Qualifications for CME Group Membership

Any adult of good moral character, reputation and business integrity, with adequate financial resources to assume the responsibilities and privileges of membership, is eligible for election to membership in the Exchange. Once approved for membership, an individual may purchase or lease a seat in the appropriate CME Division.

Individual Member Application

You must submit an application for CME Membership, which includes questions on your educational, employment, residential and disciplinary history. The application form must be typewritten, filed with a $2,000 non-refundable fee, and include two 2″ x 2″ passport-quality color photographs and either a certified birth certificate or passport.

Your name will be sent to all CME members, and your photograph will be posted on the trading floor. During this posting period, members are encouraged to notify the CME Membership Department if they have any pertinent information about you.

Additionally, the NFA must grant you a registration as either a floor broker or a floor trader, or a temporary license to act as such, before you can begin trading on the CME trading floor (does not apply to Globex traders).

Leasing a Seat

Individuals who own, hold, or have owned or held memberships in any division in the past two years cannot participate in the ECM Program.

Leasing a seat is a two step process. First, you must apply for and be approved for an Individual CME Membership ($2,000 application fee). After membership is approved, you must enter a lease agreement with a seat holder. The lease arrangement is normally coordinated with your clearing firm.