Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to investment platforms in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into ETFs or a seasoned investor seeking the lowest brokerage, the digital investing landscape has never been more competitive—or more complicated. With new regulations, innovative features, and a wave of low-cost options, picking the right platform can make a real difference to your returns and your peace of mind.
The 2025 Investment Platform Landscape: What’s Changed?
Over the past year, several key trends have emerged in the Australian investment platform market:
- Fee Transparency: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) mandated clearer disclosure of all fees in late 2024, making it easier to compare platforms on true cost—not just headline rates.
- Micro-Investing Goes Mainstream: Platforms like Raiz and Spaceship have expanded their offerings, now allowing direct ASX share trading alongside round-up investing and thematic portfolios.
- Fractional Shares for ASX: Following years of US-only access, leading platforms such as Stake and CommSec Pocket now let you buy fractions of blue-chip Australian stocks for as little as $1.
- Enhanced ESG Options: Demand for ethical investing has led to more platforms offering robust ESG (environmental, social, governance) screening tools and dedicated portfolios.
Key Features to Compare in 2025
As the options multiply, here are the features to focus on when comparing investment platforms in Australia:
- Brokerage and Account Fees: Look beyond $0 brokerage headlines—check for FX fees, account inactivity fees, and withdrawal charges. For example, while Pearler charges $6.50 per ASX trade, Superhero now offers $0 brokerage on Australian ETFs but 0.5% on international shares.
- Investment Options: Do you want access to Australian shares, US stocks, ETFs, managed funds, or even crypto? Platforms like SelfWealth and Stake offer broad access, while others are more niche.
- User Experience and Tools: Newcomers may prefer a simple app with educational content (think CommSec Pocket or Spaceship), while advanced investors might want detailed charting, tax reporting, and portfolio analytics (as found on Sharesies or Interactive Brokers).
- Regulation and Safety: Confirm that your platform is ASIC-licensed and that client funds are held in segregated accounts. In 2025, ASIC ramped up enforcement, and several unlicensed offshore platforms have been banned.
- Customer Support: With markets moving quickly, responsive support is vital. Check for live chat, local phone support, and robust help centres.
Real-World Examples: Which Platform Suits Which Investor?
Let’s look at three common investor profiles in 2025 and the platforms that best match their needs:
- The Beginner: Emily, age 27, wants to invest $100 a month in diversified ETFs with minimal fuss.
She opts for Spaceship Voyager, drawn by the $0 brokerage, low minimums, and easy-to-understand portfolios. The new 2025 interface now offers instant deposits and an ESG filter, making it even more beginner-friendly. - The DIY Stock Picker: Lucas, age 35, trades both ASX and US shares and wants to minimise costs.
He chooses SelfWealth for its flat-fee brokerage ($9.50 per trade, no percentage fees), new US stock offering, and detailed tax reporting tools that help him prepare for the ATO’s tighter capital gains tax reporting rules in 2025. - The Ethical Investor: Sara, age 42, wants to build a portfolio that aligns with her values.
She uses Superhero’s upgraded ESG screening, which now rates every ASX share and ETF for sustainability and governance factors. The platform’s new ‘impact portfolios’ let her invest in renewable energy, women-led companies, and low-carbon funds with one click.
2025 Policy Updates Affecting Investment Platforms
Investors should be aware of several regulatory and tax changes this year:
- ASIC Crackdown on Misleading Claims: Platforms are now subject to stricter oversight on advertising, especially claims about zero fees and past performance.
- Tax Reporting Simplified: In July 2025, the ATO rolled out new pre-fill features for capital gains and dividends from major platforms, making end-of-year tax time less stressful for investors.
- Open Banking Integration: Most leading platforms now let you link your bank accounts for seamless funding and automated investing, thanks to the Consumer Data Right (CDR) expansion.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Platform That Grows With You
The best investment platform in 2025 isn’t the one with the flashiest app or the lowest fees—it’s the one that fits your goals, supports your learning, and adapts as your needs evolve. Take the time to compare features, read the fine print, and, above all, choose a provider you trust. With new tools, regulations, and opportunities, there’s never been a better time for Australians to take control of their investing journey.
