@Rohit
On going through your posts I rather suspect you have got some scores to settle with Master Trust or the broking industry in general. I have the same issues perhaps, but I can't recommend your way of tilting at the windmill without offering some logical arguments why you hate Master Trust (or love others) in particular. The balance sheet cannot be a tool for decision making; I may be broke today and rise from the ashes tomorrow with determination and skill. I prefer to think the following way:
1) statistics say 3% traders make consistent profits. Assuming most of them are not armed with "insider" knowledge, how do they make it? There must be both science and art in their trading. If I can learn it, I can become a member of that 3% club. So trading by itself cannot be bad. We the traders make it so.
2) Do most brokers cheat? I don't know, but I have heard so. You just might know better. If you have concrete evidence, I will join my hands with yours.
3) The point overlooked is the entire trading system/tools are designed to make traders bleed, and mostly so in India. The terminals are designed without the barest protection to the trader, logic and condition-based orders, etc. etc. etc...
4) I have tried some of the brokers you have mentioned and have at least talked to the others. I find they are bigger manipulators. You are only bound for hell with high brokerage and high user charges for their platforms. I have been assessing ALL the Indian opportunities in algo for the last 24 months, and they are NOT for the common traders.
5) I have taken to Master Trust for algo. Their cost is very low, but data not as consistent as it should be and their trading terminal Master Trader v 3.0 throws up tantrums now and then. But if one can afford to keep a light vigil while MT 3 is working there should not be major hiccups for small traders ( I don't know how it will behave if it punches for 10 clients, 10 lots of 10 different stocks in the Master Trader Dealer) I should say Value for Money but by no means an "excellent" system.
The major problem with Master Trust is its unwillingness to become the best boy in the class and chalta hai rules its mind.
AND btw,,,,,
I really really feel sorry for your dad. I have lost not crore(s) but something comparable to disastrous effect. But believe me, ATS is the only escape route. I am holding negotiations to operate someone's fund and if that works out profitably for my client I will give a straw your father can clutch on.