Survey shows rising demand for options, futures, and better platforms among self-directed investors
A growing share of Canadian self-directed investors is trading more frequently and seeking more sophisticated tools, according to new survey data released by Wealthsimple.
The Toronto-based firm said it is expanding its trading capabilities to give investors greater control and flexibility, including access to futures, enhanced options trading, and a professional-grade interface. The updates were unveiled at The Trade Show, a hybrid event that drew more than 100,000 active traders and investors.
In a survey conducted with Angus Reid of 1,000 Canadian DIY investors, 38% reported trading regularly or intermittently, executing between 10 and 150 trades per quarter. Meanwhile, 21% said they had traded options within the past year, cutting across varying levels of investor experience.
The findings point to a growing appetite for more advanced strategies, even among those who have yet to adopt them. Among respondents who have not traded futures or options, 43% and 46%, respectively, said they had researched these strategies.
At the same time, many investors appear dissatisfied with the tools currently available to them. Roughly 27% of respondents said Canadian platforms fall short compared to international alternatives, with that perception rising among more active traders. Nearly half, or 45%, said banks and traditional brokerages need to step up improvements in product offerings, investor education, and support.
Active traders in particular are leaning into independent, tech-driven approaches. The survey found 60% manage their portfolios on their own using online platforms. Their research sources vary, with 58% relying on financial news, 52% using in-platform data, and 28% turning to podcasts, YouTube, or artificial intelligence tools.
Limited access is also emerging as a concern. Among active traders, 20% said they worry about missing opportunities because of constraints in the current system.
“Canadian investors have evolved and want more advanced trading tools. With forty-three per cent of traders in Canada having looked into futures, and 9% actually trading them – it’s a clear signal of demand," said Matthew Karasz, Senior Director of Product, Investing, at Wealthsimple.
Wealthsimple has announced new offerings including futures trading, currently in beta and expected to roll out broadly this summer, which will allow trading across indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with $1 all-in pricing and no fees for market data.
The firm is also expanding its options platform. While 1 in 5 DIY investors traded options in the past year, and nearly half of active traders, barriers remain. More than a third of respondents said domestic platforms lag global peers, and 58% pointed to the need for better offerings from traditional providers. Wealthsimple said it has eliminated commissions and contract fees on options trades, while adding full access to all trading levels, advanced analytics, and expanded US-listed options coverage.
A new web-based interface, Trade Plus, introduces real-time charting, technical indicators, and integrated trading for both stocks and options. The company is also launching an active trader program in May, offering perks such as priority support, access to a dedicated trade desk, early feature testing, and a 3% transfer match for high-frequency traders.
The company reported the fastest increase in assets and trading volumes among Canadian online brokerages in 2025 and noted it has saved clients more than $4 billion in fees since launching its trading platform in 2019.
