you may be in violation. The SEC and regulators do not want funds coming in and out of a Broker/Dealer. Jeff told me a couple of months ago that ECHO's legal counsel wants us to follow the lead of the SEC and he HATES the fact that ECHO is required to hold money for ANY length of time.
Please do your own research into the matter, I can only repeat what I understand are the facts as they pertain to ECHOtrade and NOT ANY OTHER FIRM and their compliance with SEC or exchange guidelines.
I hope I have helped contribute to any questions out there.