inasmuch as being one of the traders who lost over 2/3 of the deposit in the fraudulent case involving pfg best, some years ago, i could personally tell everyone that the number of branches of operation and the apparent size of a company just are not reliable indicators of the security of an entity. and inasmuch as i have nothing against ib personally, i do have many personal concerns. well, again it is a pesonal decision, but i would rather go with the old time clearing houses with apparent proven financial solidity to hold my whole wheat bread and fat free butter.... LOL, such as .... pm me if you or anyone likes to know. again happy thanksgiving to everyone.