Which type of firm is typically less burdened with net capital requirements?

The correct choice is introducing firms, primarily because they typically do not hold customer funds or securities, which significantly reduces their net capital requirements compared to other types of firms.

Introducing firms act as intermediaries between clients and clearing firms, facilitating transactions without the obligation to maintain the same level of net capital. They rely on carrying firms, which do hold customer assets and are subject to stricter capital requirements, to handle the operational and regulatory aspects associated with client accounts. Consequently, the reduced responsibilities on the financial side allow introducing firms to operate with a lower net capital requirement.

In contrast, self-clearing, carrying, and fully disclosed firms are more involved in the custody of assets and the management of regulatory risks, necessitating higher net capital to safeguard client assets and ensure compliance with regulatory obligations.