Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the UK now use investment apps, with platforms like Freetrade, Trading 212, and eToro leading the charge? As younger generations become more financially savvy, the demand for mobile-first stock trading apps continues to soar across the UK.
If you’re considering building your own trading platform, here’s one big question you’re probably asking:
How much does it cost to develop a stock trading app in the UK?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Stock Trading App?
A stock trading app allows users in the UK to buy and sell shares, ETFs, and other investment instruments — all from their smartphones. The best ones offer a mix of user-friendly design, market data, and secure financial services, such as:
- Real-time share trading
- Fractional investing
- ISA and GIA support
- Portfolio tracking
- Live market updates
- In-app KYC/AML verification
- Secure bank integration via Open Banking
- Push notifications for trade activity
Key Factors That Affect the Cost
- Feature Set
A simple trading app that handles basic share transactions will cost much less than a complex platform with options trading, crypto support, or social investing features. - User Experience & Design
UK investors expect smooth onboarding, clean UI, and simple navigation. Investing in UX is essential to win trust and retention. - Regulatory Compliance
In the UK, your app must meet FCA regulations, AML/KYC requirements, GDPR compliance, and possibly integrate with Open Banking APIs. - Security Standards
You’ll need strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure transaction flows to protect user data and funds. - Development Method
Hiring a UK-based agency, building an in-house dev team, or outsourcing offshore will greatly affect your cost structure.
How Much Does It Cost to Build One in the UK?
Based on current UK market rates:
- Basic MVP App: £45,000 – £90,000
Covers basic user registration, stock trading, and portfolio tracking. - Mid-Tier App: £90,000 – £180,000
Includes advanced charts, financial news, tax wrappers (ISA/GIA), secure onboarding, and FCA compliance. - Full-Scale Investment App: £180,000 – £400,000+
Offers full FCA-regulated infrastructure, advanced analytics, robo-advisors, crypto support, social trading, and scalable backend architecture.
These ranges cover everything from UI/UX design to backend development, API integrations, testing, and deployment to platforms like iOS and Android.
Post-Launch & Ongoing Costs
Even after launch, your app will require monthly and annual costs for:
- Cloud Infrastructure (AWS, Azure, etc.): £1,500 – £8,000/month
- Market Data Feeds (LSE, IEX, etc.): £500 – £3,000/month
- Regulatory Reporting & Legal Compliance: Variable, especially if you pursue direct FCA authorisation
- Ongoing Maintenance & Updates: £3,000 – £12,000/month
- Customer Support & Marketing: Essential for user retention and growth
Is Building a Stock Trading App in the UK Worth It?
Yes, especially now.
The UK fintech space is thriving, and there’s a growing appetite for investment platforms that are transparent, mobile-first, and commission-free. If your app can fill a gap — such as offering halal investing, ESG-focused portfolios, or automated tax filing — you can stand out.
There’s also the opportunity to expand across Europe post-launch, with the right regulatory strategy (e.g., MiFID passporting or partnerships).
Final Thoughts
Building a stock trading app in the UK is a rewarding but complex project. It requires a solid understanding of local compliance laws, user expectations, and scalable tech infrastructure. But with the right team and strategy, your platform could become the next Freetrade or Plum.
At Appfur, we specialise in helping startups and financial companies design, build, and launch FCA-ready stock trading apps in the UK. Whether you’re creating a niche investment tool or a mainstream challenger, we’ve got the expertise to bring it to life.
Ready to build the future of investing in the UK? Let’s make it happen.
We design and build high-quality, scalable mobile apps tailored to your needs.
Let’s talk! Message us on WhatsApp now: Click Here
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