Term · Regulation & Capital-Market Communication
Best Execution
In briefBest execution requires customer orders to be handled in the best possible way, weighing price, cost, speed and likelihood of execution. For small caps this is especially value-relevant, because spreads and low liquidity strongly influence execution.
Definition
Best execution refers to the obligation to execute customer orders in the best possible way, taking into account price, cost, speed, likelihood of execution and further factors.
How it is calculated
Formula. No formula; analysis based on execution quality, cost, price improvement, speed and choice of trading venue.
Why it matters for small caps
In the small-cap segment this aspect matters, because the choice of execution route is particularly value-relevant given spreads and low liquidity.
Common misreadings
- Best execution is often understood merely as the best price, even though cost, likelihood of execution and order size are also relevant.
In the process
Frequently asked
What is best execution?
It is the obligation to execute orders in the client's best interest. Several factors are taken into account, not just the price.
Which factors matter for best execution?
Besides price, cost, speed, likelihood of execution and the choice of trading venue all play a role. Only together do they produce the best possible execution.
Why is best execution more than the best price?
A good price is of little use if the order is not executed at all. Especially with illiquid securities, cost and likelihood of execution also matter.
Related terms
Sources
Primary
EUR-Lex – MiFID II, Richtlinie 2014/65/EU
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/65/oj
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/65/oj
Methodology
Bundesministerium der Justiz – Wertpapierhandelsgesetz (WpHG)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/wphg/
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/wphg/
Education only, not investment advice. Ranges and thresholds are didactic orientation values, not an official standard.