TradingBlock
TradingBlock is a Chicago-based FINRA-member online broker founded in 2003 offering zero-commission stock/ETF trading and $0.50-per-contract options trading, with institutional-grade tools serving retail traders, active traders, asset managers, RIAs, and FinTech developers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What TradingBlock does
TradingBlock is a Chicago-based online broker and trading technology platform, founded in 2003 on the Chicago Board Options Exchange trading floor and operating as a FINRA-member broker-dealer (legal entity AOS, Inc., also DBA MoneyBlock). The platform offers zero-commission stock and ETF trading and $0.50 per equity options contract, with zero-commission accounts cleared through RQD Clearing LLC and full-service accounts cleared through Apex Clearing Corporation. Its technology stack includes a fully customizable trading workspace with templates for beginner, chartist, and options-pro users; built-in TradingView charts and indicators; custom algorithmic order routing; portfolio margin; broker-neutral execution; and a mobile app for iOS and Android. The platform also includes a virtual trading simulator, IRA cash management, and an extensive educational content library (26 option strategies, 13 calculators, option Greeks guides, TradingBlock TV, and a blog).
TradingBlock generates revenue primarily through transaction fees on options contracts, payment-for-order-flow economics on zero-commission stock/ETF trades, and professional services including mini-prime services, broker-neutral execution, trade rebates, and portfolio margin. The company serves five customer segments: individual retail traders (primary), active traders, asset managers, registered investment advisors (RIAs), and FinTech developers — using a hybrid product-led growth motion for retail users and an enterprise field sales motion for professional clients. Distribution is U.S.-domestic only, via direct online self-serve, mobile app, and a U.S.-based trade desk staffed by experienced Chicago options traders. The company reports facilitating over 600,000 trades and more than 4 million options contracts per month, and was named 'Trading Platform of the Year' at the 2026 FinTech Breakthrough Awards. In January 2026 the company announced a merger with blockchain-based Nant Global Finance, signaling a strategic pivot toward blockchain-enabled financial technology.
TradingBlock firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TradingBlock
- Legal name
- AOS, Inc.
- Website
- https://tradingblock.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TradingBlock is a Chicago-based FINRA-member online broker founded in 2003 offering zero-commission stock/ETF trading and $0.50-per-contract options trading, with institutional-grade tools serving retail traders, active traders, asset managers, RIAs, and FinTech developers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TradingBlock industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Online Brokerage
- NAICS
- Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage (5231), Commodity Contracts Intermediation (52316), Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities (523)
- SIC
- Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies (6211)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Discount & Online Retail Brokerage (FSAEACAB)
Keywords
Where TradingBlock is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
TradingBlock business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Options Trading Commissions: TradingBlock charges $0.50 per equity options contract with no minimum requirements. This is the primary revenue stream for options trading services.
- Stock and ETF Trading: Zero-commission stock and ETF trading for ZERO COMMISSION accounts custodied and cleared at RQD Clearing LLC. Other commission schedules apply to FULL SERVICE accounts custodied and cleared at Apex Clearing Corporation.
- Professional/Mini-Prime Services: Additional services for professional traders including Mini-Prime Services, broker-neutral execution, trade rebates, and portfolio margin that may generate additional revenue
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Zero Commission Stock and ETF Trading |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Equity Options Trading |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
TradingBlock product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TradingBlock operates an online brokerage platform offering zero-commission stock and ETF trading and equity options trading at $0.50 per contract through customizable web and mobile interfaces. The platform provides professional-grade tools including custom algorithmic order routing, TradingView chart integration, portfolio margin, IRA cash management, mini-prime services, and broker-neutral execution to retail traders, active traders, asset managers, RIAs, and FinTech developers. Clearing is handled by RQD Clearing LLC for zero-commission accounts and Apex Clearing Corporation for full-service accounts.
Product overview
TradingBlock is an online broker and trading technology platform offering a unified trading ecosystem. The core product is the TradingBlock Trading Platform providing zero-commission stock and ETF trading with $0.50 per equity options contract, complemented by a Mobile App (iOS/Android), Virtual Trading Platform for practice, and Professional Trading Solutions with broker-neutral execution, portfolio margin, mini-prime services, and custom algo routes. Additional offerings include IRA Cash Management for retirement accounts, an Options Strategies Library covering 26 strategies, Option Calculators suite, Option Greeks educational guides, and a Blog with trading education content. The platform serves both retail traders and professionals (asset managers, active traders, registered investment advisors, and FinTech developers) with the same institutional-grade tools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- TradingBlock Trading Platform Core online brokerage platform offering zero-commission stock and ETF trading with $0.50 per equity options contract. Features customizable dashboards with templates for Beginner, Chartist, and Options Pro, built-in TradingView charts, and US-based trade desk support. Serves retail traders, active traders, asset managers, RIAs, and FinTech developers with institutional-grade tools.
- TradingBlock Mobile App
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 600,000 trades facilitated monthly with more than 4 million options contracts traded
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use TradingBlock
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
TradingBlock technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
TradingBlock partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Nant Global FinanceminorTradingBlock is merging with blockchain-based Nant Global Finance according to a January 2026 wealthtech roundup report. This merger represents TradingBlock's move toward blockchain-based financial technology integration.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
TradingBlock competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- tastytrade (tastylive): Options-focused retail brokerage and content platform owned by IG Group; directly competes with TradingBlock in retail options education and low-cost options trading. Both target options traders with professional-grade tools and educational content.
- TradeStation: Online brokerage serving active and professional traders with advanced charting, options tools, and API access. Directly comparable to TradingBlock's professional/active trader segment with similar pricing models and institutional-grade capabilities.
- Interactive Brokers: Global electronic broker serving retail, professional, and institutional clients with advanced trading tools, portfolio margin, and API access. Comparable to TradingBlock across professional and active trader segments with broader international footprint.
- Robinhood: Mobile-first retail brokerage offering zero-commission stock/ETF and options trading to mainstream retail investors. Directly competes with TradingBlock in the retail options and stock trading segment, with significantly larger scale and brand.
- Webull: Commission-free retail brokerage offering stock, ETF, and options trading with advanced charting and mobile-first experience. Competes with TradingBlock for retail traders seeking low-cost trading with professional-grade tools.
- CenterPoint Securities: Active-trader focused brokerage specializing in options and futures with low-cost commission structure and professional-grade tools. Niche competitor to TradingBlock's active trader and professional segments with similar target customer profile.
Broad incumbents
- Charles Schwab: Large incumbent retail and institutional brokerage offering full-service trading, options, and advisory capabilities post TD Ameritrade acquisition. Competes with TradingBlock broadly across retail and active trader segments with greater scale and resources.
- E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley): Established retail brokerage owned by Morgan Stanley offering stocks, ETFs, options, and futures trading with Power E*TRADE platform for active traders. Broad incumbent competing with TradingBlock across retail and active trader segments.
Emerging players
- Public.com: Retail-focused investing platform offering zero-commission stock, ETF, and options trading with social/community features. Emerging competitor to TradingBlock in the retail trader segment with growing brand recognition among younger investors.
- Moomoo: Mobile-first brokerage offering zero-commission trading in stocks, ETFs, and options with advanced charting and analytics. Emerging competitor in retail options trading with expanding US presence.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TradingBlock social profiles
Digital presenceTradingBlock compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
TradingBlock financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TradingBlock leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
TradingBlock funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TradingBlock M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TradingBlock
What does TradingBlock do?
TradingBlock operates an online brokerage platform offering zero-commission stock and ETF trading and equity options trading at $0.50 per contract through customizable web and mobile interfaces. The platform provides professional-grade tools including custom algorithmic order routing, TradingView chart integration, portfolio margin, IRA cash management, mini-prime services, and broker-neutral execution to retail traders, active traders, asset managers, RIAs, and FinTech developers. Clearing is handled by RQD Clearing LLC for zero-commission accounts and Apex Clearing Corporation for full-service accounts.
Is TradingBlock a public or private company?
TradingBlock is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was TradingBlock founded?
TradingBlock was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TradingBlock based?
TradingBlock is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does TradingBlock make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Options Trading Commissions are the primary driver. The others are stock and ETF Trading and professional/Mini-Prime Services.
Who are TradingBlock's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are tastytrade (tastylive), TradeStation, Interactive Brokers, Robinhood, Webull and CenterPoint Securities. Broad incumbents are Charles Schwab and E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley). Emerging players are Public.com and Moomoo.
Does TradingBlock have an API?
No public API is recorded for TradingBlock.
What industry is TradingBlock in?
TradingBlock's product category is Online Brokerage. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAEACAB, Discount & Online Retail Brokerage. Its NAICS code is 5231 and its SIC code is 6211.