Tinus Rautenbach, Head of Clarity, by Investec 
Technology has transformed how South Africans engage with financial markets. Once the preserve of seasoned brokers and large institutions, online trading is now becoming more accessible to anyone with a smartphone and internet connection. The result? A rapid expansion of digital investing, with South Africa’s digital investment market projected to reach $8.49 billion in 2025 - neobrokers expected to account for $5.36 billion of that, according to industry statistics.
This democratisation of online trading is a win for accessibility, but it brings a new challenge: with so many options, how do you choose the right platform for your needs?
In fact, the key isn’t simply about gaining access - it’s about choosing the right partner for your financial journey. Traders today typically fall into one of three categories:
- Those just getting started and eager to learn.
- Those who closely monitor the markets and manage their portfolio regularly.
- Those who are focused on growing wealth steadily over time.
Recognising what type of trader you are is key to finding the right fit. It helps you identify the tools, guidance, and information that will support your confidence and decision-making. A strong platform should meet you at your level, offering meaningful, easy-to-understand insights without drowning you in jargon or diluting the complexity of the market.
What’s more, a great online trading platform does far more than just execute trades. It should empower users with:
- Clarity: A transparent, user-friendly interface that promotes confidence rather than confusion.
- Intelligence: Access to expert analysis, market explainers, and personalised insights that aid better decision-making.
- Education: Continuous learning through tools like investing and trading tips, how-to guides, and integrated financial literacy resources.
- Trust: Above all, when selecting an online trading platform, the importance of trust and the credibility of the institution cannot be overstated. A reputable platform not only adheres to regulatory standards but also prioritises the security of user data through advanced encryption and robust security measures.
By choosing a platform backed by a respected institution, investors can engage with the markets confidently, knowing they have a trustworthy partner by their side.
The most progressive platforms see education as central to their value proposition. They foster growth by offering content that simplifies complexity without diluting meaning, helping users become more informed and capable traders.
Take, for example, the JSE Investment Challenge, a long-running initiative that engages high school and university students in simulated trading. Participants gain hands-on experience in real-time market conditions, learning key trading principles in a low-risk environment. Initiatives like these don’t just grow skills - they build trust in the system and broaden financial literacy for future generations.
As digital trading platforms evolve, they’re not just opening up access - they’re reshaping the way South Africans approach and interact with their finances. The future of trading goes beyond speed and sleek interfaces; it lies in creating platforms that blend simplicity with smart insights, where trust, performance, and a clear sense of purpose come together to empower better financial decisions.
In a world where information is abundant, but insight is rare, the ability to make informed, intentional choices has never been more important. The right platform won’t just help you trade - it will help you trade wisely. DM
Click here to learn more about Clarity, by Investec.
Author: Tinus Rautenbach, Head of Clarity, by Investec