Trade Republic Goes Beyond Brokerage, Enters Wealth Management
What Is Driving Trade Republic’s Expansion?
Trade Republic, Europe’s largest savings platform, has officially surpassed 10 million customers and manages more than €150 billion in assets across 18 European markets. These milestones underscore the rapid pace at which the Berlin-based fintech is reshaping how everyday Europeans save and invest. But the firm is not stopping there. With its latest pivot, Trade Republic is moving decisively from being a brokerage app to becoming a full-scale wealth management platform.
The push into wealth management comes amid rising demand from retail investors for diversified investment opportunities that go beyond platform-traded funds (ETFs) and public equities. In today’s economic environment, where inflation, interest rate shifts, and market volatility are reshaping portfolio strategies, access to private markets and other alternative assets is increasingly attractive. Trade Republic’s strategy is to democratize this access — making tools historically reserved for institutions available to everyday investors.
This shift also aligns with broader fintech trends, where platforms are competing not only on low-cost execution but on the breadth of financial services offered. By exposure and planning two new asset classes in the months ahead, Trade Republic is positioning itself as a challenger not just to online brokers but to traditional wealth managers and private banks.
Takeaway
How Do Apollo And EQT Fit Into The Strategy?
The expansion is anchored by high-profile partnerships with Apollo and EQT, two of the most established players in the . These collaborations will allow Trade Republic to integrate alternative investments into its platform, begining with private equity exposure. In the coming months, the company will add two more asset classes, rolling them out at 30-day intervals, signaling a steady pipeline of diversification opportunities for its clients.
Christian Hecker, Co-Founder of Trade Republic, emphasized the significance of this step: “Long-term wealth creation is more than just an ETF savings plan. It’s about the combination of various asset classes. Now, we are growing Trade Republic from brokerage into wealth management. Everyone in Europe shall have the opportunity to invest like the very wealthy — simple, secure, and at the . Following our expansion into banking, with checking accounts and cards, this is the most significant milestone since our founding.”
By working with Apollo and EQT, Trade Republic gains credibility in a market where access to private investments has traditionally been restricted. These partnerships offer both product expertise and investor confidence, creating a bridge between fintech accessibility and institutional-grade investment strategies.
Takeaway
Why Private Markets Matter For Retail Investors
Private companies make up 88% of the global economy, yet most retail investors remain confined to public equities and ETFs. By offering exposure to private markets, Trade Republic is addressing a gap that has long excluded ordinary investors from the full spectrum of wealth creation opportunities. Historical data shows that private equity and private credit have consistently outperformed public markets over multi-decade horizons, making them attractive diversification tools.
Peter Beske Nielsen, Global Head of Private Wealth & Evergreen answers at EQT, highlighted this gap: “Today, most individual investors’ portfolios are limited to ETFs and shares of publicly listed companies – even though public markets only account for a fraction of the total investable economy. Through our partnership with Trade Republic, we are giving access to a global and diversified private markets portfolio via EQT’s proven strategies – an opportunity historically reserved for institutional investors.”
For many investors, this could represent the first opportunity to gain exposure to a broader mix of growth engines. If executed well, it could also set a new standard across fintech, pushing competitors to find similar ways of .
Takeaway
What Does This Mean For Wealth Management In Europe?
By combining low-cost brokerage, everyday banking, and now wealth management, Trade Republic is positioning itself as a holistic financial platform. This move challenges traditional private banks that historically relied on exclusivity and high account minimums to attract wealthy clients. For European investors, it represents a democratization of access to professional-grade portfolio construction.
Veronique Fournier, Apollo’s Head of EMEA Global Wealth, explained the significance: “With this new partnership, combining Apollo’s expertise with the innovative power of Trade Republic, we are addressing a much broader set of . Together we are pleased to build on the continued democratization of private markets.”
If successful, Trade Republic’s strategy could pressure incumbents to rethink how they package wealth services for retail audiences. The shift could also lead to increased regulatory scrutiny, as authorities examine how private market products are marketed and distributed to non-institutional clients. Nevertheless, it signals a profound change in how wealth management is evolving across Europe.
