What institutions help individuals to buy and sell securities among other investors?

Brokerage firms facilitate the buying and selling of securities between individual investors in the financial markets. They act as intermediaries, allowing clients to execute transactions for various types of securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Brokerage firms provide essential services such as research, trading platforms, and market information to help investors make informed decisions.

In the context of securities trading, they play a crucial role by not only executing orders but also offering access to a wide array of investment products and services that cater to the needs of both beginner and experienced investors. They earn commissions or fees for their services, which incentivizes them to help clients navigate the complexities of the markets effectively.

Other types of institutions, such as investment banks and securities firms, serve different roles within the financial ecosystem. Investment banks primarily focus on large-scale transactions, underwriting securities, and providing advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, while securities firms can encompass a broader category that includes various services related to financial instruments. Banking firms typically deal with deposit-taking and lending rather than direct trading of securities.