Best Execution Policy

A best execution policy is a regulatory requirement obliging a broker to take all reasonable steps to obtain the best possible result for client orders, considering price, cost, speed, and likelihood of execution — not just the headline price shown. Regulated brokers must publish this policy and be able to demonstrate compliance with it if challenged. Best execution is one of the regulatory obligations that most directly addresses the conflict of interest inherent in a dealing-desk model, since it legally constrains a broker from filling orders in a way that's worse for the client purely to benefit the broker.