x̄ - > Broker

 A broker is a person or firm who arranges transactions between a buyer and a seller for a commission when the deal is executed. A broker who also acts as a seller or as a buyer becomes a principal party to the deal. Neither role should be confused with that of an agent—one who acts on behalf of a principal party in a deal. Some brokers, known as discount brokers, charge a smaller commission, sometimes in exchange for offering less advice or services than full-service brokerage firms. A broker-dealer is a broker that transacts for its own account, in addition to facilitating transactions for clients. Brokerage firms are generally subject to regulations based on the type of brokerage and jurisdictions in which they operate. Examples of brokerage firm regulatory agencies include the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which regulate stockbrokers in the United States. Etymology The word "broker" derives from Old French broceur "small trader", of uncertain origin, but possibly from Old French brocheor meaning "wine retailer", which comes from the verb brochier, or "to broach ". Types of brokers Automobile broker Broker-dealer Business broker Shipping agency Auto transport broker Commodity broker Corredor Público Customs broker Freight broker Information broker Insurance broker Intellectual property broker Joint venture broker List broker Matchmaking Message broker Mortgage broker Pawnbroker Power broker Prime brokerage Real estate broker Shipbroking Sponsorship broker Stockbroker Office broker Yacht broker References Further reading Ronald S. Burt. 2004. “Structural Holes and Good Ideas.” American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 110, No. 2, pp. 349-399