Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a member of the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE or the Exchange)
Any registered broker-dealer meeting the requirements set forth in Chapter 2 of the Exchange rule book may become a Member of the Exchange. Broker-dealers that wish to become Members of the Exchange must be a Member of at least one other self-regulatory organization and be a self-clearing Member of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) or maintain an active clearing relationship with an NSCC clearing Member firm that is also a Member of the Exchange.
How to become a Member of the Exchange?
Application materials are available on the Membership application page. Applicants may contact membership@longtermstockexchange.com with questions or requests for support.
Does the Exchange offer a waive-in process?
Yes, the Exchange offers a streamlined waive-in process for members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Further details are available on our Membership application.
Is membership in FINRA required for LTSE Membership?
No, the Exchange does not require firms to be Members of FINRA in order to apply for Membership.
How do I submit my Membership application?
Please email your completed application materials to membership@longtermstockexchange.com.
How do I know if I’ve been approved for Membership?
LTSE Market Operations will provide notification directly when a decision has been made.
My firm has been approved for Membership. What impact does this have on my firm’s registered persons?
Each person associated with the firm who is registered in categories recognized by the Exchange must submit an updated Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4) via FINRA’s central registration depository (CRD).
What are the fees associated with the application process?
The Exchange does not charge an application fee. A $10,000 membership fee will be assessed annually. For new members, it will be done on a prorated basis.
How to connect to the Exchange.
Members can connect to the Exchange via a point-to-point cable link (i.e., cross-connect) in the Equinix NY4 data center and the disaster recovery site in the CH2 data center. Members may also use an extranet provider or an approved service bureau. Further details can be found in our Connectivity Manual, which is available by contacting Market Operations.
What is the cost of connecting to the Exchange?
The Exchange does not charge fees for connections or fees related to the maintenance of the connections. Members should expect to incur costs with their respective method of connecting (e.g., data center provider cross connect, fees set by a service bureau).
Will the Long-Term Stock Exchange maintain a proprietary market data feed?
No, the Exchange will not maintain a proprietary market data feed. Market data information will be distributed using the Securities Information Processor (SIP).
Will the Exchange provide Drop Copy?
Drop Copy functionality will be available by request.
What is the Market Center Originator ID for the Exchange on the SIP?
The Exchange’s Market Center Originator ID in UTP (UQDF/UTDF) and CTA (CQS/CTS) will be “L.” Further information can be found at both the Consolidated Tape Association and the Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan websites.
What is the Market Identification Code (MIC) for the Exchange?
The MIC for the Exchange is "LTSE."
What input protocol will you be using?
The Exchange will accept order entry using the FIX 4.2 protocol. Fix specifications can be found here.
Does LTSE offer a testing environment?
Yes, the LTSE testing environment is currently available through the internet. For access, send requests via email.
Do I need to certify my trading application?
The Exchange will require participants to certify their messaging before receiving access to the production trading system. Contact Market Operations for more detailed information.
How will my trades clear and settle?
Trades matched on the Exchange are considered locked-in and will be delivered in real time through the Universal Trade Capture (UTC) to the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC). Trades will not reveal the identities of counterparties.
Will the Exchange have a registered Market Making program?
Yes, Members can register as Market Makers by providing additional information for review using the Market Maker Registration Application, which is available upon request.
What are the obligations of a registered Market Maker on the Exchange?
Market Makers will be obligated to enter and maintain two-sided quotes at prices that meet the designated percentage, as defined in Exchange Rule 11.151. Please review the Exchange Rule Book for complete requirements.
What is the Exchange’s opening process?
The Exchange’s opening process will begin at the commencement of regular trading hours, with orders queued during the pre-market session processed as incoming orders. Orders will be ranked by the time they enter the queue.
How will orders on the Exchange’s book be prioritized?
The Exchange will use price/time priority.
Will the Exchange provide a routing service?
No. The Exchange will not offer any outbound routing functionality. Thus, all orders submitted will be treated as Long-Term Stock Exchange-only, though limit orders may also include the execution instructions of Inter-Market Sweep Order, if appropriate.
How will the Exchange handle a potential locked market?
A locked market will not be displayed by the Exchange with respect to buy and sell orders. An order eligible for display by the Exchange that, at the time of entry, would create a violation of Rule 610(d) of Regulation NMS by locking or crossing a Protected Quotation of an external market will be subject to “Price Sliding” pursuant to LTSE Rule 11.190(g).
What are the transaction fees for the Exchange?
The Exchange will not charge transaction fees, we operate on a free / free model. Trading for both adding and removing is free.
How do I identify the Exchange on market data terminals, industry reports, and other technical documents?
The table below includes various industry market identifiers for LTSE:
Where can I find the Exchange rule book?
The Exchange rule book is available here.
Will you be trading only Long-Term Stock Exchange-listed securities?
No. As a Member of the National Market System (NMS), the Exchange will trade all NMS stocks included on Tape Plan A, Tape Plan B, and Tape Plan C.
What are your listing rules?
The Exchange’s listing rules can be found in Chapter 14 of our Rulebook .
What is the best way to contact the Exchange?
To contact the Exchange, please reach out to the following functional areas:
Trading and Market: marketops@longtermstockexchange.com
Technical and Functionality: techops@longtermstockexchange.com
Membership: membership@longtermstockexchange.com
Regulation and Surveillance: regulation@longtermstockexchange.com
To reach the Exchange by phone, please contact 813-575-2602.