dealer

1. An individual or a firm that buys securities for and sells securities from its own portfolio as opposed to bringing buyers and sellers together. In practice, many firms operate as broker-dealers and perform both services, depending on the market conditions and on the size, type, and security involved in a particular transaction. Compare broker 1.
2. A person or organization that buys for and sells from its own account. For example, an art dealer buys paintings for resale.
3. A business that maintains an inventory of goods offered for resale. For example, an appliance dealer stocks major appliances it offers for sale to the public.