Shoal Invest

Countries / Asia-Pacific / Australia

AU · AUD

How to invest from Australia

Where to buy, who protects you, and what it really costs a small investor in Australia to own local and global stocks.

CurrencyAUD
ExchangeASXAustralian Securities Exchange
RegulatorASIC
EU rulesNoPRIIPs doesn't apply

Tax notes for Australia are still being verified by our team. Get notified

Brokers you can use from Australia

Researched October 2026. Listed for information, not as a recommendation. Fees change often, so compare them on each broker's official pricing page.

Local brokers

CommSecBank
Commonwealth Bank’s share-trading arm.Official site ↗
nabtradeBank
NAB’s online broker; ASX and international.Official site ↗
StakeInvesting app
App for ASX and US shares.Official site ↗
PearlerInvesting app
Long-term, auto-invest focused platform.Official site ↗
CMC InvestOnline broker
Share-investing arm of CMC Markets.

International platforms

eToroAccepts AU residents
Social investing app: real shares and ETFs, copy-trading, plus CFDs and crypto.
  • Real shares & ETFsYes
  • CFDsYes
  • Regulated byCySEC (EU), FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) +2
Official site ↗Source
Trading 212Accepts AU residents
Commission-free app for real shares and ETFs, with automated investing pies. Separate CFD account.
  • Real shares & ETFsYes
  • CFDsYes
  • Regulated byFCA (UK), CySEC (EU), FSC (BG) +1
Official site ↗Source
Interactive BrokersCheck availability
Global broker with access to stock exchanges in dozens of countries from one account.
  • Real shares & ETFsYes
  • CFDsYes
  • Regulated bySEC / FINRA (US), FCA (UK), Central Bank of Ireland (EU) +5
Official site ↗Source

About CFDs: some platforms above also offer CFDs. These are leveraged products and most retail CFD accounts lose money. For long-term investing, make sure you are buying the real shares or ETF units.

Your three routes

Local brokerSimplest for ASX shares and local tax reporting. Foreign markets can cost more.
International brokerUS, European and Asian markets in one account, if it's allowed to serve residents of Australia.
Funds & ETFsThe low-effort way to diversify with a small amount, through either route.

Buying US and global stocks

Check whether your broker gives direct access to US exchanges, holds shares in your own name, and how it handles US dividend withholding tax for residents of Australia.

The costs that matter

Currency conversion (AUD → USD/EUR)Often the biggest hidden cost
Trading commissionsHurts most on small monthly buys
Custody & inactivity feesCharged just for holding
Fund costs (TER)Small, but compound for decades

See how fees change the end result with the compound interest calculator.

Who protects you

The ASIC supervises investment firms in Australia. Before opening an account, find the broker in the official register, or confirm its licence lets it serve residents of Australia. No clear regulator is a red flag.

Taxes

How gains and dividends are taxed in Australia depends on your residency and account type. Confirm with the official tax authority or a qualified local adviser; rules change often.