Lightyear set to launch UK and European stocks and ETFs

After securing a full European investment licence earlier this year, Lightear is preparing to launch UK and European stocks and ETFs.

The investment platform is releasing a new range of instruments on the app next month, from Tesco, Vodafone and Unilever to Vanguard, iShares and L’Oreal.

Founded by former Wise execs Martin Sokk and Mihkel Aamer, the aim was to “bring a global mindset to the European investment world”.

The launch of a new range of investment options on 17 October seeks to mark a change for retail investors in Europe with an expanded range of access.

“One of our primary missions has always been to offer the people of Europe a low cost way to build a global portfolio,” CEO Sokk said.

“Rolling out this new range of international and local stocks, alongside ETFs, is a very big step towards that.”

The addition of ETFs marks the company’s expansion into fund-based products.

Stocks listed on exchanges across Europe, such as the London Stock Exchange, Euronext and the DAX will be part of the new launch.

“We couldn’t be happier to bring our customers even more opportunities to build diversified portfolios on Lightyear, consisting of companies closest to their hearts, that they use in their everyday, as well as fund-based instruments,” Sokk added.

The company raised a $25m series A equity round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sir Richard Branson in July to expand into 19 new European countries.