Glossary
Broker: definition
A broker is a firm that deals for you or with you. In listed markets it is often your agent and custodian. In CFD markets it is often your counterparty. The same brand can be both, in different accounts.
In practice
The legal entity decides the regulator, the compensation scheme and the client agreement. A global brand page does not. Brokers earn commissions, spreads, financing, FX charges or payment for order flow, depending on the model and the country. Those revenues are not a scandal by themselves. They are a reason to read the schedule. WiT Markets compares brokers only where the category is defined, and records country availability separately.
A worked example
Opening “the same broker” after a move from the US to the UK can mean a new company, a new regulator and a different set of products. The login screen may look familiar anyway.
Related
Sources and review
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13. Next review due 2027-04-13. Status: editorial review of this page, not a live verification of every third-party fee.
Author: WiT Markets Editorial, Editorial desk. The WiT Markets editorial desk writes explanatory pages, comparison context and research notes. It separates sourced facts from items that are not confirmed, and it does not provide personal recommendations.
Reviewed by: WiT Markets Research Review.
Primary and regulatory sources
- Financial Conduct Authority — checked 2026-10-13
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — checked 2026-10-13
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission — checked 2026-10-13