Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a financial technology company that operates a commission-free trading platform for a variety of financial products. The company’s core business revolves around its mobile and web-based applications, which provide retail investors with access to equities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, and cryptocurrencies. By eliminating trading commissions and offering a user-friendly interface, Robinhood has positioned itself as an accessible gateway to financial markets for both novice and experienced investors.
In addition to its trading platform, Robinhood provides cash management services, allowing customers to earn interest on uninvested cash balances and access debit card functionality. The company also offers fractional share trading, which enables investors to purchase portions of high-priced stocks, making diversified portfolios more attainable. A digital wallet within the app supports cryptocurrency transactions for selected coins, further broadening the range of investment options available to users.
Founded in 2013 by Vladimir Tenev and Baiju Bhatt, Robinhood set out with a mission to democratize finance for all. The founders leveraged their backgrounds in market structure analysis to build technology that reduces barriers to entry in the investing world. Robinhood launched publicly in 2015 and later listed on the NASDAQ exchange in July 2021 under the ticker HOOD. Since its inception, the company has attracted millions of users and has played a notable role in bringing retail investors into the spotlight.
Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood primarily serves customers in the United States. Its leadership team is led by CEO Vladimir Tenev, who continues to steer the company’s strategic direction and product roadmap. As a regulated broker-dealer and member of major clearing organizations, Robinhood operates under the oversight of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
