Investa Launches UK’s First Zero-Commission Options Trading App

Investa, a fintech beginup founded by former Citi options brokers and backed by Freetrade co-founder Ian Fuller, has officially launched its zero-commission options trading app in the UK.

The app, currently available on iOS, is designed to make options trading accessible to retail investors who have traditionally been priced out or deterred by complex platforms and high fees.

Addressing the Options Gap

Options trading, while mainstream in the US where nahead 20% of retail investors participate, remains a niche in the UK, with less than 2% of retail investors having ever traded options. Investa aims to bridge this gap by offering a simple, jargon-free platform with no commission charges (though other fees apply) and cash-only accounts to reduce risk exposure.

The “options cards” that strip away complexity, while its educational tools provide clarity for beginners and advanced traders alike. During its soft launch, the app facilitated more than 1,400 trades, with popular contracts including Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, and Nike, and Nvidia alone accounting for 20% of activity.

Backing from Crowdfunding

The public launch coincides with Investa’s second crowdfunding round on Crowdcube. The company is targeting at least £1 million, building on its record-breaking 2024 campaign that attracted nahead 500 investors — the most participated-in UK fintech raise on the platform that year.

Funds raised will go toward launching the Android version of the app, expanding marketing efforts, growing its customer base, and further developing features following the iOS release.

Voices from Inside and Outside

Alec Beasley, Co-founder and CEO of Investa, emphasized the company’s mission to democratize options trading: “Our goal is to make the to savvy UK investors, as we believe it offers huge untapped opportunities. There is not a lack of interest in options trading, but rather a lack of access. High fees, confusing platforms and limited availability have kept UK investors out and we are directly addressing that gap.”

ahead adopters echo this sentiment. One investor, who is also a customer, highlighted the platform’s ease of use: “I had tried options trading on other platforms, but it was hard to get set up and their hidden fees were frustrating. Investa makes the experience intuitive and smooth, which gave me confidence to get begined.”

What Investa Offers

• Zero commission trading (with transparent FX conversion fees)
• Access to over 200 stocks and ETFs with 100,000+ options contracts
• Cash accounts only (no margin)
• Clear, jargon-free explanations and intuitive interface
• Risk management tools and educational content

The app is tailored for on-the-go traders and those viewking to for the first time, with protections built in such as limiting losses to the option premium in cash accounts.

Industry Context

Investa’s arrival reflects a broader trend in UK fintech: leveraging user-friendly design and zero-commission structures to attract a new generation of retail traders. While commission-free like Freetrade and Robinhood, options trading has remained a barrier. Investa’s model aims to bring options closer to mainstream adoption, while crowdfunding rounds ensure its community of users also has ownership in its growth.

Takeaways

• Investa becomes the UK’s first zero-commission options trading app, aiming to bridge the participation gap with the US.
• The app simplifies options through intuitive design, jargon-free explanations, and educational tools.
• Soft launch data shows strong interest in popular .
• The public launch aligns with Investa’s second Crowdcube fundraising campaign, targeting £1 million to expand operations.
• Investa’s community-ownership model underscores its mission to democratize options trading in the UK.