Robinhood Expands Partnership With CME Group, Adds Futures Trading For UK Investors

Robinhood Markets has launched futures trading in the UK, adding over 40 CME Group contracts to its platform. According to the California-based fintech giant, the move is intended to expand its operations beyond its home market.

Robinhood noted that the addition of the CME contracts means UK customers can now trade foreign exchange futures, metals, and energy via its app, as well as Robinhood Legend, its desktop platform.

It also stated that contract fees at the platform will begin as low as $0.75 per trade. However, traders can enjoy real-time market data at no additional cost. Robinhood also noted that regulatory and exchange fees are applicable.

Robinhood Continues To Offer Advanced Tools For Active Traders

The new UK platform offers a wide range of products to its users. These include futures on the S&P 500, currency pairs, gold, and crude oil. Trading will begin soon, but customers are expected to pass the KYC and approval requirements before they can start trading on the platform.

President of Robinhood UK, Jordan Sinclair, said individual traders in the UK have found it very difficult to trade on futures markets. In most cases, only institutional traders and investors have the privilege to trade on futures because of the limited resources available to individuals. “Today, we start changing that,” Sinclair said.

Robinhood has been in the UK market since 2023, when it received an operational license after failing in two previous attempts. Since then, the firm has steadily added more products specifically for sophisticated retail investors.

But Robinhood wants to expand its product offerings to individuals. In January, the platform rolled out options trading for UK investors. This enabled its customers to participate in contract trades involving indices and stocks. The company realized $200 million in annual revenue from this launch in Q3 2024. But crypto trading is leading the way as the firm’s biggest revenue driver in the region.

Robinhood’s Legend Platform Holds Over 11 Million UK Accounts

In May, Robinhood launched its Legend desktop platform, following the high demand from users. The browser-based tool offers real-time data, customizable layouts, and advanced chatting at no extra cost. Robinhood noted that the platform has registered over 11 million accounts in the UK who are currently using the desktop platform.

The desktop platform allows UK users to trade over 6,000 stocks and options contracts. Robinhood introduced Legend in the UK in October last year to give active traders more trading options with sophisticated tools.

Sinclair added that the company’s main objective is to be the top destination for active investors globally. The firm hopes to launch more products and features that will offer more trading and investment options for its customers in the UK and globally.