Definition ∞ a Retail Investment Platform is an online service or application that enables individual investors to buy, sell, and manage various financial assets. These platforms provide tools and resources for non-professional investors to participate in markets, including traditional securities and increasingly, digital assets. They democratize access to investment opportunities by offering user-friendly interfaces and diverse product offerings. These platforms cater to a broad base of individual wealth builders.
Context ∞ News often reports on Retail Investment Platforms in relation to the growing accessibility of digital assets for individual investors. The expansion of cryptocurrency offerings on these platforms has significantly contributed to mainstream adoption. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing these platforms to ensure investor protection, suitability assessments, and compliance with anti-money laundering rules. The ongoing evolution of these platforms shapes how everyday individuals interact with and invest in the digital asset economy.