How Online Trading Platforms Became Financial Super Apps

From Trading Tools to Financial Super Apps: The New Evolution of Online Platforms

Once, trading platforms were basic tools used solely to buy and sell stocks. Fast forward to today, and we’re witnessing the rise of financial super apps—multi-featured platforms that seamlessly integrate crypto, stocks, savings, news, AI tools, and even financial education under one roof. These aren’t just apps; they’re ecosystems designed to simplify, personalize, and empower how people interact with money.

This evolution reflects a broader trend: the shift from singular financial tools to all-in-one investing apps that cater to nearly every aspect of an individual's financial journey. It’s a shift driven by user demand for simplicity, accessibility, and smarter investing.

The Rise of All-in-One Financial Ecosystems in Trading

The modern investor is no longer content toggling between different apps to manage money. In fact, a 2023 report by McKinsey found that 72% of retail investors prefer using a single app or platform to manage multiple types of assets and financial services.

This is where online trading platforms have stepped up. Platforms like eToro, Robinhood, and Revolut have expanded well beyond stocks—now offering everything from crypto to forex trading as part of a more unified experience. Instead of switching between tools, users can manage their entire portfolio in one place, making the process faster, simpler, and more efficient.

These platforms aren’t just adding features for the sake of it. They're building an integrated experience that’s smart, responsive, and tailored to the needs of digitally savvy investors—who, according to Statista, now number over 150 million worldwide on major retail investing apps.

Core Features That Define a Trading Super App

Not every platform that offers a few services qualifies as a “super app.” True trading super apps share some defining characteristics that set them apart from traditional tools.

Here are some key features that have become standard in these new-generation apps:

? Example: Robinhood now supports trading in stocks, crypto, options, and has over 23 million users in the U.S. alone. Revolut, originally a banking app, has integrated stocks, crypto, forex trading, savings vaults, and budgeting features, reaching 35 million global users.

Why This Shift Is Happening Now

Several forces are pushing trading platforms to expand into broader financial territory:

1. User Demand for Convenience
   According to a 2022 Deloitte survey, 68% of Gen Z and millennial investors expect financial apps to provide multi-functionality, including investing, saving, and budgeting tools.
   
   
2. Rising Interest in Diverse Assets
   Between 2020 and 2023, the number of retail crypto traders worldwide grew by over 300%, reflecting broader interest in alternative assets beyond traditional stocks.
   
   
3. The Power of AI and Automation
   AI in financial apps is expected to be a $35 billion market by 2026, and it’s already powering features like robo-advisors and portfolio optimization in apps like Wealthfront and M1 Finance.
   
   
4. Education and Social Features Matter
   Platforms like eToro reported that over 40% of their users engage in copy trading, showing a high demand for integrated learning and peer insights.
   
   
5. A Competitive Fintech Market
   As of 2024, there are over 10,000 fintech apps globally, meaning platforms must innovate to retain and attract users.
   
   

This convergence of technology, user behavior, and market pressure is fueling the growth of all-in-one platforms that do it all.

6 Ways Super Apps Are Changing the Investment Experience

If you’ve used a trading app lately, you’ve probably noticed it feels more like a financial dashboard than a brokerage tool. Here's how these super apps are enhancing the experience:

1. Consolidated Interface
   No need for multiple apps—your investments, savings, and market news live in one sleek interface. Apps like SoFi offer banking, investing, and loans all within a single screen.
   
   
2. Real-Time Alerts and Smart Insights
   82% of traders say that real-time notifications help them make faster decisions, according to a 2023 survey by Charles Schwab.
   
   
3. Cross-Asset Portfolios
   Coinbase and Robinhood allow users to manage both crypto and traditional assets in the same account—an option used by over 50% of their active users.
   
   
4. In-App Learning Tools
   Investing apps like Public and Freetrade embed educational content within the trading flow, with engagement up 70% year over year among new users.
   
   
5. Integrated Savings and Budgeting
   Revolut users have created over 4 million savings vaults, showcasing the demand for integrated financial planning tools inside trading platforms.
   
   
6. Social and Copy Trading Features
   Social investing has become a strong trend—eToro alone has over 3 million users actively following or copying other investors.
   
   

These features don't just make life easier—they make financial engagement more regular and informed, especially for new investors.

What It Means for the Future of Investing

The transformation of online trading platforms into financial super apps signals a major shift in how we view personal finance. No longer siloed or segmented, the future of investing is integrated, intelligent, and interactive.

And the data backs it: According to Accenture, over 60% of investors under age 35 prefer platforms that combine investing, saving, and advice in one place. This means the future is being shaped by demand for control, customization, and convenience.

As competition grows, we’re likely to see even more innovation: deeper personalization, more AI-driven decisions, and broader asset inclusion—from real estate to NFTs—all within a single app.

Conclusion: One App to Manage It All

The rise of all-in-one investing apps isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. By combining functionality, accessibility, and intelligent tools, online trading platforms are becoming the financial hubs of everyday life. Whether you’re tracking stocks, exploring crypto, or learning how to budget smarter, these apps are turning complex finance into something approachable, intuitive, and yes—maybe even enjoyable.

With over 500 million users globally projected to use super apps by 2027 (Statista), it's clear: what used to be a forex trading tool is quickly becoming the center of digital financial life.