Skip to content

Wealthsimple not halting GameStop (GME) trading as Robinhood, IB comes under fire

Wealthsimple not halting GameStop (GME) trading as Robinhood, IB comes under fire

With other retail brokerage platforms led by Robinhood taking action against trading hot stocks like GameStop and Blackberry, Canada-based Wealthsimple continues trading without limitations. The cited stocks have been on a rollercoaster hitting new highs mainly fuelled by discussions in social network platform Reddit. 

During a video call with Bloomberg, Wealthsimple CEO Micahel Katchen explained that the platform has no plans to restrict trading in the securities but focuses on cooperating with regulators. He added that Wealthsimple continues trading in the stocks since it does not offer the margin option. 

The executive pointed at Wealthsimple’s ability to offer safe and reliable brokerage as the main reason for not restricting trading. Katchen added that volatility calls for capital injection among the impacted platforms.

“…and I think one of the things that are different and unique about Wealthsimple is today; we do not have margin or options on the platform, and a lot of the source exposure that these U.S. brokerages are facing and why you’ve seen just the need for capital injection. It comes down to the industry’s margin and options exposure and some of the risks that present, but none of that exists in the Wealthsimple story. We have a very different position in the market. We’re incredibly fortunate to be in a solid place,” said Katchen.  

Related video: Why Wealthsimple refuses to restrict ‘hot stocks’ trading.

Wealthsimple adds a risky label to hot stocks

Due to the volatility accompanying the stock frenzy, Wealthsimple had earlier placed the ‘risky’ label on GameStop, BlackBerry, and other stocks. The platform advised traders that they should expect high volatility. 

To protect investors from, Wealthsimple has embarked on educating traders on how to remain on the safe side amid high demand for the stocks in the last couple of days. 

Katchen notes the volatility is accelerated because many people are buying the stocks over the fear of missing out. Therefore, the platform has been sending emails educating investors on the risks involving speculation trading. 

The hot stock demand has seen Wealthsimple surge in popularity on the Google Play store. 

Robinhood denies that the company was facing a liquidity problem

Wealthsimple’s decision comes after Robinhood restricted its users from making some popular investments. A Robinhood statement notes that:

“in light of recent volatility” it is “restricting transactions for certain securities to position closing only, including $AMC, $BB, $BBBY, $EXPR, $GME, $KOSS, $NAKD and $NOK,”  

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev indicates that the restriction means that customers can still sell the highlighted securities. He denied that the company was facing a liquidity problem in the wake of the restriction. Tenev clarified that:

“As a brokerage firm, we have many financial requirements, including SEC net capital obligations and clearinghouse deposits. Some of these requirements fluctuate based on volatility in the markets and substantial in the current environment. These requirements exist to protect investors and the markets,” 

Related video: Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev speaks out on decision to restrict trading on GameStop and other stocks.

Robinhood criticized over restriction to trade

The decision by Robinhood has resulted in criticisms of the platform with claims it’s manipulating trading. Many find the move going against the company’s goal of democratizing investing for everyone. 

https://twitter.com/martinezg23_/status/1354798650862440451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1354798650862440451%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2021%2F01%2F28%2Frobinhood-interactive-brokers-restrict-trading-in-gamestop-s.html

At the same time, Interactive Brokers also restricted trading in the stock. The platform’s chairman Thomas Peterffy states that the decision was solely to protect the market.

“We are concerned about the ability of the market and the clearing systems, through the onslaught of orders, to continue to provide liquidity. And we are concerned about the financial viability of intermediaries and the clearinghouses,” Peterffy said.

Related video: GAMESTOP buying halted – Interactive Brokers Chairman market manipulation Live on TV 1-28-2021

The restriction has caught the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) attention, which plans to closely review the actions of some brokerage firms that restricted investors’ ability to trade volatile stocks.

Best Crypto Exchange for Intermediate Traders and Investors

  • Invest in 70+ cryptocurrencies and 3,000+ other assets including stocks and precious metals.

  • 0% commission on stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

  • Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.

  • eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.

30+ million Users
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs, only real Crypto assets available. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Read Next:

Weekly Finance Digest

By subscribing you agree with Finbold T&C’s & Privacy Policy

Related posts