Disclosure Regarding Interactive Brokers Price Cap Notices

Regulators expect brokerage firms to maintain controls designed to prevent the firm from submitting orders to market centers that create a risk of disruptive trading (e.g., the risk of sudden, transient price moves).

To comply with these expectations, Interactive Brokers implements various price filters on customer orders. Those price filters may, in certain circumstances, price cap customer orders in order to avoid market disruption, and those Price Caps will generally be in a % range from a reference price range calculated by IB. (The range of the Price Cap varies depending on the type of instrument and the current price.)

Although the price caps are intended to balance the objectives of trade certainty and minimized price risk, a trade may be delayed or may not take place as a result of price capping. More information is available in Interactive Broker’s Order Routing and Payment for Order Flow Disclosure.

If a customer’s order(s) are price capped by IB’s systems, that customer will either receive (i) real-time notification of those price cap(s) in Trader Workstation or via the API or FIX tag 58 (for FIX users); and/or (ii) a daily FYI message containing a digest of the first 10 order(s) that were price capped the prior day, the initial price cap(s) for those order(s) (if applicable), and the Price Cap Range(s) for further Price Cap(s) of those order(s). 

Customers may opt out from receiving future FYI Messages by clicking the relevant opt-out link within an FYI Message. By opting out from receiving these future FYI Messages, a customer: 

  • Agrees to waive any further notifications from Interactive Brokers about the application of the firm’s Price Caps to that customer’s order(s); and
  • Acknowledges that he or she understands that his or her orders may be price-capped in the future, but that the customer does not wish to be notified again about the application of any Price Caps to any of his or her orders.

     

Fractional Share Trading

Overview: 

Trading fractional shares allows you to invest in companies which you may not be able to afford the full share price. It also makes it easier for you to diversify your portfolio by allowing you to purchase fractional amounts in multiple companies when you otherwise may have only been able to purchase whole shares in one or two companies.

If you enable your account to trade in fractions, we will buy or sell a fraction of a share based on the amount of cash you specify. For example, if you want to spend $500 but one share of the stock you want to buy is currently $1000 you would end up with 0.5 shares.

Who is eligible for fractional share permissions?

All individual, standalone accounts (except those who reside in Israel, Canadian RRSP/TFSA accounts and Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc. ("IBSJ") entity accounts) are eligible for fractional share permissions.

Financial Advisors, Money Managers, and Introducing Brokers may enable their clients on an all-or-none basis.

How do I enable fractional shares?

If you are eligible then you can enable fractional share trading in Client Portal. Click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Settings. Under Account Settings find the section Trading and click on Trading Permissions. Scroll to "Stocks", click +Add and check the box next to "Global (Trade in Fractions)" and click on SAVE. Then click CONTINUE and follow the prompts on screen. You will then be able to trade in fractions in eligible stocks for which you have permission to trade. To trade fractions of eligible U.S. stocks, you will need to sign up to trade U.S. stocks, and to trade fractions of eligible European stocks, you will need to sign up to trade European stocks.

Please note, TWS Build Version 979 or later is required to trade fractional shares. This feature currently supports most order types.

What products can I trade in fractions?

We offer fractional share trading on eligible U.S. and European stocks and ETFs*.

A list of eligible stocks that can be traded in fractional shares is available via the following link. Please note, this list is subject to change without notice:

http://www.ibkr.com/download/fracshare_stk.csv

*Under EU regulations, EU retail clients generally cannot trade U.S. ETFs, in whole or fractional increments.

Can I short fractional shares?

IBKR does support short sales in fractional shares of eligible stocks as long as you have margin and approved trading permissions to trade fractional shares of stocks listed in the U.S. or in Europe.

What are the fees associated with fractional shares?

There is no additional fee to use fractional share trading. Standard commission rates (both IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro, where applicable) apply.

What order types can I choose for fractional trading?

IBKR will only accept certain types of orders for fractional shares (e.g., market orders, limit orders, stop orders, stop limit orders, etc.). If you choose to place an unmarketable limit order with a fractional share component, the fractional component may not execute until the order becomes marketable (and therefore may not execute at all), even if the order might have executed earlier if submitted for a whole share quantity.

How does IBKR handle fractional shares orders in European stocks?

Depending on the size and nature of the order, IBKR will direct orders in European stocks that include a fractional share component to a pool of execution venues which might be different than those utilized for other order types. You should review the applicable order execution policy for more details.

Can I transfer fractional shares to IBKR?

IBKR does not accept fractional shares through a position transfer.

Are fractional shares eligible for the Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP)?

Yes, it is possible to receive fractional shares for a reinvested dividend through the Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP) if the account has fractional share permissions.

Please note the above does not apply in the event of mutual fund dividends, which can be re-invested and may result in holding fractional shares of the fund.

Will I receive a fractional share position from a corporate action?

If your account has been approved for trading fractions and a US or European corporate action issues fractional shares, the fractional shares will remain in your account. However, if your account does not have permissions to trade in fractions or the corporate action is issuing non-eligible shares, the fractional shares will be liquidated.

Will I have voting rights for fractional shares in my account?

You will not have voting rights for any of the fractional shares held in your account, you will not be able to make voluntary elections on any corporate action (including, without limitation, any tender offers or rights offerings) with respect to such fractional shares, and we cannot provide you any other shareholder documentation for any holdings of less than one share.

Do I receive dividends on my fractional shares?

Your fractional shares positions are eligible to receive dividends in the same manner as your full positions on the same stocks.

Is fractional trading available for the API?

Fractional trading is supported via FIX/CTCI but not via API at this time.
 

PRIIPs Overview

BACKGROUND
In 2018, an EU regulation, intended to protect “Retail” clients by ensuring that they are provided with adequate disclosure when purchasing certain products took effect. This disclosure document is referred to as a Key Information Document, or KID, and it contains information such as product description, cost, risk-reward profile and possible performance scenarios.

This regulation is known as the Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Product Regulation (MiFID II, Directive 2014/65/EU), or PRIIPs, and it covers any investment where the amount payable to the client fluctuates because of exposure to reference values or to the performance of one or more assets not directly purchased by such retail investor. Common examples of such products include options, futures, CFDs, ETFs, ETNs and other structured products.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has equivalent requirements for UK residents.

It’s important to note that a broker cannot allow a Retail client to purchase a product covered by PRIIPs unless the issuer of that product has prepared the required disclosure document for the broker to provide to the client. U.S. clients are not impacted by PRIIPs, so the issuers of U.S. listed ETFs do not as a rule create KIDs. This means that EEA and UK Retail clients may not purchase the product. Clients nevertheless have several options:

  1. Many US ETF issuers have equivalent ETFs issued by their European entities. European-issued ETFs have KIDs and are therefore freely tradable.
  2. Clients can trade most large US ETFs as CFDs. The CFDs are issued by IBKRs European entities and as such meet all KID requirements.
  3. Clients may be eligible for re-classification as a professional client, for whom KIDs are not required. 

CLIENT CATEGORISATION
We categorize all individual clients as “Retail” by default as this affords clients the broadest level of protection afforded by MiFID. Client who are categorised as “Professional” do not receive the same level of protection as “Retail” but are not subject to the KIDs requirement. As defined under MiFID II rules, “Professional” clients include regulated entities, large clients and individuals who have asked to be re-categorised as “elective professional clients” and meet the MiFID II requirements based on their knowledge, experience and financial capability.

We provide an online step-by-step process that allows “Retail” to request that their categorisation be changed to “Professional". The qualifications for re-categorisation along with the steps for requesting that one’s categorisation be considered are outlined in KB3298 or, to directly apply for a change in categorisation, the questionnaire is available in the Client Portal/Account Management.
 

Restrizioni delle stanze di compensazione sui titoli legati alla cannabis

La Boerse Stuttgart e la Clearstream Banking hanno annunciato che non erogheranno più servizi per le emissioni la cui attività principale è legata direttamente o indirettamente alla cannabis e ad altri prodotti narcotici. Di conseguenza, tali titoli non saranno più negoziati sulle Borse di Stoccarda (SWB) e Francoforte (FWB). A partire dalla fine della giornata del 19 settembre 2018 IBKR adotterà i seguenti provvedimenti:

  1. Chiusura forzata di tutte le posizioni implicate i cui clienti non abbiano preso provvedimenti per la relativa chiusura e non idonee al trasferimento a quotazioni statunitensi; e
  2. Trasferimento forzato a quotazioni statunitensi delle eventuali posizioni implicate i cui clienti non abbiano preso provvedimenti per la relativa chiusura e idonee a tale trasferimento.

La tabella sottostante illustra le emissioni coinvolte così come annunciato dalla Boerse Stuttgart e dalla Clearstream Banking il 7 agosto 2018. La tabella comprende un'annotazione indicante se l'emissione coinvolta soddisfa i criteri per il trasferimento a quotazioni statunitensi. Si prega di notare che le stanze di compensazione hanno indicato che questo elenco potrebbe non essere completo, e i clienti sono esortati a verificare i rispettivi siti web per informazioni più aggiornate.

ISIN NOME BORSA VALORI IDONEA AL TRASFERIMENTO USA? SIMBOLO USA
CA00258G1037

ABATTIS BIOCEUTICALS CORP

FWB2

ATTBF

CA05156X1087

AURORA CANNABIS INC

FWB2, SWB2

ACBFF

CA37956B1013

GLOBAL CANNABIS APPLICATIONS

FWB2

FUAPF

US3988451072

GROOVE BOTANICALS INC

FWB

GRVE

US45408X3089

INDIA GLOBALIZATION CAPITAL

FWB2, SWB2

ICG

CA4576371062

INMED PHARMACEUTICALS INC

FWB2

IMLFF

CA53224Y1043

LIFESTYLE DELIVERY SYSTEMS I

FWB2, SWB2

LDSYF

CA56575M1086

MARAPHARM VENTURES INC

FWB2, SWB2

MRPHF

CA5768081096

MATICA ENTERPRISES INC

FWB2, SWB2

MQPXF

CA62987D1087

NAMASTE TECHNOLOGIES INC

FWB2, SWB2

NXTTF

CA63902L1004

NATURALLY SPLENDID ENT LTD

FWB2, SWB2

NSPDF

CA88166Y1007

TETRA BIO-PHARMA INC

FWB2

TBPMF

CA92347A1066

VERITAS PHARMA INC

FWB2

VRTHF

CA1377991023

CANNTAB THERAPEUTICS LTD

FWB2 NO  
CA74737N1042

QUADRON CANNATECH CORP

FWB2 NO  
CA84730M1023

SPEAKEASY CANNABIS CLUB LTD

FWB2, SWB2 NO  
CA86860J1066

SUPREME CANNABIS CO INC/THE

FWB2 NO  
CA92858L2021

VODIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC

FWB2 NO  

 NOTE IMPORTANTI:

  • Si prega di notare che le quotazioni statunitensi, in genere, sono negoziate over-the-counter (PINK) e denominate in USD, e non in EUR, implicando, quindi, un'esposizione al rischio di cambio oltre che al rischio di mercato.
  • I titolari di conto che mantengano titoli PINK Sheet necessitano dei permessi di trading per gli Stati Uniti (Penny Stock) per poter immettere ordini di apertura.
  • Tutti gli utenti di conti che mantengano permessi per il trading negli Stati Uniti (Penny Stock) sono tenuti all'uso del sistema di autenticazione a due livelli per effettuare l'accesso al conto.

Clearinghouse Restrictions on Cannabis Securities

Boerse Stuttgart and Clearstream Banking have announced that they will no longer provide services for issues whose main business is connected directly or indirectly to cannabis and other narcotics products.  Consequently, those securities will no longer trade on the Stuttgart (SWB) or Frankfurt (FWB) stock exchanges. Effective as of the 19 September 2018 close, IBKR will take the following actions:

  1. Force close any impacted positions which clients have not acted to close and that are not eligible for transfer to a U.S. listing; and
  2. Force transfer to a U.S. listing any impacted positions which clients have not acted to close and that are eligible for such transfer.

Outlined in the table below are impacted issues as announced by the Boerse Stuttgart and Clearstream Banking  as of 7 August 2018. This table includes a notation as to whether the impacted issue is eligible for transfer to a U.S. listing. Note that the clearinghouses have indicated that this list may not yet be complete and clients are advised to review their respective websites for the most current information.

ISIN NAME EXCHANGE U.S. TRANSFER ELIGIBLE? U.S. SYMBOL
CA00258G1037

ABATTIS BIOCEUTICALS CORP

FWB2 YES

ATTBF

CA05156X1087

AURORA CANNABIS INC

FWB2, SWB2 YES

ACBFF

CA37956B1013

GLOBAL CANNABIS APPLICATIONS

FWB2 YES

FUAPF

US3988451072

GROOVE BOTANICALS INC

FWB YES

GRVE

US45408X3089

INDIA GLOBALIZATION CAPITAL

FWB2, SWB2 YES

ICG

CA4576371062

INMED PHARMACEUTICALS INC

FWB2 YES

IMLFF

CA53224Y1043

LIFESTYLE DELIVERY SYSTEMS I

FWB2, SWB2 YES

LDSYF

CA56575M1086

MARAPHARM VENTURES INC

FWB2, SWB2 YES

MRPHF

CA5768081096

MATICA ENTERPRISES INC

FWB2, SWB2 YES

MQPXF

CA62987D1087

NAMASTE TECHNOLOGIES INC

FWB2, SWB2 YES

NXTTF

CA63902L1004

NATURALLY SPLENDID ENT LTD

FWB2, SWB2 YES

NSPDF

CA88166Y1007

TETRA BIO-PHARMA INC

FWB2 YES

TBPMF

CA92347A1066

VERITAS PHARMA INC

FWB2 YES

VRTHF

CA1377991023

CANNTAB THERAPEUTICS LTD

FWB2 NO  
CA74737N1042

QUADRON CANNATECH CORP

FWB2 NO  
CA84730M1023

SPEAKEASY CANNABIS CLUB LTD

FWB2, SWB2 NO  
CA86860J1066

SUPREME CANNABIS CO INC/THE

FWB2 NO  
CA92858L2021

VODIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC

FWB2 NO  

 IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Note that the U.S. listings generally trade over-the-counter (PINK) and are denominated in USD not EUR thereby exposing you to exchange rate risk in addition to market risk.
  • Account holders maintaining PINK Sheet securities require United States (Penny Stocks) trading permissions in order to enter opening orders.
  • All users on accounts maintaining United States (Penny Stocks) trading permissions are required use 2 Factor login protection when logging into the account.

China Connect Northbound Investor ID Model

Background
In November 2017, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced an agreement to introduce an investor identification regime for Northbound trading under Mainland-Hong Kong Stock Connect. This regime is intended to enhance regulatory surveillance of mainland-listed stock trading from Hong Kong and requires brokers to report the identity of clients submitting orders to either the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange.  This regulation will be effective as of September 26, 2018.  Additional information is provided in the series of FAQs below.
 
What is the Stock Connect?
The Stock Connect is a collaboration between the Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges which allows international and Mainland Chinese investors to trade securities in each other's markets through the trading and clearing facilities of their home exchange.
 
What is Northbound trading?
Northbound trading refers to the trading of mainland-listed stocks (e.g., Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges) from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
 
What information is being collected and reported?
The information collected and reported depends upon the client classification. In the case of individuals, the information is as follows:
  • Name in English and Chinese
  • ID issuing country/jurisdiction
  • ID type (Hong Kong ID card, ID card issued by the government authority of relevant country/region, passport, or any other official identity document e.g. driver's license)
  • ID number (number of ID document)
For Institutional investors, the information is as follows:
  • Entity name
  • Other official incorporation documents (IBKR will attempt to us the documents clients provided at the point of account opening, whenever possible).
  • Legal Entity Identifier (if you do not already have an LEI, you can order one through IBKR when requesting trading permissions for China Connect. Note that obtaining a LEI can take up to three days, is associated with an application fee imposed by the LEI issuing organization, and an annual renewal fee thereafter).
Each Northbound trading client will be assigned a Broker-to-Client Assigned Number (BCAN) which will be associated with the identification information collected and will be tagged to every Northbound order on a real-time basis.
 
Who is IBKR authorized to share this information with?
Clients who wish to access the Stock Connect must provide IBKR with consent to provide their information to the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd and the Chinese regulatory bodies such as:
  • Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges
  • China Securities Depository and Clearing (Hong Kong) Company Limited
  • Mainland regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies
 
How will IBKR collect this information?
Clients with existing Northbound trading permissions will be presented with the online form upon log in to Client Portal. This form will allow IBKR to collect the required information and consent to submit this information upon order submission.
 
When will the identification take place?
The Northbound Investor ID model will be effective as of October 22, 2018. 
 
Will there be a Southbound Investor ID model?
The SFC and the CSRC also agreed to introduce a similar investor identification regime for Southbound trading as soon as possible after the regime for Northbound trading is implemented.
 
What happens if I do not provide the required information?
Once the Northbound Investor ID model is in effect, clients who either fail to provide the required information or elect not to provide consent to report the required information will not be allowed to submit opening Northbound orders but will be allowed to close existing positions.
 
How can I trade China Connect Stocks?
In order to trade China Connect stocks clients are required to login to Client Portal and request the necessary trading permissions. To do so:
  1. Log into Client Portal
  2. Click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Manage Account
  3. If you manage multiple accounts, select an account by clicking on the account number to popup the Account Selector
  4. Click the Configure (gear) icon next to Trading Experience & Permissions
  5. Click on "Stocks" and check the box next to "Hong Kong/China Stock Connect"
  6. Click CONTINUE and follow the prompts on screen.
After the trading permission has been requested clients will be prompted with the Northbound Trader Disclosure. Once consent has been given, IBKR will assign a BCAN and send the client file to the HKEX before the deadline at 2:45pm HKT. If the request has been approved, clients will be able to trade on the next day.

 

Utilization in the Securities Lending Market

Utilization Metrics

Utilization is defined as loaned shares divided by available shares in the securities lending market, expressed as a percentage. The Utilization metric on TWS is not specific to IB. It is based on industrywide data provided by a securities finance data vendor. The metric is not conclusive however, as not every lender reports their Utilization to the vendor. In addition, although the source is believed to be reliable, IBKR does not warrant its accuracy.

Generally, Utilization is the ratio of demand to supply. For example, Apple Inc. (AAPL) may have utilization of less than 1% because the stock has vast availability relative to the demand to borrow shares for shorting. Roku Inc. (ROKU) may have utilization above 90% because of higher demand to short shares as compared to the number of available shares.

For accounts enrolled in the Stock Yield Enhancement Program, a high stock-specific Utilization percentage may increase the likelihood that IB may be able to lend your shares. Conversely, stocks with a low Utilization percentage are generally in lesser demand in the securities finance market, generally reducing IB’s ability to lend your shares.

Utilization can be added as a column in TWS.

Using Mosaic Market Scanner to Determine an Indication of Stock Utilization

TWS users can find stock utilization indications by using Mosaic Market Scanner filters. After opening the scanner, Select Custom Scanner and input parameters. Some useful filters include Price, Market Cap, Fee Rate and Utilization.

Please also see Important Considerations and Risks of Participating in Interactive Brokers Fully-Paid Securities Lending Programs here

 

Immissione e sottrazione di liquidità

Overview: 

L'obiettivo del presente articolo è quello di fornire una comprensione adeguata delle tariffe borsistiche, delle tariffe per l'immissione e la sottrazione di liquidità e del piano delle singole commissioni.

 

Il concetto di immissione e sottrazione di liquidità si applica sia ai titoli azionari sia alle opzioni su azioni e indici. L'eventuale immissione o sottrazione di liquidità da parte dell'ordine dipende dal fatto che l'ordine sia o meno inviabile a mercato.

Gli ordini inviabili a mercato SOTTRAGGONO liquidità.
Gli ordini inviabili a mercato sono ordini a mercato, OPPURE ordini di acquisto/vendita il cui limite è equivalente al o al di sopra/sotto del prezzo di mercato corrente.

1. Nel caso degli ordini limite di acquisto inviabili a mercato, il prezzo limite è equivalente o superiore al corso lettera.

2. Nel caso degli ordini limite di vendita inviabili a mercato, il prezzo limite è equivalente o inferiore al corso denaro.

Esempio:
La/il quantità/prezzo del corso LETTERA (offerta) corrente del titolo XYZ è di 400 azioni a 46.00. Si ipotizzi di inserire un ordine limite di acquisto di 100 azioni del titolo XYZ a 46.01. L'ordine sarà considerato inviabile a mercato, in quanto si verificherà un'esecuzione immediata. Qualora sia previsto l'addebito di una tariffa borsistica per la sottrazione della liquidità, il cliente si vedrà addebitare tale tariffa.


 

Gli ordini non inviabili a mercato IMMETTONO liquidità.
Gli ordini non inviabili a mercato sono ordini di acquisto/vendita nei quali il prezzo limite è inferiore/superiore al prezzo di mercato corrente.

1. Nel caso degli ordini limite di acquisto non inviabili a mercato, il prezzo limite è inferiore al corso lettera.

2. Nel caso degli ordini limite di vendita non inviabili a mercato, il prezzo limite è superiore al corso denaro.

Esempio:
La/il quantità/prezzo del corso LETTERA (offerta) corrente del titolo XYZ è di 400 azioni a 46.00. Si ipotizzi di inserisce un ordine limite di acquisto di 100 azioni del titolo XYZ a 45.99. L'ordine sarà considerato non inviabile a mercato, in quanto, anziché essere immediatamente eseguito, sarà pubblicato nel mercato come miglior corso denaro.
Qualora qualcun altro inviasse un ordine di vendita inviabile a mercato con conseguente esecuzione del proprio ordine limite di acquisto, si dovrebbe ricevere un rimborso (credito), a condizione che siano disponibili crediti per l'immissione di liquidità.

ATTENZIONE:
1. Tutti i conti che effettuino transazioni su opzioni saranno soggetti all'addebito delle tariffe per la sottrazione di liquidità o all'accredito per l'immissione di liquidità eventualmente previsti dalle Borse delle opzioni.
2. Come indicato nel sito web di IB, solamente i numeri negativi del piano relativo alla sottrazione e immissione di liquidità sono rimborsi (crediti).

https://www.interactivebrokers.com/it/index.php?f=5688
Il collegamento sovrastante illustra il piano delle commissioni/tariffe per le azioni e le opzioni.

Panoramica del regolamento T+2

Introduzione

A decorrere dal 5 settembre 2017 il periodo standard per il regolamento dei titoli negoziati sulle Borse statunitensi e canadesi sarà ridotto da tre (T+3) a due (T+2) giorni lavorativi. Di seguito viene fornita una panoramica informativa su tale modifica, il relativo impatto previsto e un elenco di domande frequenti al riguardo.
 
Premessa
Il regolamento è un procedimento post-negoziazione per mezzo del quale la proprietà giuridica dei titoli viene trasferita dal venditore all'acquirente in cambio del pagamento degli stessi.  Il procedimento è facilitato da un depositario centrale, che mantiene le registrazioni della proprietà dei titoli, e da una stanza di compensazione, che gestisce lo scambio di fondi e ordina al depositario il trasferimento della proprietà dei titoli. Nel caso dei titoli statunitensi, il ruolo di depositario principale è rivestito dalla Depository Trust Company (DTC) e quello della stanza di compensazione dalla National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC). È, invece, la Canadian Depository for Securities (CDS) a svolgere queste funzioni per i titoli canadesi. Il ciclo di regolamento attuale per i titoli statunitensi e quelli canadesi è di tre giorni lavorativi dalla data della transazione.
 
Qual è il motivo della modifica del periodo di regolamento?
L'efficienza operativa consentita dalla registrazione della proprietà dei titoli in formato elettronico, oltre alla facilità e ai costi ridotti del trasferimento elettronico dei fondi da parte dei clienti, rappresenta una fattore determinante nella riduzione del ciclo di regolamento. Nel 1995 il ciclo di regolamento era stato ridotto inizialmente da cinque a tre giorni lavorativi, e le operazioni che prevedono la consegna dei certificati cartacei o il pagamento tramite assegno sono in continuo calo.
 
Si ritiene che la riduzione del ciclo di regolamento possa apportare numerosi vantaggi per l'industria finanziaria e i suoi partecipanti. Eccone alcuni esempi:
 
  • Riduzione del rischio per il sistema finanziario: la probabilità della variazione del prezzo di un titolo aumenta col tempo, e riducendo il periodo di regolamento si riduce anche l'esposizione al rischio di credito legato al mancato pagamento o alla mancata consegna del suddetto titolo. Con una riduzione del valore nozionale degli obblighi pendenti nel ciclo di regolamento il settore finanziario sarebbe meglio tutelato contro le possibili ripercussioni dovute a gravi squilibri di mercato. 
  • Efficienza nella distribuzione della liquidità: i clienti che mantengono conti di liquidità sono soggetti a limitazioni che potrebbero precludere loro la possibilità di effettuare negoziazioni con fondi non regolati (es. fenomeno del "free-riding" o acquisto e vendita di titoli senza averli pagati). Con il regolamento T+2 i fondi derivanti dalla vendita di un titolo sono resi disponibili con un giorno lavorativo di anticipo, fornendo, quindi, un più rapido accesso ai fondi e la possibilità di ridistribuirli più rapidamente per il successivo acquisto. 
  • Armonizzazione ottimale del regolamento a livello globale: la transizione in favore del ciclo di regolamento T+2 consentirà di allineare il mercato statunitense e quello canadese con gli altri principali mercati internazionali in Europa e in Asia attualmente operanti nel contesto T+2.
 
Quali sono i prodotti coinvolti da questa modifica?
Azioni, ETF, ADR, obbligazioni societarie, obbligazioni municipali, CFD e fondi comuni d'investimento a capitale variabile statunitensi e canadesi.
 
Quali saranno gli effetti della modifica sul proprio conto?
Dividendi e operazioni societarie: i titoli devono essere acquistati prima della data di stacco cedola per il diritto a percepirne i dividendi o per altri diritti associati ai titoli.    Secondo il ciclo di regolamento attuale (T+3), la data di stacco cedola è prevista due giorni lavorativi prima della data di registrazione; il regolamento T+2 ridurrà tale relazione a un giorno lavorativo.
 
Operazioni di vendita allo scoperto: ai sensi della normativa SEC 204, i broker sono tenuti alla liquidazione della vendita allo scoperto nel caso in cui non siano in grado di ricorrere all'assunzione in prestito di titoli per effettuare la consegna al momento del regolamento. Attualmente la liquidazione deve avvenire non oltre l'inizio del regolare orario di contrattazione in data T+4.  Con la riduzione del ciclo di regolamento al T+2, la liquidazione sarà spostata di un giorno lavorativo, al T+3.
 
Destinazione degli ordini T+2: al momento IB offre una destinazione degli ordini (TPLUS2) che consente ai venditori di call coperte di acquistare e consegnare, al momento dell'assegnazione, azioni aventi una base di costo più vantaggiosa. L'ordine T+2, che riduce la possibilità di innesco di imposte indesiderate sulle plusvalenze, sarà modificato nella consegna T+1 al fine di fornire gli stessi vantaggi.  Si prega di notare che la destinazione degli ordini T+2 sarà disabilitata prima del 5 settembre 2017 e la destinazione T+1 abilitata poco dopo tale data (in altre parole, vi sarà una periodo di transazione durante il quale questa destinazione degli ordini accelerata non sarà disponibile).
 
Esercizio di opzioni: il periodo di consegna delle azioni e il termine del pagamento della liquidità derivanti dall'esercizio delle opzioni azionarie saranno ridotti da tre a due giorni lavorativi.
 
Interessi corrisposti sui saldi a credito: il calcolo degli interessi si basa sui saldi di liquidità regolati. Nel caso in cui si acquistino titoli azionari, avendo a disposizione la liquidità sufficiente a pagare interamente l'acquisto (ovvero, senza prestito a margine), i fondi utilizzati per il pagamento di tali titoli potranno maturare interessi fino alla data T+3, dopodiché saranno versati in favore della stanza di compensazione. Con il T+2, il periodo di maturazione degli interessi sarà ridotto di un giorno lavorativo. Si noti, tuttavia, che, con il T+2, una volta venduto il titolo, i fondi saranno regolati sul proprio conto con un giorno lavorativo di anticipo, dopodiché potranno maturare interessi. 
 
Interessi addebitati sui saldi a debito: il calcolo degli interessi si basa sui saldi di liquidità regolati. Nel caso in cui si acquistino titoli azionari, e si prendano in prestito fondi per il pagamento di tale acquisto (ovvero, prestito a margine), non saranno addebitati interessi sul prestito fino all'avvenuto pagamento in favore della stanza di compensazione in data T+3. Con il T+2, la data del prestito inizierà con un giorno lavorativo di anticipo. Si noti, tuttavia, che, con il T+2, una volta venduto il titolo, i fondi saranno accreditati sul proprio conto, ripianando il prestito parzialmente o interamente con un giorno di anticipo.   
 
Domande frequenti

Sono previste modifiche al regolamento dell'acquisto e della vendita dei contratti di opzioni, future e/o opzioni su future?

No. Al momento questi prodotti sono regolati secondo il T+1 e tale ciclo di regolamento non subirà modifiche.

 
Sono previste modifiche al regolamento dell'acquisto e della vendita dei fondi comuni?
No. Al momento tutti i fondi comuni offerti da IB sono regolati secondo il T+1 e tale ciclo di regolamento non subirà modifiche.
 
La modifica avrà effetto sulla liquidità o sugli attivi richiesti per l'avvio degli ordini?
No. Attualmente tutti gli ordini sono soggetti a controlli prima del relativo invio, al fine di assicurare che il conto soddisfi i necessari requisiti qualora l'ordine venisse eseguito. Per i conti di liquidità ciò significa che il conto deve avere a disposizione liquidità regolata sufficiente a soddisfare il regolamento, indipendentemente dal metodo T+3 o T+2.  Allo stesso modo, in caso di conti a margine, il conto deve disporre del capitale eccedente necessario per continuare a soddisfare i requisiti di margine. Questo requisito di tutela non subirà modifiche con il T+2.
 
La modifica avrà conseguenze sull'arco temporale entro il quale i titoli sono trasferiti via ACATS o ATON?
No. I procedimenti di trasferimento non subiranno effetti con il passaggio dal T+3 al T+2.

U.S. Microcap Stock Restrictions

Introduction
To comply with regulations regarding the sale of unregistered securities and to minimize the manual processing associated with trading shares that are not publicly quoted, IBKR imposes certain restrictions on U.S. Microcap Stocks. A list of those restrictions, along with other FAQs relating to this topic are provided below. 

Microcap Restrictions

  • IBKR will only accept transfers of blocks of U.S. Microcap stocks from Eligible Clients. Eligible Clients include accounts that: (1) maintain equity (pre or post-transfer) of at least $5 million or, clients of financial advisors with aggregate assets under management of at least $20 million; and (2) have less than half of their equity in U.S. Microcap Stocks.
  • IBKR will only accept transfers1 of blocks of U.S. Microcap Stocks where the Eligible Client can confirm the shares were purchased on the open market or registered with the SEC;
  • IBKR will not accept transfers1 of or opening orders for U.S. Microcap Stocks designated by OTC as Caveat Emptor or Grey Market from any client. Clients with existing positions in these stocks may close the positions;
  • IBKR will not accept transfers of U.S. Microcap Stocks to cover a short position established at IBKR;
  • Execution-only clients (i.e., execute trades through IBKR, but clear those trades elsewhere) may not trade U.S. Microcap Stocks within their IBKR account. (IBKR may make exceptions for U.S.-registered brokers);


Microcap FAQs

What is a U.S. Microcap Stock?
The term “Microcap Stock” refers to shares (1) traded over the counter or (2) that are listed on Nasdaq and NYSE American that have a market capitalization of between $50 million to $300 million and are trading at or below $5. For purposes of this policy, the term Microcap Stock will include the shares of U.S. public companies which have a market capitalization at or below $50 million, which are sometimes referred to as nanocap stocks or trade on a market generally associated with Microcap Stocks.

To avoid situations where minor, short-term fluctuations in a stock price cause repeated reclassification, any stock classified as U.S. Microcap will remain in that classification until both its market capitalization and share price exceed $300 million and $5, respectively, for a 30 consecutive calendar day period.

As Microcap Stocks are often low-priced, they are commonly referred to as penny stocks. IBKR may make exceptions, including for stocks traded at low prices that recently had a greater market cap. In addition, IBKR will not consider ADRs on non-US companies to be Micro-Cap stocks.

Where do Microcap Stocks trade?
Microcap Stocks typically trade in the OTC market, rather than on a national securities exchange. They are often electronically quoted by market makers on OTC systems such as the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) and the markets administered by the OTC Markets Group (e.g., OTCQX, OTCQB & Pink). Also included in this category are stocks which may not be publicly quoted and which are designated as Caveat Emptor, Other OTC or Grey Market.
In addition, U.S. regulators also consider stocks listed on Nasdaq or NYSE American trading at or below $5 with a market capitalization at or less than $300 million to be Microcap Stocks.

What happens if IBKR receives a transfer from an Eligible Client where one or more of the positions transferred is a Microcap Stock?
If IBKR receives a transfer containing a block of a Microcap stock, IBKR reserves the right to restrict the sale of any Microcap position(s) included in the transfer unless the Eligible Client provides appropriate documentation establishing that the shares were either purchased on the open market (i.e., on a public exchange through another broker) or were registered with the SEC pursuant to an S-1 or similar registration statement.

Eligible Clients can prove that shares were purchased on the open market by providing a brokerage statement or trade confirm from a reputable broker reflecting the purchase of the shares on a public exchange. Eligible Clients can establish that the shares are registered by providing the SEC (Edgar system) File number under which their shares were registered by the company (and any documents necessary to confirm the shares are the ones listed in the registration statement).

NOTE: All customers are free to transfer out any shares we have restricted at any time.

What restrictions will IBKR apply to Prime accounts?
Clients whose activities include Prime services are considered Eligible Clients solely for the purposes of those trades which IBKR has agreed to accept from its executing brokers. However, while Prime accounts may clear U.S. Microcap Stocks at IBKR, those shares will be restricted until such time IBKR confirms that the shares are eligible for re-sale under the procedures discussed above. 

To remove the restriction for shares purchased on the open market, please have the executing broker provide a signed letter on company letterhead or an official Account Statement stating that the shares were purchased in the open market. The letter or statement must also include the below required criteria. Alternatively, if the shares were acquired through an offering the letter or statement must provide documents or links to the relevant registration statement and state that the shares were part of it.

Required Broker Letter Criteria:
1) IBKR Account Number
2) IBKR Account Title
3) Trade Date
4) Settlement Date
5) Symbol
6) Side
7) Price
8) Quantity
9) Time of Execution
10) Exchange
11) Must be signed
12) Must be on Firm's official letterhead

To summarize: Sell Long trades will be accepted if the long position is no longer restricted. Sell Short trades will be accepted. Buy Long trades will be accepted and the position will be restricted until Compliance is provided with sufficient information to remove the restriction. Buy Cover trades and intraday round trip trades will not be accepted.


What happens if a stock you purchase gets reclassified as Grey Market or Caveat Emptor?

If you purchase a stock in your IBKR account that at a later date becomes classified as a Caveat Emptor or Grey Market stock, you will be allowed to maintain, close or transfer the position but will not be able to increase your position.


What are some of the reasons why Microcap Stock trading may be restricted in my account?
There are two primary reasons why you might be restricted from trading in a Microcap Stock:

  • Potential Affiliation to Issuer: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 144 places certain limitations on trading of stocks (including Microcap Stocks) by an “affiliate” of the issuer. If IBKR observes trading activity or holdings in a Microcap Stock that are close to the trading volume thresholds under Rule 144 (“Rule 144 Thresholds”), IBKR may restrict the customer from trading the Microcap Stock until a compliance review is completed.
  • Transfer of Microcap Stock: If the customer has recently transferred a Microcap Stock into their IBKR account, IBKR may restrict the customer from trading in that security until a compliance review is completed.

If one of the above reasons apply, trading will be restricted in the security and a notification will be sent to the customer’s message center in Account Management. This notification will describe the reason for the restriction and the steps the customer must take before IBKR will consider lifting the restriction.


Why does IBKR consider me to be a potential affiliate of a Microcap Stock issuer?
An “affiliate” is a person, such as an executive officer, a director or large shareholder, in a relationship of control with the issuer.

Rule 144 applies to all securities, including Microcap Stocks. However, given the heightened risks associated with trading Microcap Stocks, if a customer’s trading and/or holdings in a Microcap Stock are close to the Rule 144 Thresholds, IBKR will restrict the customer’s trading in the Microcap Stock.  This restriction will remain in effect pending a compliance review into the customer’s potential affiliate status.

For the Potential Affiliate review, why do I need to ask for a new review every two weeks?
A customer’s affiliate status may change soon after IBKR completes the above-referenced Potential Affiliate review. As such, IBKR believes it is appropriate to refresh a Potential Affiliate review every two weeks if a customer’s trading activity and/or holdings in the Microcap Stock remain close to the Rule 144 Thresholds.

Where can I find a list of stocks that IBKR has designated as U.S. Microcaps?
A list of stocks designated as U.S. Microcaps by IBKR is available via the following link: www.ibkr.com/download/us_microcaps.csv

Note that this list is updated daily.

Where can I find additional information on Microcap Stocks?
Additional information on Microcap Stocks, including risks associated with such stocks may be found on the SEC website: https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubsmicrocapstockhtm.html
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1This includes transfers by any method (e.g., ACATS, DWAC, FOP), conversion of Canadian listings to their U.S. equivalent via “Southbound” transfer, transfers to cover existing short positions, IB Prime customers executing with other brokers and clearing to IBKR, etc.

 

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