Robinhood Markets moved into Indonesia this week by signing deals to buy two local firms, a step that gives it instant access to a big pool of investors.

The plan covers both a licensed brokerage and a regulated crypto trader, and the company says it will use those platforms to begin offering its services to Indonesian users. According to reports, the transactions are set to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Based on reports, Robinhood will acquire PT Buana Capital Sekuritas and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, two Indonesian companies that already operate under local licenses.

This gives Robinhood the chance to start operating without waiting out a long licensing process, although final approval from Indonesia’s financial watchdog is still required. The firm did not disclose the price it will pay.

We’re expanding globally. Robinhood has entered into agreements to acquire Buana Capital, an Indonesian brokerage, and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, a licensed Indonesian digital financial asset trader–marking our entry into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

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— Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) December 8, 2025

Indonesia is home to a deep and growing retail market. Reports place close to 20 million people participating in capital markets, while about 17 million are active crypto traders — numbers that underline why global platforms are looking closely at the country.

Transaction values in 2024 reached roughly 650 trillion rupiah, which is nearly $40 billion, showing how much activity already flows through local platforms.

According to the company’s announcement, the deals are meant to let Robinhood offer its own brokerage and crypto products over time, potentially including access to US equities and global cryptocurrencies for Indonesian users.

Pieter Tanuri, who is the majority owner of the acquired businesses, is expected to serve as a strategic adviser after the closing, reports say. This local guidance could help with day-to-day operations and regulatory interactions.

The greenlighting by Otoritas Jasa Keuangan or OJK and other Indonesian regulators remains a continuing condition.

Against this, the wider policy backdrop has not stayed constant: tax rules and oversight for crypto tightened up in 2025; regulators have moved parts of crypto oversight under different agencies, making compliance more complex for entrants.

Local rivals are already well established, meaning Robinhood will face a crowded field even if it is granted regulatory clearance.

For Indonesian traders, the move could bring more choices and access to new products, including cross-border trading options that, until now, are limited on many local applications.

It’s part of a broader expansion push at Robinhood after a strong year that saw big gains in its stock price.

The company still has the practical work of integrating systems, meeting local rules, and convincing users to switch platforms.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

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