Final answer:
The client must sign the Options account paperwork in writing; in-person presence is not usually required. The forms can be returned through various methods like mail, fax, or electronically, as long as the client's signature is properly included.
Step-by-step explanation:
When opening an Options account, the client is usually required to complete the necessary forms in writing. This process includes providing detailed information about their financial situation, investment objectives, and understanding of options trading risks, among other disclosures.
The signature on the forms serves as a legal attestation to the accuracy of the information provided and agreement to the terms set forth by the broker.
It is not typically required for the client to be present in person to open an options account. Instead, as long as the documentation is signed in writing and meets the broker's compliance requirements, it can be returned via mail, fax, or electronically, depending on the broker's system. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: 2) in writing.