Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Alternative Trading System - ATS

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Alternative Trading System - ATS'

A trading system that is not regulated as an exchange, but is a venue for matching the buy and sell orders of its subscribers. Alternative trading systems are gaining popularity around the world and account for much of the liquidity found in publicly traded issues.

Regulation ATS was introduced by the SEC in 1998 and is designed to protect investors and resolve any concerns arising from this type of trading system. Regulation ATS requires stricter record keeping and demands more intensive reporting on issues such as transparency once the system reaches more than 5% of the trading volume for any given security.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Alternative Trading System - ATS'

Many alternative trading systems are specifically designed to match buyers and sellers who trade in very large quantities (primarily professional traders and investors). Also, institutions will often use an ATS to find counterparties for transactions, instead of trading large blocks of shares on the normal exchange, a practice that can skew the market price in a particular direction, depending on a particular share's market capitalization and trading volume.

Examples of alternative trading systems include, but are not limited to, electronic communication networks (ECNs), crossing networks and call markets.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    Understanding Order Execution

    Find out the various ways in which a broker can fill an order, which can affect costs.

  2. Should You Be Afraid Of Dark Pool Liquidity?

    Don't fear the deep end. Dark pool liquidity can help drive down stock cost for everyday investors.

  3. The Global Electronic Stock Market

    The way trading is conducted is changing rapidly as exchanges turn toward automation.

  4. Getting To Know The Stock Exchanges

    Here are the answers to all the questions you have about stock exchanges but are too afraid to ask!

  5. Electronic Trading Tutorial

    Learn about the systems that run the market. Topics include market makers, specialists, SuperDOT, ECNs, SOES, Level I, II, and III Access, and more.

  6. Should You Add A Securities License To Your Qualifications?

    Clients love planners who sell securities, but a securities license takes a lot of work. Learn if the stress and study are worth it.

  7. How To Report A Tax Cheat

    If you report a tax evader to the IRS, you could be eligible for a reward.

  8. GAAP And The IFRS Standards Convergence Efforts In 3 Substantial Areas

    Understand the specific steps that have been taken in hopes of converging the GAAP and the IFRS accounting standards, despite the philosophically and culturally based methodological differences ...

  9. How Much Will Your Taxes Rise Based On Your Salary?

    Find out how high your taxes will rise this year.

  10. Department Of Justice Sues Standard & Poor's Over Mortgage Crisis - Is Moody's Next?

    The U.S. Department of Justice sued Standard & Poor's and is seeking more than $5 billion in damages.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Winner's Curse

    Because of incomplete information, emotions or any other number of factors regarding the item being auctioned, bidders can have a difficult time determining the item's intrinsic value. As a result, the largest overestimation of an item's value ends up winning the auction.

  2. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.

  3. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.

  4. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.

  5. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.

  6. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
Trading Center