2 related questions: 1) Can you simultaneously access 1 IB account on 2 computers/locations with the same username/password? I just tried this and was able to log in from 2 computers, but both screens started flashing a pink background (I think from the bulletines going haywire?). I wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong, if this is just not possible.... 2) Does anyone know how joint accounts are handled in IB? Do you get 2 usernames, or just 1? If only 1, I guess both account holders can't log in at the same time then? Thanks for your time!
Certainly it's impossible/not allowed to login to the same account (username/password combo) simultaneously, no matter on the same PC or seperate PC's, and no matter it's the standalone or the browser-based version. But it's ok to access as many IB accounts as you have (or allowed access to), again no matter on the same PC or seperate PC's/locations. System resource (CPU horsepower, memory available, Internet bandwidth) is the only limitation. How about IB to implement "Third-Party Trading Authorization" mechanism for authorized individuals to trade for other's accounts (not to the status that regulation is required). It's a common scenario for someone experienced/well-equipped to trade for other's account, be it brothers/sisters, close friends/business partners, sponsors, etc., common but not required to be registered as CTA/CPO or anything else. Especially for non-US clients such as Asia-Pacific Rim residents. The key point is to offer a second username/password to the authorized individual for full access to TWS to trade that account, but this username/password has no permission to the "Account Access" part to view/change the secured info. I think IB is particularly suitable to implement this mechanism since its TWS trading platform and Account Access are born to be seperate. TradeStation Technologies (www.tradestation.com) has a good implementation. Wish IB to follow soon.