Most trading platforms in the UK are either full of jargon or full of fees – and for everyday investors wanting to trade options, it’s felt out of reach for too long. 

Enter Investa: the UK’s first mobile app offering zero-commission trading on stocks and options. Founded by former Citi equity derivatives expert Alec Beasley, Investa ditches the complexity and delivers a fast, intuitive user experience designed for modern investors. Think fractional shares, ETF options, and a sign-up process so fast you’ll be trading before your coffee gets cold. 

In this conversation, SeedLegals Co-Founder and CEO Anthony Rose sits down with Alec Beasley to talk about building from the garage up, the power of aligned incentives and why transparent fintech could be the key to a new wave of confident, community-backed investors.

Key takeaways 

The problem with options trading in the UK

• Retail investors in the UK face high barriers to trading options, including limited platform access and complex user interfaces.
• Most trading apps are designed for professionals and simply port desktop functionality onto mobile, overwhelming everyday investors.
• Commission fees and lack of intuitive design discourage casual or new users from exploring options trading.

Investa’s solution

• Investa is the UK’s first mobile app to offer zero-commission trading on both stocks and options, with only a flat FX fee.
• Clean, intuitive design and speedy onboarding mean you can go from download to first trade in minutes.
• Investors must meet basic criteria to trade higher-risk products like options, ensuring protection while keeping access open.

Traction and growth

• Started by Alec Beasley and Ross Lynch in March 2023, Investa has grown to a 9-person team and raised £1.8M, including £700K via crowdfunding.
• The full app launched in May 2024, with early access already open to backers and supporters.
• Backed by a seasoned tech team – including the former CTO of Freetrade – Investa is building the go-to UK platform for options trading in the UK.