Ballista is a fully integrated electronic trading platform specifically designed to advance the execution of block equity options. A single electronic interface offers users advanced order types in the execution of volatility (tied or delta-neutral) and directional strategies. Most importantly, Ballista offers clients a qualified and exclusive community of market participants to include; the buy-side, sell-side, and market-making entities.

Ballista’s trading model is based on a patent-pending Reactive Auction Process (RAP™) – a trader submits a block-sized directional option strategy or delta-neutral/volatility order, using unique order types such as Exclusive or Phantom, a non-displayed order mechanism. The order is then broadcast to Ballista participants that have indicated their interest in trading specific symbols, sectors, or index components. Ballista participants may execute against initiated orders, which are then crossed and/or printed on an applicable securities exchange such as ISE, CBOE, and NASDAQ TRF.

The value proposition Ballista offers is available through use of the Ballista Java-based trading platform, through independent software providers (OMS/EMS), and through integration with proprietary trading engines using the industry-standard FIX protocol.