FTX, a crypto exchange, is moving into the equity trading space with its US branch. FTX US Stocks will offer a stock trading service directly through its FTX US trading app. It will feature trading and investing in hundreds of US exchange-listed shares, common stocks, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
FTX Stocks, as per the announcement, will be the first platform to allow retail investors to fund their accounts with fiat-backed stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC). This has been enabled through a partnership with the FTX US crypto exchange. It provides an alternative to default deposit methods in the US dollar, including wire transfers, credit card deposits, and others. The platform will initially be available in a private beta phase for select US customers chosen from a waitlist. The service will initially route all orders through Nasdaq for transparent trade execution and fair pricing.
Brett Harrison, the FTX US president, said the company has created a single integrated platform for retail investors to easily transfer crypto, NFTs, and traditional stock offerings through a transparent and intuitive user interface. He believes there is a clear market demand for a new retail investment experience supporting full order routing transparency while not relying on payment for order flow.
FTX’s new platform comes as a relief for users who have become weary of managing various apps and accounts of their financial activity. As such, FTX hopes to emerge as a one-stop-shop for retail investors. Harrison said if users want to invest in stocks, they don’t have to split their savings between two different apps or have to move money between two different accounts.
Users, through FTX US Stocks, will have one holistic experience whereby they can invest in multiple asset classes from a single app and experience. FTX combines stock and crypto into the same application for its users.
