A broker-dealer is a financial firm or an individual that engages in both buying and selling securities, acting as both a broker and a dealer in the securities markets. The term “broker” refers to the role of facilitating securities transactions on behalf of clients, while “dealer” refers to the role of buying and selling securities for the firm’s own account.

Here are key aspects of broker-dealers:

1. **Broker Function:**
– **Facilitation of Transactions:** As a broker, the firm helps clients buy or sell securities in the financial markets. This involves executing orders on behalf of investors and providing market information and research.

– **Agency Relationship:** When acting as a broker, the broker-dealer acts as an agent, working on behalf of its clients to execute trades at the best possible prices. In this capacity, it earns a commission or fee for its services.

2. **Dealer Function:**
– **Market Making:** As a dealer, the broker-dealer engages in market making, which involves buying and selling securities for its own account. Market makers facilitate liquidity by quoting bid and ask prices and standing ready to buy or sell securities.

– **Proprietary Trading:** In addition to market making, broker-dealers may engage in proprietary trading, where they trade securities for their own profit rather than on behalf of clients.

3. **Registration and Regulation:**
– **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC):** In the United States, broker-dealers are required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and must comply with regulations to ensure fair and transparent financial markets.

– **Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA):** Broker-dealers are typically members of self-regulatory organizations like FINRA, which sets rules and standards for the securities industry.

4. **Types of Broker-Dealers:**
– **Full-Service Broker-Dealers:** These firms offer a wide range of financial services, including investment advice, research, and wealth management.

– **Discount Broker-Dealers:** These firms focus on executing trades at a lower cost and may offer fewer advisory services compared to full-service broker-dealers.

– **Online Brokerages:** With the rise of online trading, many broker-dealers operate exclusively through online platforms, providing investors with direct access to markets.

5. **Compliance and Due Diligence:**
– **Customer Due Diligence:** Broker-dealers are required to perform due diligence on their clients to understand their financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.

– **Compliance with Regulations:** Compliance with securities laws and regulations is crucial for broker-dealers to ensure fair and transparent markets and protect the interests of investors.

Broker-dealers play a crucial role in the functioning of financial markets by providing liquidity, facilitating trades, and offering a range of financial services to individual and institutional investors.