ABI Commodity Futures Forex Broker
CFTC & NFA Regulated - Moderate TrustPros
- Fully regulated by US CFTC and NFA providing strong regulatory oversight and client fund protection
- Specialized focus on commodity futures trading with deep market access and competitive commission rates
- Advanced trading platforms including FuturesPlus offering comprehensive spread trading capabilities
- Robust educational resources and market research focused specifically on commodities markets
- Segregated client funds held in major US banks with additional insurance protection
- Direct market access (DMA) to major futures exchanges including CME, CBOT, NYMEX
- Competitive commission rates starting from $2.50 per side for high-volume traders
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit requirement of $2,500 compared to retail forex brokers
- Limited product range focused mainly on futures - no forex or CFD trading available
- Complex fee structure with various exchange, clearing, and regulatory fees added to base commission
- No proprietary mobile trading platform - relies on third-party solutions
- Customer support limited to US business hours rather than 24/5 coverage
Basic Information
User Reviews
Overview
ABI Commodity Futures is a specialized futures trading broker established in 2010, focusing primarily on providing access to global commodity and futures markets. The firm operates under the strict regulatory oversight of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and maintains membership with the National Futures Association (NFA), ensuring high standards of operational compliance and client fund protection. As a futures commission merchant (FCM), ABI offers traders direct access to major exchanges including CME Group, CBOT, NYMEX, and ICE through professional-grade trading platforms. The broker serves both retail and institutional clients, with a particular emphasis on commodity futures trading including energy, metals, and agricultural products. ABI maintains a conservative approach to risk management and client fund security, with all customer deposits held in segregated accounts at major US banking institutions in accordance with CFTC requirements. The firm’s competitive advantage lies in its specialized focus on futures markets, providing comprehensive educational resources, professional trading tools, and dedicated market research specifically tailored for commodity traders. While commission rates are competitive within the futures industry, the higher minimum deposit requirement and complex fee structure reflect its positioning as a broker for serious futures traders rather than casual retail investors.
Is ABI Commodity Futures Safe? Regulation Analysis
ABI Commodity Futures operates under comprehensive regulation by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and holds membership with the National Futures Association (NFA), the primary self-regulatory organization for the U.S. derivatives industry. As a registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), the broker must maintain substantial net capital requirements and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Client funds are protected through mandatory segregation requirements, with all customer deposits held separately from company operational funds in designated accounts at major U.S. banks. The broker participates in the SIPC insurance program, providing up to $500,000 protection per customer including $250,000 for cash claims. Additional third-party insurance coverage is maintained to provide supplemental protection beyond SIPC limits. ABI must comply with strict CFTC reporting requirements including daily segregation calculations, monthly financial statements, and annual certified audits. The broker has maintained a clean regulatory record with no significant enforcement actions or customer complaints filed with the NFA. However, traders should note that futures trading involves substantial risk and SIPC protection does not cover market losses.
Trading Products and Services
- Commodity Futures: Comprehensive access to major commodity markets including energy (crude oil, natural gas, gasoline), metals (gold, silver, copper), and agricultural products (corn, wheat, soybeans) with standardized contract specifications
- Financial Futures: Trading available on major index futures (S&P 500, Nasdaq, Russell 2000), interest rate futures (Treasury bonds, Eurodollar), and currency futures
- Options on Futures: Full options trading capabilities across all available futures contracts with advanced spread trading functionality
- Exchange Coverage: Direct market access to CME Group exchanges (CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX), ICE Futures U.S., and other major global futures exchanges
- Trading Hours: Access to regular trading hours and electronic trading sessions following exchange schedules
Trading Platforms
- FuturesPlus Platform: Proprietary professional-grade platform optimized for futures trading featuring advanced charting, real-time market depth, customizable workspaces, and sophisticated spread trading tools
- CQG Trading Platform: Industry-standard futures trading platform offering comprehensive technical analysis, advanced order types, and reliable execution
- Trading Technologies (TT): High-performance platform providing low-latency execution, advanced algorithmic trading capabilities, and professional-grade analytics
- Mobile Access: Third-party mobile solutions available through platform providers, enabling trade monitoring and basic order management on-the-go
- API Integration: FIX API access available for institutional clients and algorithmic traders requiring direct connectivity
Deposit and Withdrawal
- Bank Wire Transfer: Primary deposit method for U.S. clients with $2,500 minimum initial deposit requirement, processing time 1-2 business days, no deposit fees charged by broker
- ACH Transfer: Available for U.S. clients, minimum $2,500, processing time 2-3 business days, no fees
- Checks: Personal and business checks accepted, minimum $2,500, 5-7 business days clearing time
- Withdrawals: Processed via same funding method, typically completed within 1-3 business days after request, minimum withdrawal $500
- Account Currencies: USD primary currency for U.S. futures trading
- Verification Requirements: Full KYC documentation required including government ID, proof of address, and tax documentation per U.S. regulations
Customer Support
ABI Commodity Futures provides customer support primarily during U.S. market hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT) through multiple channels. Phone support is available for trade desk assistance and general inquiries, with dedicated lines for different account types. Email support typically responds within 24 hours, while a ticket system handles technical platform issues. The broker maintains a technical support team specifically for platform-related questions and trading system connectivity. Support staff are knowledgeable about futures markets and trading mechanics, with many having industry certifications. While not offering 24/7 coverage like some retail forex brokers, the support quality is professional and focused on futures trading specifics. Educational support includes one-on-one platform training sessions and regular webinars on futures trading strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the minimum requirements to open an account with ABI Commodity Futures?
A: To open a trading account, clients must meet the minimum initial deposit requirement of $2,500. Additionally, all clients must complete full KYC verification including government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and relevant tax documentation as required by U.S. regulations. The broker also assesses trading experience and financial suitability as part of the account opening process, particularly for options trading privileges.
Q: What are the trading costs and commission structures?
A: Commission rates start at $4.50 per side per contract for standard futures trading, with volume discounts available for active traders reducing rates to as low as $2.50 per side. Additional exchange fees, clearing fees, and NFA fees apply and vary by contract and exchange. Spread trading may qualify for reduced commission rates. Options on futures have separate commission schedules based on premium value.
Q: How are client funds protected?
A: Client funds are protected through multiple layers of security including CFTC-mandated segregation requirements, where all customer funds are held separately from company operational accounts in designated banks. SIPC insurance provides up to $500,000 protection per customer, including $250,000 for cash claims. The broker maintains additional excess SIPC insurance for supplemental protection beyond these limits.
Q: What trading platforms are available?
A: ABI offers multiple professional-grade platforms including their proprietary FuturesPlus platform, CQG, and Trading Technologies (TT). Each platform provides different features and capabilities suited to various trading styles. FuturesPlus excels in spread trading and market analysis, while TT offers advanced algorithmic trading capabilities. Mobile access is available through third-party platform providers for basic trading and account monitoring.