Danish Broker Saxo Joins UK’s Platforms Association to Strengthen Regulatory Voice

Copenhagen-based trading giant Saxo has become the latest member of the Platforms Association, a UK industry body representing investment platform providers across Britain and Europe. The move underscores Saxo’s efforts to expand its UK presence and influence at a time when retail investor participation is accelerating.

Saxo Strengthens Industry Representation in the UK

The Platforms Association, launched in September 2024, was created to give platforms a collective voice on regulatory and policy matters. It already counts nearly 50 members, including major players such as Fidelity and Hargreaves Lansdown.

By joining, Saxo adds weight to the group’s mission of shaping regulation and promoting best practices across the investment platforms sector.

Keith Phillips, CEO of the Platforms Association, welcomed the addition:

“Platforms are democratizing investing, transforming how millions of retail investors and their advisors manage their financial futures. Having Saxo’s involvement significantly strengthens our collective voice.”

Saxo’s Growing UK Retail Base

Saxo, which has operated in London since 2006 through Saxo Capital Markets UK Limited, is seeing rapid growth among younger and more diverse clients:

Investors under 25 now account for 15% of new UK sign-ups, up from 9% in 2023.

Female investors have tripled to 18% of new registrations.

Andrew Bresler, CEO of Saxo UK, highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping industry standards:

“We’re delighted to join the Platforms Association at a pivotal moment of technological and policy evolution in our industry. A unified voice is essential to shape regulation and foster sustainable growth.”

Strong Global Growth, UK Challenges

Globally, Saxo reported a 132% year-on-year increase in new clients after revamping its pricing and launching a flexible ISA product. The firm now manages over $100 billion in client assets and serves more than 120 financial institutions through its technology platform.

However, UK performance has shown signs of pressure:

• Net profit in 2024 fell nearly 32%, from £11.2 million to £7.6 million.
• Revenue dropped by 13%, from £28 million in 2023 to £24 million.

The Bigger Picture

The Platforms Association is expanding its role beyond custody and settlement to include distribution, managed portfolio services, and sector-wide best practices. Saxo’s participation signals its commitment to playing a larger role in shaping the future of investment platforms in the UK and Europe.

With over 40,000 instruments available for trading and more than 2,100 employees worldwide, Saxo continues to position itself not only as a leading broker but also as an active contributor to the policy discussions shaping tomorrow’s retail investing landscape.

Saxo’s decision to align itself with the Platforms Association highlights a broader trend among brokers and investment platforms seeking to strengthen their positioning and build trust through brand, policy, and regulatory alignment.

Just this week, another industry player, OnEquity, announced a refreshed brand identity and a full website redesign, aimed at modernizing its digital presence and enhancing client engagement.

You can read more about it here: OnEquity Refreshes Brand with New Identity and Website Redesign.