HALO Trading review for Australians
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- Standard brokerage fee
- $15.00
- Available markets
- ASX,NASDAQ,NYSE
- Support
- Phone, Email
Our verdict
Trade globally for less, but keep the fees in mind.
HALO Trading is a solid choice for experienced Australian investors who want institutional-grade research tools and direct global market access integrated into one platform. Its ability to let you analyse and then trade over 35,000 securities across 30 exchanges is its main drawcard. If your strategy involves in-depth analysis before you invest, HALO's powerful charting and forecasting features could be a game-changer.
However, it's not the cheapest platform out there. The $15 brokerage fee on trades under $12,500 makes it expensive for those who trade small amounts frequently. Beginners or investors looking for lower-cost options for simple ASX trading might find better value with some of the best online share trading platforms in Australia.
Pros
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Access to a wide range of global markets, including 35,000 shares and ETFs across 30 exchanges.
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Includes 29 pre-made investment themes for easy portfolio diversification.
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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees, offering free account set-up.
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Low-cost trades, particularly beneficial for larger transactions over $12,500 with only a 0.12% fee.
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Competitive FX rate at 0.5%, advantageous for trading in different currencies.
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Simplified trading experience with an intuitive platform.
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Robust security, with assets held in custody by a reputable broker.
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Dedicated customer support available via phone and email.
Cons
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A $15 fee for trades under $12,500, potentially costly for frequent smaller trades.
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HALO Trading does not accept US or Canadian citizens/residents as clients.
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Only Australian dollars are accepted for deposits.
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Extra charges for accessing research reports and HALO Global.
Details
Platform details
| Type of broker | Online,Mobile |
| Asset Class | ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, ETFs |
| Available markets | ASX,NASDAQ,NYSE |
| Standard brokerage fee | $15.00 |
| Support | Phone, Email |
Pros
- Access to over 35,000 securities across 30 global exchanges
- Powerful, integrated research and portfolio management tools
- Competitive foreign exchange conversion fee of 0.5%
- Assets are held with major global custodian Interactive Brokers
Cons
- $15 brokerage fee for trades under $12,500 is relatively high
- Subscription fees are required to access the full suite of research tools
- Only accepts deposits in Australian Dollars
- Mixed user reviews, with an average 3.0/5 rating on Trustpilot
What is HALO Trading?
HALO Trading is an online share trading platform from Australian financial technology company HALO Technologies. Founded in 2017 and listed on the ASX in April 2022, the company aims to give everyday investors access to the same high-quality research and analytical tools used by financial professionals.
In September 2025, the company underwent a rebrand to position itself as a "complete wealth solution". The platform is more than just a broker; it combines global trade execution with in-depth research and portfolio management features.
What are HALO Trading's key features?
HALO's platform is built around three core functions: Research, Invest and Manage.
- Research. This is HALO's standout feature. It offers customisable charting, financial forecasting for up to three years and dynamic watchlists. It's designed to help you analyse global markets and individual companies before you invest.
- Invest. The platform provides direct access to buy and sell over 35,000 securities, including shares and ETFs, across 30 global exchanges like the ASX, NASDAQ and NYSE.
- Manage. Once you've invested, you can track your portfolio's performance with detailed metrics, benchmark it against indexes and get dividend forecasts for your holdings.
- HALO Vues. These are ready-made, themed investment portfolios. They allow you to invest in a basket of stocks aligned with a specific theme, such as artificial intelligence or renewable energy. There are 31 available. Investing in Vues attracts an additional research fee of 0.8%.
- Mobile App. HALO offers a mobile app for iOS and Android for trading on the go.
What are the fees for HALO Trading?
HALO Trading has a transparent but multi-layered fee structure. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs:
- Brokerage fees. For trades with a value under $12,500, you'll pay a flat fee of $15 per trade. For trades over $12,500, the fee is 0.12% of the trade value.
- Foreign exchange (FX) fee. When you trade international shares, your Australian dollars need to be converted to the local currency. HALO charges a currency conversion spread of 0.5% (or 50 basis points) for this service.
- Subscription and research fees. To access HALO's full suite of research and analytical tools, you need to pay a subscription fee. If you invest in the pre-made HALO Vues portfolios, an additional research fee of up to 0.8% per annum applies to the value of your Vue holdings.
What markets can I trade with HALO?
With a HALO Trading account, you can invest in a wide range of global markets. This includes:
- Australian shares. Buy and sell any security listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
- International shares and ETFs. Access more than 35,000 securities across 30 global exchanges, including major markets like the NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the US and others across Europe and Asia.
Is HALO Trading safe?
Yes, HALO Trading is considered a safe platform for investing. Your money and data are protected by multiple layers of regulation and security.
HALO Technologies Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 1261916) of Macrovue Pty Ltd, which holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL 484264) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Crucially, your assets are not held by HALO itself. All trades are executed, cleared and held in custody by Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd, one of the world's largest and most reputable brokers. HALO is also registered as a Qualified Intermediary with the IRS in the US, which helps streamline tax processes for US investments.
How does HALO Trading compare to other platforms?
While HALO's integrated research is a key selling point, its fees can be higher than other popular platforms, especially for smaller trades.
- HALO Trading vs Selfwealth. Selfwealth online share trading is known for its simple, flat-fee brokerage. It charges just $9.50 for all trades, regardless of size, which is cheaper than HALO's $15 fee for trades under $12,500. However, Selfwealth's research tools are less comprehensive than HALO's premium offering.
- HALO Trading vs IG. IG share trading offers $0 commission on both Australian and international shares (US, UK, German and Irish), when using its default instant currency conversion, but a 0.7% FX fee still applies on international trades. However, IG's direct share trading is limited to a handful of markets: Australia, the US, UK, Germany and Ireland, a narrower range than HALO's access to over 35,000 securities across 30 global exchanges. IG is a powerful platform but may be more complex for investors who just want the integrated research-to-trade workflow that HALO provides.
How to open a HALO Trading account
You can open an account with HALO Trading by following the steps on its website. The process typically involves:
- Completing the online application form.
- Providing your personal details, including name, address and contact information.
- Verifying your identity by submitting required documents.
- Answering questions about your investment experience.
For a complete guide, it's best to visit the HALO website. You can also learn more about the general process of how to open a share trading account in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
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Shubham Finder
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