What does it mean for a hedge fund to have an affiliated broker-dealer?

Definition of Broker-Dealer

We will start off by defining a broker-dealer.  Basically a broker-dealer is the term used in the investment management industry for a firm which executes securities trades.  The trades may be executed by these firms through an agency relationship (commission) with the client or through dealer (mark up) relationship with a customer.  Some firms act in only one capacity and some act in both capacities depending on the securities traded. Continue reading →