CTM for U.S. Equity Listed Options
The transition to T+1 settlement in the U.S. in 2024 accelerated the adoption of post-trade automation. However, many firms continue to rely on manual reconciliation, fragmented communication and multiple sources of data when processing U.S. equity listed options.
Using CTM – our trade matching platform – investment managers, hedge funds and executing brokers can match U.S. equity listed options allocations using options-specific data fields and create a single source of matched trade information.
By matching U.S. equity listed options in CTM, firms can standardize reconciliation processes, including commission breaks. The workflow also streamlines the communication of critical clearing information required for U.S. listed options trades. This helps facilitate straight-through processing and provides a more transparent, automated and scalable approach to U.S. equity listed options processing.
Reducing operational friction
CTM brings consistency to U.S. equity listed options processing by standardizing commissions reconciliation across counterparties.
- Provides a single, streamlined workflow for both options and cash securities
- Establishes a golden source of matched trade information
- Offers optional commissions matching
- Eliminates the need for bespoke reports and custom reconciliations
- Creates a more transparent and scalable post-trade process
Automating trade enrichment
The workflow offers an optional integration with ALERT®, our Standing Settlement Instructions (SSI) database, enabling automated trade enrichment. Trades can be enriched with key options-specific data to automate the communication of allocations to executing brokers.
- Enriches trades with Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) Actionable Identifier and CMTA
- Enables real-time identification of trade exceptions
- Reduces reconciliation issues, mismatches and manual intervention
Buy-side firms leverage CTM’s U.S. equity listed options workflow
Increase in monthly matched volume for U.S. Listed Options since July 2024
Data as of June 2026
How J.P. Morgan Achieved Greater Efficiency in U.S. Listed Options by Leveraging CTM’s Automated Matching Capabilities
"At J.P. Morgan, we continually evaluate opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and deliver a better client experience.
By leveraging CTM's automated matching capabilities for U.S. Listed Options, we have been able to streamline commissions reconciliation processes, reduce manual touchpoints and improve overall workflow efficiency.
As market volumes continue to grow, automation will remain a key component of supporting scalable and resilient post-trade operations."
Vincenzina Megna, Head of Equity Operations at J.P. Morgan