What is the best European and international investment platform for investors? Although UK and US platforms are now decently priced, this hasn’t necessarily translated to the international market place. Some platforms are still mired in the opaque, murky charging structures of the past. Others flout local regulatory laws from far flung offshore jurisdictions and simply see international investment platforms as an opportunity to help financial salespeople aggregate all the assets of their international clients into a single place and revenue stream.
One size doesn’t fit all - and choosing which international investment platform can make a pivotal difference in the outcome you receive. Some investment platforms discriminate against expatriates living in certain countries, some are suitable for DIY investors, whilst others suit advised clients. Some are sophisticated and for wealthier, experienced, or institutional clients, and some are best for the mainstream expat investor.
Help me understand - what is an investment platform? Think of a platform like an online financial supermarket. It’s one account where you can hold your shares, funds and even your tax wrappers such as a pension or offshore bond under a single roof. Platforms can be a great idea when it comes to managing your finances because they let you choose and hold all types of investments in one place or let you appoint a professional investment manager or financial adviser. Some investors, choose an insurance company (probably an offshore bond), a stockbroker (to buy shares), or go directly to a fund manager to buy funds. With technology comes the ability to open a platform account directly or via your financial adviser. Becoming a client can be completed quickly online without having to wait or gather endless paperwork. Some platforms are owned by banks and so IBANs and account numbers are issued instantly once you’ve passed the new client process.
Broadly speaking a platform offers; Less paperwork. One password. Less hassle.
Fees comparison
Transparency in fees is essential when choosing a trading platform. While low fees might seem attractive in the short term, it’s important to consider the long-term implications. Sometimes, it’s better to select a platform that charges reasonable fees necessary for sustaining their business, rather than one that is cheap now but may introduce hidden costs or monetise services in the future.
Choosing the best investment platform With many trading platforms in Europe and internationally, finding the best one can be challenging. Choosing the best investment platform isn’t just down to which is the cheapest or the most expensive, but the one that will best enable you to reach your personal goals. You need to ensure your account is located in a stable and well regulated jurisdiction and that you won’t be subject to unnecessary taxes. We have compiled our own independent reviews of European and international investment platforms from information that is in the public domain. Our experience in this field - reviewing and monitoring dozens of investment platforms, could offer you the guide in finding exactly what you need, whether it’s earning interest on cash, a platform for ETFs, trading forex, or merely access to a wide range of investment funds. If you would like to receive our summary of European and international investment platforms you can email us at