Independent stock brokers can either be wirehouses or independent stock brokers. In general, wirehouses are the largest and most well-known brokerage firms, and their investment options set them apart. Wirehouse firms are solely responsible for selling their own products. Mutual funds, annuities, and other investments may be offered through that company, but they are only available there.

On the other hand, an independent stock broker offers products from other firms. While investors are still able to invest in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, fixed income, annuities, and other investments, they are no longer restricted to the company with which they are affiliated. Independent stock brokers can offer many of the same services as full-service discount brokers, but they have fewer restrictions on the products they can recommend to clients.

An independent stock broker is a professional who helps people invest money in the stock market. They work with individual investors as well as large institutions. Independent brokers are not affiliated with any particular company or investment bank, which gives them the freedom to find the best investments for their clients. They typically receive a commission for each transaction that they make on behalf of their clients.