About

Stockbrokers execute buy and sell orders for stocks and other securities through a stock market. Brokers act as a middleman between the securities that trade on the market and the investors who buy them. They're usually associated with a brokerage firm and handle transactions for retail and institutional customers.

There are two main types of stockbroker: full-time service brokers that offer trading, investment banking, advice, sales and asset management under one roof; and discount brokers that offer a 'DIY' service based on low fees, high speed and automated execution platforms for trading in stocks, commodities and currency derivatives.