eToro IPO sparks 180% search surge: Experts urge caution when choosing the right trading platform

eToro IPO sparks 180% search surge: Experts urge caution when choosing the right trading platform Image/Getty

Searches for “eToro IPO” spiked by 180% in just 24 hours following the Israeli-based trading platform’s strong Nasdaq debut, where its shares surged by 29%. The company raised a substantial $620 million in its upsized IPO, pushing its valuation past $5.5 billion.¹

With interest in retail investing reaching an all-time high, forex broker experts at BrokerChooser are urging traders to remain mindful and informed when choosing a trading platform, especially amid the IPO buzz.² To provide deeper insights, the experts also analysed monthly search volumes for “eToro” to reveal which countries are showing the strongest interest in the trading platform.

What to look for in a broker beyond the IPO buzz, experts warn

In light of eToro’s Nasdaq debut, retail traders may feel drawn to big-name platforms, but experts warn that before choosing any broker as a trading platform, it’s important to look beyond the headlines and market excitement, carefully evaluating which platform best aligns with their personal investment goals, preferences, and trading habits:

1. Prioritise regulatory oversight, transparency and safety

Before entrusting a platform with your funds, verify that the broker is licensed and regulated by official authorities such as the FCA (UK), SEC (US), or ASIC (Australia) in your country of residence. Regulation guarantees essential standards in transparency, data security, and dispute resolution. In an industry where scams and rogue platforms unfortunately persist, regulatory oversight isn’t optional—it’s a critical safety net that helps keep your money safe. 

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Also, the more transparent a brokerage company, the better. A public listing on a stock exchange requires information to be disclosed, especially about governance, which helps investors and traders to see if any risks in leadership arise, which may have a negative impact on them. Several brokers already made this step, like Interactive Brokers, Swissquote or IG Group, and now eToro joined them, which is a good sign for traders as well. 

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2. Understand the fee structure

“Zero-commission trading might look attractive at first glance, but dig deeper. Many brokers offset this by charging hidden fees for currency conversion, overnight positions, withdrawals, or inactivity. Understand the full cost structure, including spreads, leverage margins, and premium features, to avoid surprises that eat into your profits,” says Krisztián Gátonyi, forex broker expert at BrokerChooser.

3. Understand the difference between CFD and Spot Forex Trading

“It’s also important to note that most forex trading on platforms like eToro is offered through CFDs (Contracts for Difference), not direct ownership of the underlying currency pairs. This means traders are speculating on price movements rather than holding the actual asset. 

In spot FX trading, actual currency exchange takes place, and orders are executed directly in the interbank forex market or via a liquidity provider. In contrast, CFD FX trading does not involve real currency exchange, instead, you are trading a derivative contract against the broker, which makes a significant difference”, Gátonyi continues.

4. Look for intuitive technology and reliable tools

A flashy interface is no substitute for a platform that’s stable, fast, and packed with the right tools. A good broker should offer real-time market data, advanced charting, multiple order types, and seamless trade execution. Mobile compatibility is increasingly important—traders need to manage positions quickly and confidently on the go, especially when markets are volatile.

5. Explore community and customer support features

Brokers like eToro are popular for social trading features that let users follow and replicate others’ strategies. While this can help build confidence, experts warn against over-reliance. Look for brokers that foster informed communities with forums, mentorship, and educational resources to encourage independent analysis. Responsive customer support is also crucial for timely help with technical or account issues.

So, what does eToro’s IPO mean for the future of trading platforms? Expert weighs in

Krisztián Gátonyi, from BrokerChooser, commented:

“The debut of eToro on the Nasdaq marks more than just a financial milestone—it’s a reflection of surging retail investor confidence and the growing demand for accessible, user-friendly trading platforms. In a post-pandemic world, the barriers to trading have lowered significantly, and eToro’s success underscores just how mainstream and democratised digital trading has become.

Looking ahead, eToro’s public listing could be a catalyst for innovation and consolidation within the brokerage industry. Platforms that combine social features with trading tools have clearly tapped into a powerful trend that resonates with today’s traders. The next wave of brokerage growth will likely hinge on delivering more personalised, educational, and socially interactive experiences—all while maintaining robust tech infrastructure and regulatory transparency.

Global interest in eToro is high with an impressive average of 748,000 monthly searches worldwide for the trading platform. Leading this surge is the United Kingdom, which accounts for a remarkable 95,000 searches per month—equating to roughly 3,150 searches per day. This heightened interest aligns with a surge in UK retail investor activity during Q1 2025, with trading volumes rising over 35% compared to Q1 2024.³

Close behind, Italy and France, both generate substantial engagement, each racking up 90,000 monthly searches on average. Germany and Spain also show significant interest with around 59,000 and 58,000 monthly searches, respectively.

Australia and the United States demonstrate emerging but notable interest, receiving 21,000 and 22,000 monthly searches, respectively. While these figures are lower compared to European counterparts, they reflect growing awareness of eToro in markets with well-established trading ecosystems.