Primary Dealer
A primary dealer is a firm authorised by a central bank to deal in the primary market for government securities. Primary dealers are normally required to take part in central bank open market operations, to play a significant part in government bond auctions and act as market makers in the secondary market. They are also required to keep central banks aware of market conditions and developments. Primary dealers may also be primary distributors of securities, jobbers, underwriters and lead managers of new issues.