Investor Centre will offer a comprehensive range of investment options, with the ability to trade shares and financial assets (like bonds and commodities) via CFDs and spread betting. They will also be regulated by the FCA and have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service, meaning that your funds are protected in the unlikely event of a problem.

Choosing the right trading platform is a personal journey that depends on your needs and aspirations. For example, beginners might require high levels of educational support including blogs, videos and seminars to help them learn how to trade and make wise decisions about their investments. More experienced investors might prefer a trading platform with a wide range of tools and a robust technical infrastructure to allow them to make informed trading decisions.

Comparing UK Trading Platforms: Which One Is Right for You

When comparing trading platforms, check that they have all the investment types and assets you want to trade, especially those that aren’t readily available elsewhere. For example, AJ Bell’s trading platform offers a huge range of U.K. stocks and investment trusts, plus it offers good market analysis and investing webinars. Its low fees and a no minimum investment account are appealing for beginners.

Other features to consider include whether the trading platform offers an app, and what the average spread is on the markets you’re interested in. If you’re a frequent trader, some trading platforms will reward you with a reduced fee for your regular trading activity. You should also look at how many countries and currencies the trading platform supports, and if it has a multi-language interface.