Robinhood to Offer Futures Trading in UK

Core Viewpoint - Robinhood is set to launch futures trading for eligible customers in the United Kingdom, expanding its offerings beyond traditional brokerage services [1][2]. Group 1: Futures Trading Launch - The new futures trading feature will allow U.K. customers to trade various futures products, including index, energy, metals, and foreign exchange futures, through the Robinhood app and the Robinhood Legend desktop platform [2][3]. - A contract fee of 75 cents per trade will be charged, in addition to regulatory and exchange fees [2]. - The platform will provide access to over 40 futures products from CME Group, including futures on the S&P 500, oil, and gold [3]. Group 2: Market Context and Company Vision - Traditionally, futures trading in the U.K. has been dominated by institutional investors, with limited resources available for retail traders [3]. - Robinhood aims to democratize access to futures trading, providing a transparent and cost-effective way for retail traders to participate in liquid markets [4]. - The launch of futures trading follows Robinhood's expansion into the U.K. market in November 2023, where it began offering brokerage services and access to over 6,000 U.S.-listed stocks [5][6]. Group 3: Future Expansion Plans - Following the U.K. launch, Robinhood plans to introduce crypto trading in the European Union, indicating a broader strategy for international expansion [6][7]. - The company has expressed its vision to become the leading platform for active investors globally, leveraging the U.K. as a hub for innovation and finance [6].