Quote from rufus_4000:
Fact is, vote with your Trades. It really is as simple as that.
This is very good advice, and should be done whenever possible. Unfortunately, it isn't always that simple.
No brokerage company can survive without accepting payment for order flow in a market where these are paid, regardless of their moral position. In fact, my old company was one of those. They actively took part in fighting against payment for order flow, but still accept these fees in their brokerage division.
No trading company that needs to fill orders in the equities world can afford to not play the full game. They must use the liquidity provided in every center regardless of their moral position on dark pools for instance.
The market participants are forced to play the game by the current rules. Payment for order flow, IOI's, and order internalization should not be allowed in any form.
I am open to suggestions as to how professional brokerage and market making companies can vote with their trades in protest, without sacrificing fiduciary duties.