Plus500 to buy US broker-dealer Hedge

(Sharecast News) - Plus500 said on Tuesday that it has agreed to buy Hedge, a US broker-dealer registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, ahead of the launch of its US 'super-app' next year. Founded in 2021, Hedge offers US retail investors access to exchange-listed securities, including stocks and ETFs. No financial details were disclosed but Plus500 said the deal marks its entry into the SEC-regulated segment of the US market and strengthens the foundations for the expected launch of the group's US 'super-app' in the first quarter of next year.

Chief executive David Zruia said: "The Hedge acquisition marks a pivotal step in Plus500's US journey. It strengthens the scaled, CFTC-regulated business we have built and provides, for the first time, direct access to the US securities market, the world's largest retail investment market. With our new hub in New York and the experienced Hedge team joining us, we have the people, licences and technology to accelerate our growth and generate sustainable, long-term returns for our shareholders.

"Above all, acquiring Hedge paves the way for the expected launch of our US 'super-app' in Q1 2027, one of Plus500's most significant product developments. By bringing futures, prediction markets, stocks, options and ETFs together into one seamless experience, it will transform how our customers trade and invest, and represents a powerful new engine of value creation for the group."

At 1050 BST, Plus500 shares were up 2.2% at 3,396p.

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