Why can’t I trade ETFs? | Robinhood

Why can’t I trade ETFs?

Within your Robinhood UK account, you can look up and view details about US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) just like other stocks. However, you’re not allowed to purchase ETFs listed and traded in US markets within the UK because of UK and European regulations.

What’s an ETF?

An ETF is a collection of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or derivatives, where the ownership of the fund is divided into shares that you can track and trade like other securities in the stock markets. ETFs let you invest in a group of companies all at once that are typically grouped by a broader market, a sector, an industry, or even a region.

To learn more, check out What is an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)?

Why can’t I trade ETFs in the UK?

Since 2018, investors in the European Union and the UK cannot invest in ETFs that are listed and traded in US markets. This is because rules (PRIIPs) enforced in 2018 require providers of investment products to supply retail investors with regulatory documents, such as a Key Information Document (KID), to help them better understand the product they are buying. ETFs listed and traded in US markets don’t provide these documents.

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Robinhood U.K. Ltd (Robinhood UK) is a company registered in England and Wales (09908051) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 823590). Robinhood UK onboards UK customers and has the lead customer relationship with UK customers in relation to their use of the Robinhood UK app and website.

Robinhood UK introduces UK customers to Robinhood Securities, LLC for order routing, execution, clearing, settlement, arranging custody services, securities lending, and margin investing to eligible UK customers with margin accounts. Margin is provided by Robinhood Securities, LLC. Robinhood UK can only introduce customers to Robinhood Securities, LLC for margin investing.

Robinhood U.K. Ltd introduces UK customers to Robinhood Derivatives, LLC for futures investing.

Margin investing is a high risk product. Leverage can magnify your losses and you could lose more than your initial capital. You must also repay your margin loan and any interest charges, which may result in the sale of securities.

Options and futures are complex products, involve significant risk and are not suitable for all investors. You could lose more than your initial invested capital. You should only invest in financial products that match your knowledge and experience. Review Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options prior to engaging in options trading and the Futures Risk Disclosure Statement prior to engaging in futures trading.

Stock lending, margin investing and options and futures investing are optional and subject to Robinhood's eligibility and appropriateness criteria.

Robinhood Securities, LLC is regulated in the US by the SEC and FINRA. Robinhood Derivatives, LLC is regulated by the CFTC and is an NFA member.

Robinhood UK, Robinhood Securities, LLC, and Robinhood Derivatives, LLC are subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc.

Robinhood does not provide investment advice. Individual investors should make their own decisions. Read the terms before using our services and, if necessary, seek advice.

Commission-free trading refers to $0 commissions on stocks for Robinhood self-directed individual brokerage accounts that trade US listed securities and ADRs. Keep in mind, contract fees apply when trading options and futures and other costs, such as exchange fees and regulatory fees may also apply. Review Robinhood UK’s Fee Schedule to learn more.

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Robinhood U.K. Ltd, 70 Saint Mary Axe (Suite 404), London, England, EC3A 8BE. © 2025 Robinhood. All rights reserved.
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All investing involves risk and loss of principal is possible.

Robinhood U.K. Ltd (Robinhood UK) is a company registered in England and Wales (09908051) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 823590). Robinhood UK onboards UK customers and has the lead customer relationship with UK customers in relation to their use of the Robinhood UK app and website.

Robinhood UK introduces UK customers to Robinhood Securities, LLC for order routing, execution, clearing, settlement, arranging custody services, securities lending, and margin investing to eligible UK customers with margin accounts. Margin is provided by Robinhood Securities, LLC. Robinhood UK can only introduce customers to Robinhood Securities, LLC for margin investing.

Robinhood U.K. Ltd introduces UK customers to Robinhood Derivatives, LLC for futures investing.

Margin investing is a high risk product. Leverage can magnify your losses and you could lose more than your initial capital. You must also repay your margin loan and any interest charges, which may result in the sale of securities.

Options and futures are complex products, involve significant risk and are not suitable for all investors. You could lose more than your initial invested capital. You should only invest in financial products that match your knowledge and experience. Review Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options prior to engaging in options trading and the Futures Risk Disclosure Statement prior to engaging in futures trading.

Stock lending, margin investing and options and futures investing are optional and subject to Robinhood's eligibility and appropriateness criteria.

Robinhood Securities, LLC is regulated in the US by the SEC and FINRA. Robinhood Derivatives, LLC is regulated by the CFTC and is an NFA member.

Robinhood UK, Robinhood Securities, LLC, and Robinhood Derivatives, LLC are subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc.

Robinhood does not provide investment advice. Individual investors should make their own decisions. Read the terms before using our services and, if necessary, seek advice.

Commission-free trading refers to $0 commissions on stocks for Robinhood self-directed individual brokerage accounts that trade US listed securities and ADRs. Keep in mind, contract fees apply when trading options and futures and other costs, such as exchange fees and regulatory fees may also apply. Review Robinhood UK’s Fee Schedule to learn more.

UK Privacy policy

Robinhood U.K. Ltd, 70 Saint Mary Axe (Suite 404), London, England, EC3A 8BE. © 2025 Robinhood. All rights reserved.