United States-based fintech firm Robinhood is making its first moves into Southeast Asia with its planned acquisition of a brokerage firm and a licensed digital-asset trader.

Robinhood, which seeks to “democratize finance” by offering commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto through its user-friendly app, has entered into agreements to acquire Indonesian brokerage PT Buana Capital Sekuritas and licensed digital asset trader PT Pedagang Aset Kripto.

“Indonesia represents a fast-growing market for trading, making it an exciting place to further Robinhood’s mission to democratize finance for all,” says Patrick Chan, Robinhood’s head of Asia.

Earlier this year, Indonesia’s capital market surpassed 19 million investors, driven largely by growing public participation and robust trading activity, with daily transactions exceeding US$1 billion. 

The growing capital market in Southeast Asia's largest economy indicates strong public interest in stocks, mutual funds, and other listed instruments, supported by numerous digital investment platforms and rising financial literacy. 

Other than Indonesia, the only other countries in the Asean region that have an average daily trading value above US$1 billion are Singapore and Thailand.  

Compelling market 

Chan sees Indonesia, which also has some 17 million crypto investors, as a compelling market, noting that his firm looks forward to bringing Indonesians “the same innovative services that have earned the trust of Robinhood customers globally” .

Following the acquisitions, Robinhood says Pieter Tanuri, the majority owner of Buana Capital and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, will stay on as a strategic advisor to Robinhood.

Initially, Robinhood will continue to serve Buena Capital’s brokerage customers with Indonesian financial products. But over time, it hopes to provide customers in the country with its brokerage and crypto trading products, and eventually connect Indonesian customers to US equities, cryptocurrencies, and more at scale.

Both acquisitions are still subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, the Indonesian Financial Services Authority, and other regulatory bodies. The acquisitions are expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026.