ECN Broker
What is an 'ECN Broker'
An ECN broker is a forex financial expert who uses electronic communications networks (ECNs) to provide its clients direct access to other participants in the currency markets. Because an ECN broker consolidates price quotations from several market participants, it can generally offer its clients tighter bid/ask spreads than would be otherwise available to them.
Explaining 'ECN Broker'
Since an ECN broker only matches trades between market participants, it cannot trade against the client, an allegation often directed against some unscrupulous retail forex brokers. Because ECN spreads are much narrower than those used by everyday brokers, electronic communication networks brokers charge clients a fixed commission per transaction.Understanding the Electronic Communications Network
The ECN provides an electronic system for buyers and sellers to come together for the purpose of executing trades. It does this by providing access to information regarding orders being entered, and by facilitating the execution of these orders. The network is designed to match buy and sell orders currently present in the exchange. When specific order information is not available, it provides prices reflecting the highest bid and lowest ask listed on the open market.
Benefits of the Electronic Communications Network
The use of the ECN allows investors a way to trade outside of traditional trading hours, providing a mechanism for those who either can’t be actively involved during normal market times or who prefer the flexibility offered by wider availability. It also avoids the wider spreads that are common when using a traditional broker, and provides overall lower commissions and fees. For those concerned about privacy, the ECN can provide a level of anonymity to those who desire it. This can be particularly attractive to investors interested in making larger transactions.
Further Reading
The microstructure of a US Treasury ECN: The BrokerTec platform
www.sciencedirect.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
www.sciencedirect.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
papers.ssrn.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
academic.oup.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
www.sciencedirect.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
onlinelibrary.wiley.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
papers.ssrn.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
www.igi-global.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
papers.ssrn.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
onlinelibrary.wiley.com [PDF]
… this important market in the electronic trading era, as well as to analyze any fixed income ECN … The core of the market is the interdealer broker (IDB) market, which accounts for nearly all … After ICAP's purchase of GovPX in January 2005, ICAP's voice brokerage unit was the only …
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Q&A About ECN Broker
How does an ECN broker offer tighter bidask spreads than would otherwise be available?
Because an ECN consolidates price quotations from several market participants, it can generally offer its clients tighter bidask spreads than would be otherwise available.
What is an ECN broker?
An ECN broker is a forex financial expert who uses electronic communications networks (ECNs) to provide its clients direct access to other participants in the currency markets.
What is an ECN?
An electronic communication network (ECN) is a type of computerized forum or network that facilitates the trading of financial products outside traditional stock exchanges.
What are some examples of ECNs?
Some examples include Instinet and Archipelago.
What are some of the benefits of using an ECN?
The use of the ECN allows investors a way to trade outside of traditional trading hours, providing a mechanism for those who either cant be actively involved during normal market times or who prefer the flexibility offered by wider availability. It also avoids the wider spreads that are common when using a traditional broker, and provides overall lower commissions and fees. For those concerned about privacy, the ECN can provide a level of anonymity to those who desire it. This can be particularly attractive to investors interested in making larger transactions."
Are ECNs considered to be alternative trading systems?
Yes, they are sometimes also referred to as alternative trading systems.