In 2025, online investment platforms continued their meteoric growth, driven by user-friendly apps, lower fees, and democratized access to global markets. A recent study found that 48 % of retail investors now manage at least one portfolio entirely via mobile or web-based platforms, up from 35 % in 2022. Key drivers include:

• Fractional Shares & Tokenization: Investors can buy slices of high-value stocks or tokenized real estate with just a few dollars.

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  Social Trading: Platforms like CopyTrade let newcomers mirror the strategies of seasoned pros in real time.

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  AI-Powered Insights: Automated portfolio rebalancing and personalized recommendations are now standard features.

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  Zero-Fee Models: Competitive pressure has pushed many providers to eliminate commission fees on equities and ETFs.

As technology continues to lower barriers, these platforms are empowering more people—from young professionals to retirees—to take control of their financial futures.