Positive obligation

Positive obligation

A New York Stock Exchange rule that governs the behavior of specialists. Positive obligation is the mandate of the specialists to step in and act as either the buyer or the seller public investor orders exist do not match up naturally. Also known as affirmative_obligation. Related: negative_obligation.

Affirmative Obligation

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority requirements on NASDAQ market makers. Affirmative obligations include but are not limited to ensuring a two-sided market always exists, reporting price and trading volume within 90 seconds of each transaction, and participating in the Small Order Execution System. It should not be confused with an affirmative covenant.