Trading Permissions
Trading permissions define which products and markets you can trade in your account. By default, only basic products are enabled, while additional permissions must be requested.
Important Information: Requesting trading permissions for new products or markets involves a suitability assessment. Your request will be reviewed based on your knowledge, experience, investment objectives, and financial situation. All accounts are by default enabled to trade in stocks, ETFs, and currency conversion. The application process is outlined in the steps below.
Requesting additional trading permissions does not guarantee approval. Not all products are suitable for all investors, and each product class (such as options, warrants, or leveraged products) has specific eligibility criteria. These requirements exist to protect you from inappropriate risk exposure or potential financial loss.
Login
- Open your browser and visit the Client Portal website
- Enter your username and your password
- Authenticate yourself via two-factor authentication
Select Account Trading Permissions
In the menu at the top right corner, select Welcome and then Settings. Select Account Trading Permissions and choose an asset class by clicking Add/Edit on the specific product you want to request the trading permissions for. This is needed for each product and market you wish to trade.
Select the locations you wish to trade the product on from the list. This refers to the countries of the respective exchanges. Adding markets to an existing permission is typically processed immediately, but may be subject to review or technical delays.
Make your selection, then click Continue.
Confirm the request
Please review your request and any attached documents. Enter your name exactly as demonstrated on the left side of the page, and then click Continue to submit your request.
If all minimum product-specific requirements are met, trading permissions are typically issued within 24 hours.
Review your financial profile
Various criteria including financial information, investment experience and objectives are taken into account to be granted specific trading permission.
To review and make adjustments to your Financial Information, Investment Experience, and Investment Objectives, please navigate to Settings in the Client Portal. In the Account Profile section, select Financial Profile. Please note that after updating your information, you will need to request the trading permissions again.
FAQ
Which permissions are needed for warrants and structured products?
For trading warrants and certificates, in addition to the permission for Warrants, you also need the trading permission for Complex or Leveraged Exchange-Traded products.
In order to be able to trade warrants, you must also have trading approval for Options – Level 4. To apply for this level, you need a margin account.
You can extend the trading permission for your securities account via your Client Portal.
What is required to trade in penny stocks?
If you meet the eligibility criteria for trading penny stocks, you will have the option to add the “United States (Penny Stocks)” permission within the Stocks asset class category.
However, if you do not see the “United States (Penny Stocks)” within the Stocks asset class category on the trading permissions page, it could be due to the following reasons:
- Your financial information does not meet the necessary requirements
- Investment objectives do not meet the criteria
- Two-factor authentication is not activated or outdated
- Investment experience does not meet the criteria
Please note that our partner, Interactive Brokers, does not disclose the exact thresholds on these minimum requirements, and they may be subject to updates.
How do I apply for options trading?
Options are divided into 3 different trading permissions:
- Options: For equity and index options in North America and Australia.
- Stocks options: For equity options in Europe and Asia
- Index options: For index options outside North America
Permission requirements may vary by region and product type. You must meet the relevant eligibility criteria (e.g., experience, financial profile) to apply.
How long will it take for my application to be approved?
If all requirements are met, trading permissions are usually granted within 24 hours. The addition of further trading venues to already activated product classes is typically processed immediately, but may be subject to review or technical delays.
How can I check or update my options level?
Option trading permissions are divided into four levels:
- Margin accounts: Clients with margin accounts may request any level (1-4).
- Cash accounts: Clients with cash accounts may only request levels 1-3, with full payment required for all call and put purchases.
- Eligibility: All clients who have been granted options trading permissions are eligible for level 1. However, levels 2-4 require clients to be at least 21 years old and meet additional experience and suitability criteria.
You can check or update your option level in the Client Portal:
- Log in to the Client Portal.
- Click Welcome (top right corner) and select Settings.
- Choose Account Trading Permissions.
- Under the Options section, find your current Option Level.
- To update your option level, click Option Level, select the level(s) you want, and click Continue until your request is submitted.
If all requirements are met, trading permissions are usually granted within 24 hours.
Please note: Our partner, Interactive Brokers, does not disclose exact thresholds on product-specific minimum requirements, and these may be subject to updates.