What is the primary role of ECNs in financial markets?

The primary role of Electronic Communication Networks (ECNs) in financial markets is to facilitate direct trading among investors. ECNs serve as automated systems that match buy and sell orders for securities without the need for intermediaries like traditional brokers. By connecting traders directly, ECNs increase market efficiency, reduce trading costs, and provide deeper liquidity, which can benefit investors by allowing them to transact more efficiently. This direct matching capability also helps ensure that transactions can occur at the best available prices, contributing to a more transparent trading environment.