What is an ATS in Market Trading?


2 Answer(s)


Alternative trading system (ATS) is a US regulatory term for a non-exchange trading venue that matches buyers and sellers to find counterparties for transactions.


Alternative trading system (ATS) is a trading system that is not regulated as an exchange, but is a venue for matching the buy and sell orders of its subscribers. Alternative trading systems are gaining popularity around the world and account for much of the liquidity found in publicly traded issues.

Regulation ATS was introduced by the SEC in 1998 and is designed to protect investors and resolve any concerns arising from this type of trading system. Regulation ATS requires stricter record keeping and demands more intensive reporting on issues such as transparency once the system reaches more than 5% of the trading volume for any given security.