Is Webull Safe? • Benzinga (2024)

Webull, founded in 2017, can be described as a mobile app-based brokerage that features commission-free stock and exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading. It is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

As a provider of brokerage services, Webull is safe and properly regulated in addition to providing active technical indicators, economic calendars, ratings from research agencies, margin trading and short-selling. Webull is regulated by top-tier financial authorities and provides a maximum of $500,000 investor protection, including a $250,000 limit for cash under the Securities Investor Protection Corporation's (SIPC) protection scheme, which are all great indications of its safety and investor protection.

According to its BrokerCheck report from FINRA, Webull is a member of the SEC and six self-regulatory organizations and is registered across 50 U.S states.

From a trader’s perspective, Webull’s trading platform is designed for intermediate and experienced traders, although new and inexperienced traders can also benefit from the mobile application. Webull is widely considered one of the best alternatives to apps such as Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD). Another reason why this platform is a great place for traders to start is a seamless account registration process. Furthermore, there’s no minimum deposit, and everything is fully digital and lightning-fast.

Is Webull Safe?

Before you begin using a brokerage service, you need to be sure that the platform, website or app is legitimate. As an investor, you want to know your money is safe on the platform you use. Webull meets those needs. It is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in addition to the SEC and FINRA.

Additionally, Webull uses a clearing firm, Apex Clearing, that has purchased an additional policy to protect its users. This coverage protects securities and cash up to $150 million, subject to maximum limits of $37.5 million for any one customer’s securities. However, cash is protected up to $900,000. This additional insurance is similar to that of the SIPC in that it does not protect against the loss in value of marketable securities.

Investor Protection at Webull

One of the questions you may be asking is whether Webull is a legitimate platform. The regulations it is subject to and the organizations it is a member of demonstrate its legitimacy.

FINRA: FINRA regulates broker-dealers, capital acquisition brokers and funding portals. A broker-dealer is in the business of buying and selling securities on behalf of its customers or its account. FINRA regulates broker-dealer firms including Webull.

SEC: Most broker-dealers must register with the SEC and join a self-regulatory organization (SRO). Webull is subject to SEC regulation.

SIPC: The SIPC protects against the loss of cash and securities – such as stocks and bonds – held by a customer at a financially-troubled SIPC-member brokerage firm. The limit of SIPC protection is $500,000, which includes a $250,000 limit for cash. Most customers of failed brokerage firms are protected when assets are missing from customer accounts. There is no requirement that a customer resides in or be a citizen of the U.S. A non-U.S. citizen with an account at a brokerage firm that is a member of SIPC is treated the same as a resident or citizen of the United States.

SIPC only protects the custody function of the broker-dealer, which means that SIPC works to restore to customers the securities and cash that are in their accounts when the brokerage firm liquidation begins. SIPC does not protect commodity futures contracts (unless held in a special portfolio margin account), foreign exchange trades, investment contracts (such as limited partnerships) and fixed annuity contracts that are not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933.

How Does Government Regulation Help Investors?

SEC: The SEC, a U.S. government agency, protects investors, promotes fairness in the securities markets and shares information about companies and investment professionals to help investors make informed decisions and invest with confidence.

FINRA: FINRA safeguards firm integrity and enables firms to participate in the market with confidence. It deploys expertise, market intelligence and leading technology to provide oversight for the brokerage industry. FINRA is a U.S. government-authorized, not-for-profit organization that works under the supervision of the SEC and actively engages to provide essential tools for investors, member firms and policymakers.

Webull’s Financial Position

Webull’s 2020 audited financial statement from the SEC shows that its total assets are estimated at $30,137,554 and total liabilities are $16,369,709 while total liabilities and members' equities are estimated at $30,137,554. In 2021, Webull contemplated an initial public offering in the U.S. that was set to raise $300 million to $400 million. WeBull's most recent funding round was a Series D for $150 million on Feb. 18, 2021.

The Chinese-based company signed a partnership with Benzinga in June 2019 to reach traders with the best tools, features and indicators.

About Webull

Webull provides brokerage services. The company focuses on zero-commission trading and in-depth market data research services. As a financial company with the customer at heart, the internet as its foundation and technology as its lifeblood, it is committed to synergizing technology with finance by providing reliable, professional, intelligent and efficient products and services. Its leadership has extensive experience in both the internet and financial industries, which allows an efficient combination to optimize the trading experience.

Webull appeals to the mobile-first generation of casual investors with its slick interface for desktop and mobile apps, but the brokerage also delivers an impressive array of tools for active traders. Although its relatively weak educational content may leave true beginners in the lurch and it lacks access to a few common asset classes, it stands out as a top brokerage.

Pros and Cons of Webull

Like most trading platforms, Webull has benefits and drawbacks as outlined below.

Pros:

• Low costs
• Easy-to-use platform
• Advanced tools
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons:

• No mutual funds
• Little educational support

Webull is Legit and Built for Traders

Webull is a great brokerage for traders at all levels. Its web platform offers an excellent fit with an optimal variety of order categories, decent customizability (workspace, charts) and user-friendliness. The well-designed Webull mobile platform boosts strong security with two-step authentication. It charges no commissions and no payout or funding fees for ACH transfers, though wire transfer expenses are higher than those of some of the competitors.

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