History | IMC Trading

Our history

In business since 1989

From the bustling floor of the Amsterdam Equity Options Exchange to the cutting edge of disruptive trading technologies, IMC has covered a vast amount of ground over the past 35+ years.

Our ambition

To be the WORLD’S LEADING TRADING FIRM

From day one, we’ve done things a little differently from your average trading firm.

In 2000, when most were still trading over the phone, we were already adopting exciting new technologies and transitioning to screen-based trading.

Today, that first-mover attitude has built a culture of exceptionalism,
collaboration, and unparalleled opportunities for high-performers.

Our impact

Giving back

From setting up a Weekend School for underprivileged children back in 1998, to donating a portion of our global profits to charitable community initiatives, IMC has a long history of giving back. We consider it a necessary complement to the fast-paced world of trading, and to this day we continue to get involved in a range of charitable and philanthropic efforts.

THE IMC TIMELINE

1989

IMC starts with two floor traders on the Equity Options Exchange in Amsterdam.

1998

IMC founds its first charitable foundation, the IMC Weekend School.

2000

IMC opens its second global office in Chicago, and enters the US market.

2002

IMC opens its third global office in Sydney, expanding its reach to Asia Pacific.

A tall glass skyscraper seen from a low-angle perspective against a bright blue sky with a few clouds. The building has reflective windows, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.

2006

IMC continues to expand its global trading presence by opening an office in Hong Kong.

2010

IMC develops its automated Global Options Automated Trading system.

A modern office setting with multiple workers at desks, each using multiple computer monitors displaying financial data. A man stands in the foreground typing on a keyboard, with large screens in front of him. A digital world clock displaying various cities’ times hangs above the workspace.

2018

IMC sets up a sales desk to allow buyside firms to access our liquidity directly via block trading.

A tall, modern skyscraper with a glass facade, standing prominently against a clear sky. The building has a sleek, angular design, with nearby smaller buildings visible in the background.

2020

IMC reinforces its position in the global market by opening a new office in Seoul.

2021

IMC commits to a new major global market by opening an office in Mumbai.

A modern, curved office building with a sleek glass exterior and multiple floors. The building features a reflective surface and stands against a backdrop of a partly cloudy sky.

2022

IMC opens a London office and acquires a Zug-based crypto trading firm, demonstrating our commitment to shaping the crypto space.

COLLABORATE TO SUCCEED

Many trading firms view transparency as a risk. At IMC, we see it as the bedrock of more than three decades of growth.

We have built a thriving culture of collaboration, investment, and innovation – one where we can share resources and ideas, embrace exciting new technologies, and build for the long term.

POWERED BY TECHNOLOGY

We hire and develop exceptional, high-performing people, and empower them with cutting-edge, disruptive technologies – including AI, machine learning, and large-scale computing.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

At IMC, we believe we have a duty to make a positive impact, both for others as well as ourselves. We proudly support local communities and partner with charities around the world, with a particular focus on education.

INVESTING IN PEOPLE

We’re committed to being a learning organization. We give employees the freedom and feedback they need to grow, to be entrepreneurial, and to take calculated risks necessary to seize opportunities and drive success across our business.