Robinhood is pushing deeper into the UK investment scene with the launch of futures trading for retail investors. Just months after rolling out options in the UK, the popular trading platform is now giving customers access to more than 40 futures contracts via its partnership with CME Group. It’s a bold move aimed at capturing the attention of active UK traders who’ve long been underserved in this market.
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Futures
Robinhood announced that UK customers can now trade a wide range of futures products through its mobile app and desktop platform, Robinhood Legend. This includes contracts tied to the S&P 500, crude oil, gold, and major currencies. It’s the kind of access that, until now, was usually limited to institutional players or seasoned professionals with access to complex platforms.
Contract fees start at $0.75 per trade, and customers also get real-time market data for free. However, exchange and regulatory fees will still apply, and not all users will be immediately eligible. The rollout will happen in phases, and users must pass an approval process before they can start trading.
Access
Jordan Sinclair, President of Robinhood UK, said futures trading has historically been off-limits to regular investors in Britain. In his words, it’s been a space dominated by large institutions, leaving retail traders with few accessible tools or educational resources.
With this launch, Robinhood is aiming to break down those barriers and create a more inclusive trading environment. It’s also an attempt to position itself as a serious platform for advanced retail investors who are looking for more than just stocks and crypto.
Legend
Robinhood’s Legend desktop platform is a major part of this strategy. It launched in the UK in May, after debuting in the US in late 2024. Designed for serious traders, Legend offers advanced charting tools, real-time data, and customizable layouts—all through a browser-based interface.
According to Robinhood, over 11 million people in the UK use desktop tools for investing. That’s a big market, and with Legend, Robinhood is trying to attract users who might otherwise choose competitors like IG, eToro, or Saxo Bank.
Legend also supports trading in 6,000 US stocks and options contracts, making it a powerful hub for UK-based traders interested in US markets.
Partnership
The launch of futures in the UK builds on Robinhood’s partnership with CME Group. In January, Robinhood added CME’s futures products to its US platform. Now, those same offerings are making their way to the UK, including equity index futures, commodity contracts, and forex pairs.
Julie Winkler, CME’s Chief Commercial Officer, said futures are a cost-effective and transparent way for retail traders to access global markets. That fits well with Robinhood’s mission of opening up financial tools that were once limited to the pros.
CME itself has been making big moves in the retail space. In the first quarter of 2025, it added 83,000 new retail customers—an increase of 44% year-over-year. The firm now partners with over 130 brokers worldwide and has grown its retail trader base from 150,000 to more than 500,000 in just five years.
Options
Futures aren’t Robinhood’s only play in the UK. Back in February, the platform launched options trading for British users, marking another step in its effort to appeal to more sophisticated retail traders.
That product has already proven profitable. Robinhood generated $202 million in options revenue in Q3 2024 across all markets. However, the company noted that crypto has recently overtaken options as its top revenue driver.
This blend of products—stocks, options, futures, and crypto—is part of Robinhood’s broader effort to become a one-stop shop for active investors.
Predictions
There may be more on the horizon. Robinhood has reportedly held talks with UK and EU regulators about launching its prediction markets product outside the US. These contracts allow users to bet on the outcomes of events, such as elections or economic indicators.
In the US, these products are regulated as futures by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. But in the UK and other countries, they’re often treated as gambling products—creating regulatory hurdles that Robinhood will need to overcome.
Despite that, the product has seen rapid uptake in the US. The company processed over four billion event contracts in its first year, with more than two billion traded in Q3 2025 alone.
Education
To support its futures launch, Robinhood is offering educational materials through Robinhood Learn and YouTube tutorials. These aim to help new traders understand how futures work, including the risks involved. Approval is required before anyone can begin trading futures, ensuring a level of protection for less experienced users.
It’s clear that Robinhood isn’t just dipping a toe in the water—it’s diving headfirst into the UK market. With futures now live and more features on the way, the company is working fast to position itself as the go-to platform for the next generation of global investors.
FAQs
What futures can I trade on Robinhood UK?
S&P 500, gold, oil, and major currency pairs are available.
Is there an approval process for futures?
Yes, customers must pass an eligibility review before trading.
What is Robinhood Legend?
A desktop trading platform for advanced retail investors in the UK.
How much does futures trading cost?
Fees start at $0.75 per trade, plus exchange and regulatory fees.
Will prediction markets launch in the UK?
Robinhood is in talks with regulators, but nothing confirmed yet.
