Human Touch Emerges as Key Differentiator in Equity Trading

In the age of algorithmic dominance, human relationships are reclaiming their value in equity trading. Crisil Coalition Greenwich's latest research reveals that 68% of North American buy-side traders prioritize customer service and broker desk coverage when selecting partners for high-touch trades—a striking contrast to purely technical considerations.

"Speed alone no longer wins races," observes Jesse Forster, author of the study. The market now rewards brokers who combine electronic efficiency with personalized intelligence, liquidity access, and round-the-clock support. This hybrid approach creates sticky client relationships that pure automation cannot replicate.

Electronic execution still dominates volume, with 46% of low-touch traders prioritizing execution quality. Yet even here, the study found growing demand for customized algorithmic solutions—proof that institutional traders crave both technological sophistication and bespoke service.