Broker-dealer

A broker-dealer is an institution that has registered with the SEC in order to have the ability to buy and sell securities for customers as well as for its own account. When executing trade orders on behalf of a customer, the institution is said to be acting as a broker. When executing trades for its own account, the institution is said to be acting as a dealer. Securities bought from clients or other firms in the capacity of dealer may be sold to clients or other firms acting again in the capacity of dealer, or they may become a part of the firm's holdings.