If you’ve spent significant time trading currencies, you may have heard of ECN forex. ECN, or electronic communications network, refers to an automated forex trading system that directly matches buy and sell orders between traders and forex brokerage firms.
ECN forex trading is highly efficient since it employs advanced technology to ensure transparency while eliminating the need for intermediaries. This trading service is typically offered by financial intermediaries known as ECN brokers.
What is an ECN Forex Broker?
An ECN broker is a company that uses electronic communications networks to connect buy and sell orders in the currency trading market. Typical ECN forex brokers have real-time access to purchase and sell prices, and the ability to consolidate and aggregate the prices of all quotations in the market at any given time. Consequently, these brokers can provide traders with accurate and transparent information about trading.
When matching orders between traders, ECN brokers consider various parameters, including pricing, lot size, and security type. Once the match is made, the ECN automatically executes the trade, making the process of forex trading more seamless and convenient than dealing with a desk broker.
Advantages of ECN over Traditional Markets
Apart from facilitating a faster and more efficient method of trading, ECNs offer a plethora of other benefits, including:
Low Ask and Bid Spreads
In forex trading, there’s always a differential between the best selling price and the best available buy. Whereas the buyer wants to get the best possible sell price, a seller aims to score the best buy.
Since ECNs automatically match orders between traders with the best buying and selling prices, they inevitably lead to lower bid-ask spreads. This also means that traders can enter or exit the market whenever they wish, giving them more freedom than they would with traditional desk trading.
Faster Execution Speed
ECNs are automated systems that allow a trade to happen faster and at lower spreads than you would get at a traditional market. Since numerous liquidity providers are vying for traders at ECNs, they’re able to deliver the lowest rates to attract traders and edge out their competition.
Privacy and Security
ECNs are no-desk dealing (NDD) brokers, meaning their clients’ orders do not pass through dealing desks. This makes it possible for trades to be executed directly without a middleman, making ECN forex trading entirely secure.
Moreover, most ECNs allow for anonymous trading via dark pools. These private financial asset exchanges provide additional liquidity and anonymity, allowing traders to buy and sell assets away from public view.
After-hours Trading
Unlike traditional markets, which only allow traders to trade during fixed hours, ENCs allow outside the designated trading hours. This is highly convenient, as it allows traders to react immediately to any new developments that could cause a swing in the prices of currencies in the market.
Conclusion
As you can see, ECN forex trading is not only a quick and efficient way to trade forex thanks to its automated nature, but it also allows you to enjoy lower spreads and more flexibility. If you want to start ECN forex trading, choose an ECN broker authorized and regulated by a recognized body.