5 Dec 2025
  

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Trading App Like eToro?

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Anushka Das

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eToro

eToro is a huge deal in the investing world. Why? It’s the ultimate example of social investing.

The trading app is like a social experience. It lets millions of users copy seasoned traders in real-time and has even built a whole community around finance. It took something complicated and made it accessible. This creates a big takeaway for entrepreneurs. People want innovative trading platforms. Thus, the chance to build the “next eToro” is totally open!

eToro itself is massive, with over 3.5 million funded accounts. The app supports multiple assets and a super easy-to-use social interface. Now, the fintech rules are getting clearer, and a wave of new retail investors is entering the market. Business leaders are all racing to grab a piece of this trillion-dollar trading pie.

So, if you’re asking how much it costs to develop a stock trading app like eToro? You’ve come to the right place. This guide is going to break down the cost and tech stack knowledge you need to succeed. 

We’ll look from a simple MVP-level social trading app to a fully regulated investment platform. We’ll also cover the development cost, highlight the must-have features, and will learn how teams like Techugo build these high-performance fintech ecosystems.

Introducing eToro, the Benchmark Every Investor Watches

eToro is the gold standard for social investing. 

Founded in 2007, eToro began as a small trading interface. Today, it’s a global ecosystem. Users can learn, trade, and connect there. The environment is both regulated and gamified.

eToro is a top name in investment technology. It has over 35 million registered users across more than 100 countries. As of early 2025, it has over 3.5 million funded accounts. This shows huge adoption by both new and experienced investors.

eToro offers multi-asset accessibility. Users can trade:

  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Commodities
  • Cryptocurrencies

This keeps eToro on the cutting edge of digital finance.

The app holds good ratings despite intense competition. It scores about 4.1 stars on iOS and 3.8 stars on Google Play. Its user-friendly design and real-time trading have led to tens of millions of downloads. This makes eToro a clear market leader.

The CopyTrader™ feature really sets eToro apart. It’s a social-trading tool and lets users automatically copy the trades of top investors.

Other key features include:

  • Virtual portfolios
  • Fractional trading
  • AI-driven insights
  • Community discussions

It blends Wall Street complexity with a high level of social engagement.

eToro is constantly in the fintech news. It’s expanding its crypto trading under EU MiCA regulations. It also refines its compliance following U.S. SEC scrutiny. The company shows how to scale responsibly in a highly regulated market.

Simply put, eToro is the north star for any entrepreneur. It shows how to build a trading platform that combines financial empowerment with social connectivity.

Lessons for Founders from eToro’s Growth

eToro’s success isn’t just about charts and trades. It’s built on credibility. 

eToro’s Social Investing

They ensure secure transactions and regulatory compliance. A transparent fee model also helps. This fosters user confidence and drives retention. Copy trading and community interactions are key. They make trading a collective experience. It’s not a lonely spreadsheet grind anymore. 

Adding a social layer can multiply user stickiness by 3x.

eToro turned learning into earning. They use leaderboards and virtual portfolios. This is a masterclass in onboarding new traders. 

eToro didn’t treat regulation as red tape. They used it as a trust-building tool. This allowed them to expand safely into new markets. Many competitors failed where eToro succeeded.

These four principles are your plan. The next step is getting the right partner. 

Work with a fintech app development company like Techugo to create a powerful trading ecosystem.

Why Now? The Market & Business Case for Building a Trading App Like eToro

Money moves faster now than ever before. The people who build the rails for that movement are shaping fintech’s future. Trading is no longer just for Wall Street elites. It’s a huge digital marketplace. This market is driven by Gen Z investors and real-time data.

eToro promotes engagement and empowerment. They transformed investing into a social experience. Today, eToro proves that financial technology is about connection as much as it is about capital.

Here’s the bigger picture:

  • The online trading industry is on a $13 trillion trajectory by 2030.
  • Retail traders now power nearly one-fourth of market activity.

This is why businesses are betting big on social trading platforms. These mobile apps connect finance with influence. Users trade assets, but they also trade ideas.

This is a perfect storm of opportunity for founders and enterprises. The market is booming thanks to tech. Regulatory clarity is growing. User demand is at an all-time high. Building a trading app like eToro isn’t just joining fintech. It’s about owning a share of the future of investing.

With a partner like Techugo, you get more than just an app. You get a platform engineered for compliance and user engagement. It’s built to thrive in a market that equally rewards innovation and trust.

Because the smartest trade you can make right now… is building the platform others will trade on.

Steps to Build Your eToro Like Trading App

Every successful trading app starts as a smart MVP and scales into an enterprise-grade platform.

Trading App Like eToro

Here’s how the journey typically unfolds:

1. MVP Launch

Timeline: 4-6 months 

Ideal For: Startups & early-stage fintech ventures

Core Components:

  • User registration
  • KYC/AML verification
  • Real-time price charts and asset tracking
  • Basic trading engine
  • Payment gateway integration
  • Copy trading
  • Secure login
  • notifications
  • Virtual portfolio

Estimated Range: $80,000 – $200,000

Goal: 

  • Test user traction
  • Validate your business model
  • Attract early investors without overcapitalizing on tech

2. Growth Platform

Timeline: 8-12 months 

Ideal For: Funded startups & scaling fintech brands

Feature Enhancements:

  • Advanced analytics & portfolio insights
  • CopyTrader-style features with leaderboards and social feeds
  • Multi-asset support 
  • Fractional trading & instant settlements
  • AI-driven trading insights and push recommendations
  • Cloud scaling and performance optimization

Estimated Range: $250,000 – $700,000

Goal: 

  • Strengthen brand presence
  • Enhance engagement
  • Start monetizing your growing user base

3. Enterprise & Regulated Platform

Timeline: 12-18 months 

Ideal For: Established financial institutions & enterprise fintechs

Advanced Capabilities:

  • Multi-jurisdiction compliance
  • White-label brokerage infrastructure
  • Matching engine
  • Liquidity management 
  • Order routing
  • Advanced risk management
  • Reporting and reconciliation
  • AI-powered fraud detection and regulatory audit modules
  • API-driven integrations

Estimated Range: $1M+

Goal: 

  • Build investor-grade trust
  • Expand into new markets
  • Operate under full financial compliance while maintaining peak app performance

Cost Factors that Influence Pricing

CategoryDescriptionImpact on Cost
Feature ComplexityMore features.

More development hours.

High
Tech Stack SelectionUsing advanced tools. 

Impacts infrastructure costs.

Medium-High
UI/UX Design DepthInteractive dashboards.

Real-time charts.

Dark mode UIs raise design hours.

Medium
Regulatory ComplianceLicensed fintech apps must follow KYC/AML and PCI DSS frameworks.High
Scalability ArchitectureBuilding for global markets demands cloud microservices & API optimization.Medium
Post-Launch SupportMaintenance

Updates

Cloud costs post-deployment

Low-Medium

Features Every Trading App Like eToro Must Include

Find your definitive checklist of features to be engineered for performance and conversion.

App Like eToro

Technologies Behind a High-Performance Trading Platform

Behind every seamless trade lies a meticulously engineered stack of technologies working in sync. The right tech stack determines the speed and security posture.

LayerPurposeTech Stack & ToolsKey Highlights
Frontend (User Interface)Delivers a seamless and responsive trading experience across devices.React Native 

Flutter

Swift (iOS) 

Kotlin (Android)

– Redux 

– Context API

– WebSocket 

– GraphQL APIs

– Chart.js 

– D3.js 

– Highcharts

– Cross-platform agility for faster launch

– Real-time charts under 200ms latency

– Premium native UI for high-speed trading

Backend (Trading Logic & Core)Powers order execution

Data management

System performance

– Node.js 

– Python 

– PostgreSQL 

– MongoDB 

– Redis

– RabbitMQ 

– Kafka

– Microservice Architecture

– REST 

– GraphQL APIs

AI and ML modules

– Modular microservices for scalability

– 40% latency reduction with intelligent caching

– Advanced AI-driven fraud detection

Infrastructure & DevOpsEnsures reliability

Scalability

24/7 uptime

– AWS 

– Google Cloud 

Microsoft Azure

– Kubernetes 

– Docker

– CDN

– Jenkins 

– GitHub Actions

– Elastic Stack 

– Grafana 

– Prometheus

– 99.98% uptime guarantee

– Predictive monitoring and performance analytics

– Auto-scaling for traffic surges

Market & Third-Party IntegrationsEnhances app functionality through external ecosystem connectivity.– Market Data Feeds 
  • Refinitiv
  • Polygon
  • Alpha Vantage

– Exchange APIs 

  • Binance
  • Coinbase
  • NASDAQ

– Payment Gateways 

  • Stripe
  • PayPal
  • Razorpay

– CRM & Analytics 

  • Firebase
  • Mixpanel
  • HubSpot

– Chat & Support 

  • Zendesk
  • Intercom
  • AI bots
– Modular integration architecture

– Real-time pricing and trading capabilities

– Scalable setup for future asset classes

Regulatory & Security to Build Trust Before Trades

For any trading app to survive the scrutiny of global markets, compliance and cybersecurity must be built into its DNA.

Fintech With Compliance & Cybersecurity DNA

Focus areaObjectiveRegulationsCompliance approachImpact on cost
User Identity VerificationPrevent fraud and ensure user authenticity before account activation.– KYC 

– AML

– SEBI 

– FCA 

– CySEC Guidelines

– PSD2 

– MiFID II

– Integrated verification APIs
  • Trulioo
  • Sumsub
  • Onfido

– Automated document validation with OCR & AI

– Continuous risk profiling

Adds 10-15% to regulated trading app development cost. Depending on the region and the depth of compliance
Transaction & Payment SecuritySafeguard user deposits and fund transfers.– PCI DSS

– PSD2 (Europe)

– RBI Payment Compliance (India)

– Tokenized payment flows

– AES-256 encryption

– 3D Secure & biometric confirmation

Influences brokerage app development price. Ensures credibility with investors
Data Protection & PrivacyComply with global privacy standards for user data handling.– GDPR (Europe)

– CCPA (US)

– ISO 27001

– SOC 2

– Encrypted data storage

– Consent-driven data access

– Regular vulnerability assessments

Slight increase in fintech app development cost. Ensures long-term scalability
Trading Authorization & RecordkeepingMaintain transparent and auditable trade logs.– MiFID II 

– SEC Regulations

– ISO 22301

– Immutable transaction records (blockchain-enabled)

– Time-stamped audit trails

– Admin dashboards for compliance reports

Moderate impact on trading platform development. Boosts platform reliability
Fraud Detection & Risk MitigationDetect suspicious activities and prevent insider trading or wash trades.– Anti-Fraud Standards (ISO 37001)

– SEC & FCA Monitoring Guidelines

– AI-driven anomaly detection

– Continuous behavioral analytics

– Transaction risk scoring models

Adds up to 5-7% in real-time trading app development, but reduces potential financial exposure
Disaster Recovery & Business ContinuityEnsure uptime and system integrity under stress conditions.– ISO 22301

– ISO 27031

– Cloud Security Alliance Standards

– Multi-region cloud backups

– Auto-failover systems

– Disaster simulation testing

Minimal cost addition.

High ROI in uptime and reliability

trading app

Monetization Models to Turn Trades into Tangible Revenue

When it comes to trading platforms, profitability is an architecture. Leading apps like eToro transform user activity into a sustainable revenue engine:

Monetization ModelRevenue Stream Overview
CommissionsThe platform earns from the bid-ask spread or trade execution fees. Even a 0.1% spread across high trading volumes scales rapidly.
Subscription TiersOffer premium memberships with advanced analytics. As well as lower fees or exclusive access to market insights.
Margin & Leveraged ProductsGenerate additional revenue through lending and leverage trading fees, popular among experienced traders.
Premium Social FeaturesPaid community access

Mentorship programs

Verified trader badges

Referral & Affiliate ProgramsExpand the user base via influencers and referral partners. Reward them per funded account or trading volume.
Market Data LicensingSell anonymized, aggregated trading data to research firms or hedge funds.

Convert even 10% of registered users into funded accounts. Your app begins generating exponential revenue within months. For example, a platform with 100K users and an average funded wallet of $500 could yield $2–3M in annualized trading spread income.

monetization framework

Safeguarding Your Trading Platform’s Future

In fintech, every great opportunity comes wrapped in regulation, responsibility, and reputation risk.

Before launching your trading app, make sure you’ve ticked off every box below. 

  • Conduct compliance audits aligned with SEBI, FCA, or CySEC standards.
  • Partner with certified KYC/AML solution providers.
  • Ensure data localization meets the privacy requirements of each operating region.
  • Maintain real-time reporting systems for regulatory transparency.
  • Integrate real-time order matching engines to avoid slippage and execution delays.
  • Use third-party liquidity providers or custodial partners to safeguard assets.
  • Simulate load tests under live market pressure before the public launch.
  • Build failsafe fallback APIs for order routing during system downtime.
  • Implement multi-layer encryption (SSL/TLS + AES 256).
  • Schedule regular penetration tests and vulnerability scans.
  • Launch a bug bounty program to identify security loopholes proactively.
  • Adopt Zero Trust Architecture and restrict internal data access.
  • Integrate AI-driven fraud analytics to flag suspicious activity in real-time.
  • Enable biometric authentication for logins and high-value transactions.
  • Conduct identity verification (KYC) at onboarding and periodically after.
  • Automate transaction monitoring and pattern recognition for AML compliance.
  • Conduct A/B tests for critical user flows before full rollout.
  • Ensure trade execution within 2 seconds to prevent churn.
  • Simplify navigation with minimal clicks per trade.
  • Use behavior analytics to continuously refine UX and retention strategy.

How Techugo Powers the Future of Fintech & Trading Platforms

In a financial landscape where milliseconds determine millions, Techugo stands tall as a fintech app development leader, bridging innovation and scalability. With 10+ years of expertise and a robust global clientele, Techugo has architected cutting-edge financial management apps that power the new generation of digital investors.

Whether it’s designing a regulated trading ecosystem or integrating AI-driven analytics. Or maybe a social and peer-to-peer trading app. Techugo ensures every fintech product delivers security and speed.

Our fintech capabilities span:

  • Trading platform development 
    • Stocks
    • Crypto
    • Commodities
    • Forex 
  • Regulated brokerage and KYC/AML Systems
  • AI and ML-based portfolio insights
  • Payment gateway integrations and wallet solutions
  • Investment education and financial literacy platforms
  • Blockchain-powered audit and compliance modules

The best proof of our impact lies in the success stories we’ve helped build. Powering financial transformation for both established giants and emerging innovators alike.

Financial Transformation

1. Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Finserv Limited is one of India’s largest and most trusted financial conglomerates. They offer services across:

  • Consumer finance
  • Lending
  • Insurance
  • Investments

With a market capitalization exceeding $40 billion, Bajaj Finserv has become synonymous with India’s fintech revolution.

The challenge they faced before partnering with Techugo:

As Bajaj Finserv expanded its digital presence, it sought to modernize its legacy finance systems. Provide a seamless digital experience across its app ecosystem. The goal was to make financial services faster and accessible to all.

What Techugo offered:

Techugo built intelligent digital solutions that amplified customer engagement and operational efficiency. The collaboration included:

  • AI-powered chatbots for automated customer support and lead generation
  • Cloud-native infrastructure ensuring 99.9% uptime and speed optimization
  • Advanced fraud detection leveraging Machine Learning models for real-time anomaly detection
  • User-centric fintech design for seamless KYC and payments

The impact:

  • 3X increase in user engagement within six months of app optimization
  • 40% reduction in customer query resolution time
  • Massive operational scalability across millions of users

Through its partnership with Techugo, Bajaj Finserv evolved from a traditional finance powerhouse to a fully digital-first fintech leader. Setting a benchmark for enterprise-grade innovation in the Indian financial sector.

2. Vidfin

Vidfin is India’s first video-based financial education platform. The platform blends finance with entertainment and technology. The platform offers investment tutorials to redefine how users understand money.

The challenge they faced before partnering with Techugo:

Vidfin wanted to build a subscription-based OTT platform exclusively for finance. With streaming capability and personalized recommendations. All while maintaining a premium user experience.

What Techugo offered:

Techugo engineered a full-stack fintech education ecosystem. Integrating high-end media tech with fintech functionality:

  • Secure payment gateway integration for subscriptions and in-app purchases
  • Smart content personalization using AI and machine learning
  • Cloud-based architecture for uninterrupted video streaming
  • Interactive UI/UX design blending OTT aesthetics with fintech precision

The outcome:

  • Over 100K+ active users within the first quarter of launch
  • 2X higher session duration compared to the industry average
  • Significant brand traction as India’s go-to platform for financial education

3. BookMyForex

BookMyForex is India’s #1 foreign exchange and remittance marketplace. Founded in 2012, it’s the first-ever platform in India to provide:

  • Live and transparent forex rates
  • Eliminating intermediaries and empowering users with real-time
  • Offer commission-free transactions

With partnerships across leading banks like Yes Bank and Axis Bank, BookMyForex has become the most trusted name for currency exchange. It serves millions of travelers, students, and businesses.

The challenge they faced before partnering with Techugo:

The platform needed to enhance transaction speed. Ensure regulatory compliance. Deliver a mobile-first experience that could handle massive user traffic. All while integrating seamlessly with multiple banking APIs.

Solution built by Techugo

Techugo collaborated with BookMyForex to strengthen its digital infrastructure. Optimize user experience and boost conversion efficiency across mobile and web ecosystems.

Our solutions included:

  • Real-time forex rate engine with precision-based updates every second
  • Multi-bank API integration enabling secure, instant cashless transactions
  • AI-based rate prediction algorithms for smarter customer decision-making
  • Optimized payment gateway architecture, ensuring seamless settlements
  • Geo-based personalization for region-specific forex deals and offers

The Impact:

  • Over 2 million+ app downloads across Android and iOS platforms
  • Rated 4.6 on Google Play for exceptional user experience
  • Average transaction time reduced by 45% post re-engineering
  • Significant growth in international remittance traffic and forex bookings

digital payments

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to build a trading app like eToro?

The cost generally falls between $80,000 and $300,000+. A lean MVP starts lower, around $40,000–$65,000. This lets you validate your concept quickly. The final price changes based on key integrations and platform complexity. Partnering with a fintech expert like Techugo ensures you get maximum cost efficiency without sacrificing scalability or compliance.

2. What features should I include in a trading platform like eToro?

You must blend social interaction with financial power. Key features are:

  • Secure onboarding
  • Real-time data
  • Social trading
  • Multi-asset support
  • Smart tools

These features boost user engagement and trading success. Techugo integrates these best-in-class features while ensuring full financial compliance.

3. How long does it take to develop a trading app?

A full-featured trading app typically takes 5–7 months to develop. This depends on the project’s scope and technical complexity. You can launch a basic MVP in as little as 10–12 weeks to capture early market traction. The process includes:

  • market research
  • robust UI/UX design
  • API integrations
  • security implementation
  • extensive testing

Techugo uses agile development to ensure timely delivery and a high-performance backend.

4. What factors influence the cost of developing a trading app?

The cost is influenced by several critical factors:

  • App type
  • Feature set
  • UI/UX
  • Backend
  • Security
  • Connectivity

Techugo customizes every app for compliance and efficiency, making sure your investment is effective across all stages.

5. Can Techugo develop a social trading app like eToro?

Yes, absolutely. Techugo specializes in social trading app development. We ensure your platform mirrors eToro’s successful social engagement model. We integrate AI analytics with secure APIs and regulatory frameworks. The result is an end-to-end trading ecosystem designed to outperform the market.

6. Do I need regulatory approval to launch a trading app?

Yes, you do. Launching a trading app requires compliance with financial regulations. This depends on your target region. These regulations prevent fraud to protect users. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines or platform suspension. Techugo’s fintech team assists with integrating essential KYC/AML protocols and secure data storage. Ensuring a smooth, legally sound launch.

7. What’s the best tech stack for a trading app?

A robust, modern tech foundation is essential for performance:

  • React Native or Flutter for cross-platform mobile apps.
  • Node.js/Python for core services.
  • PostgreSQL or MongoDB.
  • AWS or Google Cloud.
  • Kafka and WebSockets for instant execution.

8. Can Techugo develop both mobile and web trading platforms?

Yes. Techugo develops cross-platform trading ecosystems optimized for both mobile and web. Our goal is seamless accessibility. Traders can monitor markets and engage with peers across all devices without lag or security concerns. Techugo implements real-time synchronization and intuitive dashboards. This omnichannel approach maximizes user engagement and retention.

Build the Next Trading Revolution with Techugo

Maybe you’re envisioning a peer-to-peer investment ecosystem. Or a regulated trading app like eToro. Techugo transforms your concept into a high-performing, regulation-ready digital product.

From Bajaj Finserv’s digital evolution to BookMyForex’s forex revolution and Vidfin’s fintech education breakthrough, our expertise proves that we engineer financial ecosystems that engage and succeed.

Are you up to turn your trading vision into the next fintech success story?

Build your eToro-inspired trading platform to become faster and fully compliant.

Schedule a consultation with Techugo

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