PIONEERS IN COMMISSION MANAGEMENT

Serving Institutional Investors Since 1977

CAPIS is an independent broker specializing in high-touch global trade execution and commission management solutions. We pair cutting-edge technology with unparalleled dedication to client service.

As a compliance-focused firm, CAPIS helped pioneer the commission management practice for institutional investors. Today, we’re one of the only brokers who enable investment managers to earn research credit in multiple asset classes, including global equities, fixed income, and options trades. CAPIS is also the leading provider of commission recapture solutions for sub-advised funds and plan sponsors. We are different by design.

1975

SEC passes Section 28(e), an amendment to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which protects the practice of acquiring research in exchange for brokerage commissions.

1976

SEC issues Interpretive Release #12251, clarifying the types of research and brokerage services covered by the regulations and reiterating third party-party research falls within the scope of Section 28(e).

1977

Capital Institutional Services, Inc. (CAPIS) is formed by Don Potts.

1978

CAPIS receives first trade via Bear Stearns.

1980

Apple stock begins trading.

1980

CAPIS formally opens its Equity Trading desk in Dallas, TX.

1982

CAPIS formally opens its Fixed Income desk in New York, NY.

1994

The 1994 Great Bond Massacre market crisis happens.

1998

CAPIS formally launches International Equity Desk in London, England. The firm also executes its first Transition Management event.

2000

CAPIS officially launches its Transition Management business.

2004

CAPIS begins trading global equities 24×6 from Dallas-based global trading desk.

2005

CAPIS moves fixed income trading desk to Dallas, TX.

2006

SEC Interpretive Release #3454165 published – clarifying what constitutes “research  and brokerage services.”

2007-2008

U.S. Financial Crisis hits.

  • Bear Stearns collapses
  • Lehman Brothers fails

2012

Facebook goes public.

2012

CAPIS begins trading futures as an NFA-registered Introducing Broker (IB.)

2013

Launches CAPIS ARC, designed to address best-execution issues in the Managed Accounts space.

2018

MiFID II goes into effect in Europe.

CAPIS formally launches Outsourced/Supplemental Trading Desk.

2019

CAPIS acquires FinTech Securities, an Atlanta, GA-based broker/dealer.

2020

COVID-19 Pandemic hits.

2021

CAPIS has record-setting year for Transition Management services.

2022

CAPIS celebrates its 45 year anniversary.

Over The Years - Different by Design

The regulatory landscape is constantly changing, and CAPIS has faced its fair share of challenges. However, the CAPIS business model has always been protected by the safe harbor provisions of Section 28(e). We provide our clients with a transparent way to supplement their internal research efforts with valuable investment research from independent providers, ultimately benefiting the underlying investors.

Today

CAPIS is one of the few independent agency brokers. As a legacy to Don’s vision over four decades ago, Ann Sebert, CEO, continues to guide the firm based on the principles upon which it was founded.

The CAPIS Difference

Experience

What makes CAPIS different is our people. Innovative technology powers everything we do, but our people make it happen. We are Different by Design.

Anonymity

You won’t find a greater commitment to private, personalized relationships anywhere in the industry.

Transparency

Our trading and research services are transparent and fully disclosed – so you know exactly how your commission dollars are spent.

Lack of conflicts

With no competing lines of business to compromise our objectivity, we focus solely on delivering superior execution services for our institutional clients. CAPIS is Different by Design.

Our Employees are Our Greatest Assets

Looking for a career in institutional brokerage? At CAPIS, we recognize that our success is due to the talent and dedication of our employees. Because our business is focused on the client experience, we are always looking for extraordinary service oriented people.

Memberships and Affiliations

CAPIS maintains memberships and is affiliated with the following

  • Security Traders Association
  • The Alliance in Support
    of Independent Research
  • Dallas Security Traders Association
  • New York Stock
    Exchange
  • Finra
  • National Futures Association
  • Securities Investor Protection Corporation

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