No Dealing Desk Brokers

Introduction

The forex market is known for its vastness and complexity. Traders have multiple ways to access this market, with one significant distinction being the type of broker they choose. Among the various types of brokers, no dealing desk (NDD) brokers stand out. Unlike traditional dealing desk brokers, who act as intermediaries between the trader and the market, NDD brokers provide direct access to the market without any interference. This article examines what no dealing desk brokers are, how they operate, and the advantages and disadvantages they offer compared to other types of brokers.

What Are No Dealing Desk (NDD) Brokers?

No dealing desk brokers, as the name suggests, do not involve a dealing desk in the execution of trades. Instead of taking the other side of a trade (which is common in dealing desk models), these brokers pass orders directly to the liquidity providers, such as banks or other financial institutions.

NDD brokers are known for offering more transparency in their trading processes. They provide traders with the option to access live market prices and execute trades without the broker's direct involvement. This setup can lead to quicker execution and less risk of price manipulation.

There are two primary types of NDD brokers:

• Straight Through Processing (STP) brokers
• Electronic Communication Network (ECN) brokers

Both types aim to offer better market access, but they differ in terms of their execution mechanisms and pricing models.

Straight Through Processing (STP) Brokers

STP brokers route client orders directly to liquidity providers. They operate on a technology system that automatically matches orders with the best available prices from multiple liquidity sources. The STP model allows for a faster execution of trades, and it typically involves a slight mark-up in pricing. The spread may be wider than with ECN brokers, but the execution is faster, and there are no market makers involved.

Electronic Communication Network (ECN) Brokers

ECN brokers provide traders with direct access to the market without any intermediaries. They connect traders to a network of liquidity providers, including banks, hedge funds, and other institutions, which allows for tighter spreads and deeper liquidity. ECN brokers offer lower spreads and often charge a commission per trade rather than marking up the spread. While the spreads may be narrower than with STP brokers, they can widen during periods of high volatility, and the execution time may vary based on the liquidity provider.

How NDD Brokers Operate

NDD brokers typically function by offering one of the following models:

• Market Execution: NDD brokers provide market execution, meaning the order is filled at the next available price in the market. This type of execution ensures that the trader receives the best available price at the time of the trade, with no delays caused by re-quotes.
• Instant Execution: This type of execution may still be offered by some NDD brokers, though it’s less common. In instant execution, the broker will offer a price and wait for the trader’s approval to execute the trade. If the price changes before approval, the trader may receive a re-quote.

Advantages of No Dealing Desk Brokers

1. Transparency and Direct Market Access
   With NDD brokers, traders have access to live market prices, and orders are executed directly with liquidity providers. This transparency reduces the risk of the broker manipulating prices and increases trust in the execution process.
2. Faster Execution
   NDD brokers, particularly those offering STP and ECN execution, provide faster order execution since there is no intervention from a dealing desk. This leads to quicker trades and fewer delays, which is essential for traders employing short-term strategies like scalping.
3. Better Spreads and Liquidity
   ECN brokers typically offer tighter spreads since they connect traders directly to multiple liquidity providers. This results in deeper liquidity, making it easier to enter and exit trades without significant slippage.
4. Reduced Conflict of Interest
   Unlike dealing desk brokers, who may take the opposite side of a trade and profit from a trader’s loss, NDD brokers do not have such conflicts of interest. They simply facilitate the trade by offering access to the market.

Disadvantages of No Dealing Desk Brokers

1. Variable Spreads
   While ECN brokers generally offer tighter spreads, they can fluctuate based on market conditions. Spreads may widen during periods of high volatility or low liquidity, which can increase trading costs.
2. Commission Fees
   Unlike dealing desk brokers who make money by widening spreads, NDD brokers, particularly ECN brokers, often charge a commission per trade. While the spreads may be lower, the commission fees can add to the total cost of trading.
3. Market Exposure Risk
   Since NDD brokers route orders to external liquidity providers, the quality of execution can vary depending on the provider’s stability and market conditions. In times of extreme volatility, slippage and order delays can occur, impacting traders’ results.

Comparing NDD Brokers to Dealing Desk Brokers

Dealing desk brokers (also known as market makers) take the other side of a trader's position, meaning they profit when the trader loses. These brokers typically offer fixed spreads and may provide a slower order execution. In contrast, NDD brokers offer variable spreads, faster execution, and reduced conflict of interest. Here is a comparison of key aspects:

Conclusion

No dealing desk brokers, whether STP or ECN, provide a more transparent and direct access to the forex market. They allow traders to execute orders quickly, offering the potential for tighter spreads and more liquidity. However, these brokers are not without their drawbacks, such as variable spreads and commission fees. Traders must carefully weigh the benefits of direct market access and lower conflicts of interest against the costs associated with NDD broker models.

FAQ

1. What is a no dealing desk broker?

A no dealing desk broker is a forex broker that routes client orders directly to liquidity providers without any intermediary. This provides transparency and faster execution without the broker taking the other side of a trade.

2. How do NDD brokers differ from dealing desk brokers?

NDD brokers provide direct market access, offer variable spreads, and operate with lower conflict of interest. In contrast, dealing desk brokers act as market makers, with fixed spreads and the potential for conflicts of interest.

3. Are NDD brokers better for trading?

NDD brokers generally offer better conditions for active traders, such as faster execution and lower spreads, but the trading costs can include commissions. The best choice depends on your trading style and strategy.

4. Can NDD brokers offer fixed spreads?

While most NDD brokers offer variable spreads, some may offer fixed spreads under specific conditions, particularly for certain account types.

5. Do NDD brokers charge commissions?

Yes, ECN brokers typically charge a commission per trade, though this can be offset by the tighter spreads. STP brokers may offer a mix of lower spreads and no commission, depending on the account type.