Choosing an account with an investment platform, broker or wealth manager
Individuals cannot trade directly on an exchange so an investment account allows you to buy and sell financial assets such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, investment trusts and unit trusts.
What is an Investment Account and Why Do You Need One?
An investment platform provides:
An investment account connects you to stock exchanges and other markets so that you can trade in shares, bonds, or funds. The investment platform acts as the intermediary between you and the market.
Investment platforms hold your securities and cash safely. They also provide account statements and transaction records, which allow you to monitor performance and keep your records up to date.
Investment platforms will typically provide research tools, investment guides, portfolio tracking, and financial advice to help you make informed decisions.
Which Investment Account to Choose?
There are several types of investment accounts available, such as Trading Accounts (also known as General Investment Accounts or GIAs), Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Each has its own features, benefits, and restrictions. Before you decide which account to open, make sure you understand these features and check with your provider that the account is right for your needs.
Compare Investment Platforms
We work with an extensive list of investment platforms through which you can take part in company fundraisings such as IPOs. A selection of these can be found below.
Best For:
Beginners wanting guidance, investors valuing research and advice.
Pros:
Excellent research tools, strong customer service, broad product range, advice available.
Best For:
Active traders, investors seeking crypto exposure, tech-savvy users.
Pros:
Commission-free share dealing, Smart Portfolios by BlackRock, crypto access.
Best For:
Cost-conscious investors with larger portfolios, frequent traders; those who value research and educational material.
Pros:
Excellent research and educational material, flat-fee model suits large portfolios, free regular investing, low dealing costs.
* Affiliate links: If you take out a product Retail Book Limited may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.
Ready to Get Started?
Once your investment account is set up, return to RetailBook to explore investment opportunities.
Explore Investment OpportunitiesDisclaimer: RetailBook may receive a referral fee from partner platforms. This comes at no additional cost to you.