相対取引

• Reading: あいたいとりひき
• Romaji: aitai torihiki
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (sou/ai) — mutual, together; 対 (tai/tsui) — face, oppose; 取 (shu/to) — take; 引 (in/hi) — pull, draw
• Pronunciation: /a.i.ta.i.to.ɾi.çi.ki/

Meaning

Over-the-counter (OTC) trade; bilateral transaction negotiated directly between two parties without going through an exchange.

A noun referring to trades conducted directly between buyer and seller, bypassing formal exchanges such as the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Common in bond markets, derivatives, and foreign exchange. Contrasted with 取引所取引 (exchange-traded transactions). The term 相対 (aitai) means bilateral or face-to-face.

Examples

1. 相対取引では価格交渉の余地が大きい。 There is considerable room for price negotiation in OTC trades.
2. 社債の多くは相対取引で売買されている。 Most corporate bonds are bought and sold through OTC transactions.
3. リスク管理の観点から相対取引の規制が強化された。 Regulations on OTC transactions have been tightened from a risk management perspective.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, trading, banking

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 相対 (aitai) — bilateral, face-to-face — and 取引 (torihiki) — trade, transaction. The 相 element suggests mutual or reciprocal action between two parties.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Professionals

Social background: Financial sector