There are several methods in which to access Ballista ATS. Listed below are the most common types, allowing for manual and/or programmatic order entry. Ballista supports and offers assistance with client technical integration.
Using the Ballista front-end, a trader may initiate orders, indicate interest in specific symbols, sectors, or indices, and receive advertised orders. The Ballista front-end offers the full functionality of the Ballista platform, and provides a simple, intuitive mechanism to source liquidity in delta-neutral or directional orders.
Many leading OMS and EMS vendors now offer access to Ballista, offering the ability to initiate orders, and in some cases, receive orders advertised by other Ballista participants. Various DMA platforms also support Ballista access via their associated broker-dealer units. Please refer to your OMS/EMS or DMA vendor for more information or to find out if routing to Ballista is supported.
Ballista supports FIX connectivity by any external application with the ability to communicate using FIX v4.2, 4.3, or 4.4. The entire suite of Ballista functionality is available via the FIX interface, including the ability to initiate new orders, respond to advertised orders, and carry on negotiation sessions with counterparties. Ballista will assist client firms with technical integration, and provide help with designing the appropriate use case for Ballista participation via FIX. Please contact Ballista Technical Support / FIX Connectivity at 866.240.9346 for the most recent version of our FIX specification.