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MRKTS
MRKTS is a quantitative trading firm based in New York, focused on systematic market-making and proprietary trading in derivatives markets. The firm joins a...
MRKTS
MRKTS is a quantitative trading firm based in New York, focused on systematic market-making and proprietary trading in derivatives markets. The firm joins a cohort of technology-driven liquidity providers that have reshaped electronic options and futures trading over the last decade, emphasizing low-latency execution and mathematical modeling. The firm's strategy centers on providing two-sided liquidity across a broad range of exchange-listed derivatives, including equity options, index options, and volatility products. MRKTS deploys proprietary pricing models to manage inventory risk and capture bid-ask spreads. The firm operates primarily as a principal trader, competing with firms such as Optiver, IMC, and Susquehanna International Group in the highly competitive electronic market-making landscape. Its approach requires continuous recalibration of pricing and risk parameters throughout each trading session. MRKTS competes in an industry where scale, speed, and quantitative talent determine outcomes. The firm maintains a lean structure typical of proprietary trading shops, staffing teams of quants, developers, and traders in a collaborative, non-hierarchical floor-culture common among its peers. These teams work in rapid feedback cycles to maintain technological parity with exchanges and prime brokers. Performance data and headcount are not publicly disclosed. The firm's structural distinction lies in its independence as a non-bank market-maker. Without the balance-sheet costs and regulatory overlay of a large bank, MRKTS can adapt trading strategies and technology stacks more fluidly. This independence places MRKTS in a corporate structure similar to merchant traders who rely entirely on internal returns, not client fees, for revenue growth.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
New York, NY, United States
Frequently asked questions
What does MRKTS trade?
MRKTS focuses on exchange-listed derivatives, primarily equity options, index options, and related volatility products. The firm makes markets in these instruments, meaning it provides continuous two-sided bid and offer prices to exchanges. This requires sophisticated pricing models and rapid risk management to handle the inventory accumulated from customer order flow. The exact suite of products by venue is not publicly disclosed.
Is MRKTS a broker-dealer?
MRKTS likely operates under a broker-dealer registration given its market-making activities on U.S. options exchanges, though the firm's specific regulatory filings are not publicly summarized. Electronic market-makers in U.S. listed options typically register as FINRA-member broker-dealers and maintain memberships at multiple exchanges, including Cboe, NYSE Arca, and Nasdaq PHLX. Without direct confirmation from the firm, the exact registration status is not verifiable.
How does MRKTS make money?
As a principal trading firm, MRKTS generates revenue by capturing the spread between its buy and sell quotes across thousands of listed derivatives. The firm does not charge client fees or manage outside capital. Profitability depends on trading volume, volatility levels, and the accuracy of its pricing models. This business model is capital-intensive and requires continuous reinvestment in technology and quantitative research.
Who competes directly with MRKTS?
MRKTS competes with a dense field of established electronic market-makers, including Optiver, IMC Trading, Susquehanna International Group (SIG), Citadel Securities, and Wolverine Trading. These firms all deploy proprietary technology to price and trade options and other derivatives across global exchanges. Competition centers on speed of execution, quality of pricing models, and the ability to manage risk during periods of high volatility.
Does MRKTS take outside investor capital?
No public evidence suggests MRKTS accepts outside capital. The firm appears to trade entirely with proprietary funds, which is the prevailing model for independent derivatives market-makers. Trading proprietary capital eliminates the need to report to external investors and allows the firm to retain all investment profits, aligning incentives exclusively among internal partners.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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