Freetrade Loss Widens to £24.4 Million in First Year Under IG Ownership

Freetrade's pre-tax loss more than tripled to £24.4 million in 2025, its first full year under IG Group ownership, as acquisition costs and increased marketing spend offset a 10% rise in revenue to £31 million. The UK retail investment platform's loss widened from £6.8 million in 2024, according to filings with Companies House.

Acquisition-related expenses of £16 million, including a bridge loan redemption premium and transaction fees, were the primary driver of the deeper loss. Marketing costs directly tied to revenue surged to £3.1 million from £652,000. The company stated the higher spending reflected "a deliberate investment in strengthening the Company's market position and long-term prospects." Operating losses widened to £25.1 million from £7.6 million.

Despite the losses, key growth metrics improved. Assets under administration climbed 34% to £3.3 billion, while net new customer funding hit a record £457 million. Trading volumes rose 57% to £7.7 billion. Revenue growth was led by foreign exchange conversion fees, which increased 34% to £18.5 million, and interest income.

The results come amid intensifying competition in the UK retail investing space, with recent launches from Robinhood UK and Webull UK. Freetrade plans to launch a Junior ISA in April 2026. Co-founder Viktor Nebehaj, who signed the accounts, is set to step down as CEO this year. The company ended 2025 with £16.8 million in cash and received a further £6.5 million capital injection from parent IG in February 2026.