Brokerages are racing to overhaul their mobile trading systems, or MTS, as a buoyant stock market draws more investors and intensifies competition to keep users on their platforms. Analysts say rivalry in the sector is shifting from transaction fees to platform strength.
According to the financial investment industry on April 22, Next Securities is developing a next-generation MTS that combines artificial intelligence with short-form content, aiming for a launch in the second half of this year. The company plans to put short, easy-to-digest investing content front and center so users of all ages can navigate the app more intuitively.
To support the push, Next Securities has expanded its retail organization from about 100 people at its launch last year to about 160, assigning a significant share to MTS development. While many established brokerages have been cautious about major UI and UX changes that could trigger user pushback, Next Securities says it will take a “zero-base” approach to build an entirely new investing environment.
Hana Securities is preparing to release a new MTS app in the first half of the year with stronger AI and digital features. It plans to add a “simple mode” to keep the experience familiar for existing users while attracting new investors, a strategy seen as targeting investors in their 20s and 30s with a more intuitive interface. LS Securities also revamped the main screen of its MTS, “Toohon,” this month, separating domestic and overseas stock markets into independent tabs and adding a dedicated menu for exchange-traded funds.
Other firms are upgrading existing platforms. Mirae Asset Securities recently redesigned the UX of the “MY Assets” feature in its MTS, “M-STOCK,” so users can view previously scattered asset information on a single screen. Kakao Securities strengthened server stability — including shift-based operations — after MTS disruptions that occurred when traffic surged during a period of heightened market volatility.
Meritz Securities is also moving ahead with partial MTS changes while accelerating preparations to launch its web trading system, “Moeum.” The company aims to broaden contact with younger investors and differentiate communication features through a structure designed to connect with multiple platforms rather than being tied to a single app.
“An MTS overhaul is essential to create a lock-in effect,” an industry official said. “Legacy brokerages will focus on simplification to bring in younger investors, while new platforms will expand functions and gradually add more heft.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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