 Over-the-counter (finance)

Over-the-counter (OTC) in finance refers to the process of trading financial instruments directly between two parties without a central exchange or broker. OTC trading can involve various assets, including stocks, bonds, commodities, and derivatives. Key characteristics of OTC trading include: 1. **Decentralization**: Unlike exchange-traded securities, OTC securities are not listed on formal exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ. Trades are executed directly between parties, often facilitated by dealers.