Chicago Research and Trading Group

The Chicago Research and Trading Group (CRT) was an American options and futures trading firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1977 as Chicago Board Crushers by Joe Ritchie, his brother Mark Ritchie, and Gary Ginter, the firm was a pioneer in computer-driven quantitative trading strategies and became one of the largest options market makers in the world during the 1980s.[1]In 1993, NationsBank (later part of Bank of America) acquired CRT for $225 million in cash.[2]

Chicago Research and Trading Group
FormerlyChicago Board Crushers
Company type
Private partnership
IndustryFinancial services, derivatives trading
Founded1977; 49 years ago (1977)
FounderJoe Ritchie, Mark Ritchie, Gary Ginter
Defunct1993 (acquired)
FateAcquired by NationsBank
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, United States
Key people
Joe Ritchie (principal), Rick Smith (manager under NationsBank)
ProductsOptions and futures market-making, government securities dealing
Number of employees
~750 (at time of sale)

References

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  1. Ginter, Gary (February 1, 1999). "Ethics in the Commodities Market". Ethix. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  2. "NationsBank to acquire Chicago Research and Trading Group". United Press International. March 17, 1993. Retrieved March 26, 2026.