Best european brokers stocks to invest in 2026

European brokers stocks offer investors exposure to the financial services sector, providing trading platforms and investment solutions. These companies benefit from increased retail investor participation and digital transformation across European markets.

The brokerage sector continues to evolve with technological innovation and regulatory changes driving growth opportunities. European brokers are expanding their service offerings and geographic reach to capture market share. This creates compelling investment opportunities for those seeking exposure to financial services.

These European brokers stocks represent compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the growing retail trading and financial services sector. Consider adding these companies to your portfolio in 2025 to capitalize on the continued digitalization of financial services and increasing investor participation in European markets.

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Before we dive into each company, let`s take a look at how your investment would have performed if you had invested in stocks mentioned in this article.

Now, let`s take a closer look at each of the companies:

  • XTB (WA:XTB)

    XTB S.A. is a leading European online trading platform and brokerage firm that provides retail and institutional clients with access to global financial markets through innovative technology solutions. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, the company has expanded across multiple European markets and established itself as one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the region. XTB has demonstrated exceptional growth in recent years, significantly expanding its customer base and trading volumes while maintaining strong profitability and regulatory compliance across all operating jurisdictions.

    The company`s core business focuses on providing online trading services for forex, CFDs, stocks, and other financial instruments through its proprietary xStation trading platform and mobile applications. XTB serves over 1 million clients across 13 countries, offering competitive spreads, advanced trading tools, and comprehensive educational resources to support both novice and experienced traders. With the growing demand for online trading services and digital investment platforms, XTB is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities while continuing its international expansion and technological innovation initiatives.

    XTB financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 1.8

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 9.29%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 36.02%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 18.9%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 88.12%
    • Operating margin: 13.91%
    • Net profit margin: 32.78%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): 38.2%
    • EPS (current): 5.56
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 2.12
    • EPS growth (this year): -74%
    • EPS growth (next year): 22.4%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 25.8%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 52.1%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 41.3%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): -19.6%

    💡 Why invest in XTB?

    Like a digital trading fortress that combines cutting-edge technology with regulatory excellence, XTB demonstrates compelling strengths that make it attractive in the rapidly expanding fintech sector:

    • Rapid International Expansion: XTB operates across 13 European countries with strong growth in customer acquisition and trading volumes, providing diversified revenue streams and reduced geographic concentration risk.
    • Proprietary Technology Platform: The company`s xStation trading platform offers advanced features, competitive execution, and superior user experience that differentiates XTB from competitors and drives customer retention.
    • Exceptional Profitability Metrics: XTB demonstrates exceptional profitability with high margins, robust cash generation, and consistent earnings growth driven by increasing trading activity and operational efficiency.
    • Multi-Jurisdiction Regulatory Strength: The company maintains strong regulatory relationships across multiple jurisdictions with proper licensing and compliance frameworks that enable continued expansion and customer trust.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in XTB

    However, like navigating volatile financial markets where regulatory changes and competitive pressures create challenges, XTB faces several risks that investors must carefully evaluate:

    • Market Volatility Dependency: XTB`s revenue is closely tied to market volatility and trading activity levels, making the company vulnerable to periods of low market activity or reduced investor interest in trading.
    • CFD Regulatory Risks: Operating across multiple European jurisdictions exposes XTB to changing financial regulations, potential restrictions on CFD trading, and compliance costs that could impact profitability.
    • Brokerage Competition Intensifies: The online brokerage sector faces increasing competition from established players and new fintech entrants offering zero-commission trading, advanced features, and innovative services.
    • Customer Concentration Risk: Heavy reliance on retail traders and CFD products creates vulnerability to changes in customer behavior, risk appetite, and potential regulatory restrictions on leveraged trading products.

    Final thoughts on XTB

    XTB`s rapid international expansion, proprietary technology platform, strong financial performance, and regulatory excellence create compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the growing European fintech sector. However, the company`s dependence on market volatility, regulatory risks, competitive pressures, and customer concentration require careful evaluation of the inherent challenges in online brokerage. Like a skilled navigator who combines technological innovation with regulatory expertise, XTB offers significant growth potential for investors who understand both the opportunities and complexities of the digital trading landscape.

  • Plus500 (L:PLUS)

    Plus500 Ltd. is a leading fintech company specializing in online trading services, headquartered in Haifa, Israel. Founded in 2008, the company quickly gained recognition for its innovative and user-friendly trading platforms. With a global presence spanning more than 50 countries, Plus500 serves millions of customers by providing access to a wide range of financial instruments.

    The company focuses on contracts for difference (CFDs), enabling users to trade on the price movements of stocks, forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Its proprietary platform is accessible across desktop, web, and mobile, offering advanced tools and real-time analytics for both novice and experienced traders. Committed to transparency and regulatory compliance, Plus500 continues to enhance its offerings, maintaining its position as a trusted leader in the online trading industry.

    Plus500 financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 1

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 25.28%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 41.7%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 11.17%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 100%
    • Operating margin: 43.19%
    • Net profit margin: 35.29%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): 9.48%
    • EPS (current): 2.68
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 0.94
    • EPS growth (this year): 8.2%
    • EPS growth (next year): 10.77%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): N/A
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 23.85%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 5.42%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 3.4%

    💡 Why invest in Plus500?

    Like a sophisticated trading platform that democratizes access to global financial markets, Plus500 demonstrates compelling strengths for fintech-focused investors:

    • Worldwide Trading Presence: Plus500 operates in over 50 countries worldwide, offering access to a broad and diverse customer base while providing significant growth opportunities in international markets and emerging economies.
    • Exceptional Margin Performance: The company consistently reports exceptionally high profitability due to its efficient cost structure, streamlined operations, and reliance on a highly scalable digital platform that minimizes overhead costs.
    • User-Friendly Platform Design: With an exceptionally intuitive interface, innovative trading features, and comprehensive mobile accessibility, Plus500 successfully attracts and retains both novice and experienced traders effectively.
    • Global Regulatory Compliance: Plus500 is licensed and regulated in multiple major jurisdictions worldwide, providing high levels of trust, security, and credibility for investors while ensuring adherence to strict standards.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in Plus500

    However, like navigating volatile trading markets where client activity can fluctuate dramatically, Plus500 faces significant challenges that fintech investors must evaluate:

    • Trading Activity Dependency: A significant portion of the company`s income comes from active trading by clients, making the business particularly vulnerable during periods of low market volatility or reduced investor engagement.
    • Limited Product Scope: As a CFD-focused broker, Plus500 does not offer traditional investment products like direct stock ownership or bonds, which may deter long-term investors seeking diversified portfolio options.
    • Customer Retention Challenges: The inherently high-risk nature of CFD trading can result in significant customer churn and trading losses, impacting the company`s ability to sustain consistent growth and maintain stability.
    • CFD Regulatory Exposure: Operating in highly regulated markets exposes the company to potential changes in trading rules, leverage restrictions, or compliance requirements, which could significantly affect profitability and operations.

    Final thoughts on Plus500

    Plus500 Ltd. has established itself as a leading CFD broker by delivering a user-friendly platform and maintaining a strong global presence. The company`s high profit margins and focus on regulatory compliance are significant advantages, but its reliance on trading activity and exposure to regulatory risks present challenges. For investors, Plus500 offers the potential for strong returns but requires careful consideration of the inherent risks in the CFD trading industry.

  • flatexDEGIRO (DE:FTK)

    flatexDEGIRO AG is a prominent European financial technology company headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, specializing in innovative digital trading solutions for modern investors. Established in 1999, the company has grown to become one of Europe`s largest online brokers, serving retail and institutional clients across multiple countries with a strong commitment to accessibility and user-friendly platforms. The firm operates with a strong commitment to innovation and accessibility in digital trading solutions, continuously expanding its market presence throughout the European region.

    The company specializes in low-cost online brokerage solutions, providing access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and other financial instruments. With a focus on user-friendly technology and transparent pricing, flatexDEGIRO empowers investors to trade seamlessly across global markets. Committed to growth and accessibility, the firm continues to expand its presence and enhance its offerings, solidifying its position as a leader in the European fintech and brokerage industry.

    flatexDEGIRO financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: 1

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 8.6%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 15.85%
    • Return on investment (ROI): 12%

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 85.44%
    • Operating margin: 43.43%
    • Net profit margin: 27.75%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): N/A
    • EPS (current): 1.21
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): 0.17
    • EPS growth (this year): 89.05%
    • EPS growth (next year): 46.88%
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): 59.18%
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): -24.22%
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): 9.4%
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 18%

    💡 Why invest in flatexDEGIRO?

    Like a streamlined European trading gateway that democratizes access to global markets, flatexDEGIRO demonstrates compelling strengths for fintech-focused investors:

    • Market Leadership Position: flatexDEGIRO has established itself as a dominant player in the European online brokerage market, maintaining a strong competitive position with a rapidly growing customer base and significant market share.
    • Cost Effective Offerings: The company`s highly competitive low-cost trading model and transparent fee structure attracts price-sensitive investors, helping it compete effectively against traditional brokers and fintech competitors.
    • Technology Driven Solutions: The company`s innovative trading platforms deliver a seamless, intuitive user experience with advanced features and real-time capabilities, effectively meeting the evolving demands of modern digital investors.
    • Pan European Presence: flatexDEGIRO operates successfully in multiple European countries, providing a well-diversified revenue base, reduced geographic risk exposure, and strategic access to significant growth opportunities.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in flatexDEGIRO

    However, like navigating competitive European markets where regulatory requirements vary significantly, flatexDEGIRO faces significant challenges that fintech investors must evaluate:

    • High Competition Pressure: The European online brokerage market operates with intense competition from traditional financial firms and emerging fintech startups, creating ongoing challenges for market share retention and profitability.
    • Regulatory Challenges Complexity: Operating across multiple European jurisdictions exposes the company to complex regulatory environments and compliance requirements that could impact operational flexibility and cost structure significantly.
    • Trading Activity Dependence: A substantial portion of revenue comes directly from transaction volumes, making flatexDEGIRO particularly vulnerable to periods of market inactivity, reduced investor engagement, or economic uncertainty.
    • Macroeconomic Risks Exposure: Economic downturns, market volatility, or geopolitical tensions could significantly affect customer trading activity, investor confidence, and consequently the company`s revenue generation and profitability.

    Final thoughts on flatexDEGIRO

    flatexDEGIRO AG is a leading innovator in Europe`s online brokerage industry, known for its affordable and technology-driven services. Its strong market position and pan-European presence offer significant growth potential as more investors embrace digital trading platforms. However, regulatory complexities, competitive pressures, and reliance on trading activity are key risks that investors should weigh before considering the company.

  • IG Group (L:IGG)

    IG Group is a global financial services company specializing in online trading, offering access to forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies. The company was founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Over the years, IG Group has grown into one of the world`s leading online trading platforms, serving retail and institutional investors across multiple markets.

    The core business of IG Group revolves around providing contracts for difference (CFDs), spread betting, and options trading. The company operates a sophisticated trading platform that allows users to access real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and risk management features. With a strong regulatory framework and a focus on innovation, IG Group remains a key player in the global online trading industry.

    IG Group financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: N/A

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 12.67%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 20.39%
    • Return on investment (ROI): N/A

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 52.25%
    • Operating margin: 42.99%
    • Net profit margin: 36.2%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): N/A
    • EPS (current): 1.05
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): N/A
    • EPS growth (this year): 18.6%
    • EPS growth (next year): N/A
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): N/A
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): N/A
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): N/A
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 8.1%

    💡 Why invest in IG Group?

    Like a global trading gateway connecting investors worldwide, IG Group demonstrates compelling competitive advantages in the online trading and brokerage sector:

    • Global Market Reach: IG operates in numerous countries offering access to wide array of global markets including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, ensuring diverse revenue streams and geographic diversification.
    • Advanced Trading Platform: The company's trading platform is widely recognized for its reliability, advanced features, sophisticated charting tools, and ease of use, attracting both beginner and professional traders worldwide.
    • CFD Market Leadership: As one of the largest CFD and spread betting providers globally, IG benefits from its dominant market position, brand recognition, and economies of scale in this growing market segment.
    • Consistent Profitability Record: IG's consistent profitability, high margins, strong cash generation, and regular shareholder returns including dividends reflect its sound business model, operational efficiency, and effective management.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in IG Group

    Despite its strong market position, IG Group faces notable challenges inherent to the competitive online trading and brokerage industry:

    • Multi-Market Regulatory Challenges: Operating across multiple jurisdictions exposes IG to evolving regulatory requirements, leverage restrictions, and compliance costs that could impact business practices, profitability, and growth opportunities.
    • Client Activity Dependency: A significant portion of IG's revenue comes from client trading volumes and market volatility, making it vulnerable to periods of low market activity, reduced volatility, and changing investor sentiment.
    • Intense Online Competition: The online trading industry faces fierce competition from established brokers, new fintech entrants, and zero-commission platforms that pressure margins, market share, and customer acquisition costs.
    • Product Reputation Risk: The nature of leveraged trading products such as CFDs can lead to significant client losses, potentially affecting IG's brand perception, regulatory scrutiny, and customer retention rates.

    Final thoughts on IG Group

    IG Group Holdings is a pioneer and leader in the online trading and investment services industry, offering a wide range of products and a robust platform to its clients. Its global presence and strong market position in CFDs make it a compelling choice for investors seeking exposure to the financial services sector. However, regulatory risks, competition, and reliance on client trading activity are key considerations for potential investors.

  • CMC Markets (L:CMCX)

    CMC Markets plc is a leading global provider of online trading and investment services, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Founded in 1989 by Peter Cruddas, the company has established itself as a pioneer in financial technology, offering comprehensive trading solutions across multiple asset classes. With operations spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging presence in North America, CMC Markets serves retail, professional, and institutional clients through regulated offices in 12 countries.

    The company specializes in contracts for difference (CFDs), spread betting, and stockbroking services, providing access to over 12,000 financial instruments including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies. CMC Markets operates through three strategic verticals: direct-to-consumer trading, platform technology as a service, and decentralized finance initiatives following its May 2025 acquisition of majority control in blockchain firm StrikeX Technologies. The company emphasizes innovation through 24/7 trading capabilities, Web3 integration, and institutional-grade digital asset solutions while maintaining strong regulatory compliance and customer service standards.

    CMC Markets financial statements

    Analysts recommendation: N/A

    Financial Health

    • Return on assets (ROA): 8.16%
    • Return on equity (ROE): 14.98%
    • Return on investment (ROI): N/A

    Profitability

    • Gross margin: 98.97%
    • Operating margin: 26.47%
    • Net profit margin: 18.11%

    Growth

    • EPS (past 5 years): N/A
    • EPS (current): 0.23
    • EPS estimate (next quarter): N/A
    • EPS growth (this year): 3.8%
    • EPS growth (next year): N/A
    • EPS growth (next 5 years): N/A
    • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): N/A
    • Sales growth (past 5 years): N/A
    • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 5.1%

    💡 Why invest in CMC Markets?

    CMC Markets offers several compelling reasons to consider investing in this online trading platform provider:

    • Strong Brand Recognition: With over three decades of experience since 1989, CMC Markets has built exceptional reputation for reliability and consistently high-quality service delivery across global financial markets.
    • Strategic Digital Transformation: The May 2025 acquisition of 51% stake in StrikeX Technologies positions CMC Markets at the forefront of Web3, DeFi, and tokenized asset markets with blockchain infrastructure capabilities.
    • Robust Financial Performance: Fiscal 2025 results showed net operating income of £340.1 million with EBITDA surging 12% to £103.4 million and profit before tax jumping 33% to £84.5 million, demonstrating strong efficiency.
    • Diversified Revenue Streams: The company operates through three strategic verticals including direct-to-consumer trading, platform technology as a service with partnerships like Revolut, plus expanding institutional segment.

    🐌 Key considerations before investing in CMC Markets

    However, prospective investors should carefully weigh the following challenges facing CMC Markets:

    • Revenue Volatility Risk: The company's earnings remain heavily influenced by client trading volumes which fluctuate with market conditions, investor sentiment, and economic uncertainty affecting trading activity levels.
    • High Technology Investment: IT costs rose 17% in fiscal 2025 to support blockchain infrastructure and Web3 integration, creating margin pressure if these substantial investments don't yield proportional revenue growth.
    • Regulatory Uncertainty Exposure: Operating across multiple jurisdictions exposes CMC Markets to varying regulatory environments, particularly in evolving crypto and DeFi markets, increasing operational complexity and compliance costs.
    • Intense Competition Pressure: The online trading sector faces fierce competition from established players and fintech entrants offering similar platforms, potentially impacting market share, pricing power, and profitability.

    Final thoughts on CMC Markets

    CMC Markets presents a compelling investment case with its established market position, innovative technology platform, and strategic expansion into Web3 and decentralized finance following the StrikeX acquisition. The company's strong fiscal 2025 financial performance, diversified revenue streams through three strategic verticals, and 37% dividend increase demonstrate operational strength and management confidence. However, investors should carefully weigh execution risks from substantial technology investments, regulatory uncertainties in emerging digital asset markets, and ongoing revenue volatility from cyclical trading activity that could impact long-term returns.