API Trading
Lightspeed Connect API @ Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Built in partnership with IBKR, Lightspeed Connect is a modern, standalone API designed to streamline automated trading.
The API operates independently of TWS and IB Gateway, providing direct integration capabilities tailored for serious quants and systematic traders.
Get the best of both worlds:
A streamlined, API solution designed specifically for IBKR clients
Most Popular FAQs
Overview and Access
What is the Lightspeed Connect API, and how does it relate to Interactive Brokers?
The Lightspeed Connect API, offered by Lightspeed Financial Services Group LLC, an introducing broker to Interactive Brokers (IBKR), is a high-performance, WebSocket-based interface for IBKR clients. It enables real-time trading of equities, options, and futures without requiring TWS or IB Gateway. Seamlessly integrated with your IBKR account, it provides a lightweight solution for algorithmic trading, backed by dedicated support and developer resources to streamline your workflow.
What is an introducing broker?
An introducing broker (IB), like Lightspeed Financial Services Group LLC, enhances the IBKR experience by offering specialized technology, such as the Lightspeed Connect API, not available directly from IBKR. Your account remains with IBKR, providing full access to its trading infrastructure, while Lightspeed delivers advanced API capabilities. New or existing IBKR clients can easily connect to Lightspeed for a more efficient trading experience.
How do I gain access to the Lightspeed Connect API?
Start in the Certification Environment by reviewing our Getting Started Guide generate your API key, and testing sample orders. Once ready, contact us at apitrading@lightspeed.com to activate live access for your IBKR-linked account.
Can I test the API without affecting my live IBKR account?
Yes, the Certification Environment offers a fully simulated platform, separate from IBKR’s paper trading, where you can test integrations, orders, and strategies risk-free. It includes test order and detailed error reporting to help developers refine their setups alongside IBKR’s tools.
How robust is the testing environment?
The Certification Environment is a full-featured sandbox for simulated trading for assets like equities, options, and futures. It includes test orders, detailed error logs, and realistic execution scenarios.
Additional FAQs
Core Architecture and Protocol Questions
Why is the API built on WebSockets?
WebSockets (WSS) with JSON deliver a lightweight, high-performance solution for real-time trading, simplifying integration compared to alternatives like FIX. This design ensures speed and reliability, meeting the demands of algo traders without unnecessary complexity.
Is WebSockets the only protocol available?
Yes, the API uses WebSockets exclusively, optimized for real-time, low-latency communication. Unlike other platforms offering FIX or sockets, Lightspeed Connect’s WSS-based approach balances simplicity and performance, ideal for most algorithmic workflows.
What are the advantages of not using TWS/IB Gateway?
By bypassing TWS/IB Gateway, the API eliminates Java dependencies and GUI overhead, enabling faster, more efficient automation directly with IBKR’s infrastructure. This streamlined design is a key benefit for systematic traders seeking performance.
Trading Functionality
What order types are available?
Lightspeed Connect supports standard and advanced order types, including Brackets, OCA, and Multileg Options for sophisticated strategies. Most any IBKR order type, like conditional orders can be implemented upon request after thorough testing to ensure reliability. Contact apisupport@lightspeed.com to discuss specific order type requirements.
How does the API handle order routing?
The API offers flexible routing options, including SMART routing to optimize execution by selecting the best venue, and direct routing to major exchanges like NASDAQ, NYSE, AMEX, ARCA, and BATS. Routing availability depends on your account entitlements, ensuring efficient and cost-effective trades.
Do I need separate platforms for different instruments?
No, Lightspeed Connect unifies trading in a single API, supporting equities, options (single and multileg, up to four legs), and futures. This consolidated approach simplifies your workflow, eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
How does the API keep me updated on my account?
Real-time updates are delivered via messages like PositionStatus, AccountSummaryStatus, and LedgerInfoStatus, covering positions, balances, margin requirements, and financial metrics (e.g., Equity with Loan Value). This ensures you have a clear, up-to-date view of your account.
Can I monitor margin requirements in real time?
Yes, the API provides real-time margin updates through MonetaryInfoStatus messages, including Initial and Maintenance Margin Requirements.
Market Data and Analytics
How can I access market data for trading?
The API integrates with trusted third-party providers like Databento and Polygon offering real-time quotes, historical bars, market depth data (e.g., Level II feeds) and other market data. Its WebSocket architecture enables proper streaming, keeping you informed for timely trading decisions.
Pricing and Support
Are fees different from IBKR’s standard rates?
Fees for Lightspeed Connect currently align with IBKR’s published rates, with no additional costs at the moment. This cost parity ensures you can leverage the API’s advanced features without unexpected expenses, making it a seamless addition to your IBKR account.
What support is available for developers?
We offer full developer support, including our Getting Started Guide, sample code, and the WS_Adapter for easier integration. It handles sessions, reconnections, and event logic, saving you time. For help, contact apitrading@lightspeed.com or request a live demo.
Who is automated trading for?
Lightspeed Connect API @IBKR is an automated trading solution for all
Designed with versatility in mind for the individual trader, professionals and configurable for various trading platforms and software firms
Individuals and professionals
Algo and quant traders can leverage API trading to automate their trading strategies, saving time and enabling them to capitalize on market opportunities without constant monitoring. Many of these features have only been available to professional traders with high participation costs.
Advanced Order Types
Real-time dashboard for positions and orders
Multi-Asset Trading: Stocks, Futures, and Options
Custom web portal
Developer-friendly API
Flexible routing options
Integrated margin and risk controls
Extended market hours
API trading pricing
Take advantage of some of the industry's lowest and most competitive trading rates. Active traders who meet monthly trading volume thresholds can qualify for deeply discounted commissions.
Equities
From as low as:
$0.001
Per share
Options
From as low as:
$0.20
Per contract
API set-up tutorial
Getting started with Lightspeed Connect
Enhance your API trading experience and request a demo today.
