Markets Direct at FIA EXPO 2022: Traders know what they want from brokers

The derivatives ecosystem gathered at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk to discuss the most prominent topics, including the unexpected collapse of FTX. Attendees also took the opportunity to flock to the exhibit hall for the betterment of their networks and businesses.

There, FinanceFeeds spoke with Tom O’Reilly, Director of Business Development at Markets Direct, the multi asset platform offering FX, Futures, ETFs, US equities, and Crypto currencies.

Markets Direct’s flagship product is the Gateway Hub brings together both Cash Equities, Futures, and OTC markets – in a single cross margined account, including exchange-traded products, with more than 3500 listed stocks and ETFs.

The platform offers commission-free and fractional share trading, allowing to utilize 50% margin on stock portfolio to trade FX, Futures, and Cryptos, and customize asset offering to include regional Futures exchanges and local shares. Corporate actions, dividends, and IRS reporting are all handled by Markets Direct, a platform designed to attract high net worth and active traders and investors.

The gateway hub features full depth of book on Futures and FX and easily connects with the most popular front ends, including MT5, Netdania Mobile, CQG Desktop, or via FIX to custom front ends.

The interview with Tom O’Reilly covered what traders want from online brokers, the rise of multi-asset trading, macro trends, and the offering for FX brokers.

The global picture today is quite different from the pandemic. What do traders want from their brokers in 2022?

Even well before the pandemic, but certainly after, traders as a group have become much more knowledgeable, more savvy, and consequently more demanding – as they should be. They know what they want from their broker. If they don’t get it, they will move on. There’s a lot of good competition out there.

I’ll put myself the client’s shoes. These days those shoes are often worn by a new class of traders from GEN Y or Gen Z. I’ll check out one of the many broker review sites or rely on recommendations from friends. After choosing my broker, I’ll go to their website to open my account. I would look for a quick, seamless and comfortable experience in the account registration process. With many brokers today you can get an account opened, approved, funded and live in a very short period of time.

Financefeeds.com