Investa has officially launched to give UK investors access to commission-free options trading, who claim to be the country’s first zero-commission options trading app.
Built by former Citi options broker Alec Beasley and Ian Fuller, former cheif technology officer of Freetrade, Investa aims to break down barriers in a market long dominated by high fees, confusing platforms, and limited access. The app, initially available on iOS, allows users to trade over 100,000 contracts across more than 200 global stocks and ETFs, including investor favourites Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, and Nike. An Android version is expected in the coming months. There is no desktop version.
Zero commission options trading for beginners
Key features of the app include zero commission (with other costs applying like FX and exchange clearing fees), a cash accounts-only model with no margin trading, and “options cards” designed to simplify complex contracts into intuitive visuals. Investa has also integrated educational content to help new users understand the risks of options.
The launch coincides with Investa’s second fundraising campaign on Crowdcube. The fintech is targeting at least £1 million to scale its marketing, expand features, and fund its Android rollout. Last year, Investa’s raise attracted nearly 500 participants, making it the most popular UK fintech crowdfunding campaign on the platform in 2024.
Early users have responded positively. “I had tried options trading elsewhere, but found it complicated and costly,” said investor and customer Marios Syrimis. “Investa’s smooth execution and intuitive interface finally make trading accessible.”
Is the UK ready for options trading?
While options trading in the UK has historically lagged behind the US, where around 20% of retail investors participate, fewer than 2% of UK investors have ever traded an option. Investa believes this gap is not due to lack of interest, but lack of access.
“High fees and complex platforms have kept UK investors out of the market,” said Alec Beasley, Co-founder and CEO of Investa. “Our goal is to change that with a product designed around clarity, accessibility, and transparency. The feedback from our soft launch has been invaluable in shaping the app now available to the public.”
As UK demand for more advanced trading products grows, Investa is positioning itself as the go-to options broker for retail investors looking to diversify their strategies.
There is a big push from exchanges and providers to education UK investors about how options can be used for speculation and hedging, but still has limited demand.
Many of the larger spread betting brokers and CFD trading platforms have offered options trading on indices, commodities, stocks and currencies for years, but have seem limited use of the products.
UK customers can also trade on exchange options on global markets through options brokers like Saxo and Interactive Brokers (IBKR is the execution technoogy and clearer behind Investa)
