Your Investing App's Big Lie: Missing 94% of Stocks
Most investing apps promise global access, yet offer less than 10% of the global market. Visibility isn't ownership.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, investing has never been more accessible—or so it seems. The promise of owning shares in companies across the globe entices many to dive into the stock market using slick apps promising “global access” and “borderless portfolios.” Yet, according to Finance Magnates, the façade crumbles under scrutiny: a staggering 94% of listed stocks remain beyond the reach of your average investing app.
The Deceptive Façade
You open your investing app, eager to grab a stake in a promising startup across the globe, only to face disappointment—a “Watch only” status mocks your ambitions. Despite their sophisticated design and discovery features, most platforms only allow trading in a small fraction of global stocks.
Platforms paint a picture of inclusivity, showcasing popular brands and trending tickers, which often turn out to be non-tradeable “ghost listings.” These apps expertly craft an illusion of accessibility, raising user expectations but seldom delivering.
The Legal Labyrinth
The reasons for this stark limitation are steeped in the complex web of international finance regulations. Each nation’s unique laws about Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, taxes, and settlement models prove barriers that most apps can’t surmount. Though set up for ensuring accountability and transparency, these variances also make it significantly harder to provide the seamless investing experience companies advertise.
Restricted Realities
Even geography limits your investment choices. Without upfront disclosures on market accessibility, you might be barred from purchasing foreign stocks with little explanation. Many apps fail to clearly communicate these restrictions, eroding user trust. The UK Financial Conduct Authority has flagged this misstep, emphasizing the difference between perceived and real access.
The Real Path to Global Investing
As Tajinder Virk, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Finvasia passionately states: “Real global investing isn’t about owning what everyone already owns; it’s about discovering undervalued companies shaping the future in unexpected places.”
For a truly open global market, platforms must deliver on what they’re selling, not just display it. Until they align their experiences with genuine ownership capabilities, the feeling of illusionary constraint will overshadow the promise of global investment.
A Call for Change
The journey to truly borderless portfolios is clear: platforms must pivot from mere virtual display towards authentic access. Only then will the real power of investing—discovery, ownership, and participation in the global economy—be realized.
This revelation underscores the need for greater transparency and honesty in financial tech. Only time will tell if the investing platforms of tomorrow will lead us to genuine global market participation, transforming illusion into reality.
