Fintech

EU regulator to probe zero-commission stock trading: ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’

Online brokers' business models may 'incentivise the adoption of risky short-term trading strategies', the ESMA boss said

Steven Maijoor, chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), says business models adopted by Robinhood and others present a conflict of interest
Steven Maijoor, chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), says business models adopted by Robinhood and others present a conflict of interest Photo: Getty Images

European market officials will analyse the risks of zero-commission stock trading apps such as Robinhood in the wake of the GameStop saga, and the lack of transparency they may provide to users.

European Securities and Markets Authority chair Steven Maijoor said the body had potential “concerns about the transparency of the fee structure” in commission-free stock trading, adding that “in particular, the role of online brokers’ business models in creating the recent surge in retail investor participation should be further investigated”.

WSJ Logo