Last I remember, "kickbacks" from the option exchanges (called "mandatory marketing agreements" or some such) are legal - even required.
It's amazing how the SEC can focus on relatively minor compliance issues, yet still bless the incredibly anti-competitive rules regarding retail orders (market-making, pacing, cancel fees, etc.).
It's amazing how the SEC can focus on relatively minor compliance issues, yet still bless the incredibly anti-competitive rules regarding retail orders (market-making, pacing, cancel fees, etc.).