Choose The Right
Investment Platform
Compare investment platforms, brokers, and wealth managers to find the right option for your needs. Learn how to access IPOs and other primary market opportunities through your broker.
Access Financial Markets
Buy and sell stocks, ETFs, bonds and more
Secure Asset Custody
Your investments held safely in your name
Tools & Investment Advice
Research, analysis and expert guidance
What is an Investment Account?
Individuals cannot trade directly on an exchange. An investment account allows you to buy and sell financial assets such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, investment trusts and unit trusts. Here's what an investment platform provides:
Access to Financial Markets
An investment account connects you to stock exchanges and other markets so that you can trade in shares, bonds, or funds. The platform acts as the intermediary between you and the market.
Secure Custody of Assets
Investment platforms hold your securities and cash safely. They also provide account statements and transaction records, allowing you to monitor performance and keep records up to date.
Tools and Advice
Investment platforms 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown
UK's largest platform, strong research tools, wide fund range, and advice options.
Beginners wanting guidance, investors valuing research and advice.
Excellent research tools, strong customer service, broad product range, advice available.
AJ Bell
Low-cost UK platform, wide investment choice, strong research, and user-friendly tools. The only investments provider to be Which? recommended seven years running.
DIY investors seeking value, beginners wanting Ready-made investment options.
Competitive fees, broad investment range, helpful research, intuitive app and website.
interactive investor
Flat-fee model, ideal for larger portfolios; strong for frequent traders.
Cost-conscious investors with larger portfolios, frequent traders.
Excellent research, flat-fee model, free regular investing, low dealing costs.
This information is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
Ready to Get Started?
Once your investment account is set up, return to RetailBook to explore investment opportunities and access primary market offerings.
Disclaimer: RetailBook may receive a referral fee from partner platforms. This comes at no additional cost to you.