Robinhood (NASDAQ: HOOD) Announces UK Launch

Robinhod (NASDAQ: HOOD) Chief Executive Officer Vlad Tenev recently said that he does not think that the payment for order flow (PFOF) model of market-maker routing that the firm incorporates in the United States is under any type of threat.

This would be despite suggestions from various consumer trading advocates as well as regulators for a complete ban on the PFOF model.

In statements shared with CNBC, Tenev reportedly defended the PFOF model, noting that it is inherently “here to stay.” He was making a reference to PFOF as it currently exists in the US, where the practice has been made legal and is well-regulated.

PFOF is essentially the practice of routing trades via market-makers such as Citadel Securities in exchange for a portion of the profits.

The business model has helped trading companies such as Robinhood with lowering commissions all the way down to zero, making it more economical for consumers to invest in a large range of stocks.

PFOF has been considered controversial due to the apparent conflict of interest it can potentially create between the broker and customers.

Industry professionals claim that brokers have an incentive or motivation to direct order flow to market makers providing PFOF arrangements over the best interests of customers.

At present, PFOF is banned in the United Kingdom, where Robinhood revealed its plans to launch operations (this past Thursday).

Notably, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had looked into the possibility of placing a ban on PFOF due to concerns regarding the practice, however, the regulator decided not to do so, meanwhile, the EU has placed a complete ban on PFOF.

PFOF reportedly makes up for a relatively small amount of Robinhood’s total revenues, Tenev calims, and most of its earnings come from net interest income which is obtained from cash in user account balances.