Robinhood Launches Futures Trading for UK Retail Traders

Robinhood has launched futures trading for customers in the United Kingdom, expanding its growing range of international products just weeks after introducing new events contracts. The move represents a major step in opening traditionally complex financial markets to retail traders.

Good to Know

• UK users will have access to more than 40 futures products from CME Group.
• Contracts include indices, energy, metals, and foreign exchange.
• Trading will be available on both Robinhood’s mobile app and its desktop platform, Robinhood Legend.

UK retail investors can now trade standardized futures contracts—each defined by size, expiration date, and trading hours—through Robinhood’s easy-to-use interfaces. The company is charging $0.75 per contract while offering free, real-time market data.

The new feature will gradually roll out to eligible UK customers over the coming weeks, providing near 24-hour access to global markets. It builds on Robinhood’s expanding lineup for active traders, which already includes stock options, charting tools, and event-based contracts.

How Will Futures Trading Work for UK Customers?

Futures contracts let traders speculate on the future price of major assets such as the S&P 500 Index, crude oil, or gold. Until now, such products were largely reserved for institutional investors due to high costs and complex trading requirements. Robinhood says its approach will make the process more intuitive and transparent for individuals.

Jordan Sinclair, president of Robinhood UK, said:

“In the UK, futures trading has traditionally been seen as the preserve of institutional investors, with limited resources to help retail traders get started. Today, we start changing that. We’re introducing futures trading in the UK with an intuitive mobile experience, smarter tools, education and insights and some of the lowest fees in the industry.”

Robinhood’s rollout focuses heavily on accessibility. The company says education and user-friendly design will be central to encouraging more traders to explore futures responsibly, aligning with its long-term strategy of expanding global participation in regulated financial markets.

Why Is Robinhood Partnering with CME Group?

Robinhood’s UK futures products are powered through CME Group, one of the world’s leading derivatives exchanges. The collaboration allows users to trade in some of the most liquid markets globally while maintaining transparency and cost efficiency.

Julie Winkler, chief commercial officer at CME Group, said:

“Futures offer retail traders a fully transparent, cost-effective way to participate in some of the most liquid markets in the world. We are pleased to work with Robinhood to educate and empower their UK customers to access these new opportunities.”

The partnership also reinforces Robinhood’s broader ambition to build a global trading ecosystem, extending its reach beyond U.S. equities into derivatives and event-driven products. With the addition of futures, the company positions itself closer to multi-asset platforms already serving advanced traders across Europe and Asia.

FAQ

What can UK customers trade under the new program?

UK users will have access to more than 40 futures products from CME Group, covering indices, energy, metals, and foreign exchange.

How much will it cost to trade futures on Robinhood?

Robinhood will charge $0.75 per contract while providing real-time market data free of charge.

Where can traders access the feature?

The feature will be available both through Robinhood’s mobile app and its advanced desktop platform, Robinhood Legend.

When will futures trading be available?

The rollout begins in the coming weeks for eligible UK customers, with more accounts gaining access gradually.