Mobile Trading: How Smartphones Are Democratizing Investment

Jessica Matabola25 July , 2025

In South Africa today, mobile trading is changing the face of investing. Thanks to smartphones and easy-to-use apps, anyone with a phone and an internet connection can buy shares, trade ETFs, or even explore cryptocurrencies. What used to be an exclusive activity reserved for wealthy investors and professionals is now accessible to everyday people, from students to entrepreneurs.

This shift is not only making investing more convenient but is also opening doors for financial inclusion and empowerment across the country.

ALSO READ: How to Use Social Media to Stay Updated on Trading Trends

The Growing Popularity of Mobile Trading in South Africa

Smartphone use in South Africa has skyrocketed. As of 2025, there are around 124 million mobile connections, which is nearly double the country’s population due to dual SIM usage. More importantly, over 80% of South Africans own a smartphone, according to DataReportal.

This widespread mobile access has paved the way for mobile trading platforms like

EasyEquities
Standard Bank’s Shyft
FNB Share Investing

These platforms allow South Africans to invest in local and international markets using their smartphones—anytime and anywhere.

Why Mobile Trading Is Taking Off

1. Affordable and Easy to Start

Mobile trading platforms are designed to be affordable. For example, EasyEquities lets you start investing with as little as R5, with no monthly fees and very low commissions. This means even people on tight budgets can grow their wealth over time.

2. Simple, User-Friendly Apps

Gone are the days of complicated forms and jargon. Mobile trading apps are intuitive, with clear instructions and visual tools to help beginners understand their investments. You can verify your identity online in minutes and start trading straight away.

3. Education Built-In

Many apps include educational resources like articles, videos, and tutorials. Standard Bank’s Shyft and EasyEquities provide users with market news and tips, helping new investors make smarter decisions.

4. Safety and Regulation

Mobile trading platforms in South Africa are regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). They must follow strict rules to protect your money and personal information. Features like two-factor authentication and data encryption keep accounts secure.

Who Benefits Most from Mobile Trading?

Young People Leading the Way

Millennials and Gen Z are driving mobile trading adoption. Comfortable with technology and hungry to take control of their finances, these groups make up over 60% of EasyEquities’ user base.

More Women Investing

Investing is becoming more gender-inclusive. Campaigns such as EasyEquities’ “She Invests” encourage women to participate, helping close the gender gap in finance.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide

Mobile trading is especially valuable for rural communities. Without the need to visit banks or brokers, people in smaller towns can invest directly from their phones, helping spread financial opportunity more evenly across South Africa.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

While mobile trading offers great benefits, some risks remain:

Digital Access: Internet coverage and data costs still vary, especially in rural areas.
Emotional Investing: Beginners may react impulsively to market ups and downs.
“Gamification”: Some apps use game-like features that can encourage risky behaviour if not used carefully.

The FSCA stresses the importance of financial education to help users avoid these pitfalls.

The Role of Regulation and Innovation

South Africa’s regulatory bodies are adapting to the fast pace of fintech growth. The upcoming Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill will introduce clearer, unified rules for all financial services, including mobile trading.

Meanwhile, fintech companies are innovating with AI-powered tools, robo-advisors, and automated portfolios to guide investors based on their personal goals.

What’s Next for Mobile Trading?

With the rollout of 5G networks and more affordable smartphones, mobile trading is expected to become even more widespread. Vodacom aims to grow smartphone penetration to 75% by 2030 and expand financial services users to 120 million, according to Reuters.

MTN is also growing its mobile money services rapidly, with over 72 million active users across Africa.

This combination of better connectivity, innovation, and regulation promises a bright future where more South Africans can invest and build wealth through their smartphones.

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Mobile trading is reshaping investing in South Africa by making it more accessible, affordable, and inclusive. Thanks to smartphones, more people than ever before can take control of their financial futures. While challenges like internet access and investor education remain, ongoing innovation and regulation are helping build a safer and more inclusive financial ecosystem.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned trader, mobile trading puts the world of investment within your reach right from your phone.