# IBs and FCMs

[Architect](/user-guide/about-us/our-licenses.md) is regulated as an Independent Introducing Broker. [As described by the National Futures Association](https://www.nfa.futures.org/registration-membership/who-has-to-register/ib.html#:~:text=An%20introducing%20broker%20\(IB\)%20is,customers%20to%20support%20these%20orders.): An introducing broker (IB) is an individual or organization that solicits or accepts orders to buy or sell futures contracts, commodity options, retail off-exchange forex contracts, or swaps but does not accept money or other assets from customers to support these orders.

Architect partners with a variety of Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) who will hold your account and funds. [As described by the National Futures Association](https://www.nfa.futures.org/registration-membership/who-has-to-register/fcm.html#:~:text=A%20futures%20commission%20merchant%20\(FCM,customers%20to%20support%20such%20orders.): A futures commission merchant (FCM) is an entity that solicits or accepts orders to buy or sell futures contracts, options on futures, retail off-exchange forex contracts or swaps, and accepts money or other assets from customers to support such orders.


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