The Webull Journey: How Long Has This Trading Platform Been Around?
Thinking about diving into the world of investing with Webull? One of the first questions you might have is, "How long has Webull been around?" It's a completely valid and important question, as the longevity and history of a financial platform can speak volumes about its stability, reliability, and evolution. In this extensive guide, we'll peel back the layers of Webull's history, explore its significant milestones, and give you a clear, step-by-step understanding of its journey in the financial landscape.
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| How Long Has Webull Been Around |
Step 1: Engage with Webull's Origins - A Deep Dive into Its Birth
Did you know that Webull’s journey began in 2016? That's right, while it might feel like a more recent player compared to some industry veterans, Webull has been steadily building its presence for quite some time now.
The Initial Spark (2016): Webull was officially founded in 2016 by Wang Anquan, a former employee of major Chinese tech giants Alibaba Group and Xiaomi. The initial operations were established under Hunan Fumi Information Technology, a Chinese holding company. This early backing from prominent tech companies hinted at Webull's future focus on technology-driven trading.
Laying the Groundwork in the U.S. (2017): While founded in 2016, a crucial step for its global expansion, particularly in the massive U.S. market, came on May 24, 2017, when Webull Financial LLC was established as a Delaware limited liability company. This was a critical move to ensure compliance and proper licensing in the highly regulated U.S. financial sector. Anthony Denier was brought on board as the CEO of the U.S. brokerage during this period, outlining the strategic vision for the American market.
Step 2: Gaining Traction - The Launch of the Trading App and U.S. Licensing
After laying the foundational groundwork, Webull quickly moved to launch its core product and secure the necessary regulatory approvals.
Becoming a Licensed Broker-Dealer (January 2018): A significant milestone arrived in January 2018, when Webull became a licensed securities company in the U.S. This meant they were officially registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and became a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This licensure is incredibly important as it signifies that Webull operates under strict regulatory oversight, providing a layer of protection and trustworthiness for its users.
The App's Debut (2018): Following its U.S. licensure, Webull officially launched its namesake trading app in 2018. This was the moment retail investors could truly begin to interact with the platform, experiencing its commission-free trading model and advanced tools.
Step 3: Expanding Horizons - Global Reach and Corporate Restructuring
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Webull's ambition wasn't limited to the U.S. market. The company quickly began to expand its global footprint and underwent corporate restructuring to support its growth.
Establishing a Global Parent Company (September 2019): To streamline its international operations and create a clear corporate structure, Webull Corporation was incorporated in the Cayman Islands in September 2019. This entity became the ultimate parent company overseeing all Webull entities, including Hunan Fumi Information Technology and the various Webull subsidiaries worldwide.
Global Expansion Continues (2020-Present): Since its initial launch, Webull has aggressively expanded its services to numerous countries. As of late 2024 and early 2025, Webull has licensed subsidiaries offering trading services in over a dozen markets, including:
The U.S.
Hong Kong
Singapore
Australia
The U.K.
Japan
Mexico
Canada
Brazil
Indonesia
Thailand
The Netherlands
South Africa
Malaysia
This wide global presence underscores Webull's commitment to providing accessible trading to a broad international audience.
Reorganization and U.S. Headquarters (2022): In 2022, Webull undertook a significant reorganization, moving Hunan Fumi Information Technology outside of the main Webull group. This strategic move helped to further separate its operations and pave the way for its recent public listing. Around the same time, Webull also moved its global headquarters to St. Petersburg, Florida, solidifying its presence in the U.S.
Step 4: Innovation and Milestones - What Webull Offers Today
Over the years, Webull has continuously evolved, adding new features and services to enhance the user experience and cater to a wider range of investors.
Key Product Offerings:
Commission-Free Trading: A cornerstone of Webull's appeal, offering zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options. Note: Regulatory fees, exchange fees, and option contract fees may still apply.
Advanced Charting and Tools: Webull prides itself on providing professional-level tools and analytics, including sophisticated charting, technical indicators, and real-time market data (like Level 2 Quotes).
Extended Hours Trading: Users can trade during pre-market (4 AM – 9:30 AM ET) and after-hours (4 PM – 8 PM ET) sessions, offering greater flexibility.
Fractional Shares: Allowing investors to buy portions of expensive stocks with smaller amounts of capital, making investing more accessible.
Various Account Types: Including individual brokerage accounts and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) such as Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRAs.
Paper Trading: A simulated trading environment where users can practice strategies with virtual funds before risking real capital. This is an excellent feature for beginners!
Webull Advisors (Launched in 2023): An offering that leverages AI to suggest personalized portfolios based on a user's risk assessment and goals, providing automated wealth management.
Cash Management: Allowing eligible customers to earn interest on their uninvested cash balance.
Recurring Investments: Enabling users to set up automated, scheduled investments in stocks and ETFs.
Recent Developments (2023-2025):
May 2023: Webull celebrated its fifth anniversary since the launch of its app and introduced Webull 9.0 and Smart Advisor, showcasing their ongoing commitment to innovation.
February 2024: Webull entered into a business combination with SK Growth Opportunities Corporation, a SPAC affiliated with the South Korean conglomerate SK Group, paving the way for its public listing.
Late 2024/Early 2025: Webull continued to expand its global reach, including officially launching in Thailand in April 2024.
May 2025: Webull reported its first-quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting significant growth in registered users and customer assets. They also announced a partnership with BlackRock to enhance the Webull Advisors platform and a collaboration with Visa for efficient money transfers.
Conclusion: Webull's Track Record and What It Means for You
In summary, Webull has been around since its founding in 2016, with its U.S. brokerage operations and trading app launching in 2018. This gives Webull approximately 7-9 years of operational history, depending on whether you count from its founding or its public launch in the U.S.
While it might not have the decades of history of some legacy brokers, Webull has demonstrated rapid growth, a commitment to technological innovation, and a strong focus on expanding its global presence. Its consistent regulatory compliance (SEC and FINRA registration in the U.S., along with licenses in other regions) and continuous development of user-centric features contribute to its standing as a credible platform for self-directed investors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Webull's History and Operations
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Here are 10 common questions related to Webull's longevity and how it operates, with quick answers:
How to trace Webull's founding year?
Webull was founded in 2016 by Wang Anquan, initially operating under Hunan Fumi Information Technology.
How to know when Webull launched its U.S. trading app?
The Webull trading app officially launched in the U.S. in 2018, after Webull Financial LLC became a licensed broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA in January 2018.
How to understand Webull's global expansion timeline?
Webull has steadily expanded its global footprint since 2018, with significant milestones including the establishment of Webull Corporation in the Cayman Islands in 2019 and continued expansion into various markets across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America through licensed subsidiaries.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
How to verify Webull's regulatory compliance?
In the U.S., Webull Financial LLC is registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. This information can typically be found on Webull's official website or through the FINRA BrokerCheck tool.
How to find out where Webull's headquarters are located?
Webull's global headquarters are located in St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S., a move that occurred in 2022.
How to learn about Webull's corporate structure changes?
In 2019, Webull Corporation was incorporated in the Cayman Islands as the ultimate parent company. In 2022, there was a reorganization to move Hunan Fumi Information Technology outside of the main Webull group.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
How to discover Webull's key product introductions over time?
Webull has consistently introduced new features, including advanced charting tools, fractional shares, extended hours trading, and more recently, Webull Advisors (2023) for automated wealth management and enhanced cash management features.
How to determine if Webull is a stable platform for long-term investing?
Webull's consistent growth in user base and customer assets, ongoing technological innovation, and adherence to regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions suggest a stable and evolving platform, although all investments carry inherent risks.
How to compare Webull's age to other brokerage firms?
Compared to traditional brokerage firms that have been around for many decades (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab), Webull is a relatively newer online broker. However, it has been established for nearly a decade, putting it in a more mature category than brand-new fintech startups.
How to stay updated on Webull's latest developments and milestones?
You can stay informed about Webull's latest news, financial results, and product announcements by checking their official website's "About Us" or "Investor Relations" sections, as well as financial news outlets.
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