What Happened to Fidelity Investments Trading?

Fidelity Investments, founded in 1946, has a long history of adapting its trading services to meet evolving investor needs. Initially known for its mutual funds, the company introduced computerized stock trading offerings in 1984, marking an early embrace of technology in brokerage services. A pivotal moment arrived in October 2019 when Fidelity, along with other major brokerages, eliminated commissions on online U.S. stock, ETF, and options trades, fundamentally reshaping the retail brokerage landscape and intensifying competition. This move, while impacting revenue streams, solidified its appeal to a broader base of investors, from beginners to active traders.

In the 2020s, Fidelity has placed a strong emphasis on expanding its digital asset capabilities. In 2022, it became the first major retirement-plan provider to offer Bitcoin as a 401(k) investment option, signaling its commitment to integrating cryptocurrencies into traditional financial planning. This commitment deepened with the launch of Fidelity Crypto for individual retirement accounts and, notably, the Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD) stablecoin in Q1 2026, offering a stable digital dollar leveraging blockchain technology. Fidelity Digital Assets, a dedicated arm, continues to research and offer insights into the crypto market, identifying key structural trends like the convergence of digital assets with traditional finance and the growing interest in tokenization throughout 2026.

Beyond digital assets, Fidelity has also significantly enhanced its exchange-traded product (ETP) offerings. Following the launch of its Enhanced ETF suite in 2023, the firm introduced two collateralized loan obligation (CLO) ETFs in early 2026 and, in April 2026, launched four new actively managed small and mid-cap ETFs, expanding its lineup to 81 ETFs and ETPs with $149 billion in assets under management by March 2026. By June 2026, this lineup grew to 84 ETFs and ETPs with $172 billion in assets under administration. These additions cater to investor demand for diverse, actively managed, and factor-based solutions.

Fidelity's trading platforms, particularly Active Trader Pro, continue to be refined, offering advanced charting, real-time analytics, and customizable layouts for experienced traders. In Q1 2026, Fidelity enhanced its new Fidelity Trader+™ web experience with improved order capabilities, expanded watchlist features, and multi-leg order display. By Q2 2026, a new mobile multi-leg options trading experience was launched, further empowering active investors. The company also leverages AI to redefine wealth management roles, with over two-thirds of surveyed firms using generative AI for tasks like drafting client communications and research by 2026. As of March 2026, Fidelity managed $7.0 trillion in discretionary assets and administered $17.9 trillion in total assets, serving over 51.5 million retail accounts, underscoring its vast scale and continued growth in the competitive financial services industry.