Primer Brokers for shorting

Hello all,

I have run a market neutral stat arb strategy for the past 5 years on IBKR. I am wondering if there are any other brokers that can handle my volume of trades (500 - 1,000 per day) and also have better short availability and better short fees compared to IBKR. Obviously in the large/mid caps its all highly competitive, but I am looking for brokers that would have better availability in the US$10m - US$1,000m mkt cap range.

My understanding of the plumbing of the shorting system is limited, but I imagine a broker which custodies at one of the biggest custodians would be an advantage as there is more likely to be another customer who is long and hence available to short?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I think you will be happy with Centerpoint Securities https://centerpointsecurities.com/

 

Bob Morse in 3, 2, 1

 

Rabo, Mizuho, Abn Amro

 

Thanks all. Am I correct that the bigger the custodian the more shares available?

 

custodian is not a broker.

prime broker can exeute otc trades even if there is no available shares to short in general, a side bet.

 

Hi, I'm going to send you a private message.

 

Ahhh ok thanks, as I said I don't full understand how the plumbing works. If I am at a PB who custodies at Pershing (my understanding is that they are the biggest), aren't I more likely to get good short availability / lower short rates?

 

the answer is no.

you need to face to face with all these guys, some may not want your business.

 

Wow 1000 trades a day on 10m cap stocks,I admire a Daredevil! Good Lord I cant imagine your shorting fees and commission. I hope you didn't short $DRUG the last 4 days,up over 3000%. I'm sure a lot of shorts accounts were blown up.