Broker Commissions: The Great Unbundling Bungle
Handling sell-side research and commissions has typically been a mundane and relatively simple function for investment managers. But regulatory authorities in Europe are about to turn the process upside down with a little-known but potentially impactful vestige of Mifid II. Tim Bourgaize Murray explores the technological ramifications.
The sale of information about listed companies is as old as the stock markets themselves. Tracking and managing the cost of this research is naturally part of the process—and in modern times has often been linked-up or bundled with the cost of executing the trade.
Indeed, even the famous Buttonwood Agreement of 1792, establishing the New York Stock Exchange, really did two very simple things: establish exclusive brokerage agreements, and set the commission rate at .25 percent. Since then, if not
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Regulation
Equity data plans eye Dec. 6 for overnight trading launch
The US SIPs are looking to launch near 24-hour operations as exchanges seek to extend their hours.
Securities industry nears tipping point for dual messaging standards
Industry groups call for a freeze on ISO 15022 maintenance to accelerate ISO 20022 adoption.
Sprecher says ICE will expand positioning in crypto, prediction markets
Jeff Sprecher, CEO of ICE: “We have two new [chairmen at] the SEC and CFTC that are working to try to pull the entrepreneurship in the wild west into the financial system.”
Esma won’t soften regulatory expectations for cloud and AI
CCP supervisory chair signals heightened scrutiny of third-party risk and operational resilience.
Esma supervision proposals ensnare Bloomberg and Tradeweb
Derivatives and bonds venues would become subject to centralized supervision if the proposed reforms go through.
Cyber insurance premiums dropped unexpectedly in 2025
Competition among carriers drives down premiums, despite increasing frequency and severity of attacks.
Market participants voice concerns as landmark EU AI Act deadline approaches
Come August, the EU’s AI Act will start to sink its teeth into Europe. Despite the short window, financial firms are still wondering how best to comply.
ICE to seek tokenization approval from SEC under existing federal laws
CEO Jeff Sprecher says the new NYSE tokenization initiative is not dependent on the passage of the US Clarity Act.
