Direct Market Access
Also written DMA · Direct Market Access (DMA)
A facility allowing institutional clients direct access to the exchange trading system through the broker's infrastructure without manual intervention.
This one is not written up yet
The definition above is the short version. A full explanation — how it works, a worked example and the exam traps — is still being written. In the meantime the chapter below covers it in context.
Written up from the same chapter
- Algorithmic tradingAny order generated by automated execution logic rather than typed in by a person — software that pushes buy and sell orders into the exchange once its parameters are met.
- Authorised personTwo different entities share this name: under SEBI, an agent appointed by a stock broker to give clients access to the trading platform; under FEMA, a dealer authorised by RBI to deal in foreign exchange.
- Fit and proper personThe character and record test in Schedule II of the SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 that an AIF's applicant, sponsor and manager must satisfy for registration and must keep satisfying afterwards.
- Kill switchA pre-trade facility that lets a trading member cancel every one of its outstanding orders with a single command — the emergency brake for a malfunctioning terminal or algorithm.
- Portfolio managerA body corporate registered with SEBI that, under a contract with a client, advises on or manages that client's securities or funds — discretionary, non-discretionary or advisory.
- Price bandThe highest and lowest price at which a contract may trade on a given day, set as a percentage of its base price to block erroneous and manipulative orders.
Where this is taught
- Series VII · Chapter 3: Introduction to Securities Broking Operationsintroduced here
- Series IV · Chapter 6: Trading Mechanism in Exchange Traded IRDintroduced here
- Series III-A · Chapter 12: SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2025introduced here
- Series I · Chapter 6: Trading Mechanism in Exchange Traded Currency Derivativesintroduced here
Related terms
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