Frequently Asked Questions — IBS Metals

  • What is the OTC Precious Metals Market?

    The OTC Precious Metals Market is a highly capitalized, decentralized market where trading occurs on a dealer-to-dealer basis and trades are settled directly between the principals. Each OTC precious metals transaction is a unique and non-fungible trade; each element is negotiated between the parties. Trades are settled by the exchange of precious metals for currency.

  • What Precious Metals trade OTC?

    Precious Metals that trade over the counter include but are not limited to gold, silver, platinum, and palladium refined buillion bars, investment grade bullion coinage, and fabricated industrial product.

  • What hours do precious metals trade OTC?

    Trading in OTC Precious Metals occurs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Who regulates the OTC Precious Metals Market?

    The OTC Precious Metals market is a decentralized market where trading occurs in many jurisdictions around the world where various local laws and statutes govern.

  • What is a Principal Market Maker?

    A Principal Market Maker in OTC Precious Metals routinely makes active, two-way bid/ask quotations in spot and forward markets for his or her own account.

  • What is an Introducing Broker (IB)?

    A Precious Metals IB is a broker or brokerage firm who, acting as the customer's representative, refers or introduces a customer's precious metals account to a Principal Market Maker.

  • Who is IBS Metals?

    IBS Metals is the trade name under which Integrated Brokerage Services, LLC conducts its over the counter precious metals brokerage operations. Integrated Brokerage Services, LLC is a registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) as well as a member of the National Futures Association (NFA).

  • Who is Alliance Financial, LLC?

    Alliance Financial, LLC is a principal market maker in over 325 precious metals products that trade over the counter. Alliance Financial, LLC is a registered Futures Introducing Broker (IB) as well as a member of the National Futures Association (NFA).

  • What is your minimum account size?

    There is no minimum account size requirement for OTC precious metals accounts. For Spot transactions clients are generally required to post 10% of the market value prior to receiving a firm transaction price and are required to settle the transaction in full on settlement day.

  • What types of orders can I place?

    Many types of orders are accepted including Market, Limit, Stop, GTC (Good 'till Cancelled), and OCO (Order Cancels Order).

  • How can I open an account?

    Click on the "Open An Account" link in the left-hand navigation bar and follow the instructions.