Stockbroking is a service that allows retail and institutional investors to buy and sell stocks.

Stockbrokers will trade shares on exchanges as well as over-the-counter, depending on where they can find the best price and liquidity. Stock exchanges have strict rules about who can trade shares directly on their books, so most individual investors who want to trade shares will do so through a stockbroker.

A stockbroking firm will typically charge a commission on trades executed on behalf of a client, as well as a fee for retaining its services.

A stockbroker can offer a variety of services, including:

Execution-only brokers will complete orders on your behalf but will not provide advice.
Advisory stockbrokers will advise you on where to trade but will only execute orders that you submit.
Discretionary stockbrokers will execute trades on your behalf without your input.

Stockbroking is the profession or business of buying and selling stocks or securities on behalf of clients, commonly known as stockbrokers or financial advisors. These professionals facilitate transactions in financial markets, connecting buyers with sellers to execute trades on various stock exchanges. Stockbrokers play a crucial role in providing market insights, investment advice, and portfolio management services to individual and institutional investors.

Stockbroking involves a deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks. Brokers assist clients in making informed decisions by analyzing market trends, company performance, and economic indicators. The advent of online trading platforms has revolutionized stockbroking, allowing investors to directly access markets and manage their portfolios. Successful stockbroking requires effective communication, financial expertise, and a commitment to staying abreast of market dynamics, making it a vital component of the broader financial ecosystem.