Self Directed Trading
Trade Your Way.
Backed by a Team That’s Been There.
You call the shots. We provide the platforms, the execution, and the human support to trade futures and options with confidence,
without paying for full-service hand-holding you don’t need.
Who is this for?
You know what you’re doing. You just need the right partner behind the screen.
Self-directed traders don’t need a broker telling them what to buy. They need fast, reliable technology, deep market access, and a real human on the other end of the phone when something breaks at 2:47 AM during an Asian session.
That’s what RCM is built for.
This is for you if:
The fund can apply modest leverage at the portfolio level to potentially enhance returns while maintaining risk parameters that would be impossible to achieve with individual strategies:
You’re an experienced futures or options trader who places your own orders
You want direct access to global exchanges
You’re an equities/ETF trader looking to add futures as a new asset class
You’re a systematic trader needing API and automation-friendly platforms
You’ve outgrown a retail broker and want institutional execution quality
What you get with RCM
Your Choice of Platforms — Not Ours
We’re platform-agnostic on purpose. Whether you’re scalping the ES on a DOM, running an automated strategy through an API, or charting overnight grains, we’ll match you with the right tool. Most are available on free demo before you fund.
Real Humans, Real Hours
When your platform freezes, your internet drops, or you need an order worked in an illiquid contract month — you call a Chicago-based desk that picks up. Our execution team is fully staffed around the clock during the trading week, with members holding their Series 3 and 20+ years of experience across buy-side, sell-side, floor and electronic trading.
Global Market Access
300+ markets. 30+ exchanges. One account. Trade equity indices, energies, metals, ags, rates, currencies, softs, and options on futures from a single login.
Built for Automation & Systems Traders
Running a system? Plugging in third-party signals? We support API connectivity, FIX, and the major automation-friendly platforms, plus access to our Automated Trading Systems marketplace, an “app store” for trading algorithms.
The RCM Research Edge
Self-directed doesn’t mean trading in a vacuum. As a client, you get:
- The Derivative Podcast — long-form interviews with the sharpest minds in alternatives
- RCM Alternatives Blog — daily and weekly market commentary
- Whitepapers on managed futures, vol, trend, and macro
- Invitations to live events with industry leaders
Compare trading services:
Self-Directed
You place your own trades
Platform Choice
Wide
Dedicated Broker for trade ideas
On request
Best for
Experienced & system traders
24-hour desk support
Full-Service
You place your own trades
Optional
Platform Choice
Wide
Dedicated Broker for trade ideas
Best for
Newer traders, complex hedgers
24-hour desk support
Why RCM?
(vs. The Big Retail Brokers)
We’re not a call center.
You’ll know your broker’s name and direct line.
We’re a futures firm first.
Self-directed trading is core to who we are — not a side product bolted onto an equities platform.
We have institutional roots.
The same desk that clears for CTAs, hedge funds, and professional trading groups clears your account. That means deeper market access, better execution relationships, and a back office that doesn’t break under volume.
We’re independent.
Multi-FCM clearing means we route to the best home for your business — not the only one available.
Getting Started
Step 1:
Pick your platform
or talk to us about which one fits your style
Step 2:
Open your account
online application, e-signature, fund via wire or ACH
Step 3:
Place your first trade
with a live desk on standby if you need it
FAQs
Yes — single-leg and complex spreads across all major futures option products.
Yes. API, FIX, and DLL connectivity, plus integrations with the major automation platforms.
Yes — standard futures account transfers are routine. We’ll walk you through it.
Call the desk. Someone licensed and experienced picks up, around the clock during the trading week.
Ready to trade on your terms?
Talk to a broker today. No pressure, no sales pitch.