How Does a Request for Quote (RFQ) System Differ from an Order Book Exchange in Derivatives?

An RFQ system is a bilateral negotiation model where a buyer requests a price from specific liquidity providers. It is typically used for large, illiquid, or complex trades like bespoke options.

An order book exchange is a multilateral, centralized model where buyers and sellers post limit orders. Order books offer transparency and immediate execution for standardized products, while RFQ provides better price control for large orders without market impact.

How Do Dark Pools Compare to RFQ Platforms in Terms of Trade Anonymity and Execution?
Differentiate between ‘Bilateral Netting’ and ‘Multilateral Netting’
What Is a Request for Quote (RFQ) System and How Does It Affect the Effective Spread?
How Does Multilateral Netting Differ from Bilateral Netting?
When Is an RFQ System Preferred over an Order Book for an Institutional Options Trader?
What Is Multilateral Netting, and Why Is It Superior to Bilateral Netting?
What Is the Primary Function of a Request for Quote (RFQ) Platform in Derivatives Trading?
Could a Network of Interconnected State Channels (E.g. Lightning Network) Support a Multilateral Derivatives Market?

Glossar