Impact of Internet on financial services industry: a case study of on‐line investing

Abstract

Outlines the internet’s contribution to the US economy with particular reference to the growth of online investing since 1994. Presents a study of the factors leading to this growth and its impact on the industry. Tabulates the market shares and stock commissions of the top ten online brokers, discusses their competitive strategies and identifies their key growth drivers. Suggests that they examplify McNair’s (1978) “wheel of retailing” by moving from a new, discounted service to a range of services like those of traditional brokers. Considers the online industry’s current problems (technical, legal, regulatory etc.), gives some advice on choosing an online broker and ranks the top ten by various criteria. Predicts that customers will benefit from increasing competition in the future and that the most successful firms will be middle‐tier ones offering a good combination of cost and service.

Citation

Unsal, F. and Movassaghi, H. (2001), "Impact of Internet on financial services industry: a case study of on‐line investing", Managerial Finance, Vol. 27 No. 7, pp. 54-65. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074350110767295