Leading Online Brokers in the UK
Leading Online Brokers in the UK offer several advantages to investors over purchasing shares directly on the London Stock Exchange. Aside from providing access to a greater range of markets and assets, brokers also provide valuable guidance and advice based on their market knowledge and expertise.
The major players in the UK’s online stockbroking industry include Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell Youinvest, IG, Halifax Share Dealing and its budget brand iWeb, and the HSBC InvestDirect Plus service (which only holds UK shares). While many of these firms are sterling-only (meaning you pay a currency conversion fee whenever you buy or sell), the aforementioned companies all offer competitive pricing and broad investment offerings.
Leading Online Brokers in the UK: Find the Right One for You
Other notable options are XTB and Trading 212. The former is a CFD broker offering an extensive portfolio of trading instruments, including stocks, forex, crypto and indices. Its user-friendly platform and robust education component help to make it one of the best online stockbrokers in the UK for new and experienced traders alike.
When choosing a UK stockbroker, make sure to review their fee structures and minimum deposit requirements. Additionally, consider whether they allow you to fund your account with a debit or credit card and if they accept e-wallets such as Paypal. It is also important to understand whether they are FCA-regulated and offer top-tier investor protection, such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Lastly, consider the level of customer support they provide, which is an essential component to any online stock broker.