Trading and investing platform eToro is rolling out its stock lending programme in the UK, allowing eligible users to generate passive income by lending their stocks.

The initiative, which follows the launch of the programme in Europe and the United Arab Emirates, represents the next step in the company’s plan to expand access to share lending to retail investors around the world.

The platform is collaborating with BNY on the move, with the bank acting as custodian and clearing service provider for the programme.

eToro is also collaborating with the securities lending platform EquiLend, which identifies borrowers and facilitates the lending process.

Founded in 2007, the eToro currently has over 40 million registered users from more than 75 countries.

Yossi Brandes, vice president of execution services at eToro, said that the launch of securities lending in the UK represents a key step for the company in making passive income opportunities accessible to all investors.

“With the ability to lend not just US but also global stocks, we are maximising the potential for our clients to generate additional revenues, and this rollout sets the stage for further expansion into new markets,” Brandes added.

The UK launch also expands eToro’s growing clearing and custody relationship with BNY, which already provides the infrastructure supporting eToro's fully funded offering of shares and ETFs on 19 global stock exchanges.

Victor O’Laughlen, executive platform owner, global clearing at BNY, said the partnership will provide UK investors with an integrated solution that includes clearing, settlement, custody, currency exchange and liquidity management.

“By combining the capabilities of eToro and EquiLend with the scale and deep expertise of BNY’s leading Global Clearing platform, this initiative aims to equip retail investors with an institutional-grade solution to support their investing journey,” he added. .

---