In a strategic move aimed at reigniting its international growth, Robinhood has announced its agreement to acquire Ziglu, a London-based fintech platform that enables users to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Robinhood’s renewed push into the UK and broader European markets—regions it had previously put on hold in favor of focusing on domestic growth.
The news sent Robinhood’s stock soaring more than 5% on Tuesday, signaling strong investor confidence in the company’s latest strategic direction. After a period of declining performance following the 2021 GameStop trading frenzy, this acquisition could serve as a crucial catalyst for revitalizing Robinhood’s growth trajectory.
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Rebuilding Momentum with Strategic Acquisition
Robinhood reported a dip in user engagement and revenue in early 2022, with monthly active users falling from 18.9 million to 17.3 million in Q4 2021. The company also projected first-quarter 2022 revenues below $340 million—a 35% year-over-year decline. Since its high-profile Nasdaq debut in summer 2021, Robinhood’s market valuation has dropped by roughly two-thirds.
Against this backdrop, the acquisition of Ziglu represents a bold recalibration. By integrating an established, regulatory-compliant crypto platform in the UK, Robinhood gains immediate access to a mature European user base and critical infrastructure needed to scale quickly.
Vlad Tenev, CEO and co-founder of Robinhood, emphasized the strategic value of the deal:
“Acquiring Ziglu will help us accelerate our global expansion efforts. We’ll work closely with the Ziglu team to combine our strengths, explore innovative new ways to serve customers, and break down barriers for users across the UK and Europe.”
Although financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and standard closing conditions.
Why Ziglu Stands Out in the UK Fintech Landscape
Founded in 2018, Ziglu has built a robust platform that goes beyond basic cryptocurrency trading. Users can:
- Buy and sell multiple digital assets including Bitcoin
- Make international payments in crypto and fiat
- Earn interest on both Bitcoin and British pounds
- Seamlessly manage personal finances across traditional and digital currencies
Ziglu’s success lies not only in its product offering but also in its regulatory compliance. It is one of the few crypto firms officially registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)—a critical milestone for any digital asset company aiming to operate legally in the region.
This registration gives Robinhood a significant advantage, bypassing lengthy and uncertain regulatory hurdles that often delay market entry.
To date, Ziglu has raised £17.5 million (approximately $21 million USD), with £13.4 million coming from retail investors via the equity crowdfunding platform Seedrs. At the time of its last funding round, the company was valued at £85 million (around $104 million USD).
Mark Hipperson, CEO and former co-founder of UK digital bank Starling Bank, expressed optimism about the acquisition:
“Ziglu and Robinhood share a common vision—democratizing access to financial services. As part of Robinhood, we’ll drive their European expansion and bring the benefits of crypto to millions more customers.”
Strategic Fit and Market Opportunity
The UK has emerged as a key battleground for crypto adoption in Europe. With increasing consumer interest in digital assets and a relatively clear regulatory framework taking shape, now is an opportune time for U.S.-based platforms to enter or re-enter the market.
Robinhood’s initial attempt to launch in the UK was paused about two years ago due to shifting priorities toward strengthening its core U.S. business. Now, with domestic operations stabilized, the company is redirecting focus toward international opportunities—starting with one of Europe’s most financially advanced economies.
By acquiring Ziglu, Robinhood doesn’t just gain technology and users—it gains credibility. Ziglu’s FCA registration, customer trust, and proven product suite offer a turnkey solution for launching compliant services across Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Ziglu?
A: Ziglu is a UK-based fintech app that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, make international payments, and earn interest on both crypto and GBP. It is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), making it a compliant player in the UK digital asset space.
Q: Why is Robinhood acquiring Ziglu?
A: Robinhood aims to accelerate its expansion into the UK and European markets. By acquiring Ziglu, it gains immediate regulatory approval, an existing user base, and a proven platform—bypassing many barriers to entry.
Q: Is Ziglu safe and regulated?
A: Yes. Ziglu is registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires strict adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection standards—making it one of the few trusted crypto platforms in Britain.
Q: Will Ziglu users be merged into Robinhood?
A: While full integration details haven’t been released, Robinhood has indicated plans to combine strengths and enhance services for European customers. Users can expect improved features and broader access to crypto products over time.
Q: When will the acquisition be completed?
A: The deal is pending regulatory approval and standard closing conditions. No official timeline has been provided yet.
Q: Can I use Robinhood to trade crypto in Europe now?
A: Not yet. The acquisition is expected to lay the groundwork for Robinhood’s official launch in Europe. Until then, services remain limited outside the U.S., though this move signals an imminent shift.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Global Crypto Access
This acquisition underscores a growing trend: U.S. fintech companies leveraging local champions to enter regulated international markets. Rather than building from scratch, Robinhood is opting for speed, compliance, and market insight by partnering with a trusted brand already embedded in the UK financial ecosystem.
For consumers, this means greater access to intuitive, low-cost platforms that bridge traditional banking with emerging digital assets. For Robinhood, it’s a chance to reclaim growth momentum and position itself as a truly global player in the future of finance.
👉 Explore how seamless crypto integration is transforming financial freedom worldwide.