Data Broker
A data broker is a company that collects, aggregates, packages, and sells consumer or business data — including contact information, demographics, firmographics, transaction signals, and behavioral data — to marketers, lenders, and sales organizations.
Why This Matters
Data brokers are the upstream supply of most MCA lead inventory. Major B2B data brokers like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Infogroup hold core business firmographic data; specialty brokers cover UCC filings, court records, social signals, and intent data. Brokers face increasing regulatory scrutiny — California's CCPA, Vermont's data broker registry, and proposed federal frameworks all impose disclosure and opt-out obligations. For MCA buyers, the practical implication is that data quality and compliance representations from your vendor matter more than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are data brokers legal?
Yes — but increasingly regulated. Vermont and California require data broker registration and disclosure. CCPA gives California residents opt-out rights against data sales. Most B2B data activity is exempt from consumer privacy frameworks but the regulatory landscape is shifting.
What's the difference between a data broker and a list broker?
Data brokers typically own and aggregate the underlying data infrastructure. List brokers resell packaged lists from one or more data brokers without owning the data themselves. Most MCA shops buy from list brokers who source from data brokers upstream.