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Webull
Webull
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Webull Corporation, often stylized as simply Webull, is a US-based financial services holding company headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida.[7] It provides an electronic trading platform of the same name.

Key Information

The platform is accessible via its mobile app and through desktop and offers commission-free and low-cost trading of stocks, exchange traded funds (ETFs), options, margins, fixed income, cryptocurrency and futures.

Webull was founded in 2016 by Wang Anquan and began operations under Hunan Fumi Information Technology, a Chinese holding company.[8][9][10] Wang hired Anthony Denier as CEO of the U.S. Webull brokerage that same year. Hunan Fumi Information Technology received backing from Xiaomi, Shunwei Capital, and other private equity investors in China.[11]

History

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Foundation and early history (2016-2019)

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Webull was founded in 2016 under Hunan Fumi Information Technology, a chinese holding company, by Wang Anquan, a former employee of Chinese technology companies Alibaba Group and Xiaomi.[9] On May 24, 2017, Webull Financial LLC was established as a Delaware limited liability company.[12][6][13] Wang hired Anthony Denier as CEO of the U.S. brokerage that year and the two mapped out their strategy on napkins at a Mexican restaurant in New York City.[10]

In January 2018, Webull became a licensed securities company in the U.S, licensed with the SEC and FINRA.[14] In September 2019, Webull Corporation was established in the Cayman Islands to serve as the parent company of Hunan Fumi Information Technology, the Webull platform, and all Webull subsidiaries.[15]

2020s (2020-present)

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In May 2020, the company received SEC approval to launch a robo-advisor on its platform.[16] By August 2020, the platform had over 11 million registered users, and in October 2020, it had 750,000 daily active users.[17][18] In November 2020, Webull began supporting cryptocurrency transactions.[19] In December 2020, Webull launched in Hong Kong.[20]

On January 27, 2021, primarily due to events related to the GameStop short squeeze, Webull recorded its highest-ever number of active daily users, at 952,000, and the Webull app was downloaded across the Apple App and Google Play stores an estimated 100,000 times.[11] That week, approximately 1.2 million people downloaded the Webull mobile app, which the company reported as a 1,548% week-over-week increase.[21] On January 28, 2021, Webull was directed by its clearing house to temporarily halt buy orders for stocks affected by the GameStop short squeeze.[22][23][11]

In June 2021, Webull began talks of an initial public offering to raise up to $400 million.[24][25] On February 28, 2024, Webull announced that it had signed an agreement to publicly list on the Nasdaq through a special-purpose acquisition company deal with SK Growth Opportunities Corporation (NASDAQ: SKGR).[26][9]

In 2022, Webull Corporation restructured to move Hunan Fumi Information Technology outside of the Webull group.[15] That same year, Webull launched in Singapore,[27] Australia[28] and South Africa.[29]

In June 2023, Webull moved cryptocurrency trading to a separate app called Webull Pay.[30] By the end of 2023, Webull had 4.3 million funded accounts, with $8.2 billion USD worth of customer assets.[9] That year, Webull expanded offerings to Japan,[31] the United Kingdom[32] and Indonesia.[29]

In January 2024, Anthony Denier was promoted to group president of Webull Corporation.[33] In November 2024, Webull launched overnight, or extended-hours, trading, expanding the trading window of U.S. stocks for its users both inside and outside of the United States.[34] By the end of 2024, Webull had launched in Canada,[35] Brazil,[36] Thailand,[37] Malaysia[38] and Mexico.[39]

On April 11, 2025, Webull completed its merger with SK Growth Opportunities Corporation and began publicly trading (NASDAQ: BULL).[40]

Partnerships and sponsorships

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In September 2021, BSE Global, the parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, entered into a global multi-year agreement with Webull and the company became the official jersey patch partner for both teams.[41][42] Terms of the agreement for the jersey patch weren't announced, but people familiar with the agreement told CNBC that it is a multi-year pact that pays the Nets roughly $30 million per year.[43]

In April 2025, Webull announced a 2025 season partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[40] The partnership includes community initiatives such as hurricane relief fundraisers, financial literacy events with local schools and volunteering.[44]

Controversies

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Webull has received controversy owing to its ties to Chinese companies, with Anthony Denier, Webull's U.S. CEO, describing Webull as "both a U.S. and Chinese company" in 2019.[45] Webull has additionally received criticism from U.S. lawmakers and states attorneys general over those ties. In 2024, a coalition of state attorneys general launched a probe into Webull over user privacy issues and concerns about the company's links to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) interests.[45][46]

2023 FINRA fine

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In 2023, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) fined Webull $3 million over the company's response to customer's complaints as well as its failure to conduct due diligence when allowing users to trade options.[47]

Lawmaker scrutiny

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The Wall Street Journal reported that a number of U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, have expressed concerns about Webull in congressional hearings and letters to regulators.[45] In 2022, Tuberville led a bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators in introducing legislation to prevent Webull and other Chinese-owned companies from owning crypto exchange platforms.[48] In December 2024, the United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party raised concerns over Webull's ownership structure and operation ties to China.[46]

2024 U.S. state attorneys general probe

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In 2024, attorneys general from 14 U.S. states launched a probe into Webull centered on data privacy concerns and its potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party.[49] In April 2024, the Indiana Attorney General initiated a multi-state inquiry into how Webull handles U.S. customer data, given the company's historical ownership and activity within China. In response, Denier stated that Webull operates each brokerage locally, with customer information in the US strictly stored there, explaining that "there is no one outside the US that has access to any US customer information."[9] In June 2024, the state of Tennessee banned Webull on all government-issued devices.[45]

Userbase

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The company has stated it has approximately 20 million users worldwide as of February 2024.[49] Anthony Denier, the company's CEO, claimed that Webull's userbase attracted more advanced and experienced investors than competing platforms, such as Robinhood.[50] As of March 2025, Webull Corporation operated in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Indonesia, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Webull Corporation is a digital investment platform and online brokerage firm founded in 2017 by Wang Anquan, a former Alibaba executive, with its U.S. operations headquartered at 44 in . Originating from the Chinese technology company Fumi Information , Webull launched brokerage services in the United States in May 2018 through its licensed subsidiary Webull Financial LLC, offering commission-free trading of stocks, exchange-traded funds, options, and cryptocurrencies via a mobile-first application designed to democratize access to advanced trading tools and . The platform has expanded globally to regions including , , and , achieving significant growth with customer assets reaching approximately $15.9 billion and millions of funded accounts by mid-2025, alongside high user retention rates exceeding 98% in late 2023. However, Webull has faced regulatory scrutiny, including multimillion-dollar fines from the for inadequate supervision of options trading approvals and automated systems, as well as a multistate investigation into its data privacy practices and ties to the , amid concerns over potential exposure of U.S. client information.

History

Founding and Early Operations (2016-2019)

Webull was founded in 2016 by Wang Anquan, a former manager at Alibaba and , in , , initially operating under the Chinese holding company Fumi Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The platform began as a free mobile application aggregating real-time market data from global exchanges, targeting retail investors with tools for analysis rather than direct trading.. This data-focused model emphasized advanced charting, technical indicators, and community features to democratize access to financial information without commissions.. In 2017, Webull expanded internationally by establishing Webull Financial LLC, a U.S.-based registered with the (FINRA) on May 24, serving as the entity for American operations.. The company secured initial funding from investors including Xiaomi's Shunwei Capital and , enabling platform enhancements like paper trading simulations and integrations for algorithmic strategies.. By late 2018, Webull officially launched its full trading platform in the United States, offering commission-free trades in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and options, positioning itself as a mobile-first alternative to established brokers.. During 2019, early operations emphasized user acquisition through promotional incentives, such as access from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and margin accounts with competitive rates.. The platform introduced features like Level 2 quotes and customizable watchlists, attracting tech-savvy retail traders amid rising interest in self-directed investing.. By year-end, Webull reported serving hundreds of thousands of U.S. users, with a focus on compliance under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight while maintaining its Chinese parent structure for technology development.. This period laid the groundwork for zero-commission models, mirroring industry shifts but differentiated by real-time data feeds sourced from global partnerships..

Expansion Amid Retail Trading Boom (2020-2022)

The retail trading surge of 2020-2022, fueled by COVID-19 lockdowns, government stimulus payments, and widespread adoption of commission-free platforms, propelled Webull's user acquisition and operational scaling. Launched in the U.S. in 2018, Webull capitalized on its mobile-first interface, advanced charting tools, and zero-commission model to attract novice and active traders seeking alternatives to established brokers like Robinhood. Daily active users reached 750,000 by early 2021, reflecting heightened engagement amid market volatility and meme stock phenomena. In March 2020, Webull introduced options trading on its platform, enabling users to access strategies beyond basic stock trades and aligning with rising interest in during the period's equity rally. This followed the broader industry shift post-2019 regulatory changes allowing fee-free models. By November 2020, the platform expanded to transactions, further diversifying offerings as digital assets gained retail traction. These enhancements contributed to rapid account openings, with the app's downloads spiking alongside competitors during the January 2021 , when trading volumes for volatile stocks like GME and AMC exploded. Webull's growth intersected with controversies over trading restrictions imposed in January 2021, when the firm halted buy orders for certain stocks including to manage risk amid extreme volatility and margin requirements from clearinghouses. CEO Anthony Denier attributed the measures to operational necessities rather than external pressures, distinguishing Webull's response from peers facing lawsuits. The episode underscored the platform's exposure to retail-driven frenzies but did not derail expansion, as registered users continued to climb toward 16.2 million by December 31, 2022. Financially, the period marked Webull's unicorn status, with a $150 million Series C funding round in February 2021 valuing the company at $1 billion. Investors, including , backed the firm's technology-driven approach amid surging trading activity. This capital supported infrastructure upgrades and feature rollouts, positioning Webull to capture a share of the expanded retail market, where individual investors' participation rose from 15% of U.S. equity volume pre-2020 to over 25% by 2021. By late 2022, funded accounts and reflected sustained momentum from the boom, though profitability remained challenged by competitive pricing and regulatory scrutiny.

Maturation and Global Push (2023-Present)

In 2023, Webull advanced its international presence by securing regulatory approvals and launching operations in and , marking initial forays into additional Asian markets beyond its established bases in and . This expansion built on prior growth, enabling the platform to serve a broader user base amid rising global demand for commission-free trading tools. By mid-2024, Webull further extended into with a launch in on February 6 and via on May 10 and on May 20, leveraging local partnerships to accelerate and compliance. The platform's maturation reflected in sustained financial performance, with total revenues reaching $131.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, a 46% year-over-year increase driven by heightened user engagement and trading volumes across supported . This period also saw Webull achieve its third consecutive profitable quarter, alongside margin expansion of 13.4 percentage points, underscoring operational efficiencies and as the firm diversified streams. Product enhancements, including the relaunch of 24/7 trading in select regions, complemented these gains by attracting active traders and aligning with broader trends. By late 2025, Webull's global push intensified with entries into on August 27 for cryptocurrency services, challenging local competitors on fees, and the via the on September 8, offering access to U.S. and European equities, fractional shares, and ETFs. Operating through licensed brokerages in 14 markets spanning , , , and beyond, the company outlined a 2025 roadmap emphasizing user acquisition, diversified investment products, and enhanced platform utilization to sustain momentum. These developments positioned Webull as a maturing contender in the competitive online brokerage landscape, with ongoing plans for , additional Latin American locales, and further European rollout.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

Chinese Parent Company and Governance

Webull Corporation, incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company, is ultimately owned and controlled through Hunan Fumi Information Technology Co., Ltd., a holding company based in the People's Republic of China (PRC). This structure traces back to Webull's founding by PRC nationals, including Anquan Wang, who established the platform's core technology and operations with significant development in China. Hunan Fumi, as the parent entity, oversees strategic direction, with Webull's Cayman holding company serving as an intermediate layer for international operations following its public listing via SPAC merger on April 11, 2025. Anquan Wang, a PRC citizen and Webull's founder, holds of approximately 18.0% of the outstanding ordinary shares as of December 31, 2024, and controls all Class B ordinary shares, which carry 20 votes per share compared to one vote per . This dual-class structure grants Wang approximately 81.4% of total voting power post-merger, enabling him to dominate decisions despite minority economic . Wang also serves as Chairman and a director, reinforcing PRC-linked influence over board matters. The board comprises six members, with five U.S. citizens (Anthony Denier, H.C. , others) and Wang as the sole PRC national, based primarily in the U.S. adheres to law, exempting Webull from certain requirements, such as a majority-independent board, which prioritizes founder control over dispersed shareholder input. A PRC , Weibu Information Technology Co., Ltd., employs 731 staff—61% of Webull's total workforce as of December 31, 2024—handling key technology and support functions. U.S. congressional inquiries, including a , 2024, letter from the House Select Committee on the to Webull's CEO, have highlighted risks from this ownership, citing potential PRC influence over data access and operations due to Chinese legal obligations on companies like Fumi. These concerns stem from PRC laws requiring cooperation with intelligence efforts, though Webull maintains U.S.-based data storage and compliance with SEC and FINRA rules. No enforcement actions have resulted as of October 2025, but the structure underscores tensions between founder-led control and U.S. regulatory scrutiny of foreign ties.

Implications for Operations and Security

Webull's parent company, Fumi Technology, is incorporated in the but maintains operational headquarters in , with key executives and entities linked to the (PRC), raising operational challenges related to compliance with divergent regulatory regimes and potential conflicts of interest. This structure subjects Webull to PRC laws, including the 2017 National Intelligence Law, which mandates that Chinese entities and individuals support, assist, and cooperate in national intelligence work, potentially extending to foreign subsidiaries under ultimate PRC control. Such obligations could compel data sharing with PRC authorities, complicating Webull's adherence to U.S. privacy standards like those under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and heightening risks of operational disruptions from geopolitical tensions. Security implications are particularly acute given Webull's collection of sensitive U.S. customer data, including Social Security numbers, trading histories, and financial portfolios, which could provide PRC entities with insights into American economic behavior and personal identifiers for espionage. Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers, including Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, detailed these risks in a November 25, 2024, letter to Webull's CEO, questioning the platform's independence from PRC influence and demanding transparency on data safeguards. Similarly, a April 16, 2024, multistate inquiry led by 14 attorneys general, including Indiana's Todd Rokita, probed Webull's ability to shield investor data from CCP access, citing the platform's Chinese ownership as a vector for unauthorized disclosures. Operationally, these concerns have manifested in heightened regulatory scrutiny and market repercussions, such as Webull's shares declining amid delisting fears tied to connections following its April 2024 SPAC merger and public listing on under ticker BULL. The company has responded by asserting that all U.S. customer data resides on domestic servers inaccessible from abroad and by engaging firms like Mercury Public Affairs to navigate U.S. risks. Nonetheless, ongoing probes and calls for reviews, such as Senator Tom Cotton's 2021 urging of a CFIUS assessment, underscore persistent vulnerabilities that could lead to operational constraints, including expansion limitations or mandated divestitures, amid broader U.S. efforts to curb PRC influence in critical financial infrastructure.

Products and Services

Platform Features and Technology

Webull operates across mobile, desktop, and web platforms, delivering integrated access to trading tools with streaming and customizable interfaces for consistent . The desktop application supports unlimited layouts, resizable widgets, and preset templates, while the and WebTrade enable on-the-go execution with synchronized watchlists. Advanced charting forms the core of the platform's analytical capabilities, featuring over 60 technical indicators, more than 20 drawing tools such as trendlines and retracements, and eight line styles including and Heikin Ashi patterns. Charts support multi-timeframe overlays, resizable multi-display grids for comparing multiple assets or indices, and integration with Trading Central for automated alerts and technical signals. As of 2026, real-time Nasdaq TotalView Level 2 quotes provide deep order book visibility including the best 50 bids and offers and order flow analysis for advanced market insight, often available via subscription or promotional access, alongside National Best Bid and Offer (NBBO) data and full depth for granular market visibility, with customizable tick charts and the Time Price Opportunity (TPO) indicator enabling detailed profile analysis. Trading execution emphasizes efficiency for active users, with order types encompassing market, limit, stop-limit, trailing stop, and conditional variants like , one-triggers-other (OTO), one-cancels-other (OCO), and one-triggers-one-cancels-other (OTOCO). Hotkeys, price ladders, and widget-based placement streamline operations, supported by from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and prompt algorithmic routing for multi-leg options and futures via tools like TurboTrader. Real-time alerts for price, volume, , and 63 technical signals further enhance responsiveness. Paper trading, accessible via user-friendly mobile and desktop apps, provides unlimited virtual cash, real-time data, straightforward portfolio tracking, a clean interface, extended-hours trading simulation, and news/alerts integration, replicating live conditions with historical data to enable risk-free strategy validation without account funding. Unique technological integrations include voice quotes for audio market updates and access for automated trading—including OpenAPI developer tools for programmatic order execution and strategy building, a January 2026 partnership with Level2 integrating no-code tools directly into the platform for drag-and-drop strategy creation, backtesting, and automated execution without coding, robo-advisory via Smart Advisor, and third-party bot integrations such as StockHero—underscoring the platform's focus on low-latency, data-driven decision-making. Reviews praise these automated features for advanced tools and low costs but note reliance on APIs and partners rather than fully native in-app bots, with ratings around 3.5-5 stars for active traders. Further distinctive features include the AI tool Vega, which provides real-time insights on stocks, options, and portfolios, encompassing pattern analysis, volatility trends, and personalized optimization. Advanced stock screeners enable custom filtering of assets such as stocks, ETFs, and options. An in-app community facilitates user interaction for sharing trading ideas, posting strategies, and discovering market trends. These elements leverage proprietary systems for seamless cross-device synchronization and rapid , prioritizing precision over basic retail interfaces.

Supported Asset Classes and Trading Options

Webull supports trading in several major , primarily focused on U.S. markets, including equities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options contracts, futures, cryptocurrencies, and products such as bonds. Equities trading encompasses U.S. exchange-listed on NYSE and , select over-the-counter (OTC) securities, initial public offerings (IPOs), and fractional shares of eligible , enabling investors to purchase portions of high-priced shares starting at $5 minimum. These trades occur with zero commissions for self-directed cash or margin accounts, alongside from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on weekdays. Options trading on Webull includes commission-free contracts for underlying and ETFs, with a $0.50 per contract fee for index options; approval levels range from covered calls (Level 1) to advanced strategies like iron condors and uncovered writing (Level 4), subject to account type and . In Roth IRA accounts, which are cash accounts, options trading is limited to Levels 1 and 2 (subject to approval), permitting strategies such as covered calls, buy-writes, cash-secured puts, long calls, long puts, collars, and protective puts; margin-required strategies, including spreads, naked options, or short selling, are not permitted. ETFs are available for commission-free trading, covering diversified exposure to sectors, indices, commodities, and international markets through U.S.-listed funds. Futures contracts provide access to dozens of products, including equity indices (e.g., E-mini S&P 500), commodities (e.g., crude oil, ), and cryptocurrency-related futures, with extended trading hours up to 23 hours per day for select contracts and leverage options via margin accounts. Cryptocurrency trading allows spot purchases and sales of major digital assets like and through Webull's integrated platform, with real-time charts and , though availability is limited to eligible U.S. users and excludes certain states due to regulatory restrictions. Fixed income trading includes bonds, enabling portfolio diversification with government, corporate, and municipal securities, often integrated with margin capabilities for enhanced strategies. Order types across these assets support market, limit, stop, trailing stop, and conditional orders, with margin accounts offering up to 4:1 intraday leverage for qualifying positions. Pattern day trader (PDT) rules apply per FINRA regulations: margin accounts under $25,000 equity executing four or more day trades in a rolling five-business-day period are flagged as PDT and restricted from additional day trades until equity reaches $25,000 or the flag is reset. Webull provides a one-time courtesy PDT flag reset per account; requests are submitted via the app (Menu > Help > Contact Us > Live Chat or ticket), with support reviewing and potentially approving removal of the flag, allowing continued day trading below $25,000, though further violations may result in permanent restrictions without another reset. Alternatives to avoid PDT restrictions include maintaining $25,000 or more equity in a margin account or switching to a cash account, which has no PDT rule but limits trading to settled funds without margin. Webull does not currently offer direct forex spot trading or mutual funds, focusing instead on exchange-traded and instruments for active investors.

Regulatory Environment

Licensing and Compliance Framework

Webull Financial LLC, the primary U.S. operating entity, functions as a registered broker-dealer under the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), holding registration number 8-69978 since its establishment. This registration mandates compliance with federal securities laws, including requirements for investor protection, transparent disclosures, and prohibitions on manipulative practices. As a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) with Central Registration Depository (CRD) number 289063, Webull adheres to self-regulatory standards governing broker-dealer conduct, such as suitability assessments for trading approvals, record-keeping, and net capital requirements. Customer assets receive protection through membership in the (SIPC), which safeguards up to $500,000 per client ($250,000 for cash claims) against brokerage insolvency, excluding market losses or unauthorized trades. Webull supplements this with excess coverage via third-party insurers, extending limits beyond standard SIPC thresholds for eligible securities and cash held in custody. The firm also maintains affiliations with exchanges like the (NYSE) and , ensuring adherence to venue-specific listing and trading rules. Internationally, Webull's subsidiaries operate under jurisdiction-specific licenses to facilitate cross-border access while complying with local mandates. In the , Webull Securities (UK) Ltd is authorized and regulated by the (FCA) under firm reference number (FRN) 961286, subjecting it to rules on client money segregation, best execution, and conduct of business. In , Webull Securities Pty Ltd holds an (AFSL) 536980 from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), enforcing standards for financial product advice and disclosure. Additional entities, such as Webull Securities (Pty) Ltd licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA, FSP 50863) and operations in under a Capital Markets Services Licence from the (MAS), similarly prioritize localized compliance frameworks including anti-money laundering protocols and investor eligibility verification. This multi-jurisdictional structure requires Webull to navigate varying capital adequacy, reporting, and cross-border data transfer regulations, with U.S. operations remaining the core focus for retail securities trading.

Enforcement Actions and Fines

In March 2023, the (FINRA) fined Webull Financial LLC $3 million and censured the firm for systemic failures in and . Specifically, from December 2019 to July 2021, Webull approved thousands of for options trading without adequate review of their experience, financial situation, or objectives, including over 2,500 individuals under age 21 for options spreads despite internal policies restricting such approvals; this violated FINRA Rules 2360, 3110, and 2010. Additionally, the firm inadequately supervised from May 2018 to December 2021, underreporting over 500,000 communications that met complaint criteria and failing to maintain required logs, further breaching Rules 3110, 4530, and 2010. Webull was required to certify remediation of its supervisory systems within 180 days. In November 2023, the Securities Division imposed a $500,000 administrative fine on Webull via a consent order for deficient supervisory controls over its brokerage operations. The investigation revealed that a single outside compliance consultant handled oversight for hundreds of thousands of accounts, with excessive reliance on third-party counsel rather than internal resources, leading to inadequate monitoring of trading activities and from at least 2020 onward; this contravened securities regulations requiring reasonable supervisory systems. Webull agreed to cease violations, enhance its compliance department, and submit ongoing reports to . On November 22, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Webull with filing deficient suspicious activity reports (SARs) lacking critical details over a four-year period beginning in 2018, violating Section 17(a) of the and Rule 17a-8. The firm settled by paying a $125,000 , agreeing to a and cease-and-desist order, and committing to an independent review of its anti-money laundering program. In May 2025, FINRA fined Webull $1.6 million for lapses in supervising and communications, including failure to preserve records of promotional content, ensure required disclosures, and prevent exaggerated claims about trading capabilities from 2021 to 2023; these actions violated FINRA Rules 3110, 2210, and 2010. The settlement highlighted inadequate controls over third-party endorsements, which reached millions of potential customers without proper firm oversight.

Controversies and Scrutiny

Trading Restrictions During Market Volatility

In January 2021, during the extreme market volatility triggered by retail investor-driven surges in "meme stocks" such as (GME), Webull temporarily restricted users from purchasing shares of certain highly volatile securities, including GME, AMC Entertainment (AMC), and others. These measures, implemented on January 28, 2021, prohibited new buy orders while allowing sells and other trading activities to continue, mirroring actions taken by competitors like Robinhood. Webull's CEO, Anthony Denier, attributed the restrictions to surging transaction costs and heightened risk requirements imposed by clearing firms and the (DTCC), which manage trade settlements; during peak volatility, these entities demanded additional collateral to cover potential defaults, straining broker liquidity without the ability to use customer funds as a buffer. The decision sparked immediate backlash from retail traders on platforms like Reddit's WallStreetBets, who accused Webull and other brokerages of colluding with institutional investors to suppress upward price movements and protect short sellers facing massive losses. Denier publicly rejected conspiracy claims, emphasizing that the restrictions were a prudential response to operational risks rather than external pressure, and called for SEC intervention to stabilize such frenzies without halting retail access entirely. A subsequent SEC staff on the confirmed that volatility-induced settlement risks prompted multiple firms, including Webull, to impose temporary limits, highlighting systemic fragilities in options and equity clearing rather than broker malfeasance. Webull lifted the buy restrictions on most affected stocks by January 29, 2021, after securing additional financing and as market conditions eased, but the incident fueled broader congressional scrutiny, including inquiries from Senator Elizabeth Warren's office into why firms like Webull tightened trading rules amid the squeeze. No formal enforcement actions directly resulted from these specific restrictions for Webull, though the event underscored vulnerabilities in retail brokerages' reliance on third-party clearing, prompting calls for regulatory reforms to prevent future disruptions without curtailing legitimate trading. Denier later clarified in interviews that such measures were not discretionary but driven by enforceable deposit demands exceeding available capital, illustrating the causal link between extreme order imbalances and broker-imposed safeguards.

Data Privacy and National Security Probes

In September 2021, U.S. Senator urged the to investigate Webull's risks, citing its ownership by Chinese entities and potential for access by the Chinese , which could expose U.S. investors' financial information to foreign intelligence operations. Webull, founded in 2017 with significant backing from Hunan Fumi Information Technology—a firm linked to Chinese state-influenced structures—prompted these concerns amid broader U.S. scrutiny of apps handling sensitive financial . Webull voluntarily submitted its ownership structure for review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in early 2021, following heightened regulatory attention to Chinese-linked firms during the trading frenzy, though no public divestiture or mitigation orders were disclosed as outcomes. This self-initiated scrutiny reflected proactive efforts to address risks but did not alleviate ongoing bipartisan worries about data flows to , where national laws compel companies to share information with authorities upon request. In April 2024, attorneys general from 14 U.S. states, led by Indiana's , launched a multistate investigation into Webull's ties to , demanding details on data storage practices, user information handling, and safeguards against unauthorized access by PRC-linked entities. The probe focused on whether Webull's operations, including servers and personnel in , exposed American users' trading data—such as account balances, transaction histories, and personal identifiers—to risks of or coercion under Chinese intelligence laws. By December 2024, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and ranking member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), sent a letter to Webull's CEO highlighting the firm's "deep ties" to PRC entities, including shared leadership and investments from bodies affiliated with the CCP, and questioning the platform's independence in protecting U.S. investor data from potential state-directed extraction. The committee cited specific connections, such as Webull's parent company's board overlaps with Chinese military-linked funds, as raising "serious concerns" about data security and compliance with U.S. national interests, demanding responses on risk mitigations by year's end. These inquiries underscored systemic vulnerabilities in Chinese-owned platforms operating in U.S. markets, without evidence of resolved breaches but persistent fears of unmitigated foreign influence. No formal CFIUS mitigation or enforcement actions have been publicly confirmed as of October 2025, though Webull's post-IPO stock volatility in April 2025 partly stemmed from delisting fears tied to these unresolved connections. Critics, including congressional hawks, argue that self-reported safeguards by Webull—such as claims—remain unverifiable given PRC legal overrides, prioritizing empirical audits over corporate assurances.

Partnerships and Growth Initiatives

Strategic Business Alliances

Webull has formed several strategic alliances to enhance its platform capabilities, expand , and integrate advanced financial services. In May 2025, Webull announced a with Visa to implement Visa Direct on its U.S. platform, enabling real-time money transfers and a "Deposit" feature that allows users to fund accounts instantly for quicker . This aims to streamline processes, reducing settlement times from days to seconds and supporting Webull's goal of providing efficient trading experiences. To broaden fixed-income offerings, Webull partnered with Apex Fintech Solutions and Moment in July 2024, introducing trading of fixed-income securities including fractional bonds starting at $100, an asset class previously dominated by institutional investors. The alliance leverages Apex's custody and clearing alongside Moment's automation for bond trading, facilitating over 500,000 orders with 99.99% automation and expanding Webull's appeal to retail investors seeking diversified portfolios. In pursuit of European expansion, Webull Securities (Europe) allied with Upvest in September 2025 to integrate European stocks and ETFs, launching fractional trading from €1 initially in the Netherlands with plans for broader rollout. This partnership utilizes Upvest's Investment API for rapid deployment, enhancing user autonomy and aligning with regulatory frameworks like MiCA to support Webull's international growth. Webull has also ventured into prediction markets through a 2025 partnership with Kalshi, the first CFTC-regulated exchange for such products, allowing U.S. users to event-based contracts on economic indicators, , and elections via Webull's platform. This integration diversifies trading options beyond traditional securities, positioning Webull to capture interest in alternative assets amid rising retail demand for hedging tools. For international banking services, Webull collaborated with Synctera in September 2024 to launch a Global Account for Brazilian users, providing U.S. bank accounts, USD/BRL spending, and rewards programs to facilitate cross-border transactions and reduce costs for its 20 million global users. Synctera's compliance tools and sponsor bank connections enable seamless money movement, supporting Webull's entry into emerging markets like . Additionally, a January 2024 alliance with integrates curated Journal content into Webull's news feed, offering subscriptions to new users to promote and informed decision-making among retail investors, particularly younger demographics. These partnerships collectively bolster Webull's technological edge, product diversity, and global footprint while prioritizing user-centric innovations.

Sponsorships and Marketing Efforts

Webull has pursued sports sponsorships to bolster among retail investors. In June 2024, the company announced partnerships with the of the NBA and the of the WNBA, focusing on programs in New York communities. These collaborations included educational events and resources aimed at empowering women and underserved groups through investment education. In April 2025, Webull expanded its sports engagements with a multiyear brand partnership involving Major League Baseball's and the United Soccer League's , covering the 2025 season and beyond. The deal featured in-stadium branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement activities to highlight Webull's commission-free trading platform. Marketing efforts emphasize digital and to attract younger demographics. Webull has run out-of-home () campaigns via PJX Media, placing ads in transit hubs, billboards, and college campuses, which generated 943 million impressions and 472 scans for app downloads. On , its ads achieved a 122% lower cost-per-install and higher click-through rates compared to other platforms, supporting user acquisition for its mobile-first brokerage. The company also maintains an affiliate and referral program, offering commissions for successful sign-ups and deposits, tracked through dedicated dashboards for partners like content creators. Television commercials, as cataloged by iSpot.tv, further promote Webull's zero-commission trades and features to broad audiences. These initiatives align with Webull's growth strategy post-IPO, prioritizing cost-effective channels over traditional .

User Base and Financial Performance

Webull's user base has exhibited robust growth since its , with registered users expanding from 16.2 million at the end of 2022 to 23.3 million by the end of 2024, reflecting sustained adoption amid competitive retail brokerage dynamics. By the first quarter of 2025, registered users reached 24.1 million, marking a 17% year-over-year increase, while funded accounts—indicating active depositors—grew to 4.7 million, up 10% from the prior year. This momentum continued into the second quarter of 2025, with registered users climbing to 24.9 million (18% year-over-year growth) and funded accounts rising to 4.73 million (9% increase), alongside customer assets hitting a record $15.9 billion, a 64% surge. Adoption trends underscore high user retention, consistently exceeding 97% quarterly, which signals strong platform stickiness among active traders. The platform's appeal to younger demographics, particularly , has driven this expansion, as evidenced by management emphasis on targeted growth in this cohort amid broader retail investing shifts. Globally oriented with over 24 million users across markets, Webull's adoption has been bolstered by features like 24/7 trading access and crypto relaunch in 2025, contributing to quarterly user additions of approximately 800,000 in Q2. Funded account growth, while moderating slightly from peak retail trading booms, indicates deepening engagement, with options trading volumes supporting sustained activity.
MetricQ1 2025Q2 2025YoY Growth (Q2)
Registered Users (millions)24.124.918%
Funded Accounts (millions)4.74.739%
Customer Assets ($ billions)N/A15.964%
Retention Rate>97%>97%N/A

Revenue Growth and Profitability Metrics

Webull Corporation's annual revenue remained relatively stagnant in recent years, with fiscal 2024 revenue at $390.23 million, a 0.16% increase from $389.60 million in 2023, which itself saw a 0.33% rise from 2022. This flat growth reflects broader challenges in the brokerage sector, including competitive commission-free trading and reliance on payment for order flow (PFOF) revenues, which comprised a significant portion amid varying market volumes. However, trailing twelve-month revenue through December 31, 2024, expanded to $457.10 million, indicating a 26.51% year-over-year improvement driven by heightened trading activity. Quarterly performance in 2025 demonstrated accelerated expansion, with first-quarter revenues reaching $117 million, up 32% from the prior year, and second-quarter revenues climbing to $131.5 million, a 46% increase year-over-year, primarily from a 63% surge in trading-related income amid elevated user engagement. Trading-related revenues, including PFOF and on balances, accounted for the bulk of this growth, underscoring Webull's dependence on volatile market conditions for top-line momentum. On profitability, Webull has shown nascent improvement at the quarterly level but continues to face annual losses. The company reported adjusted of $15.4 million in Q2 2025, reversing a $1.5 million loss from Q2 2024 and marking its third consecutive profitable quarter, supported by revenue gains outpacing a 20% rise in operating expenses. In contrast, fiscal 2024 ended with a net loss of $23 million, worsening from a $6 million profit in 2023, attributable to elevated operating costs exceeding $325 million annually, including investments and . Gross margins improved in recent periods, but persistent high expenses relative to revenue highlight ongoing path to sustainable profitability.
PeriodRevenue ($M)YoY Growth (%)Net Income/Loss ($M)
FY 2023389.600.336
FY 2024390.230.16-23
Q1 202511732Not specified
Q2 2025131.54615.4 (adjusted)

Market Impact and Reception

Innovations in Retail Investing

Webull advanced retail investing by democratizing access to institutional-grade tools, offering free advanced charting with over 60 technical indicators, real-time Level 2 , and customizable multi-timeframe typically reserved for traders. This enabled individual investors to perform complex technical and without premium fees, contrasting with earlier platforms that charged for such capabilities. The platform's desktop and mobile applications integrated seamless transitions between charting, order execution, and hotkey-driven trading, enhancing efficiency for active retail users. In options and derivatives trading, Webull eliminated per-contract commissions and supported multi-leg strategies, reducing costs for retail traders engaging in advanced positions like iron condors or spreads. Extended-hours and overnight trading sessions, available for select assets, allowed responses to after-hours news, a feature that broadened market participation beyond standard 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET windows. Fractional share trading further lowered entry barriers, permitting investments in high-priced with minimal capital, such as portions of shares starting at $5. By March 10, 2025, Webull introduced Webull Premium, a subscription tier providing boosted cash sweep yields up to 5.0% APY and reduced margin rates as low as 5.49%, incentivizing higher engagement among retail investors while maintaining core commission-free access. Partnerships expanded product diversity, including a February 12, 2025, integration with Kalshi for event contracts on outcomes like elections or economic data, introducing prediction market trading to retail platforms. Additionally, on June 26, 2025, Webull facilitated retail access to private company shares, such as tokenized SpaceX equity via Republic, with minimum investments from $50, bridging gaps between public markets and venture opportunities previously limited to accredited investors. These developments collectively lowered financial and knowledge thresholds, fostering broader retail participation amid rising interest in self-directed trading.

Criticisms and Competitive Positioning

Webull has faced regulatory scrutiny for compliance shortcomings. In November 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) fined Webull Financial LLC $125,000 for failing to file complete suspicious activity reports (SARs) between 2018 and 2022, alongside two other broker-dealers charged with similar deficiencies in anti-money laundering programs. Earlier, in 2023, the imposed a $3 million penalty on Webull for inadequate supervisory systems over options trading approvals and customer communications. More recently, in May 2025, FINRA levied a $1.6 million fine for Webull's lapses in monitoring influencers, which led to unbalanced and exaggerated promotional statements violating advertising rules. Additionally, in April 2024, fourteen U.S. states initiated a probe into Webull's ties to , examining data handling and ownership structures amid concerns. Customer reviews highlight operational drawbacks, including delays in fund transfers and withdrawals, as well as inconsistent responsiveness. Some users report difficulties resolving account issues or execution errors, with complaints centered on platform reliability during high volatility, though Webull maintains these stem from standard industry disclaimers limiting liability for system failures. In 2025, Webull Corporation's stock declined amid announcements of internal and heightened regulatory pressures, reflecting broader challenges in maintaining . In competitive positioning, Webull differentiates itself through advanced trading tools tailored to active and day traders, offering superior charting, technical analysis, and paper trading features compared to beginner-focused platforms like Robinhood. It provides commission-free trades on stocks, options, and ETFs, with extended-hours access, appealing to mobile-first users seeking low costs without sacrificing depth—earning high marks for execution speed and customization in reviews from platforms like NerdWallet. However, Webull lags behind full-service brokers such as Fidelity or E*TRADE in product breadth, lacking robust mutual fund selections, bond trading, and comprehensive retirement planning tools, which limits its appeal for long-term or diversified investors. To mitigate crypto-related risks, Webull segregated cryptocurrency trading into its Webull Pay app in 2024, prioritizing core brokerage stability over integrated digital asset exposure offered by rivals like Robinhood. Overall, Webull holds a niche for tech-oriented retail traders but faces pressure from established incumbents with superior research and advisory services.

References

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