Quote from ZAL:
As I stated in a previous post TMG has 4 FCM relationships. We introduce customer accounts to those FCM's based on the needs of the customer. The net result of a hub and spoke methodology permits us to offer our clients a competitive commission structure utilizing the specific skill set of a particular FCM.
1. Non-exchange member, self directed electronic only = TransAct
2. Exchange member (including ECM's at CME), institutional traders and CTA's, CPO's and large Managed Accounts = Fortis Clearing US.
3. Physical pit execution = Rosenthal Collins Group.
4. Forex execution = Saxo Bank
Best Regards,
Doug Zalesky
Managing Partner, TradeMaven Group
Number 2 and 3 I have no problem with as each one has sufficent excess net capital. My problem lies with TMG forcing their retail customers to use transact aka york business associates whose excess net captial as of last update is only 497,675.
http://www.cftc.gov/files/tm/fcm/tmfcmdata0511.pdf
What is the reasoning behind this ? This reason alone will keep me from trading through TMG because I do not feel my money is safe with such a small amount of excess net capital. I have talked to other traders and they feel the same way about switching over. My personal opinion is that TMG would gain quite a few more accounts if they let a stronger fcm clear their retail trades or at leat gave you the option to choose who you want to clear your trades such as how global futures does. It does not make sense to me to use rcg and fortis and then offer transact to the little guys. If I open a retail account, can RCG still clear my trades ?
I like TM, and had very little problem with it in the past year. For those speaking of disconnects, I believe it is a server issue from your broker because I was on PATS and can only remember a few times where I have got disconected and was immediately able to log back on.