Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for authorizing a trading algorithm prior to execution of the trading algorithm. An example method includes receiving a trading algorithm definition associated with a unique identifier and sending the unique identifier to an algorithm server that is operable to execute programming code representing the trading algorithm. The unique identifier may be associated with a trader authorized to execute the programming code. The algorithm server may check the unique identifier prior to execution of the programming code to ensure that the trading algorithm has been authorized.