Interview

The market for trading platforms is developing dynamically. This development is being driven by the rising demand for digital financial services, the increasing participation of private investors in the financial market, and the growing importance of cryptocurrencies and alternative asset classes. More and more investors prefer digital platforms for trading securities, ETFs, and other financial instruments. The advantages of innovative solutions are undeniable: they reduce costs, increase flexibility, extend trading hours, and simplify access to financial markets by lowering market entry barriers. These developments are leading to a democratization of trading and offer transparent benefits for investors.

The market for trading platforms will grow steadily in the coming years. Customer-centric platforms, technological excellence, and innovative capabilities will be the key unique selling points in the competitive landscape. Advances in AI, big data, and automation could significantly change personalized trading strategies and the user experience in the future. The ability to meaningfully combine innovative technologies with customer-centric solutions will remain a distinguishing feature.

Pioneers such as Tradegate AG are among the most innovative drivers of this change. As a market specialist, the CRR credit institution handles over 16,000 securities classes (stocks, ETPs, and derivatives) on the Tradegate Exchange. Their vision “We make securities trading better. For everyone. Every day.” Tradegate AG is rigorously pursuing this vision. For example, with its trading app tradegate.direct, the company enables private investors to trade directly and free of charge on the Tradegate Exchange.

Nehir: Mr. Haesen, Tradegate AG is one of the most innovative financial service providers in Germany. In 2000, your company was the first Berlin-based fintech to establish an electronic trading platform with Tradegate. You have held a license to operate a securities exchange since 2009. Tradegate Exchange is thus the first exchange to be established in Germany in 150 years. Your motto is “From Berlin's first fintech to Europe's largest retail exchange.” What is the secret of your success – and what value proposition does Tradegate AG stand for?

Karsten: Our success is based on a simple principle: we make securities trading better – for everyone. As a market specialist, Tradegate AG manages more than 16,000 tradable products on the Tradegate Exchange – ensuring maximum liquidity, transparent conditions, and reliable execution. As a company, we stand for fast, cost-efficient, and user-friendly trading—consistently designed from the perspective of private investors.

Nehir: With your trading app tradegate.direct, private investors can now trade directly on the Tradegate Exchange for the first time—permanently free of charge and without intermediaries. There are no commissions, fees, or third-party costs. Two free securities accounts and a clearing account are included. This is a novelty and sets your trading app apart. How do you manage to offer your customers such conditions?

Karsten: This is due to our structure: as a market specialist on the Tradegate Exchange, we offer particularly efficient trade execution for private investors. The exchange abolished all trading venue fees several years ago. With tradegate.direct, order fees are also eliminated. This means that every trade is completely free of charge—and will remain so permanently.

Nehir: A pioneering spirit combined with excellent technology, fast execution, and unbeatably favorable terms are the attributes that set it apart from other trading apps. How important are technology and the ability to innovate specifically for the future viability of your successful business model?

Karsten: Technical excellence is a key pillar of our success. We continuously invest in robust systems, fast execution, and an architecture that remains stable even with rapidly growing volumes. For us, innovation is not a topic for the future, but a daily requirement.

Nehir: Advances in AI, big data, and automation could significantly change personalized trading strategies and the user experience in the future. What advantages do powerful, dynamic IT systems offer for smoothly scaling the growing number of transactions?

Karsten: They ensure smooth operations, even during peak times. Powerful systems enable stable performance, flexible adjustments, and automated quality assurance. This allows us to reliably support a growing trading universe. Tradegate AG has around 30 years of experience in stock exchange trading and has also been operating the technical infrastructure behind the Tradegate Exchange for many years. During this time, the exchange has not experienced any relevant technical failures. For investors, this means that a provider who has been familiar with market mechanics, execution systems, and retail flow for decades and operates correspondingly robust systems offers the best possible security for every trading participant.

Nehir: In your opinion, what impact will innovative technology trends based on AI have on retail in the future?

Karsten: AI will make processes more efficient, filter market information faster, and further personalize user experiences. The key thing is that transparency must be maintained. AI should support commerce, not make it more opaque. The security of customer data and customer capital remains our top priority.

Nehir: Stock market crises, volatile markets, and uncertainty—all factors that cause cold feet on the trading floor and unsettle investors. Currently, geopolitical tensions, import tariffs, and the unpredictability of market developments in the US are causing unrest on the markets. Kostolany once said, “An old stock market trader can lose everything except his experience.” What advice would you give your clients in times of nervous stock markets?

Karsten: Stay calm, act strategically, and don't react impulsively. A clear investment strategy, broadly diversified portfolios, and staying power have always proven their worth in turbulent times. Those who act prudently make better decisions.