Best STP Brokers

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Written By
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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
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Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
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William Berg
William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.
Updated

The STP broker businesses model has several benefits for retail forex traders vs ECN and dealing desk brokers. In this review, we’ll discuss the meaning of STP and its pros and cons. We also list the best STP brokers for forex and CFD trading.

Top 9 STP Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
  2. 2
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $0
    $100
    1:50
    FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
    Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
    Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  3. 3
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
  4. 4
    UnitedPips
    40% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    IFSA
    CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto
    UniTrader
    PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD
  5. 5
    Capitalcore
    40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSA
    Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
    WebTrader, Pro
    Ethereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal
    USD
  6. 6
    Sage FX
    $1,500 trading competition

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    1.3 / 5
    1.8 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Pending
    Forex, indices, cryptos
    TradeLocker
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  7. 7
    xChief
    $100 No Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC
    CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
  8. 8
    Plexytrade
    120% Cash Welcome Bonus

    Ratings
    1.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5

    $50
    0.01
    1:2000
    CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR
  9. 9
    World Forex
    100% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    1.3 / 5
    1.3 / 5

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Volet
    USD, EUR, RUB

Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:

  1. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  2. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  3. RedMars - Launched in 2020, Cyprus-based RedMars offers competitive spreads on more than 300 instruments and leverage up to 1:500. Three accounts are available - Standard, Pro and VIP - serving a range of budgets and experience levels, with a fast and fully digital account opening process.
  4. UnitedPips - Operating since 2016 and based in Saint Lucia, UnitedPips is a non-dealing desk broker serving clients in over 137 countries. It specializes in CFD trading across around 80+ assets with high leverage up to 1:1000.
  5. Capitalcore - Capitalcore is an offshore broker, based in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and established in 2019. Traders can choose from four accounts (Classic, Silver, Gold, VIP) with lower spreads and larger bonuses as you move through the tiers. Where Capitalcore distinguishes itself is its high leverage up to 1:2000 and zero swap fees, though these don’t compensate for the weak oversight from the IFSA and paltry education and research.
  6. Sage FX - SageFX is an offshore, unregulated CFD broker that offers highly leveraged trading on forex, stocks, commodities, indices and crypto via the TradeLocker platform. Traders can access commission-free trading or an ECN account with tight spreads. While the broker's regulatory status is weak, it does provide segregated accounts and two-factor authentication.
  7. xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
  8. Plexytrade - Established in 2024 and headquartered in Saint Lucia, Plexytrade is an ECN/STP broker. Geared towards active traders, it supports four account options, crypto deposits and withdrawals, plus very high leverage up to 1:2000 made possible by its unregulated status.
  9. World Forex - World Forex is an offshore broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering commission-free trading with a $1 minimum deposit and 1:1000 leverage. Digital contracts are also available, offering beginners a straightforward way to speculate on popular financial markets.

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.

Cons

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
RegulatorCySEC, AFM
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit€250
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
  • RedMars offers one of the best platforms for day trading, MT5, hosting 21 timeframes, dozens of analytical tools, flexible templates and algo trading

Cons

  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets

UnitedPips

"UnitedPips is ideal for traders seeking leveraged trading opportunities, the security of fixed spreads, and the flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and trade cryptocurrencies - all in one sleek TradingView-powered platform."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

UnitedPips Quick Facts

Bonus Offer40% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto
RegulatorIFSA
PlatformsUniTrader
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • UnitedPips offers impressive leverage up to 1:1000 with zero swap fees or commissions, which can enhance potential returns for day traders and swing traders looking to control prominent positions with less capital.
  • Although being handed off mid-chat due to shift changes during testing was frustrating, customer support is generally good with quick, helpful responses, and 24/7 support via phone and email for regional teams is a definite advantage.
  • UnitedPips’ platform performs well, with an intuitive design that will appeal to beginners, while the TradingView integration delivers powerful charting tools without overwhelming users, making it straightforward to execute trades efficiently.

Cons

  • Unlike brokers such as IG, UnitedPips is an offshore broker not regulated by any 'green tier' financial authorities, raising concerns for traders seeking assurance and protection under well-established regulatory frameworks.
  • UnitedPips' selection of tradable instruments is still minimal, comprising a bare minimum selection of forex, metals and crypto. There are no equities, indices or ETFs, which may be a drawback for experienced traders looking for diverse opportunities.
  • UnitedPips lacks comprehensive research, while the educational content for beginner traders is woeful. Compared to brokers like eToro, which offers tutorials, webinars, and advanced courses, UnitedPips offers minimal resources to help new traders understand key concepts.

Capitalcore

"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Capitalcore Quick Facts

Bonus Offer40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
RegulatorIFSA
PlatformsWebTrader, Pro
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
  • The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
  • Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.

Cons

  • Platform support is limited to proprietary software, so there's no integration with the market-leading MetaTrader or cTrader, which offer built-in economic news and support automated trading.
  • The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
  • Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.

Sage FX

"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Sage FX Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$1,500 trading competition
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, indices, cryptos
RegulatorPending
PlatformsTradeLocker
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • Bonus offers and trading competitions
  • Prop trading accounts with multiple funding tiers
  • Flexible accounts with STP and ECN solutions available

Cons

  • Relatively narrow range of asset classes
  • Lacks educational resources and other extra features
  • Not regulated by any reputable body

xChief

"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."

William Berg, Reviewer

xChief Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 No Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
RegulatorASIC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
  • The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
  • The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses

Cons

  • The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
  • The broker trails competitors when it comes to research tools and educational resources
  • xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards

Plexytrade

"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Plexytrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$50
Minimum Trade0.01
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
  • There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
  • Plexytrade offers among the highest leverage we’ve seen, up to 1:2000, catering to advanced traders willing to forego regulatory protections.

Cons

  • Plexytrade lacks regulation in major jurisdictions, significantly increasing the risks of opening an account and depositing funds.
  • There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
  • Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.

World Forex

"World Forex provides both highly leveraged CFDs and digital contracts, making this a good broker for clients who want flexible and rewarding ways to trade. The copy trading service will also appeal to newer traders."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

World Forex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer100% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • VPS hosting
  • 10+ accepted payment methods
  • Educational content

Cons

  • Weak regulation
  • No negative balance protection
  • Withdrawal fees apply

What Is An STP Broker?

STP stands for Straight Through Processing and is a type of technology used by brokers to electronically pass trades directly to the market. STP forex brokers execute trades on behalf of clients by sending them straight to liquidity providers, such as banks or interbank exchange houses. Trades do not pass through a dealing desk, instead, they go directly to the market.

No Dealing Deck Vs Dealing Desk

STP brokers are a type of No Dealing Desk (NDD) broker, meaning they do not use a dealing desk to complete a trade. Dealing desk brokers, known as market makers, fill the opposite end of a client’s trade. They do this either by finding another client to take the opposite side or by taking the trade themselves.

Since market makers do not connect directly to the wider market, there is a limited number of clients that can take the opposite side of your trade. Therefore, often the broker will buy the stock you’re selling, for example, making the market themselves.

Regulated STP forex brokers have slightly different licenses to market makers. They are known as A-book brokers, where market makers are known as B-book.

STP Vs ECN

Another type of NDD provider is an ECN (Electronic Communication Network) broker. These are similar to STP brokers in that they both send trades directly to the market. However, ECN brokers act as a liquidity hub, bringing together banks and financial institutions that compete to take the opposing side of your trade.

Pros Of STP Brokers

STP brokers are often favoured by retail traders. Their business model comes with several benefits:

Cons Of STP Brokers

Since STP brokers operate with most of the benefits of both ECN and market-markers, drawbacks are limited:

Identifying STP, ECN & Market Maker Brokers

It can be difficult to determine if a broker is a true ECN broker, STP or market maker. Some brokers do not make their business model clear to clients. However, some clues will help you work it out for yourself:

Final Word O

STP brokers are those with the technology to execute forex trades directly with the market. They offer quick processing times and accurate quotes whilst allowing small lot sizes which makes them a good choice for retail traders. However, it’s not always easy to know if your broker follows an STP model. If you start to experience slippage, quotes you feel are not in line with the market or requotes that you’re not happy with, you may want to switch to one of the STP brokers in our list above.

FAQ

What Is An STP Broker?

An STP broker routes trades directly to the market using Straight Through Processing technology. They follow a No Dealing Desk model (NDD). STP brokers are usually the preferred choice for retail traders due to accurate market quotes and fast processing.

How Are STP Brokers Different From ECN Brokers?

STP brokers are similar to ECN brokers in that they both use no dealing desk models that offer direct market access. However, ECN brokers route trades to a liquidity pool and providers that they control. They also tend to offer larger minimum lot sizes of 0.1 (10,000 units of the base currency).

My Broker Offers An ECN Account, What Does This Mean?

ECN accounts promise faster execution speeds and low spreads like those that institutional traders benefit from. Your trades will be executed on the live forex market, as opposed to going through a dealing desk or STP account. The downside is that ECN often requires high minimum deposits and large minimum trade sizes.

How Can I Tell If My Broker Is A Market Maker?

Brokers may make it tricky to unpick their business model as no dealing desk brokers are often preferred by retail traders. With that said, there are some clues that you can look for. For example, stringent rules on trading behaviours, extra tight spreads and regular requotes indicate they could be a market maker.

Are NDD Brokers And STP Brokers The Same?

Yes, an STP broker is a type of no dealing desk (NDD) broker. They send your trades directly to the market rather than through a dealing desk. ECN brokers are another type of NDD broker. Dealing desk brokers are sometimes called market makers.