Public Launches in the UK: The Ultimate Platform for UK Investors to Access US Markets

Public, a multi-asset investing platform founded in the US, officially launches in the United Kingdom today, marking the company’s first international market.

Public wants to be the top location to invest in US-listed equities with the help of its UK growth, delivering over 5,000 stocks, extensive data and insights, and a straightforward and transparent cost structure with zero commission trading and low FX expenses.

UK members have access to features like custom company metrics, Morningstar research, earnings call recordings, and insights from a community of millions of investors, all in one place, as well as over 5,000 US-listed equities to build a portfolio with.

Members will be able to access the app on a rolling basis on iOS and Android devices starting today.

Key characteristics of the product at debut include:

• More than 5,000 stocks: Public’s platform offers more than 5,000 US-listed stocks, giving UK investors a wide selection of options to create their portfolios. These stocks range from large-cap technology to dividend stocks to developing countries stocks. The website seeks to provide UK investors with the broadest selection of US-listed stocks.

• Low FX fees and commission-free stock trading are available to all public members during market hours. Public transfers members’ currencies from GBP to USD when they deposit money as opposed to doing it for each and every trade like many other brokerages do, which can lead to fewer FX transactions and much reduced fees.

• Advanced data and insights: Investors have access to information and context that can aid in the decision-making process. In the same location where they invest, UK members have access to personalized company metrics, Morningstar research, earnings releases, and breaking news. Investors can access a community of experts, business leaders, and creators to discuss the markets by tuning into daily live shows about the markets. While some of these features are exclusive to Public Premium, the company’s paid subscription tier, many of these capabilities are accessible to all Public customers.

According to Leif Abraham, co-ceo and co-founder of Public, “London and the larger UK market has always been the financial epicenter of Europe, so it’s a natural place for Public to start our international expansion.” Public has always had European origins because both my co-founder and I are from Europe and because our staff is made up of members from many European nations, including the UK. We’re thrilled that now it will also be the members we serve rather than just the team in Europe and the UK.

According to Dann Bibas, GM of International at Public, “Our first goal with launching Public in the UK is to be the best place to invest in US stocks.” “We aim to be the best place for UK investors who want to explore the US markets,” the company says. “With over 5,000 US listed stocks, competitive FX fees, commission-free trading during US market hours, and comprehensive data on all listed stocks.”

Venture capital has invested more than $300 million in Public. Along with Maria Sharapova and JJ Watt, the NFL star and new owner of Burnley FC, investors include Accel, Greycroft, Lakestar, and Greycroft. There are employees working at the company in New York, Copenhagen, London, and Amsterdam. Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) is not used by the public as a revenue source. Instead, all orders are sent straight to the exchanges and other places where they can be executed. 

Additional asset classes, like ETFs, Treasuries, cryptocurrencies, and alternatives, are currently available in the US product but may become available in UK versions in the future.

Public is to introduce Investment Plans in the UK, a feature that lets users design unique recurring investments.