What is the difference between securities brokers and securities dealers?

Securities brokers act as intermediaries who facilitate the buying and selling of securities on behalf of clients, earning commissions on these transactions. In contrast, securities dealers buy and sell securities for their own accounts, aiming to profit from price fluctuations. While brokers primarily serve clients by executing trades, dealers focus on maintaining inventory and market liquidity. This distinction highlights their different roles in the financial markets, with brokers emphasizing client service and dealers concentrating on market-making activities.