Where do Agency Trading Desks (ATDs) operate within the advertising structure?

Agency Trading Desks (ATDs) operate within the advertising structure primarily at the holding company level and are positioned on top of Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs). This structure allows ATDs to aggregate and manage data and resources across multiple brands and campaigns, optimizing media buying for efficiency and effectiveness. By being at the holding company level, ATDs can pool their purchasing power, access a wider array of data, and leverage advanced algorithms to enhance their programmatic buying strategies.

This centralized approach enables agencies to manage complex cross-channel campaigns and data-driven marketing strategies while ensuring alignment across different client brands. The integration with DSPs allows ATDs to automate the ad purchasing process, using real-time bidding to target specific audiences more accurately.

In contrast, the other choices focus on levels of operation that either lack the overarching strategy required for managing large-scale advertising efforts or are too localized to encompass the comprehensive capabilities of ATDs.