Does IBKR require personal guarantee trading under LLC?

Discussion in 'Interactive Brokers' started by Nystyle, Jan 9, 2024.

  1. Nystyle

    Nystyle

    Hi all,


    I'm contemplating trading options under an LLC with Interactive Brokers and have some concerns about liability and account requirements:


    1. LLC for Liability Protection: In the event of a negative balance from options trading, how effective is an LLC at protecting personal assets? Are there any specific experiences or insights with IBKR in this regard?


    2. IBKR's Personal Guarantee Requirements: Does Interactive Brokers require a personal guarantee for LLC accounts, particularly those used for options trading? How does this affect personal liability?


    I'm looking for advice or shared experiences to better understand these aspects before proceeding.


    Thanks in advance for your help!
     
    murray t turtle likes this.
  2. 2rosy

    2rosy

    a single person LLC is basically like a regular personal account. Also, costs are higher as an LLC because it is deemed professional.
     
    Nystyle and murray t turtle like this.
  3. %%
    SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD idea;
    for a risk business like lots of rentals or risk like timber cutters.
    Hard to imagine IBKR would forgive any debt off that, but I'm sure if so ,that would be in thier contract also...........................................
     
    Nystyle likes this.
  4. zdreg

    zdreg

    Don't expect a special exception provision from any broker.
     
    murray t turtle and Nystyle like this.
  5. Robert Morse

    Robert Morse Sponsor

    A single member LLC for tax purposes is a disregarded entity. As long as you have a proper operating agreement to release you from liability, you would have protection at arbitration with an LLC. No protection is 100%. Individual account has no protection. Expect that if you go negative, the broker will expect you to make good on the money. The LLC in most cases protects assets outside the LLC. Lightspeed/Wedbush does not require a personal guarantee for an equity account opened by an entity, but Wedbush Futures does.

     
    murray t turtle, Nystyle and zdreg like this.
  6. Nystyle

    Nystyle

    Thanks for the reply and input. Really appreciate it!