Who is allowed to accept a commission according to the real estate regulations?

In the context of real estate regulations, the correct answer highlights that associate brokers and salespersons are permitted to accept commissions that are routed through their sponsoring broker. This is rooted in the structure of real estate practice, where the broker typically holds the primary responsibility for financial transactions.

Associates, whether they are brokers or salespersons, operate under the umbrella of their sponsoring broker. This arrangement ensures that all financial dealings, including commission payments, are handled within the confines of a licensed brokerage firm. The broker acts as the managing entity that ensures compliance with legalities and financial obligations, while associate brokers and salespersons leverage the broker's license and the firm's integrity to conduct their transactions.

The other options presented do not fully encompass the regulatory scope. For instance, while a broker can obviously accept commissions, the inclusion of only brokers implies a misunderstanding of the roles within the brokerage. Licensed agents certainly play a part in the commission structure, but it is crucial that they do so through their sponsoring broker. Finally, the idea that all parties involved in the transaction could accept a commission overlooks the critical requirement that commissions be conducted through a licensed brokerage, thus exposing why the other choices do not align with regulatory practices.