I read that TDAmeritrade makes ~1/3 of its profits from loaning out the cash sloshing around in the corners of accounts.
#14 I have borrowed money from my broker TDAmeritrade
Lots of margin money... I sincerely hope that my AMD stock goes up and up or I am doomed. Not really, it would have to get to around $20 a share before I am doomed. Currently at $57+
Most discount brokerages have become reliant on banking type activities for their profits, often with investment advisers as allies who bring their customers along. Many affluent individuals and families like the resulting combination of services, which is similar to what private banks provide.