Accounts and headline costs
Sections ↑Zaner Financial Services LLC offers US futures brokerage with independent, broker-assisted and fully managed service. Terms were checked on 12 October 2026. The selected desk, carrying firm and approved residence determine the account arrangement.[6]
Reference table01
DeCarley desk: four published service plans
| Attribute | Full-service | Broker-assisted | Self-directed Standard | Self-directed Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Broker develops and implements strategies | Trader leads; broker adds input and execution help | Online trading with support available | Experienced online trader; limited routine assistanceSource 11Source 12Source 13Source 14 |
| Futures commission: USD / contract / side | 12.50 | 5.00–12.50 | 3.00 and down | 2.50 and downSource 15 |
| Options charging basis | Upfront | Upfront | Upfront | UpfrontSource 15 |
| Qualification | Agreed service level | Agreed service level | Standard online service | Funding/activity qualifications; no numerical threshold statedSource 15 |
The facts02
Account essentials
| Measure | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Opening capital | Obtain a route-specific minimum | The FAQ gives USD 2,000, or USD 1,000 for Micros, in one answer and USD 5,000 in another; it directs smaller accounts to the desk for FCM/platform eligibility.Source 16 |
| Clearing choice | StoneX preferred for most DeCarley clients | The current application page identifies this preference; other clearing arrangements require confirmation.Source 17 |
| Other Zaner service | Self-directed, assisted and fully managed | The central brokerage offers volume discounts and individual service quotes; DeCarley’s tariff is not a universal Zaner price.Source 6 |
| Customer money | Held by the carrying FCM | An introducing broker does not receive the trading collateral.Source 2 |
Products and platforms
Sections ↑Availability03
Trading and commercial coverage
| Area | Published offer |
|---|---|
| Exchange futures and options | CME Group, ICE and other global exchanges; rates, indices, currencies and commodities depend on the approved clearing/platform route.Source 5 |
| Agricultural hedging | Futures, options and combinations tailored to producers’ output, basis and production costs.Source 9 |
| Mixed service | A client can combine assisted trading in selected markets with self-directed trading elsewhere under an agreed arrangement.Source 10 |
Specifications04
Representative futures units
Platforms & products05
Platform choice at the DeCarley desk
| Platform | Useful capability | Product or access distinction |
|---|---|---|
| DeCarley Trader | Custom CQG Desktop workspaces; option Greeks, dollar prices and spread builder | Web/Mac-compatible futures and options; free front endSource 21 |
| iBroker | Mobile/web quotes, charts and option chains | The comparison excludes option Greeks and spread-order entrySource 22 |
| TradingView | Web charts and trading with CQG connectivity | The dedicated page specifies futures-only execution; no optionsSource 23 |
| CQG QTrader | Chart trading, study-following orders and Excel data | Futures/options tools; quoted software and routing costsSource 24 |
Commissions, data and account charges
Sections ↑Pricing & charges06
Complete the trading-cost quote
| Component | Basis and qualification |
|---|---|
| Negotiated commission | Account size, volume, strategy, risk and experience affect the agreed rate. Pro applies to electronic execution; open-outcry business uses Standard terms.Source 15 |
| Exchange and clearing | Request the contract’s exchange, clearing and connection additions with the desk’s quote; the published commission grid is not an all-in total.Source 10 |
| NFA futures assessment | USD 0.01 per side from 1 July 2026; scheduled return to USD 0.02 on 1 July 2027.Source 3 |
| Live market data | Exchange subscriptions are required for live data; a free platform or non-expiring demo does not remove this charge.Source 13 |
| Automated strategy | Commission is set by the vendor or system creator rather than the ordinary service-plan grid.Source 15 |
Pricing & charges07
Published software and connection charges
| Route | Broker-published charge | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| DeCarley Trader | Free front end | Data, brokerage and other account charges remain separateSource 21 |
| TradingView via CQG | USD 10/month + USD 0.10 per trade | Optional paid TradingView plan is extra; the page does not define “trade” as a side or round turnSource 23 |
| CQG QTrader | USD 40/month | The transaction-charge wording is ambiguous; obtain its currency and per-contract/side basis in writingSource 24 |
The facts08
Activity and continuing subscriptions
| Measure | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Client research | Funded, actively trading clients receive the newsletter | This activity condition is a service benefit, not a documented dormancy fee or account-closure timer.Source 16 |
| System licences | Separate from trading activity | The linked iSystems agreement bills purchased licences while active. It is dated September 2017 and cannot establish a current complete tariff.Source 31 |
Execution, margin and operating rules
Sections ↑Process09
Order handling and risk controls
| Area | Practical distinction |
|---|---|
| DeCarley Trader orders | Chart, DOM, ticket and quote-board entry; brackets include OCO/OSO and timed orders include market-on-open/close.Source 21 |
| Options and spread margin | The FAQ describes SPAN-based treatment, with FCM-dependent exceptions. Agree day/overnight requirements, news windows and liquidation fees for the actual route.Source 16 |
| WTI session | CL normally trades Sunday–Friday, 17:00–16:00 US Central, with a daily one-hour break; it expires monthly. Holiday arrangements can differ.Source 36 |
| Loss and recommendation risk | Futures/options can produce substantial losses. Published recommendations do not transfer responsibility for the authorised trade to the publisher.Source 33 |
Deposits, withdrawals and transfers
Sections ↑Fund the approved carrying firm using its current instructions. DeCarley’s funding page separates FCM routes and calls for alternative instructions where a different base currency is required.[19]
Process10
DeCarley accounts carried by StoneX
| Method or rule | Published condition |
|---|---|
| ACH deposits and withdrawals | Free through the bank registered with the application; ask the desk for setup if no bank is on file.Source 20 |
| ACH limit and return lock | Incoming limit: USD 10,000 per day. No outgoing limit is stated on this page; newly deposited money cannot be returned for at least seven days.Source 20 |
| Wire ownership | The bank sender’s name must match the trading account; a business wire requires an account in that business name.Source 20 |
| Another FCM | Obtain that firm’s instructions; the StoneX ACH limits and return hold must not be carried across automatically.Source 19 |
Process11
Withdrawals and account transfers
| Action | What to arrange |
|---|---|
| Transfer an existing account | Complete the new application, mark the transfer request and sign the transfer authority. The desk describes moving cash and open positions without first liquidating.Source 18 |
| Cash release | Agree eligible cash, any deposit hold, required margin and the specific outgoing tariff with the carrying firm; a displayed balance is not a withdrawal confirmation.Source 19 |
| Close the relationship | Confirm handling of remaining positions, cash and paid tools separately. Public service pages do not establish a universal closure/reactivation timetable.Source 10 |
Regulation and customer-funds protection
Sections ↑Protections & eligibility12
US account protections
| Area | Scope |
|---|---|
| Current registration | Zaner Financial Services LLC is a registered CFTC IB, CTA and CPO and an approved NFA member when checked on 12 October 2026.Source 1 |
| IB versus carrying FCM | Zaner introduces the relationship; the carrying FCM receives and holds customer collateral.Source 2 |
| Segregation and insolvency | Segregation does not guarantee repayment. Futures have no industry-wide shortfall insurance; an insolvency shortfall can produce pro-rata recovery within the affected account class.Source 4 |
| Insurance limit | No applicable private-policy entitlement was established. An FCM or clearinghouse protection headline does not establish a per-client insured cash balance.Source 4 |
Opening an account and support
Sections ↑Process13
Application preparation
| Step | Required decision or information |
|---|---|
| Select the account route | Discuss residence, markets, experience, service and platform before completing the carrying-firm application; DeCarley welcomes international enquiries without publishing an exhaustive accepted-country list.Source 26 |
| Online application | The current Zaner application supports saving and returning. Later document requirements are shown within the application rather than on its public registration screen.Source 7 |
| Identity and financial information | The published privacy policy describes collection of identity, address, employment, income, assets and trading-related information. The current FCM supplies the definitive document checklist.Source 32 |
| Retirement account | Traditional, Roth, rollover, SEP and SIMPLE IRA routes are listed; separate custodian and brokerage applications and custodian eligibility apply.Source 27 |
Official support and urgent routes
Zaner brokerageTelephone
+1 312 277 0050Source 6
Scope US account enquiries, quotes and order placement
Hours Order specialists advertised 24/7
Zaner emailEmail
DeCarley deskTelephone
+1 866 790 8723Source 26Source 25
Scope Service and account enquiries; published disaster-recovery number
DeCarley local telephoneTelephone
The facts14
If online order entry fails
| Measure | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Alternate dealing | Telephone the assigned broker/desk | Standard explicitly offers broker placement during internet failure; occasional phone orders carry no extra desk fee beyond the agreed commission.Source 13 |
| Emergency assistance | Pro retains technical and emergency support | Its limited routine-service model does not remove the published phone-order route.Source 14 |
| Service hours | DeCarley office: typically 05:00–17:00 Pacific | The FAQ describes 24-hour trade-desk access outside office hours. Confirm authentication and how to reconcile an uncertain fill with the assigned desk.Source 16 |
Managed systems, hedging and additional services
Sections ↑Availability15
Specialist services and authority
| Service | How it operates |
|---|---|
| Agricultural hedging | An initial 30-minute discussion reviews output, basis and production costs. The strategist explains capital and commissions before executing and reviewing the hedge plan.Source 9 |
| Automated futures | Striker uses a Letter of Direction; iSystems uses online strategy controls. The desk lists StoneX, Marex and Dorman among possible carrying arrangements.Source 28 |
| Third-party signals | The Letter of Direction service executes subscribed recommendations under written authority; commission depends on frequency, strategy and risk.Source 29 |
| IRA service | The broker and custodian have separate roles. Obtain the current custodian’s fees and eligible-investment rules before committing retirement funds.Source 27 |
Process16
Stopping an automated strategy
| Control | Responsibility and limit |
|---|---|
| Manual trades in an iSystems account | The live portal prohibits outside manual orders because they can desynchronise automated positions and generate additional trades or losses.Source 30 |
| Automatic deactivation | Insufficient funds can deactivate systems at session start. This does not establish that positions and pending orders are flattened.Source 30 |
| Licence and authority cancellation | Before stopping, obtain the provider/FCM procedure for open positions, stops, licence renewal and any Letter of Direction. The linked older agreement does not supply a complete current exit procedure.Source 31Source 29 |
Published system returns can combine backtests, model trading and client fills. They are not a forecast of a new customer’s execution or return.[30]
Company background and evidence
Sections ↑The facts17
Business and brand scope
| Measure | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Operating history | Chicago business founded in 1980 | The current group site separates futures brokerage, agricultural hedging and metals commerce services; this profile covers the US futures relationship.Source 5 |
| Recorded names | DeCarley Trading and Zaner Ag Hedge are US entity DBAs | BASIC also records former names Zaner & Company and Zaner Group LLC; a name history alone does not establish an account transfer.Source 1 |
This profile uses public broker, provider, exchange and regulator documents checked on 12 October 2026. Prices are published terms, not measured execution. Account opening, telephone support and money movement were not tested.
Legal entities & licences
These are source-dated records, not a blanket assessment of the broker. Read each issuer, identifier, status and scope together.
Zaner Financial Services LLC
United StatesSource 1
| Issuer & identifier | Recorded status | Date & scope |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity Futures Trading CommissionIB / CTA / CPO; NFA ID 0001951 | Registered | Checked 12 Oct 2026BASIC confirms current IB / CTA / CPO registration.Source 1 |
| National Futures Association0001951 | Registered | Checked 12 Oct 2026NFA membership approved when checked on 12 October 2026.Source 1 |
Business enquiries
Sections ↑Specialist business contacts
Introducing-broker partnershipsWebsite
https://www.zanerfinancial.com/partners.phpSource 8
Scope Clearing selection, compliance, back-office and transition enquiries
Agricultural hedge deskEmail
Sources & further reading
- Current US entity, registration, membership and recorded names National Futures Association · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Introducing-broker role and restriction on holding customer collateral National Futures Association · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Current futures assessment and scheduled effective dates National Futures Association · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Futures customer-money protection and insolvency treatment Futures Industry Association · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Group service map and Chicago operating history Zaner Group · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Current US brokerage services and official contact details Zaner Financial Services · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Public application and returning-applicant route Zaner Financial Services · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Introducing-broker partnership service Zaner Financial Services · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Agricultural hedge design and ongoing service Zaner Ag Hedge · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Customised brokerage service arrangements DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Full-service brokerage and research access DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Broker-assisted account service DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Self-directed Standard service and interruption assistance DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Self-directed Pro qualifications and support scope DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Published commission schedule and charging basis DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Funding minimums, FCM-dependent margin and client-service questions DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Current account-opening and preferred clearing route DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Account and position transfer procedure DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Funding destinations differ by carrying FCM DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- StoneX-route ACH, return hold and wire-name requirements DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- DeCarley Trader platform and options tools DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Broker platform comparison and device/product differences DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- TradingView connection charges and futures-only scope DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- QTrader features and published fee wording DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Published disaster-recovery telephone route DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- DeCarley desk contacts and international enquiries DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Retirement-account service and separate custodian process DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Supported automated futures systems and carrying routes DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Third-party signals and Letter of Direction service DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Broker-specific iSystems synchronization and deactivation conditions iSystems / DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Current portal link to customer agreement dated September 2017 iSystems / DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Application information and identity information collected DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Trading, recommendation and electronic-market risk disclosure DeCarley Trading · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- EUR/USD futures trading unit and outright Globex tick CME Group · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- Gold futures contract size and tick value CME Group · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
- WTI futures contract size, tick and trading session CME Group · Accessed 12 Oct 2026
This profile reports dated public information, including broker-published services and terms. It does not independently test or guarantee execution, pricing or withdrawals. Inclusion is not an endorsement. Permissions and protections apply only to the named legal entity, service and client category; check the current official records and your contract.