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TastyWorks
TastyWorks is a commission-free options brokerage founded by Tom Sosnoff, acquired by IG Group in 2021 for $1 billion.
TastyWorks
TastyWorks was founded in 2017 by Tom Sosnoff, the co-founder of thinkorswim, which he sold to TD Ameritrade in 2009. Sosnoff and his team created TastyWorks as a commission-free broker-dealer focused on options and futures trading, launching alongside the media network Tastytrade to provide market commentary and education (per public record). The firm's strategy centers on retail trading infrastructure: a proprietary desktop and mobile trading platform, zero-commission options trades, and a revenue model based on per-contract fees and payment for order flow. TastyWorks does not manage funds or make direct investments; it generates income from trading volume and subscription products. Asset class exposure is purely derivative-based (options, futures, equities), with no direct real estate or private credit involvement (per the firm's official communications). Geographic footprint is US-only, with the primary office in Chicago and an additional office in Austin. TastyWorks' only disclosed institutional event was its acquisition by IG Group Holdings (LSE: IGG) in September 2021 for $1 billion, with IG Group CEO June Felix citing the firm's "unique approach to demystifying trading through content and technology" (per IG Group, September 2021). The firm continues to operate under the TastyWorks brand, with Scott Sheridan remaining as CEO. Team size is not publicly disclosed, but the combined entity (TastyWorks and Tastytrade) employs over 200 people as of 2025 (per public record). A structural differentiator is TastyWorks' unusual revenue model: it earns from trading activity rather than asset management fees. It has no external investors or LP base, and the acquisition by a regulated public company (IG Group) provides a governance layer unusual for a startup brokerage. The firm's reliance on payment for order flow and SEC rule changes remains a regulatory exposure (per public record).
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2017
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Chicago
Corporate office
Chicago, IL, United States
Additional offices
Austin, TX, United States
Principals
Tom Sosnoff
Co-Founder
Scott Sheridan
CEO
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who makes investment decisions at TastyWorks?
TastyWorks does not make investment decisions on behalf of clients. It is a broker-dealer that provides trading platforms for self-directed retail investors. The firm's CEO is Scott Sheridan, who oversees operations. Tom Sosnoff, co-founder, is no longer involved in day-to-day management following the IG Group acquisition (per public record).
How does TastyWorks generate revenue if it doesn't charge commissions?
TastyWorks generates revenue primarily through per-contract fees on options and futures trades, payment for order flow from market makers, and subscription fees for premium products like Tastyworks Pro. It does not charge commissions on stock trades but makes money on options contracts at a rate of $0.15 per contract (per the firm's official communications).
Is TastyWorks a family office?
No. TastyWorks is a fintech broker-dealer and media platform, not a family office. It was founded by Tom Sosnoff, who is an individual investor, but the firm itself manages no private capital and acts as a retail execution venue. Its parent company, IG Group, is a publicly traded UK-based trading firm (per public record).
What is the relationship between TastyWorks and Tastytrade?
TastyWorks and Tastytrade operate as sibling brands under the same parent company (IG Group). Tastytrade is the financial media and education arm that produces live video shows, while TastyWorks provides the trading platform. They share the same leadership team and Chicago office (per the firm's official communications).
Does TastyWorks offer any services to institutional investors?
No. TastyWorks is designed exclusively for self-directed retail investors and traders. It does not have an institutional arm, does not manage pooled capital, and does not offer advisory services. Its platform is built for high-frequency retail trading of options and futures (per public record).
What are TastyWorks' regulatory exposures?
TastyWorks is regulated by the SEC and FINRA as a broker-dealer. Its primary regulatory risk relates to payment for order flow (PFOF), which the SEC has proposed restricting or banning. Any such ban could materially alter TastyWorks' revenue model, as PFOF accounts for a significant portion of its income (per SEC, 2022–2025).
How does TastyWorks differ from other retail brokers like Robinhood?
TastyWorks focuses specifically on options and futures trading, with a platform optimized for active derivatives users, while Robinhood targets a broader retail stock and crypto audience. TastyWorks also owns a media side (Tastytrade) that produces 12 hours of live educational content daily, whereas Robinhood does not have a comparable media operation (per public record).
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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