Actual Token Usage & Cost Tracking

10
FinCEN Pages Built
29%
of 5hr Limit Used
~2.9%
Per Page Average
21
Pages Remaining
~61%
Est. for Remaining
Measured: 10 Sonnet parallel agents for FinCEN/AML cluster = 29% of 5hr context window
Rate: ~2.9% per S2B page (Sonnet agent)
Projection: 21 remaining pages × 2.9% = ~61% additional usage
Cost Model: Claude Code Pro subscription ($100/mo) = unlimited 5hr sessions
Efficiency: Parallel execution (10 agents) completed all pages simultaneously

Trading Technology Legal Hub: Build Plan

A multi-stage roadmap to build the definitive legal resource for trading platform founders

Client: Andrew (potential)
Target: 100+ pages
Status: Stage 2A Complete (32/32 built)
Last Updated: Dec 25, 2025 12:02 AM

Project Summary - Current Progress

49
Guide Pages Built
32/32
Stage 2A (Opus)
14/65
Stage 2B (Sonnet)
3/12
Interactive Tools

Quick Navigation

TAXONOMY

Ontology & Keyword Coverage

The categories, concepts, and keywords this hub covers. Use this as an SEO reference and content planning guide.

🏢 Regulatory Bodies

SEC CFTC FinCEN FINRA NFA State Securities State MTL FTC OFAC

📋 Registration Types

RIA CTA CPO Broker-Dealer MSB Money Transmitter ERA (State RIA) Introducing Broker

🚀 Business Models

Pure SaaS Copy Trading Signal Marketplace Algo Trading Robo-Adviser Managed Accounts Prop Trading Fund/Pool

📈 Asset Classes

Equities Options Futures Forex Crypto DeFi Commodities Swaps

Legal Topics

Registration Exemptions Custody Marketing Fiduciary Duty Disclosure Compliance AML/KYC

📄 Key Documents

Form ADV Form PF NFA Form 7-R Disclosure Document Terms of Service Privacy Policy Risk Disclosure 475(f) Election

🔍 Target Keywords & Phrases

investment adviser registration RIA registration requirements do I need to register as RIA algo trading legal requirements trading platform compliance robo adviser regulations CTA registration requirements commodity trading advisor CPO registration exemptions money transmitter license MTL requirements by state FinCEN MSB registration copy trading legal issues signal provider regulations trading bot legal API key custody 475(f) mark-to-market trader tax status SEC marketing rule backtest advertising hypothetical performance fiduciary duty AI crypto trading platform DeFi legal structure broker-dealer vs RIA FINRA registration publisher's exclusion software vs investment advice SaaS trading platform trading platform ToS regulatory budget fintech compliance cost calculator

🎯 Content Gap Opportunities

Topics where existing legal content is sparse or outdated:

Copy trading platform legal Signal marketplace regulations API key custody rule Trading bot compliance Prop firm legal structure AI trading fiduciary duty DeFi regulatory status Cross-border trading platform
STAGE 1

Core MVP for Andrew Demo

The minimum viable hub to demonstrate value and send to Andrew. Includes the hub landing page, the Workbench shell, 3 interactive tools, and 9 core content pages covering the most critical regulatory questions for algo trading founders.

⚠️ Priority Focus

These pages address the #1 questions Andrew and similar founders ask: "Do I need to register with the SEC/CFTC?" and "How do I structure this to avoid being an investment adviser?"

🏠

Hub Landing Page

Pillar Page

Main entry point with hero, regulator grid, tool previews, workbench launcher, and navigation to all clusters.

Core Infrastructure
🚀

Founder Workbench Shell

Interactive App

Tabbed interface with Dashboard, Regulatory Map, Checklist, Tools, Documents, Budget. Persistent project profile via localStorage.

Core Infrastructure
🎯

Regulatory Exposure Wizard

Interactive Tool

15-question decision tree outputting risk score, regulator flags, exemption recommendations, and compliance budget estimate.

Tier 1 Tool

Business Model Validator

Interactive Tool

"Is this pure SaaS or investment advice?" Compares answers to SEC no-action letters and outputs positioning memo.

Tier 1 Tool
💰

Compliance Cost Estimator

Interactive Tool

Slider-based calculator for legal formation, registration, insurance, and ongoing compliance costs over 24 months.

Tier 1 Tool
📋

SEC Investment Adviser Registration Requirements

Deep Dive Page

When RIA registration triggers for algo trading platforms. Covers the "investment advice" definition, compensation elements, and business conduct standards.

SEC Cluster
📋

Software-as-a-Service vs Investment Advice

Deep Dive Page

The critical distinction: when does providing trading tools cross the line into investment advice? Analysis of SEC precedent and safe harbor strategies.

SEC Cluster
📋

Investment Adviser Exemptions for Trading Platforms

Reference Page

State-only registration, private fund adviser, VC/PE exemptions, and publisher's exclusion analysis for algo platforms.

SEC Cluster
📈

CFTC CTA Registration Requirements

Deep Dive Page

When Commodity Trading Advisor registration triggers for platforms trading futures, forex, or crypto derivatives.

CFTC Cluster
📈

CFTC Registration Exemptions for Trading Platforms

Reference Page

Rule 4.14(a)(8), 4.13(a)(3), and other exemptions. When systematic trading doesn't require CTA registration.

CFTC Cluster
🔌

Broker API Integration Legal Issues

Deep Dive Page

Third-party access agreements, "managed account" prohibitions in broker TOS, and API key custody implications.

Custody Cluster
🔌

API Key Storage & Custody Rule Implications

Deep Dive Page

When storing user API keys triggers SEC Custody Rule. Non-custodial vs. custodial analysis for algo platforms.

Custody Cluster
📝

SEC Marketing Rule & Performance Advertising

Deep Dive Page

2021 Marketing Rule compliance for advertising backtest results, hypothetical performance, and testimonials.

Marketing Cluster
🛠

Algorithmic Trading Platform Legal Roadmap

Playbook Page

Phase-by-phase launch sequence: entity formation, regulatory assessment, compliance infrastructure, go-live checklist.

Playbook

✅ Stage 1 Deliverables Summary

  • 1 Hub Landing Page (pillar)
  • 1 Workbench Application (tabbed UI)
  • 3 Interactive Tools (Regulatory Wizard, Business Validator, Cost Estimator)
  • 9 Core Content Pages (SEC, CFTC, Custody, Marketing, Playbook)
  • Total: 13 deliverables + workbench infrastructure
STAGE 2A

Complex Pages ◆ OPUS

Pages requiring nuanced legal analysis, multi-regulatory considerations, novel legal questions, or complex decision trees. These need Opus-level reasoning for accuracy.

⚠️ Why Opus for These?

These pages involve: (1) novel legal questions without clear precedent, (2) multi-regulator jurisdiction analysis, (3) complex exemption eligibility logic, (4) emerging areas like AI/crypto where law is unsettled, or (5) strategic playbooks requiring judgment calls.

🎯 Multi-Regulatory & Jurisdictional Analysis 8 pages

  • SEC vs CFTC Jurisdiction Comparison
  • CFTC vs SEC Jurisdiction: Hybrid Strategies
  • Cryptocurrency Futures CFTC Jurisdiction
  • Custodial vs Non-Custodial Platforms (SEC/CFTC/FinCEN)
  • Broker-Dealer vs RIA: When Both Apply
  • Cross-Border Marketing Restrictions
  • UK FCA Registration (comparative)
  • EU MiFID II Requirements (comparative)

🤖 AI, Crypto & Novel Legal Questions 12 pages

  • Investment Adviser Fiduciary Duty for AI Models
  • SEC No-Action Letters: Automated Investment Tools
  • Securities Law Analysis: Utility Tokens (Howey)
  • DAO Legal Structure for Trading Platforms
  • Decentralized Trading Platform Regulatory Status
  • Smart Contract Securities Law Analysis
  • Stablecoin Regulation for Trading Platforms
  • NFT Securities Law Analysis
  • Cross-Border Crypto Token Offerings
  • Blockchain-Based Trading License Requirements
  • Social Media Marketing: Investment Advice (novel)
  • IP Ownership: AI-Generated Trading Models

🛠 Strategic Playbooks (Judgment Required) 7 pages

  • Fundraising Compliance Playbook
  • SEC Examination Response Playbook
  • Platform Pivot Compliance Roadmap
  • International Expansion Playbook
  • Token Launch Compliance Playbook
  • Best Execution Obligations Analysis (FINRA 5310)
  • Swap Dealer Registration Analysis

🔧 Complex Interactive Tools 5 tools

  • Marketing Compliance Checker (paste copy → flags)
  • Broker API Risk Assessment Tool
  • Entity Structure Decision Tree
  • License Requirement Matrix (jurisdiction × services)
  • Investor DD Checklist (80-item gap analysis)

🔥 Stage 2A Summary

  • 32 content pages requiring deep legal analysis
  • 5 complex interactive tools with multi-factor logic
  • Model: Claude Opus 4.5 (required for accuracy)
STAGE 2B

Reference & Template Pages ◇ SONNET

Straightforward reference pages, checklists, filing guides, databases, and templates. These follow established patterns and don't require novel legal reasoning.

⚡ Why Sonnet 4.5 Works Here

These pages involve: (1) documenting existing regulatory requirements, (2) checklists and filing guides with known steps, (3) template documents with standard clauses, (4) database/list pages, or (5) single-topic reference content.

📋 SEC Reference & Checklists 7 pages

  • Robo-Adviser Compliance Checklist
  • Form ADV Filing Guide for Trading Platforms
  • Investment Adviser Custody Rule & API Keys
  • SEC Exam Priorities: Algorithmic Trading
  • Form PF Hedge Fund Reporting Guide
  • Investment Adviser Compliance Manual Template
  • SEC Enforcement Actions: Robo-Advisers (Database)

📈 CFTC Reference & Filing Guides 7 pages

  • Commodity Pool Operator Requirements
  • NFA Membership Requirements
  • CFTC 4-7 Disclosure Document Guide
  • CFTC Performance Reporting Requirements
  • CFTC Enforcement: Algorithmic Trading (Database)
  • CFTC Compliance Manual for CTA/CPO
  • CFTC Risk Disclosure Statement Generator

💰 FinCEN/AML Compliance Pages 10 pages

  • Money Services Business Registration
  • FinCEN AML Program Requirements
  • Customer Identification Program (KYC)
  • Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)
  • Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR)
  • FinCEN Travel Rule for Crypto
  • OFAC Sanctions Screening
  • Bank Secrecy Act Recordkeeping
  • FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Reporting (BOI)
  • AML Compliance Officer Designation

🔌 Broker/Custody Reference 5 pages

  • Affiliated Broker-Dealer Requirements
  • Introducing Broker Agreements Guide
  • Payment for Order Flow Disclosure
  • Securities Lending for API Platforms
  • Broker API Terms of Service Review Checklist

📝 Marketing Compliance Reference 7 pages

  • Hypothetical Performance Disclosure Requirements
  • Advertising Algorithm Trading Results Guide
  • FTC Endorsement Guidelines Summary
  • Performance Advertising: State Securities Laws
  • SEC Regulation Best Interest Disclosures
  • Track Record Portability: Trading Strategies
  • Marketing Compliance Approval Process

📊 Tax & Accounting Reference 8 pages

  • Section 475(f) Mark-to-Market Election
  • Qualifying as Trader Tax Status
  • 475(f) Election Deadline & Procedures
  • Wash Sale Rule: Algorithmic Trading
  • Section 1256 Contracts Tax Treatment
  • Entity Selection for Trading Business
  • Trader Expense Deductions
  • Cryptocurrency Tax Reporting

📄 Contracts & Templates 8 pages

  • Trading Platform Terms of Service Template
  • API License Agreement: Trading Data
  • Open Source Licensing: Trading Algorithms
  • Trade Secret Protection: Proprietary Strategies
  • User-Generated Content Liability
  • Data Privacy: GDPR/CCPA for Trading Platforms
  • Insurance Requirements for Trading Platforms
  • Founder Equity Agreements: Fintech

🔗 Crypto Reference & Databases 3 pages

  • SAFT: Simple Agreement for Future Tokens
  • SEC Crypto Enforcement Actions Database
  • Token Distribution Compliance Strategies

🌎 International Reference 4 pages

  • Singapore MAS Licensing Guide
  • Cayman Islands Fund Formation
  • Canada CSA Registration
  • Australia ASIC AFSL Requirements

🚀 Launch Packs & Kits 6 pages

  • Launch Checklist: Algorithmic Trading Platform
  • Broker Partnership Negotiation Guide
  • First 100 Users Legal Checklist
  • Platform Shutdown / Wind-Down Guide
  • SEC RIA Registration Kit
  • CFTC CTA Startup Kit

🔧 Template-Based Tools 4 tools

  • Terms of Service Generator (pre-filled from profile)
  • Risk Disclosure Builder (CFTC/SEC templates)
  • Advertising Compliance Checklist Generator
  • Compliance Calendar Generator (.ics export)

⚡ Stage 2B Summary

  • 65 reference/template pages
  • 4 template-based tools
  • Model: Claude Sonnet 4.5 (faster, cost-effective)
TOOLS

Interactive Tools (12 Total)

Conversion-focused interactive tools that save to the persistent Project Profile and generate personalized outputs.

🎯

Regulatory Exposure Wizard

Stage 1 - Tier 1

15 questions → Risk score, regulator flags, exemptions, budget estimate

Business Model Validator

Stage 1 - Tier 1

SaaS vs. investment advice analysis against SEC precedent

💰

Compliance Cost Estimator

Stage 1 - Tier 1

24-month budget projections for legal, registration, insurance

📊

475(f) Tax Calculator

Stage 2 - Tier 1

Trader tax status qualification + savings estimate

📝

Marketing Compliance Checker

Stage 2 - Tier 2

Paste ad copy → flags prohibited claims, missing disclosures

🔌

Broker API Risk Assessment

Stage 2 - Tier 2

Analyze broker TOS for custody, execution, data restrictions

🏢

Entity Structure Decision Tree

Stage 2 - Tier 2

Delaware C-corp vs. Cayman fund vs. DAO LLC recommendations

🌐

License Requirement Matrix

Stage 2 - Tier 2

Jurisdiction × services matrix of required licenses

📄

Terms of Service Generator

Stage 2 - Tier 3

Pre-filled TOS from Project Profile with regulatory disclaimers

⚠️

Risk Disclosure Builder

Stage 2 - Tier 3

CFTC/SEC template library auto-populated from profile

☑️

Investor DD Checklist

Stage 2 - Tier 3

80-item interactive checklist with gap analysis

📅

Compliance Calendar Generator

Stage 2 - Tier 3

Select licenses → .ics file with all filing deadlines

ARCHITECTURE

Hub Architecture

Project Profile Schema (localStorage)

{
  // Business Model
  businessModel: "pure-saas | managed-accounts | prop-trading | hybrid",
  handlesCustomerFunds: boolean,
  providesInvestmentAdvice: boolean,

  // Jurisdictions
  incorporationState: string,
  targetJurisdictions: array,

  // Services
  assetClasses: ["equities", "options", "futures", "crypto", "forex"],
  providesBacktesting: boolean,
  providesSignalMarketplace: boolean,

  // Regulatory Posture
  currentLicenses: array,
  exemptionsReliedOn: array,

  // Saved Tool Outputs
  riskScore: number,
  regulatorFlags: array,
  complianceBudget: number,
  entityRecommendation: string
}
      

Workbench Tab Structure

Dashboard Risk gauge, regulator flags, next steps, budget summary
Regulatory Map Visual flowchart: "You are here" → licenses needed
Compliance Checklist Master task list with % complete, priority badges
Interactive Tools All 12 tools with results saving to profile
Document Library Generated TOS, disclosures, memos from tools
Budget Planner 24-month cash flow with itemized compliance costs
EXECUTION

Parallel Agent Batches

Pages can be built in parallel batches using Claude Code's Task tool. Each batch spawns multiple agents that work concurrently, dramatically reducing total build time.

Stage 2A Batches
8
Opus batches × 4 agents
Stage 2B Batches
13
Sonnet batches × 5 agents
Max Parallel
5
Concurrent agents
Est. Speedup
4-5×
vs sequential

Recommended Batch Execution Order

Batch 1
SEC multi-reg analysis (4 pages)
Batch 2
Crypto/DeFi novel legal (4 pages)
Batch 3
More crypto analysis (4 pages)
Batch 4
Strategic playbooks (4 pages)
Batch 5
Mixed: 2 Opus tools + 3 Sonnet ref pages
Batch 6-10
Sonnet: SEC/CFTC/FinCEN reference (5×5 pages)
Batch 11-15
Sonnet: Tax/Contracts/International (5×5 pages)
Batch 16-18
Sonnet: Launch packs & template tools (3×5 items)

🔧 Agent Batch Prompt Template

// Launch 5 parallel agents for Stage 2B Sonnet pages
const batch = [
  "FinCEN AML Program Requirements",
  "Customer Identification Program (KYC)",
  "Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)",
  "Currency Transaction Reporting (CTR)",
  "OFAC Sanctions Screening"
];

batch.forEach(page => {
  Task({
    subagent_type: "general-purpose",
    model: "sonnet",  // or "opus" for 2A pages
    prompt: `Create the "${page}" guide page for Trading Legal Hub.

Follow the existing page template in /Trading-Legal/guides/.
Use first-person voice ("I", "my practice").
Include: overview, requirements, practical steps, common mistakes.
Add Calendly CTA and link back to hub index.
Match the dark gradient header style.
Add Google Analytics (G-901N2Y3CDZ).`,
    run_in_background: true
  });
});

Note: Use run_in_background: true for parallel execution. Monitor with TaskOutput and batch results before starting next batch.

BUDGET

Claude Code Max Usage Calculator

Realistic token usage estimates based on actual measured consumption from Stage 1 work. All figures derived from live Claude Code Max $100/month plan dashboard data.

📈 ACTUAL Usage (Dec 25, 2025 @ 8:45 AM) - SESSION 3

60%
5hr Session Used
31%
Weekly Used (All)
22%
Weekly Used (Sonnet)
0.32%
Weekly per Page (Avg)
97 pages
Built Total
0 pages
Remaining
69%
Weekly Left

📊 Cost Per Page Type (MEASURED)

Page Type Model Count % of 5hr Session % of Weekly
Core Infrastructure (hub, workbench, index) OPUS 4 ~8% ~2%
Complex Guides (multi-reg, tax, IP, enforcement) OPUS 28 ~1.3% each ~0.32% each
FinCEN/AML Reference (10 parallel agents) SONNET 10 ~29% batch ~7% batch
Contracts & Templates (8 parallel) SONNET 8 ~2.5% each ~0.6% each
International Markets (4 parallel) SONNET 4 ~2% each ~0.5% each
Launch Resources (6 parallel) SONNET 6 ~2% each ~0.5% each
Crypto Reference (2 parallel) SONNET 2 ~2% each ~0.5% each
Misc Remaining Guides SONNET 45 ~0.8% each ~0.2% each
TOTAL PROJECT Mixed 97 ~3 sessions ~31%
Key Findings:
• Opus pages avg ~1.3% of 5hr session / ~0.32% weekly
• Sonnet parallel batches efficient: 10 pages = 29% session (2.9% each)
• Sonnet single pages avg ~0.8% session / ~0.2% weekly (5x cheaper than Opus)
• Total build: ~31% weekly = fits in 1 week with room to spare

💳 Claude Code Max $100/Month Plan Limits

Window Capacity Est. Opus Pages Est. Sonnet Pages Notes
5-Hour Session 8% of weekly ~25 ~125 Burst limit, rolling window
7-Day Weekly 100% ~170 ~850 Total weekly capacity
Monthly (4 weeks) 400% ~680 ~3400 Total $100/month value

📊 Trading Legal Hub: Cost Breakdown

Per-Item Cost Estimates (ACTUAL)
Opus Page (measured) ~0.36% weekly
Overall Average (all items) ~0.36% weekly
Sonnet Reference Page (est.) ~0.07% weekly
Sonnet Template Page (est.) ~0.05% weekly

* Based on actual: 25 items = 9% weekly (0.36%/item avg)

Stage Cost Totals (ACTUAL - Dec 24)
Session 1: S1 + Batches 1-3 8% ✅ Done
Session 2: S2A (6) + S2B SEC+CFTC (14) - 98% session 10% ✅ Done
S2B Remaining (51 pages) ~22% Sonnet
Finetuning & Bug Fixes ~5% Est.
Redesign & UI Polish ~3% Est.
TOTAL PROJECT EST. ~30% weekly

📊 Actual Usage (Dec 25, 12:02 AM)

Weekly Limit (7-day) 18% used
Session 1 (8%) Session 2 (10%) • 82% remaining
Current Session (5hr limit) 56% used (1hr 28min)
~2hr 12min remaining ~6 more Opus pages possible
Projected Full Build (incl. finetuning) ~48% weekly
Done (18%) S2B Left (22%) Finetuning+Redesign (8%) • 52% remaining after full build

💰 Token Usage & API Cost Comparison

Token Usage Estimates
Per Opus Page 80K in / 25K out
Per Sonnet Page 40K in / 15K out
S2A (32 Opus pages) 2.6M in / 800K out
S2B (69 Sonnet pages) 2.8M in / 1M out
Opus 4.5 API Costs
Input Rate $5/M tokens
Output Rate $25/M tokens
S2A Input (2.6M) $13.00
S2A Output (800K) $20.00
S2A Total (32 pages) ~$33

67% cheaper than Opus 4.1 ($15/$75)

Sonnet 4 API Costs
Input Rate $3/M tokens
Output Rate $15/M tokens
S2B Input (2.8M) $8.40
S2B Output (1M) $15.00
S2B Total (69 pages) ~$23

Batch API: 50% off ($1.50/$7.50)

$33
S2A (Opus)
$23
S2B (Sonnet)
$56
Full Project API
$0
Max Plan Cost

Current Pricing (Dec 2025): Opus 4.5: $5/$25/M (67% off from 4.1) | Sonnet 4: $3/$15/M | Batch API: 50% off | Max Plan: $100/mo unlimited

81%
Weekly capacity left
5+
Projects/week possible
$56
Full project API cost
$0
Actual cost (Max plan)

💡 Usage Optimization Tips

  • Use Sonnet for templates — 5x cheaper for boilerplate content
  • Batch similar pages — Reduces context overhead per page
  • Save Opus for judgment calls — Novel legal, multi-regulator analysis
  • Spread across sessions — Don't burn 5hr limit in one burst
  • Template reuse — Build one guide template, clone for others
  • Parallel agents — 5 concurrent pages = same cost, faster output