SBI Thai Online Securities (SBITO), a Bangkok-based online stockbroker, has struck a partnership with US broker-dealer DriveWealth, LLC, to offer its clients affordable Execution and the ability to invest in US shares.
This collaboration enables SBITO investors to build portfolios of US stocks, ETFs, and ADRs with low costs starting from $0.99 per trade. The fractional trading feature also eliminates the barriers that many investors face when trying to invest in a diversified portfolio of US-listed securities.
Allowing clients to purchase fractions of stocks has become the next chapter in the red-hot battle among the US brokers. As they look beyond the no-fee trading war, it’s the latest in a series of moves by brokerage firms meant to attract customers.
These include instruments traded at NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange , offering over 4,000 assets and indexes from companies such as Apple, Alibaba, Google, the S&P 500 index, and many more.
In addition, the partnership leverages SBITO's experience in Asian markets and DriveWealth’s technology and clearing capabilities to enable retail investors to open a live trading account, transfer funds at lower costs, and manage their investments under a complete, digital platform.
Founded four years ago, SBITO was launched as a joint venture between Tokyo-based SBI Group, a leading Japanese online stockbroker, and Finansia Syrus Securities, one of the five largest securities companies in Thailand. In 2018, SBITO became wholly owned by the SBI Group and now takes full advantage of group synergies.
DriveWealth expands to six continents
DriveWealth already partners with many financial institutions, brokers, app developers, and technology companies to provide users with the ability to open a US-based brokerage account and invest in the US equities market. The company’s offering covers six continents, offering its APIs that partners can use to provide new investment capabilities to their clients.
DriveWealth CEO Robert Cortright commented: "SBITO has a tremendous product offering and client base, and we are thrilled to play a role in its efforts to increase opportunities for Thai investors to participate in the largest stock market in the world. The new SBITrade USA helps investors make informed decisions and easily buy or sell U.S. stocks in a way that mirrors how they might pursue an online purchase from a store."
SBITO CEO Yukiko Roberts added: "SBITrade USA was born out of a dynamic collaboration and strong partnership among three innovative companies: DriveWealth, FusionIQ and SBITO. We are now able to provide opportunities to Thai investors to purchase or sell whole or fractional shares in U.S. stocks with a very user-friendly online experience."
