Broker

A broker is an intermediary who connects buyers and sellers in physical and paper energy markets, helping them execute trades and discover prices. Brokers typically do not take significant proprietary positions; instead, they focus on matching client interest, providing anonymity when needed, and earning commissions on deals. In crude and product markets, voice and electronic brokers provide “colour” on bids, offers, and flows across many participants, giving traders a richer view of market sentiment than they would have from their own screens alone. They can highlight unusual interest in particular grades, hubs, or spreads, and help clients find liquidity in less-traded instruments. In derivatives, brokers facilitate futures, swaps, and options trades, including block trades and complex structures that may not be easily executed on screen. Good brokers add value by knowing who is active, what sizes are available, and where price resistance lies. For energy traders, strong broker relationships improve execution quality, reduce slippage, and provide timely informal intelligence about what is really driving the market.