Evolution of Brokerage Services
Before 1975, small investors found it nearly impossible to trade profitably because commissions were very high. Exchange rules set one flat fee, so tiny and huge orders cost the same, making trading practical only for large institutions.
Everything changed on May 1, 1975, when the SEC allowed brokerages to set their own rates.
That decision launched discount brokers and permanently reshaped the industry.
The Internet didn’t exist then. Traders phoned brokers with an order and a target price, but by the time the trade was filled the market could have moved a lot.
Today, opening an online brokerage account and buying almost any asset is quick and easy, and you can pick the exact time and price you want.
Because of the Internet and powerful software, a process that once took days—or even weeks before phones—now happens almost instantly. Along with this speed, technology has cut trading costs to almost nothing, often $0.
This shift means finance is no longer just for the wealthy. Anyone with an Internet connection and the drive to invest can now take part.
Results are never guaranteed. Markets still carry risk. Yet the door is open, creating opportunities that never existed before.
Welcome to this new landscape. You can adapt or be left behind, and this site is here to help you adapt.
Ongoing Innovations
The evolution continues, spawning fresh financial frontiers. Cryptocurrencies are the best-known example of this fintech wave.
It truly is a revolution: private individuals, not central banks, now create currencies. The territory is uncharted and risky, but the market is real and not going away. Some discount brokers that once handled only securities now offer crypto trading; you can read our reviews of them on Brokerage-Review.com.
The tools for trading crypto and other assets have improved greatly in recent years.
Long gone are the days of Netscape and simple pages. Many discount brokers (though not all) now provide advanced platforms for self-directed traders that rival professional systems. Most have dropped the fees and minimums that once restricted access, making these tools a bargain for almost everyone.
A few firms have gone further with robo accounts—algorithm-driven advisory services that place trades for you, removing the need for traditional research by client or advisor.
Sorting through Online Discount Brokers
Sweeping changes have made the brokerage world highly competitive. Lower prices are great, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Our mission is to help investors narrow the field.
Brokerage-Review.com covers many firms that provide low-cost trading, robo investing, crypto access, creative cash tools, and more.
Our work relies on clear, detailed comparisons that spell out what each broker offers—and what it leaves out.
Traditional Investing Is Still Available
Despite decades of change, full-service firms where human advisors guide clients still thrive. We review those companies too; some combine classic advice with cutting-edge tech. Charles Schwab, an original discount broker, is a prime example.
The Future of Investing
Investing keeps moving forward, and Brokerage-Review.com will keep tracking brokers and sharing what we learn. Whatever appears next—and whatever your experience level—you’ll find clear, useful insights here. Stay tuned.