Understanding the Crossing of Buy and Sell Orders in Securities Law

Definition & Meaning

The crossing of buy and sell orders refers to a type of securities transaction where a bank acts as an agent for both the buyer and the seller. In this scenario, the same institution facilitates the trade, allowing the two parties to execute their orders without going through the open market. This practice can help streamline transactions and reduce costs for clients.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A client wants to sell shares of Company A while another client wants to buy the same number of shares of Company A. The bank facilitates this transaction by matching the two clients directly, thus crossing their orders.

Example 2: A brokerage firm receives buy and sell orders for the same stock from different clients. Instead of executing these orders on the stock exchange, the firm matches the two orders internally (hypothetical example).

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Agency A relationship where one party acts on behalf of another. Crossing specifically involves buy and sell orders by the same agent.
Market Order An order to buy or sell a security at the current market price. Crossing involves matching orders without market execution.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself involved in a transaction that may involve crossing of buy and sell orders, consider the following steps:

  • Review the terms of your transaction and ensure you understand how your orders are being handled.
  • Consult with your bank or brokerage firm for clarification on their practices.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist in drafting agreements or understanding your rights.
  • If you have concerns or complex questions, seek advice from a legal professional.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Fees Varies by institution; often lower than market orders.
Jurisdiction Federal regulations apply, along with state laws.
Possible Penalties Violations can lead to fines or sanctions from regulatory bodies.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

To cross orders means to match buy and sell orders for the same security within the same institution.