Payment for Order Flow
Market makers paying brokers to route customer orders to them.
What is Payment for Order Flow?
The broker receives compensation for sending orders to a particular market maker - a conflict of interest, because routing may favor the payer over the best price. It must be disclosed, and brokers publish routing reports.
Payment for Order Flow: a worked example
A zero-commission app earns revenue by routing customer orders to wholesalers that pay for them.
More terms in Retirement Plans, Accounts & Trading
IRA Rollovers vs. Transfers
60-day rollovers are limited to one a year; direct transfers are unlimited.
10% Early Withdrawal Penalty & Exceptions
Distributions before 59 1/2 cost 10% extra, unless an exception applies.
Solo 401(k)
A 401(k) for a self-employed owner with no employees other than a spouse.
Defined Benefit Plan
A pension promising a specific benefit; the employer bears the investment risk.
Defined Contribution Plan
An individual account plan whose payout depends on contributions and returns.
403(b) Plan
A salary-deferral plan for public schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
457 Plan
Deferred compensation for state and local government employees.
SIMPLE IRA
A low-cost plan for employers with 100 or fewer employees.
All Retirement Plans, Accounts & Trading terms · Full glossary