What is a broker in finance?

Brokers are common in the financial world. For example, in finance, they work on behalf of clients trading bonds, stocks, and other financial products. The Financial Times FT Lexicon says the following regarding the meaning of broker: “Generally, an intermediary who helps to effect (who brokers) a transaction between two parties.

What is an online broker and why do I need one?

Often called discount brokers, online brokers are typically less expensive and allow you to buy or sell stocks and other investments directly through their websites or trading platforms. Many online brokers now charge no commission to buy or sell stocks and other investments. What does a broker do and why do I need one?

What is a stockbroker in the UK?

The term stockbroker is rarely used in the UK, so you're more likely to find stockbrokers under job titles such as investment manager. Investors cannot buy shares directly, so they either use an investment platform or employ an investment manager as a broker.

What is a full service broker?

Full service brokers tend to use their role as a brokerage as an ancillary service available to high-net worth clients along with many other services such as retirement planning or asset management. Examples of a full service broker might include offerings from a company such as Morgan Stanley or Goldman Sachs or even Bank of America Merrill Lynch.