Solidus Advisors helps clients understand what they need to succeed.

The US brokerage business has seen continual change for decades, starting with the immobilization and then dematerialization of securities, to the rise of discount brokerages, decimalization, Regulation FD, the Manning Order Rule and most recently, zero-commission businesses.
 

The zero-commission brokerage model presents both opportunity and structural challenges for broker-dealers, especially introducing brokers, because long-term success depends on scale, capital access, operational efficiency, and technology infrastructure.
 

This environment may prompt some firms to consider becoming a self-clearing broker-dealer, which requires greater capital commitment, operational infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and clearing capabilities.
 

We’ve also seen a steady rise in non-US and digital brokerage firms seeking FINRA registration and US broker-dealer status. Some firms pursue self-clearing to control workflows, margin, and custody functions, while others elect to introduce broker status to reduce operational burden and capital requirements.
 

Solidus Advisors helps clients navigate the complexity of establishing and scaling brokerage operations in the US, including:
 

• FINRA membership and broker-dealer registration

• Introducing vs. self-clearing broker strategy

• Clearing firm selection and clearing agreements

• Regulatory compliance and supervisory framework design

• Capital planning and net capital requirements

• Operational infrastructure, technology, and staffing strategy
   

We advise on regulatory structure, capital requirements, clearing models, and operating strategy, ensuring broker-dealers are positioned for sustainable growth in a competitive US brokerage market.