CF

Overview of CF

Founded in 2000, CF is a U.S.-based firm specializing in outsourced trading solutions for institutional asset managers. Authorized and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), they offer expertise across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and US-listed derivatives. With a global presence and a focus on aligning with their clients' interests, they aim to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve execution quality through customized services like outsourced trading, middle and back-office support, data analysis, and compliance assistance.

However, CF Global Trading's services are primarily tailored towards institutional clients, potentially excluding smaller investors. Additionally, they lack transparency on their website regarding commission rates and platform specifics, requiring direct contact for clarification.

Regulatory Status

CF is authorized and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong, with registration number AGD005.

Pros and Cons

CF Global Trading, a specialized provider of outsourced trading solutions, offers asset managers extensive experience and a client-aligned approach, prioritizing optimal execution and cost reduction. Their global network and 24/7 trading capabilities facilitate access to diverse markets, while diverse services, including back-office support, data analysis, and compliance assistance, cater to the complex needs of institutional clients.

However, CF Global Trading's website lacks transparency regarding commission rates and the specifics of their trading platform, necessitating direct contact for clarity. Their services primarily cater to institutional asset managers, potentially leaving out smaller investors. Additionally, the lack of clear information on deposit and withdrawal processes, as well as relatively limited educational resources, could be points of concern for some.

Products and Services

CF Global Trading is an outsourced trading solutions provider for institutional asset managers. They help asset managers improve liquidity, streamline workflow, and reduce trading costs by providing a team of experienced traders and operational experts. CF Global prides itself on being a buy-side firm, meaning they work for the benefit of investment managers, not against them.

• Equities Trading: CF Global executes international equity trades, acting as a buy-side partner to reduce costs and improve execution quality.

• Fixed Income Trading: CF Global's expertise covers a wide range of global bonds, from G20 government bonds to high-yield and emerging market bonds.

• US Listed Derivatives: CF Global offers derivative services, options expertise, and trade structuring for hedging and leveraged directional views.

• Outsourced Trading: CF Global provides customized outsourced trading solutions, ranging from fully outsourced global trading teams to hybrid models and execution support for lean internal teams.

• Middle and Back Office: CF Global streamlines settlement and reconciliation processes, electronically matching trades and uploading custodian files.

• Data-Driven Governance & TCA: CF Global goes beyond basic TCA to analyze trends and improve execution processes, supporting investor due diligence.

• Institutional Workflow: CF Global provides pre-trade compliance checks, trade optimization tools, post-trade regulatory reporting, and order monitoring on their global blotter.

• Commission Management Services: CF Global manages client commission payment pools and acts as an FCA-authorized RPA administrator for MiFID II compliance.

• Client SLA: CF Global establishes a detailed Service Level Agreement covering the entire trade life cycle, ensuring clear communication and regular review.

Account Opening Process

CF Global Trading, as an outsourced trading solutions provider, does not have a traditional account opening process in the way retail brokerages do. Their services are geared towards institutional asset managers, who typically engage with CF Global through a business development and onboarding process. This involves:

1. Initial Consultation: The asset manager and CF Global discuss the manager's specific needs and requirements regarding outsourced trading solutions.

2. Proposal and Agreement: CF Global presents a tailored proposal outlining the scope of services, fees, and terms of engagement. If both parties agree, a contract is signed.

3. Onboarding and Integration: CF Global works with the asset manager to integrate their systems and processes, ensuring a smooth transition of trading operations.

4. Ongoing Service and Review: CF Global provides ongoing trading services, regularly reviewing performance and adjusting strategies as needed to meet the asset manager's goals.

Trading Platform

CF Global provides their own electronic trading platforms to access a broad range of liquidity sources and execution venues. However, it does not provide any entry point for downloading its app or relevant information.

Customer Support Options

CF offers robust customer support through various channels available on work days from 09:00 to 18:00 (GMT+2):

1. Phone Support: CF Global offers dedicated phone support through their trading desks located in New York, London, and Hong Kong. This ensures that traders can receive real-time assistance regardless of their location or time zone. Clients can contact the New York office via +1 800 363 8723 or the London office at +44 207 400 8686, etc.

2. Email Support: Traders can reach CF Global customer support 24 hours a day via email at info@cfglobal.blazeoven.co.uk. This provides a convenient way to get assistance on various issues, from technical problems to account-related queries.

1. Message box: CF also provides a message box on their website to meet the different needs of customers.

Educational Resources

CF Global Trading offers a variety of resources to its clients to enhance their trading experience and decision-making

1. User Stories: CF Global Trading's website features a section titled “User Stories,” where several clients share their experiences with the company's outsourced trading solutions.

1. News and Events: The company also shares relevant industry news and upcoming events on their website, allowing clients to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CF Global Trading presents a compelling proposition for institutional asset managers seeking expert outsourced trading solutions. Their deep industry knowledge, buy-side focus, global reach, diverse services, and commitment to customization are significant advantages. However, a lack of transparency on fees and platform details, as well as a focus on institutional clients, might deter smaller investors.

FAQs

Q: What types of financial instruments does CF Global specialize in trading？

A: CF Global Trading focuses on equities, fixed income (including government, high-yield, and emerging market bonds), and US-listed derivatives.

Q: Is CF Global a regulated company？

A: Yes, CF Global Trading is authorized and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong.

Q: How does CF Global Trading differ from traditional brokers？

A: CF Global Trading exclusively provides outsourced trading solutions for institutional asset managers, not individual retail investors. They aim to be a partner, working in the best interests of their clients to improve trading outcomes.

Q: What makes CF Global Trading's approach unique？

A: They emphasize a buy-side focus, aligning their interests with their clients' to optimize execution and reduce costs. Their global reach and 24/7 trading capabilities also distinguish them from many competitors.

Q: Are there educational resources available to clients of CF Global Trading？

A: Yes, CF Global Trading provides user stories showcasing client experiences and shares industry news and events on their website.