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{{Short description|Multi-asset brokerage company}}
{{Advert|date=November 2019}}
{{Lowercase title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}

{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| name = eToro | name = eToro
| logo = Etoro logo.jpg | logo = EToro logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px | logo_size = 160px
| type = ] | type = Private company
| hq_location = ], Cyprus<br>], United Kingdom<br>], Israel | hq_location = ], Israel
| area_served = Worldwide | area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = Yoni Assia, CEO | key_people = Yoni Assia, CEO
| products = ], ]s, ], ]
| industry = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| industry = ]<br />]<br />]
| services = ], ], ], ], ], CFDs, ]
| services = ]
| num_employees = 501-1000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-eToro-Online-Trading-EI_IE531161.11,31.htm |title=
| revenue = {{Decrease}}US$630 mln (2023)<ref name=cnbc2023 />
eToro Online Trading |website=] |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref>
| operating_income =
| foundation = {{Start date|2007}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3772561,00.html|title=Trading Company eToro Expands Offices}}</ref>
| net_income =
| num_employees = 1400 (2024)<ref name="etoro-investors">{{Cite web|url=https://www.etoro.com/about/investors/|title= Investor Update|website=eToro| access-date=9 November 2024}}</ref>
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2007}}
| founder = Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia, David Ring | founder = Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia, David Ring
| website = {{url|https://www.etoro.com}} | website = {{url|https://www.etoro.com}}
}} }}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Lowercase title}}


'''eToro''' is a multi-asset ] ] that focuses on providing ] and Popular Investor<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etoro.com/en/popular-investor/|title=eToro Popular Investor|website=www.etoro.com|access-date=2020-03-15}}</ref> services.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-etoro-fundraising-idUSKBN1GZ15S|title=Israeli social trading firm eToro raises $100 million in private funding|date=2018-03-23|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-11-02|language=en}}</ref> It has registered offices in ], ], the ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-crypto-trading-desk-otc-hedge-funds-banks-2018-6|title=A trading company with 10 million customers is setting up a crypto desk for hedge funds and banks|last=Williams-Grut|first=Oscar|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref> the ],<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-15/u-s-crypto-trading-platforms-are-about-to-get-more-competition|title=U.S. Crypto Trading Platforms Are About to Get More Competition|last=Russo|first=Camila|date=|website=www.bloomberg.com|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref> and ].<ref name="cysec">{{cite web |url=http://www.cysec.gov.cy/en-GB/entities/investment-firms/cypriot/37683/ |title=Etoro (Europe) Limited - CySEC |publisher=CySEC |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="nfa">{{cite web |url=http://www.nfa.futures.org/basicnet/Details.aspx?entityid=45NH%2b2Upfr0%3d |title= ETORO USA LLC - NFA |publisher=NFA |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> In 2018, the company’s value was $800 million. '''eToro''' is a ] and multi-asset ] company focused on ] offerings.<ref name=israeltimes2021/><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=23 March 2018 |title=Israeli social trading firm eToro raises $100 million in private funding |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-etoro-fundraising-idUSKBN1GZ15S |access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref> eToro was founded in 2007 in ] by Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia, and David Ring. The company's headquarters are located in ].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Russo |first=Camila |title=U.S. Crypto Trading Platforms Are About to Get More Competition |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-15/u-s-crypto-trading-platforms-are-about-to-get-more-competition |access-date=2019-12-05 |newspaper=Bloomberg|date=15 May 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams-Grut |first=Oscar |title=A trading company with 10 million customers is setting up a crypto desk for hedge funds and banks |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-crypto-trading-desk-otc-hedge-funds-banks-2018-6 |access-date=2019-11-02 |website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref name="cysec">{{Cite web |title=Etoro (Europe) Limited – CySEC |url=http://www.cysec.gov.cy/en-GB/entities/investment-firms/cypriot/37683/ |access-date=2015-05-13|publisher=CySEC}}</ref><ref name="nfa">{{Cite web |title=ETORO USA LLC – NFA |url=http://www.nfa.futures.org/basicnet/Details.aspx?entityid=45NH%2b2Upfr0%3d |access-date=2015-05-13 |publisher=NFA}}</ref> At the start of 2024, eToro had 35.5&nbsp;million registered users, and over 3 million funded accounts.<ref name=cnbc2023>{{Cite web |last=Browne|first= Ryan|title='We definitely are eyeing the public markets': eToro CEO considers IPO after scrapped SPAC deal |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/26/etoro-ceo-considers-ipo-after-scrapped-spac-deal.html |date=26 February 2024| access-date=9 November 2024|website=CNBC}}</ref>

eToro has faced regulatory scrutiny and criticism from authorities in the US, Canada, India, Italy, and the Philippines. The company's business model has been criticized for profiting from customer losses, lacking transparency, and has been fined in multiple countries for operating without licenses and engaging in misleading advertising practices.


== History == == History ==
eToro was founded as RetailFX in 2007<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3772561,00.html|title=Social Trading Company eToro Expands Offices|last=Levy|first=Dotan|date=2019-10-28|website=]|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref> in ], by brothers Yoni Assia and Ronen Assia together with David Ring.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.littlegatepublishing.com/2013/11/etoro/ |title=eToro. Seriously? Is It That Easy? |last1=Rust |first1=Donnie |date=7 November 2013 |publisher=Littlegate Publishing |access-date=10 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323080929/http://www.littlegatepublishing.com/2013/11/etoro/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 March 2014}}</ref> eToro was founded as RetailFX in 2007<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Dotan |date=28 October 2019 |title=Social Trading Company eToro Expands Offices |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3772561,00.html|access-date=2019-11-02 |website=]}}</ref> in ], by brothers Yoni Assia and Ronen Assia together with David Ring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rust |first=Donnie |date=7 November 2013 |title=eToro. Seriously? Is It That Easy? |url=http://www.littlegatepublishing.com/2013/11/etoro/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323080929/http://www.littlegatepublishing.com/2013/11/etoro/ |archive-date=23 March 2014 |access-date=10 May 2016 |publisher=Littlegate Publishing}}</ref><ref name=israeltimes2021/> In 2010, the firm released the eToro OpenBook social ]. This included the CopyTrader feature, enabling users to replicate the trading strategies of top-performing investors automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Michael |date=12 July 2010 |title=eToro launches its own Forex Social Community – OpenBook |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-launches-its-own-forex-social-community-openbook/ |access-date=13 May 2015 |publisher=Finance Magnates}}</ref> Later that year, the firm released an ] app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Michael |date=7 October 2010 |title=eToro's OpenBook goes mobile |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoros-openbook-goes-mobile/ |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref>


Between 2007 and 2013, the company raised $31.5&nbsp;million across four funding rounds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arrington |first=Michael |date= 8 June 2010 |title=eToro Adds $2.4 Million to the Coffers: "Zynga For Real Men" |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/06/08/etoro-adds-2-4-million-to-the-coffers-zynga-for-real-men/ |access-date= 13 May 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunden |first=Ingrid |date= 13 March 2012 |title=Social Investment Network eToro Is Picking Up Another $15 Million From Spark, Others |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/13/social-investment-network-etoro-is-picking-up-another-15-million-from-spark-others |access-date=13 May 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref> By December 2014, it had secured an additional $27&nbsp;million from Russian and Chinese investors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams-Grut |first=Oscar |date= 12 December 2014 |title=Silicon Round-Up: eToro plans UK push after snagging $27m from Russians and Chinese |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/markets/silicon-roundup-etoro-plans-uk-push-after-snagging-27m-from-russians-and-chinese-9921635.html |access-date=13 May 2015 |website=]}}</ref>
In 2010, eToro released the eToro OpenBook social ], along with its "CopyTrading" feature. The eToro trading platform enables investors to view, follow and copy the network's top traders automatically.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-launches-its-own-forex-social-community-openbook/ |title=eToro launches its own Forex Social Community – OpenBook |last1=Greenberg |first1=Michael |date=12 July 2010 |publisher=Finance Magnates |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> Later that year, eToro released its first Android app so that investors could buy and sell financial instruments via mobile devices.<ref>{{cite web|title=eToro’s OpenBook goes mobile|url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoros-openbook-goes-mobile/|first1=Michael|last1=Greenberg|date=7 October 2010|accessdate=13 May 2015}}</ref>


In 2013, eToro expanded its product range, allowing investments in ]s and ] alongside ] and ], with an initial offering of 110 stocks that later grew to over 3,000 financial products.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Finberg |first=Ron |date=25 July 2013 |title=eToro Adds Stocks on its Social Trading Network as Operations Evolve |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-adds-stocks-on-its-social-trading-network-as-operations-evolve/ |access-date= 13 May 2015 |publisher=Finance Magnates}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=27 April 2022 |title=A Beginner's Guide to Trading with eToro |url=https://alphanewscall.com/2022/04/27/a-beginners-guide-to-trading-with-etoro/ |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=AlphaNewsCall |language=en-US}}</ref> The same year, it was authorized to provide services in the UK under its eToro UK subsidiary.<ref name="fca">{{Cite web |title=583263 – eToro (UK) Ltd – FCA |url=http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmRegulator.do?sid=301524 |access-date=13 May 2015 |publisher=FCA |archive-date=16 April 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140416094031/http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmRegulator.do?sid=301524 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Reddan |first=Fiona |title=Looking to boost your income? eToro is looking for Irish freelance fund managers |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/looking-to-boost-your-income-etoro-is-looking-for-irish-freelance-fund-managers-1.3534865 |access-date=2019-11-02 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> By 2014, some referred to eToro as "Israel's biggest export."<ref name=toi14/> In January 2014, the company added cryptocurrencies to its available instruments,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=16 May 2018 |title=Breaking: eToro Enters the US Market by Offering Cryptocurrency Trading |url=https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/breaking-etoro-enters-us-market-offering-cryptocurrency-trading/ |access-date=2019-04-13 |website=Finance Magnates |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Doshi |first=Vidhi |date=13 January 2014 |title=eToro launches Bitcoin trade |url=http://techcitynews.com/2014/01/13/etoro-launches-bitcoin-trade/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629224433/http://techcitynews.com/2014/01/13/etoro-launches-bitcoin-trade/ |archive-date=29 June 2017 |access-date= 13 May 2015 |website=TechCityNews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= 14 April 2014 |title=German and British Stocks Now Available for Investment |url=http://www.forexbrokernews.com/etoro/german-and-british-stocks-now-available-for-investment/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094513/http://www.forexbrokernews.com/etoro/german-and-british-stocks-now-available-for-investment/ |archive-date= 18 May 2015 |access-date= 13 May 2015 |website=ForexBrokernews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2018 |title=eToro rolls out its cryptocurrency wallet for Android and iOS |url=https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2018/11/08/etoro-cryptocurrency-wallet-trading/ |access-date=2019-11-02 |website=The Next Web |language=en-us}}</ref> and later that year, it introduced currency futures investments for the ] and ].<ref name=toi14>{{cite web| url =https://www.timesofisrael.com/etoro-courts-russian-chinese-currency-traders-and-investors/| title =eToro courts Russian, Chinese currency traders, and investors| last =Shaman| first =David| date =23 November 2014| publisher =The Times of Israel | access-date = 9 November 2024}}</ref>
Between 2007 and 2013, the company raised $31.5 million in four rounds of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/06/08/etoro-adds-2-4-million-to-the-coffers-zynga-for-real-men/ |title=eToro Adds $2.4 Million To The Coffers: "Zynga For Real Men" |last1=Arrington |first1=Michael |date=8 June 2010 |publisher=] |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/13/social-investment-network-etoro-is-picking-up-another-15-million-from-spark-others |title=Social Investment Network eToro Is Picking Up Another $15 Million From Spark, Others |date=13 March 2012 |last1=Lunden |first1=Ingrid |publisher=] |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> In December 2014, eToro raised $27 million from Russian and Chinese investors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/markets/silicon-roundup-etoro-plans-uk-push-after-snagging-27m-from-russians-and-chinese-9921635.html |title=Silicon Round-Up: eToro plans UK push after snagging $27m from Russians and Chinese
|last1=Williams-Grut |first1=Oscar |date=12 December 2014 |publisher=] |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> In December 2017, eToro and CoinDash became partners to develop Blockchain-based social trading.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-partners-coindash-develop-blockchain-based-social-trading/|title=eToro Partners CoinDash to Develop Blockchain-Based Social Trading {{!}} Finance Magnates|date=2017-12-14|work=Finance Magnates {{!}} Financial and business news|access-date=2018-05-14|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2018, eToro raised a further $100 million in a private funding round.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thecashdiaries.com/2018/03/27/etoro-raises-100-from-investors/ |title=eToro raises $100 million from investors |publisher=TheCashDiaries |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref>


In December 2017, eToro partnered with CoinDash to develop ]-based social trading.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 December 2017 |title=eToro Partners CoinDash to Develop Blockchain-Based Social Trading |language=en-US |work=Finance Magnates |url=https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-partners-coindash-develop-blockchain-based-social-trading/ |access-date=2018-05-14}}</ref> The following year, it raised $100&nbsp;million in private funding,<ref>{{Cite web |title=eToro raises $100 million from investors |date=27 March 2018|url=https://thecashdiaries.com/2018/03/27/etoro-raises-100-from-investors/ |access-date=2018-03-27 |publisher=TheCashDiaries |archive-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327090055/https://thecashdiaries.com/2018/03/27/etoro-raises-100-from-investors/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> bringing total investment to over $162&nbsp;million from various firms.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Orbach|first=Meir|date=8 December 2020|title=eToro joins Israeli unicorn club by tripling valuation in two years to reach $2.5 billion|url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3879974,00.html|access-date=2021-09-10|website=CTECH}}</ref>
Overall, more than $162 million has been invested in eToro by investment firms, such as ], ], CommerzVentures, Korea Investment Partners, and China Minsheng Financial Holdings, as the company reported.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tech.eu/brief/etoro-funding/|title=Israeli social trading platfrom eToro raises $100 million|last=Keane|first=Jonathan|date=2018-03-22|website=Tech.eu|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3758953,00.html|title=Social Trading Company eToro Acquiring Danish Blockchain Company Firmo|last=Orbach|first=Meir|date=2019-03-25|website=CTECH|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>


In March 2019, eToro acquired Danish blockchain company Firmo.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manuel Baigorri, Alastair Marsh |title=Trading Platform EToro to Buy Danish Blockchain Company Firmo |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-25/trading-platform-etoro-is-said-close-to-buying-denmark-s-firmo |access-date=2019-11-02 |newspaper=Bloomberg|date= 25 March 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Social investment platform eToro acquires smart contract startup Firmo |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/25/social-investment-platform-etoro-acquires-smart-contract-startup-firmo/ |access-date=2019-11-02 |website=TechCrunch |date=25 March 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date= 17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317193724/http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/03/25/social-investment-platform-etoro-acquires-smart-contract-startup-firmo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2019, eToro released a sentiment-based crypto portfolio that uses AI to assess Twitter's real-time sentiment on digital asset.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ballentine |first=Claire |date=15 October 2019 |title=Crypto Portfolio Will Analyze Twitter to Gauge Trader Sentiment |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-15/crypto-portfolio-will-analyze-twitter-to-gauge-trader-sentiment |access-date=2019-12-05 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref> Shortly after, in November 2019, eToro acquired Delta, a crypto portfolio tracking app based in Belgium.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Investment platform eToro acquires crypto portfolio tracker app Delta |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/06/investment-platform-etoro-acquires-crypto-portfolio-tracker-app-delta/ |access-date=2019-12-05 |website=TechCrunch |date=6 November 2019 |language=en-US }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2019 |title=Currency Revolution Series: What Does M&A Deal of eToro and Delta Mean For? |url=https://www.econotimes.com/Currency-Revolution-Series-What-Does-MA-Deal-of-eToro-and-Delta-Mean-For-1567404 |access-date=2019-12-05 |website=EconoTimes |language=en}}</ref> In March 2019, the company launched its cryptocurrency trading platform and standalone cryptocurrency wallet for US users.<ref>{{Cite web|title=EToro bringing crypto trading and wallet to the US|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/07/etoro-bringing-crypto-trading-and-wallet-to-the-us/|access-date=2019-12-05|website=TechCrunch|date=7 March 2019|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Digalaki|first=Eleni|title=eToro has launched in the US|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-launches-in-us-2019-3|access-date=2019-12-05|website=Business Insider|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613201714/https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-launches-in-us-2019-3|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2 October 2020|title=A 32-Year-Old Trader Is Driving 21,000 Amateur Stock Investors|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-02/robinhood-versus-etoro-brokerage-showdown-looming-in-stock-market-investing|access-date=2020-10-19}}</ref>
In 2013, eToro introduced the capability to invest in stocks and ], with an initial offering of 110 stock products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-adds-stocks-on-its-social-trading-network-as-operations-evolve/|title=eToro Adds Stocks on its Social Trading Network as Operations Evolve|last1=Finberg|first1=Ron|date=25 July 2013|publisher=Finance Magnates|access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> The same year, eToro was authorized to offer its services in the ] by the ] regulatory authority, under the subsidiary eToro UK.<ref name="fca">{{cite web|url=http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmRegulator.do?sid=301524|title=583263 - eToro (UK) Ltd - FCA|publisher=FCA|access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> In January 2014, eToro added ] to its investment instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techcitynews.com/2014/01/13/etoro-launches-bitcoin-trade/|title=eToro launches Bitcoin trade|last1=Doshi|first1=Vidhi|date=13 January 2014|website=TechCityNews.com|access-date=13 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629224433/http://techcitynews.com/2014/01/13/etoro-launches-bitcoin-trade/|archive-date=29 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/personal-finance/looking-to-boost-your-income-etoro-is-looking-for-irish-freelance-fund-managers-1.3534865|title=Looking to boost your income? eToro is looking for Irish freelance fund managers|last=Reddan|first=Fiona|website=The Irish Times|language=en|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>


Financially, 2020 proved a landmark year for eToro, with a 147% year-over-year growth, a 275% increase in funded accounts, and a gross revenue of $605&nbsp;million. The company reported 1.2&nbsp;million funded accounts, managed by a team of 1,100 employees worldwide.<ref name=israeltimes2021/> That year, eToro also acquired Marq Millions, its UK e-money division, rebranding it as eToro Money,<ref>{{cite web|title=eToro Acquires Marq Millions to Support Debit Card Launch|url=https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-acquires-marq-millions-to-support-debit-card-launch/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=financemagnates.com|date= 30 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=With Robinhood's UK launch delayed, eToro to bring out UK debit card following acquisition |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/29/with-robinhoods-uk-launch-delayed-etoro-to-bring-out-uk-debit-card-following-acquisition/ |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=TechCrunch |date= 29 July 2020 |language=en-US }}</ref> and obtained ]'s primary membership along with an electronic money institution (EMI) license from the UK's ].<ref>{{cite web|title=eToro plans debit card launch ahead of rival's entry to UK|url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/etoro-debit-card-instant-cash-in-cash-out|access-date=2021-01-11|website=siliconrepublic.com|date= 29 July 2020 }}</ref> In December 2021, it launched the eToro Money debit card for UK residents.<ref>{{cite web|title=eToro is launching its first debit card in the UK|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-launches-debit-card-in-uk-2020-7|access-date=2021-01-11|website=businessinsider.com|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004062626/https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-launches-debit-card-in-uk-2020-7|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, the company reported operating in 140 countries<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sogar Aktienhandel zum Nulltarif|url=https://www.platow.de/archiv/der-platow-brief/der-platow-brief-ausgabe-vom-12.08.2019/2019/08/09/sogar-aktienhandel-zum-nulltarif/|access-date=2019-11-02|website=www.platow.de|date=9 August 2019 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 June 2019|title=Facebook announces launch of Libra cryptocurrency to take on bitcoin|url=https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/1141853/facebook-libra-cryptocurrency-bitcoin-mark-zuckerberg-crv|access-date=2019-11-02|website=Express.co.uk|language=en}}</ref> and having 20 million users.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Chatenay|first=Victor|title=Trading app eToro goes public via $10.4 billion SPAC deal|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-looking-toward-us-expansion-with-spac-deal-2021-3|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Business Insider|language=en-US|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721132519/https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-looking-toward-us-expansion-with-spac-deal-2021-3|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In April 2014, eToro added 130 British and German stocks composing the ] and the ] indices to the company's stock selection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forexbrokernews.com/etoro/german-and-british-stocks-now-available-for-investment/|title=German and British Stocks Now Available for Investment|date=14 April 2014|website=ForexBrokernews.com|access-date=13 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094513/http://www.forexbrokernews.com/etoro/german-and-british-stocks-now-available-for-investment/|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In March 2021, eToro announced plans to go public via a merger with FinTech Acquisition Corp V (NASDAQ:FTCV), a ] (SPAC) backed by former Bancorp CEO ].<ref name="cnn-spac">{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/16/investing/etoro-spac-robinhood/|title=Online trading firm eToro going public in more than $10 billion SPAC deal|date=16 March 2021|access-date=2021-03-18|website=]|last=La Monica|first=Paul}}</ref> The combined entity was expected to operate as eToro Group Ltd with an implied enterprise value of $10.4&nbsp;billion, supported by $650&nbsp;million in funding from private investment funds.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trading platform eToro to go public via SPAC merger in $10B deal|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/16/trading-platform-etoro-to-go-public-via-spac-merger-in-10b-deal/|access-date=2021-08-04|website=TechCrunch|date=16 March 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hussain|first=Noor Zainab|date=16 March 2021|title=Israel's eToro to go public through $10.4 billion SPAC deal backed by SoftBank, others|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/etoro-m-a-fintech-acquisit-int-idUSKBN2B81MQ|access-date=2021-08-04}}</ref> However, due to market instability and internal challenges within the SPAC, including "material weaknesses" in its financial controls, the deal was canceled by mid-2022.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/retail-forex/etoro-looking-at-alternatives-to-spac-ipo/ | title= eToro looking at alternatives to SPAC IPO | date = 23 May 2022| publisher= FX News Group | access-date= 9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/etoro-and-fintech-acquisition-corp-terminate-merger-deal/| title= eToro and FinTech Acquisition Corp Terminate Merger Deal| last= Erazo| first= Felipe| date= 5 July 2022| publisher= Finance Magnates | access-date= 9 November 2024}}</ref> By that time, eToro had invested heavily in preparation for the IPO, contributing to a net loss of $265&nbsp;million for 2021.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/retail-forex/etoro-posts-2021-revenues-of-1-23b-net-loss-265m/| title= eToro posts 2021 Revenues of $1.23B, Net Loss $265M | date = 7 March 2022| publisher= FX News Group | access-date= 9 November 2024}}</ref> Following the cancellation, eToro implemented cost-cutting measures, including laying off approximately 100 employees, or around 6% of its workforce, to stabilize its finances.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/retail-forex/etoro-lays-off-100-in-wake-of-failed-spac-ipo/ | title= eToro lays off 100 in wake of failed SPAC IPO | date = 6 July 2022| publisher= FX News Group | access-date= 9 November 2024}}</ref> In 2023, eToro completed a $250&nbsp;million funding round that valued the company at $3.5&nbsp;billion, a stark contrast to its initial $10&nbsp;billion valuation target.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Israel's eToro valued at $3.5 bln in funding round, months after ending SPAC deal |publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/israels-etoro-valued-35-bln-funding-round-months-after-ending-spac-deal-2023-03-21/| date=21 March 2023|access-date=9 November 2024}}</ref> However, eToro's financial performance in 2023 showed mixed results: eToro UK reported a 14% drop in net income and a 28% decrease in comprehensive income.<ref name=fm2023>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/etoros-2023-net-income-drops-15-as-trading-commissions-decline/| title =eToro UK's 2023 Net Income Drops 15% as Trading Commissions Decline| last =Kirui| first =Jared| date =3 October 2024| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref> In March 2024, the company announced that it is considering New York or London as potential venues for an IPO at an unspecified future date, with the aim of achieving a valuation higher than its last funding round.<ref>{{Cite news|title= Israel's eToro considers New York IPO, seeks $3.5 bln valuation, FT says |publisher=Reuters|url= https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/israels-etoro-considers-new-york-ipo-seeks-35-bln-valuation-ft-says-2024-03-10/ | date=10 March 2024|access-date=9 November 2024}}</ref>
In 2017 eToro launched a CopyPortfolio feature, enabling investors to copy investment portfolios from the best-performing traders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-launches-in-us-2019-3|title=eToro has launched in the US|last=Digalaki|first=Eleni|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>


In August 2022, eToro signed a definitive agreement to acquire Gatsby, a fintech startup specializing in options and stock trading, for $50&nbsp;million in cash and stock.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Azevedo |first=Mary Ann |date=17 August 2022 |title=eToro gets the great Gatsby on its horns for $50M |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/17/fintech-etoro-to-acquire-startup-gatsby-for-50m/ |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> In April 2023, the company announced a partnership with Twitter to allow users to click on ticker symbols preceded by a dollar sign, redirecting them to an eToro trading page.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.timesofisrael.com/twitter-partners-with-israeli-high-risk-trading-platform-etoro/| title =Twitter partners with Israeli high-risk trading platform eToro| last =Weinglass| first =Simona| date =15 April 2023| publisher =The Times of Israel| access-date = 9 November 2024}}</ref>
At the end of 2017, eToro announced having 8 million opened accounts. In 2018, eToro launched a cryptocurrency wallet for ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/hardfork/2018/11/08/etoro-cryptocurrency-wallet-trading/|title=eToro rolls out its cryptocurrency wallet for Android and iOS|last=|first=|date=2018-11-08|website=Hard Fork {{!}} The Next Web|language=en-us|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/breaking-etoro-enters-us-market-offering-cryptocurrency-trading/|title=Breaking: eToro Enters the US Market by Offering Cryptocurrency Trading {{!}} Finance Magnates|last=|first=|date=2018-05-15|website=Finance Magnates|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>


In July 2024, eToro announced a partnership with the ], aiming to add over 1,000 new UK stocks in the coming months. That month, it also collaborated with ] and joined the European FS Financial Services Tech Hub. In September 2024, eToro acquired the Australian app Spaceship for nearly $55&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/etoro-ventures-into-italian-fintech-through-collaboration-with-sda-bocconi/| title =eToro Ventures into Italian Fintech through Collaboration with SDA Bocconi| last =Sikder| first =Tareq| date =15 July 2024| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date = 9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/etoro-to-add-1000-uk-stocks-in-lse-partnership/| title =eToro to Add 1,000+ UK Stocks in LSE Partnership | last =Chmiel| first =Damien| date =25 July 2024| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date = 9 November 2024}}</ref>
In May 2018, eToro entered the US market by offering 10 ]: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, Dash, Bitcoin Cash, Stellar, Ethereum Classic, NEO, and EOS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/breaking-etoro-enters-us-market-offering-cryptocurrency-trading/|title=Breaking: eToro Enters the US Market by Offering Cryptocurrency Trading {{!}} Finance Magnates|date=2018-05-16|website=Finance Magnates {{!}} Financial and business news|language=en|access-date=2019-04-13}}</ref>


==Operations==
In November 2018, eToro announced the launch of GoodDollar, a non-profit, open-source community project aimed to reduce global ] through ] (UBI) using blockchain technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.verdict.co.uk/gooddollar-universal-basic-income-cryptocurrency/|title=Universal Basic Income cryptocurrency launched by eToro|last=Daniel|first=Ellen|date=2018-11-08|website=Verdict|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
eToro's primary research and development hub is based in ], Israel. The company operates under regulatory oversight from several major authorities: ] in the EU,<ref name="cysec" /> ] in the UK,<ref name="fca" /><ref name=":1" /> ] in the United States,<ref name=":2" /> and ] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gen Y investors bank on disruption |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/gen-y-investors-bank-on-disruption/news-story/3a807be7465278f93cbe8d93046a4440 |access-date=2019-11-02 |website=The Australian}}</ref> As of 2022, eToro maintained operations in 140 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burroughs |first=Callum |title=Robinhood rival eToro says it added 5 million users in 2020 as millennials piled into unicorn stock-trading apps |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-trading-app-etoro-adds-5-million-users-2020-12 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>


The company's business model, centered around Contracts for Difference (CFDs), has faced significant criticism. CFDs are high-risk financial products that frequently result in substantial losses for customers. eToro's model allows it to profit directly from customer losses, and the company retains the option not to hedge its CFD positions, raising questions about transparency and client interest.<ref name=israeltimes2021/>
In March 2019, eToro acquired Danish blockchain company Firmo for an undisclosed sum.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html?vid=&uuid=0484b870-fd3d-11e9-b033-cfb6ec3f8a73&url=L25ld3MvYXJ0aWNsZXMvMjAxOS0wMy0yNS90cmFkaW5nLXBsYXRmb3JtLWV0b3JvLWlzLXNhaWQtY2xvc2UtdG8tYnV5aW5nLWRlbm1hcmstcy1maXJtbw==|title=Trading Platform EToro to Buy Danish Blockchain Company Firmo|last=Manuel Baigorri, Alastair Marsh|first=|date=|website=www.bloomberg.com|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/03/25/social-investment-platform-etoro-acquires-smart-contract-startup-firmo/|title=Social investment platform eToro acquires smart contract startup Firmo|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>


== Marketing ==
In October 2019, eToro released a sentiment-based crypto portfolio using AI technology to evaluate Twitter's current positive or negative impressions of digital assets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-15/crypto-portfolio-will-analyze-twitter-to-gauge-trader-sentiment|title=Crypto Portfolio Will Analyze Twitter to Gauge Trader Sentiment|last=Ballentine|first=Claire|date=2019-10-15|website=www.bloomberg.com|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref>
eToro is known for substantial investments in marketing, which include sports sponsorships and traditional advertising. In 2020, eToro released a high-profile ad starring ] that quickly accumulated 3 million views on YouTube.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/sock-puppets-and-lifeline-ads-welcome-to-the-wild-world-of-copy-trading-20201210-p56maf.html| title =Sock puppets and Lifeline ads: Welcome to the wild world of cope trading| last =Danckert| first =Sarah| date =12 December 2020| publisher =The Sydney Morning Herald | access-date =2024-10-30}}</ref>


In February 2022, eToro aired its first ] commercial during ], also dubbed the "Crypto Bowl."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Locke |first=Taylor |date=14 February 2022 |title='To the moon': You probably saw the crypto Super Bowl ads—here's what to know before buying in on the hype |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/14/what-to-know-about-crypto-before-buying-into-super-bowl-ads.html |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roach |first=Sarah |date=14 February 2022 |title=Coinbase's Super Bowl ad hooked 20 million people in one minute |url=https://www.protocol.com/bulletins/coinbase-super-bowl-results |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=Protocol |language=en}}</ref> The 30-second ad, titled "Flying Your Way," featured a consumer seeking cryptocurrency advice while crypto enthusiasts descended from the sky, asking, "To the moon?" The commercial also highlighted a Shiba Inu dog, referencing the ] ] (SHIB), and included an appearance of a ] NFT, targeting a crypto-savvy audience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agarwal |first=Reshab |date=14 February 2022 |title=eToro Super Bowl ad doesn't compare well with FTX or Coinbase |url=https://techstory.in/etoro-super-bowl-ad-doesnt-compare-well-with-ftx-or-coinbase/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=TechStory |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Beer |first=Jeff |date=14 February 2022 |title=How crypto brands failed to hijack the Super Bowl |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90720707/how-crypto-brands-failed-to-hijack-the-super-bowl |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=Fast Company |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Did you see it: A Bored Ape Made Its Way Into eToro's Super Bowl Ad |url=https://www.theboredapegazette.com/post/did-you-see-it-a-bored-ape-made-its-way-into-etoro-s-super-bowl-ad |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=www.theboredapegazette.com|date= 14 February 2022 }}</ref>
In November 2019, eToro acquired Delta, a crypto portfolio tracker application company, based in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/11/06/investment-platform-etoro-acquires-crypto-portfolio-tracker-app-delta/|title=Investment platform eToro acquires crypto portfolio tracker app Delta|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.econotimes.com/Currency-Revolution-Series-What-Does-MA-Deal-of-eToro-and-Delta-Mean-For-1567404|title=Currency Revolution Series: What Does M&A Deal of eToro and Delta Mean For?|date=2019-11-08|website=EconoTimes|language=en|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref>


As of 2024, eToro's sponsorship portfolio encompasses five ] clubs (], ], ], ], and ]), five ] teams (], ], ], ] in ], ], and ]), as well as the UK's ], Spain's ], and ]. In September 2024, eToro signed a two-year sponsorship agreement with ].<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/etoro-secures-two-year-sponsorship-deal-with-bayer-04-leverkusen/| title =eToro Secures Two-Year Sponsorship Deal with Bayer 04 Leverkusen| last =Sikder| first =Tareq| date =2 September 2024| publisher =Finance Management | access-date = 9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/etoro-launches-12-new-football-sponsorships-in-the-uk-germany/| title =eToro Launches 12 New Football Sponsorships in the UK & Germany| last =Skinner| first =Celeste| date =17 September 2020| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date = 9 November 2024}}</ref>
==Operations==
eToro's main research and development office is located in ], ]. In addition to legal entities registered in the ], ], ], ] and ].


== Controversies ==
eToro is regulated by the ] authority in the ].<ref name="cysec" /> It is authorized by the ] in the UK,<ref name="fca" /><ref name=":1" /> and by ] in the United States,<ref name=":2" /> and by the ] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/gen-y-investors-bank-on-disruption/news-story/3a807be7465278f93cbe8d93046a4440|title=Gen Y investors bank on disruption|last=|first=|date=|website=www.theaustralian.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref> In 2013, eToro has been fined €50.000 by CySEC due to detected weaknesses which concerned its organisation and operation structure back to 2010. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/cysec-reaches-settlement-with-etoro-for-e50000-for-undisclosed-violations/ |title=CySEC Reaches Settlement With eToro at €50,000 for Undisclosed Violations|date=2 February 2012 |website=financemagnates.com |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> In 2015 eToro was added to Quebec blacklist as an unauthorized foreign company that encouraged residents to invest in binary options via its trading platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/binary-options/regulation/fxtm-and-etoro-added-to-quebec-blacklist-by-local-watchdog/|title=FXTM and eToro Added to Québec Blacklist by Local Watchdog|date=23 June 2013 |website=financemagnates.com |access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref>
Critics argue that eToro's business model inherently conflicts with its customers' interests, as the company directly profits when customers incur losses.<ref name=israeltimes2021 />


=== CySEC, 2013 ===
The company reported operating in 140 countries, with more than 11 million users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/1141853/facebook-libra-cryptocurrency-bitcoin-mark-zuckerberg-crv|title=Facebook announces launch of Libra cryptocurrency to take on bitcoin|last=|first=|date=2019-06-18|website=Express.co.uk|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.platow.de/archiv/der-platow-brief/der-platow-brief-ausgabe-vom-12.08.2019/2019/08/09/sogar-aktienhandel-zum-nulltarif/|title=Sogar Aktienhandel zum Nulltarif|website=www.platow.de|language=de|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
In 2013, ] fined eToro €50,000 due to weaknesses identified in its organizational and operational structure, dating back to 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2012 |title=CySEC Reaches Settlement With eToro at €50,000 for Undisclosed Violations |url=http://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/cysec-reaches-settlement-with-etoro-for-e50000-for-undisclosed-violations/ |access-date=2015-05-13 |website= Finance Magnates}}</ref>


== Marketing and expansion == === Quebec Blacklist, 2015 ===
In 2015, ] authorities placed eToro on a blacklist of unauthorized foreign companies, citing its encouragement of local residents to invest in binary options through its platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2015 |title=FXTM and eToro Added to Québec Blacklist by Local Watchdog |url=https://www.financemagnates.com/binary-options/regulation/fxtm-and-etoro-added-to-quebec-blacklist-by-local-watchdog/ |access-date= 26 December 2024 |website= Finance Magnates}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Options binaires - Un nouvel appel à la prudence |url=https://lautorite.qc.ca/grand-public/salle-de-presse/actualites/fiche-dactualite/options-binaires-un-nouvel-appel-a-la-prudence |date=23 June 2015 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=] |language=fr}}</ref>
In August 2018, eToro announced a sponsorship deal with seven UK ] teams including ], ]., ], ], ], ] and ]. The partnership continued for the ] with ] and ] joining Southampton F.C., Tottenham Hotspur F.C., Crystal Palace F.C., and Leicester City F.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/james-maddison-emerge-gamechanger-england-080043672.html|title=James Maddison can emerge as a gamechanger for England – Matt Le Tissier|last=Parker|first=Ian|date=2019-10-08|website=uk.sports.yahoo.com|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walkermorris.co.uk/news/walker-morris-advises-on-fifth-landmark-etoro-cryptocurrency-partnership-deal-with-premiership-football-club/|title=Walker Morris advises on fifth landmark eToro cryptocurrency partnership deal with Premiership Football Club|date=2019-08-20|website=Walker Morris|access-date=2020-01-13}}</ref>


=== Leveraged crypto position closures, 2021 ===
In 2018, it was announced that '']'' actor ] would be featured in an advertising campaign for eToro.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wuv.de/agenturen/game_of_thrones_star_wechselt_in_die_finanzbranche|title=Saatchi &Saatchi und eToro-Kampagne: Game-of-Thrones-Star wechselt in die Finanzbranche {{!}} W&V|last=Verkaufen|first=Werben &|date=2018-10-19|website=www.wuv.de|language=de|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref> It was released in October 2018 on ] and featured the ‘]’ ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2018/11/05/could-kristian-nairn-become-the-next-world-famous-brand-ambassador/|title=Could Kristian Nairn become the next world-famous brand ambassador?|last=|first=|date=|website=The Upcoming|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://campaignsoftheworld.com/digital/etoro-hodl-featuring-kristian-nairn/|title=eToro 'HODL'- It is not investment advice. Your capital is at risk|last=|first=|date=2018-10-21|website=Campaigns of the World ™|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
On 8 January 2021, eToro informed its European clients that "due to extreme market ] in the crypto markets," margin positions for all leveraged crypto positions needed to be converted into non-leveraged. Customers were warned that failure to comply would lead to position closures within four hours.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|last=Hirtenstein|first=Anna|date=11 January 2021|title=Online Platform eToro Called in Leveraged Crypto Trades When Bitcoin Price Peaked|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/online-platform-etoro-called-in-leveraged-crypto-trades-when-bitcoin-price-peaked-11610389892|access-date=2021-01-14|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=12 January 2021|title=Trading App Offers $500 to Lure Investors to Open $5,000 Crypto Accounts|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-12/bitcoin-btc-usd-buying-etoro-offers-500-reward-to-new-crypto-investors-in-us|access-date=2021-01-14}}</ref>


=== Closure of customer positions in Magnit stock, 2022 ===
In February 2019, The ] reported that "the brand is planning expansion in ] and potentially ]”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/2183831/israeli-online-broker-etoro-targets-southeast-asias-young-and|title=Israeli online broker targets young investors with global outlook|date=2019-01-28|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
On 2 March 2022, eToro liquidated customer positions in ] stock (MGNTL.L), compensating customers at $0.01 per share. Prior to the ] in February 2022, Magnit shares were valued at $14.20 per share.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Ali |title=My Ryanair shares were flying high — then someone sold them |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/my-ryanair-shares-were-flying-high-then-someone-sold-them-n8k9d8r5n |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=The Times |date= 18 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="bloomberg">{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Charlie |title=Russian Stock Dumped for 1 Cent Shocks Retail Investors on EToro |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-05/russia-stock-market-controversy-etoro-blindsides-traders-with-magnit-sale |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=Bloomberg |date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Paz |first1=Javier |title=EToro Clients Up In Arms Over Forced Exit From Russian Investments |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierpaz/2022/03/04/etoro-clients-up-in-arms-over-forced-exit-from-russian-investments/?sh=59053f2d1f8b |access-date=8 March 2022 |work=Forbes |date=4 March 2022}}</ref> Investors holding Russian American (ADRs) and global depository receipts (GDRs) argued that the forced closure was unlawful and initiated a petition, which quickly garnered a thousand signatures, though media reports have not confirmed any subsequent outcomes.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/etoro-announced-forced-liquidation-in-magnit-holdings-petition-launched-against-the-move/| title =eToro Announced Forced Liquidation in Magnit Holdings, Petition Launched against the Move| last =Williamson| first =Matti| date =6 March 2022| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date =2024-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-05/russia-stock-market-controversy-etoro-blindsides-traders-with-magnit-sale| title =Russian Stock Dumped for 1 Cent Shocks Retail Investors on EToro| last1 =Wells| first1 =Charlie| last2 =Gyftopoulou| first2 =Loukia| date =5 March 2022| publisher = Bloomberg| access-date =2024-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gyftopoulou |first1=Loukia |title=Robinhood Rival EToro Reimburses Users After Dumping Russia's Magnit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/etoro-reimburses-clients-after-dumping-magnit-at-a-penny-a-share |access-date=8 March 2022 |publisher=Bloomberg |date=7 March 2022}}</ref>


=== Misleading advertising in Italy, 2023 ===
In March 2019, eToro launched its cryptocurrency trading platform and its standalone cryptocurrency wallet to US users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/03/07/etoro-bringing-crypto-trading-and-wallet-to-the-us/|title=EToro bringing crypto trading and wallet to the US|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/etoro-launches-in-us-2019-3|title=eToro has launched in the US|last=Digalaki|first=Eleni|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref>
In 2023, the ] fined eToro €1.3&nbsp;million for misleading advertising. The Authority found that eToro's Italian website promoted zero-commission share trading but did not disclose various costs and financial risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations and operational limitations on customer rights. These omissions led consumers to make choices they might not have otherwise made, in violation of Articles 20, 21, and 22 of the Italian Consumer Code.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://en.agcm.it/en/media/press-releases/2023/7/PS12313| title =PS12313 – Italian Competition Authority: eToro fined 1.3 million euro for misleading advertising| date =17 July 2023| publisher =Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.reuters.com/business/italy-antitrust-body-fines-etoro-misleading-consumers-2023-07-17/| title =Italy antitrust body fines eToro for misleading consumers| date =17 July 2023| publisher =Reuters | access-date =9 November 2024 }}</ref>

=== ASIC lawsuit, 2023 ===
In August 2023, the ] filed a case against eToro Aus Capital Limited in ], alleging that the company of lack of compliance, more specifically, of violation of design and distribution obligations. The screening test for onboarding clients was so lax that nearly anyone could qualify. ASIC argued that eToro's target market for CFDs was overly broad for such a high-risk product. Between 5 October 5, 2021 and 14 June 14, 2023, almost 20,000 eToro clients reportedly lost money.<ref name=asicgovau/>

As of November 2024, court proceedings have been postponed eight times.<ref name=asicgovau>{{cite web| url =https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2023-releases/23-204mr-asic-sues-etoro-in-its-first-design-and-distribution-action-to-protect-consumers-from-high-risk-cfd-products/| title =ASIC sues eToro in its first design and distribution action to protect consumers from high-risk CFD products| date= 3 August 2023| publisher =ASIC | access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref>

=== US SEC lawsuit for unregistered crypto trade, 2024 ===
An investigation by the ] discovered that since at least 2020, eToro operated as an unregistered broker and clearing agency, facilitating crypto asset trading as securities. On 12 September 2024, eToro USA LLC agreed to pay a $1.5 mln penalty to settle charges, no comments had been given to admit or deny the SEC's findings. The US clients were given 180 days to liquidate other crypto positions, with only ], ], and ] remaining available for trade.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/retail-forex/etoro-usa-to-pay-1-5m-to-settle-sec-charges-to-cease-trading-activity-in-nearly-all-crypto-assets/| title =eToro USA to pay $1.5M to settle SEC charges, to cease trading activity in nearly all crypto assets| last =Nikolova| first =Maria| date =12 September 2024| publisher = FX News Group| access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024-125| title =eToro Reaches Settlement with SEC and Will Cease Trading Activity in Nearly All Crypto Assets| date =12 September 2024| publisher =U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.marketwatch.com/story/etoro-reached-a-1-5m-settlement-with-the-sec-other-brokerages-could-be-next-daa9369f| title =eToro reached a $1.5M settlement with the SEC. Other crypto brokerages could be next| last =Gottsegen| first =Gordon| date =12 September 2024| publisher =Market Watch | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref>

=== Unlicensed operations ===
==== Malaysia ====
In May 2020, eToro announced the expansion of its commission-free offering to customers in the Asia-Pacific region. In a related statement, eToro noted that 11% of its customers in this region were from Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://fintechnews.my/23800/various/securities-commission-etoro-is-not-licensed-to-operate-in-malaysia/| title =Securities Commission: eToro is Not Licensed to Operate in Malaysia| last =Fong| first =Vincent| date =19 May 2020| publisher =Fintech Malaysia | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref> In response to eToro's announcement, the ] (SC) publicly stated that eToro was operating without proper licensing in the country.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/sc-etoro-not-licensed-registered-regulated-activities-malaysia| title =SC: eToro not licensed, registered for regulated activities in Malaysia| last =Hamdan| first =Muhammed Ahmad| date =20 May 2020| publisher =The Edge | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref>

==== Canada ====
From 2008 to 2017, eToro operated in Canada without a license despite warnings from the ] (OSC).<ref name=israeltimes2021/> In 2018, eToro agreed to pay a $550,000 fine and an additional $25,000 in costs, and to disgorge nearly US$1.8&nbsp;million. The company also committed to closing Ontario accounts and blocking its site from Canadian IP addresses.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/from-the-regulators/osc-fines-etoro-500000-for-trading-without-registration/| title =OSC fines eToro $500,000 for trading without registration| last =Langton| first =James| date =11 October 2018| publisher =Investment Executive | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref>

==== India ====
In September 2022, the ] (RBI), India's central bank, released a list of 34 forex trading online platforms, in which eToro was also listed as an illegal platform in India.<ref>{{cite news |title=RBI issues alert list: Declares these 34 forex trading online platforms as illegal |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/rbi-issues-alert-list-declares-these-34-forex-trading-online-platforms-as-illegal/articleshow/94126965.cms |work=] |date=11 September 2022}}</ref>

====Philippines ====
On 14 March 2024, the ] issued an advisory against eToro. The company was marketing its offerings to Filipinos and allowed them to open accounts without the necessary license, an act punishable in the Philippines with up to 21 years in prison.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/etoros-promoters-in-the-philippines-risk-up-to-21-years-in-jail/| title =eToro Promoters in The Philippines Risk up to 21 Years in Jail| last =| first =| date =5 April 2024| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref> The company spokesman denied active promotion of its services in the Philippines and highlighted that it has no local presence in the country. In October 2024, the company announced that it will stop operations in the Philippines citing "risk management considerations". Philippines residents' access to all accounts will be stopped on 15 February 2025.<ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.financemagnates.com/fintech/etoro-cites-risk-management-considerations-behind-the-philippines-exit/| title =eToro Cites "Risk Management Considerations" Behind The Philippines Exit| last =Shome| first =Arnab| date =16 October 2024| publisher =Finance Magnates | access-date =9 November 2024}}</ref>

=== ''The Times of Israel'' investigation ===
In July 2021, ] published an investigation on eToro, exposing dozens of cases of staffing connections between eToro and Israel's largely fraudulent binary options industry.<ref name=israeltimes2021 /> For example, ], former chairman of the ] (ISA), joined eToro as an advisory board member after overseeing regulatory decisions that impacted the company. During Hauser's ISA tenure from 2011 to 2017, he agreed to modify a ] bill that would have restricted eToro's operations, which allowed eToro to continue expanding internationally. Although eToro did not engage in binary options, a sector under heavy scrutiny for fraudulent practices, the modified bill exempted companies like eToro from stricter regulations. In the same year, he resigned from his post at ISA amidst several high-profile anti-corruption scandals. After leaving the ISA, Hauser began advising eToro on regulatory issues worldwide. In 2021, Hauser became an advisory board member at eToro.<ref name=israeltimes2021 /> At the same year, eToro announced that it had appointed {{ill|he|Hedva Ber}}, former supervisor of banks at the Bank of Israel, in 2021 was appointed deputy CEO and global COO.<ref name=israeltimes2021 />

The Times of Israel also covered the story of ], ] MK and former mayor of ]. Barkat was linked to eToro in the "]," revealing he holds shares in the company, which is registered in the ] despite most operations being based in Israel. While mayor, Barkat claimed his assets were under a ], but leaks indicate they remained in his name until he transferred them to his brother upon joining the ] in 2019, contrary to Knesset Ethics Committee guidelines. In 2019, Barkat's net worth was valued at $139&nbsp;million.<ref name=israeltimes2021>{{cite web| url =https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-securities-regulator-now-works-for-fintech-firm-that-pushed-him-to-weaken-law/| title =Ex-securities regulator now works for fintech firm that pushed him to weaken law| last1 =Weinglass| first1 =Simona| last2 =Solomon| first2 =Shoshanna| date =1 July 2021| publisher =The Times of Israel | access-date =2024-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url =https://www.timesofisrael.com/former-justice-minister-billionaire-among-israelis-named-in-pandora-papers/| title =Former justice minister, billionaire among Israelis named in 'Pandora Papers' | date= 4 October 2021| publisher =The Times of Israel | access-date= 8 November 2024}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


{{Online brokerages|state=collapsed}} {{Online brokerages}}
{{Cryptocurrencies}}



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Latest revision as of 04:24, 29 December 2024

Multi-asset brokerage company

eToro
Company typePrivate company
IndustryFinancial services
Investing online
Social investment
Founded2007; 18 years ago (2007)
FounderYoni Assia, Ronen Assia, David Ring
HeadquartersTel Aviv, Israel
Area servedWorldwide
Key peopleYoni Assia, CEO
ProductsElectronic trading platform, stocks, copy trading, social trading
ServicesInvestment management
RevenueDecreaseUS$630 mln (2023)
Operating income87,200,000 United States dollar (2020) Edit this on Wikidata
Net income82,900,000 United States dollar (2020) Edit this on Wikidata
Number of employees1400 (2024)
Websitewww.etoro.com

eToro is a social trading and multi-asset investment company focused on CFD offerings. eToro was founded in 2007 in Tel Aviv by Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia, and David Ring. The company's headquarters are located in Central Israel. At the start of 2024, eToro had 35.5 million registered users, and over 3 million funded accounts.

eToro has faced regulatory scrutiny and criticism from authorities in the US, Canada, India, Italy, and the Philippines. The company's business model has been criticized for profiting from customer losses, lacking transparency, and has been fined in multiple countries for operating without licenses and engaging in misleading advertising practices.

History

eToro was founded as RetailFX in 2007 in Tel Aviv, by brothers Yoni Assia and Ronen Assia together with David Ring. In 2010, the firm released the eToro OpenBook social investment platform. This included the CopyTrader feature, enabling users to replicate the trading strategies of top-performing investors automatically. Later that year, the firm released an Android app.

Between 2007 and 2013, the company raised $31.5 million across four funding rounds. By December 2014, it had secured an additional $27 million from Russian and Chinese investors.

In 2013, eToro expanded its product range, allowing investments in stocks and CFDs alongside commodities and currencies, with an initial offering of 110 stocks that later grew to over 3,000 financial products. The same year, it was authorized to provide services in the UK under its eToro UK subsidiary. By 2014, some referred to eToro as "Israel's biggest export." In January 2014, the company added cryptocurrencies to its available instruments, and later that year, it introduced currency futures investments for the Russian ruble and Chinese yuan.

In December 2017, eToro partnered with CoinDash to develop blockchain-based social trading. The following year, it raised $100 million in private funding, bringing total investment to over $162 million from various firms.

In March 2019, eToro acquired Danish blockchain company Firmo. In October 2019, eToro released a sentiment-based crypto portfolio that uses AI to assess Twitter's real-time sentiment on digital asset. Shortly after, in November 2019, eToro acquired Delta, a crypto portfolio tracking app based in Belgium. In March 2019, the company launched its cryptocurrency trading platform and standalone cryptocurrency wallet for US users.

Financially, 2020 proved a landmark year for eToro, with a 147% year-over-year growth, a 275% increase in funded accounts, and a gross revenue of $605 million. The company reported 1.2 million funded accounts, managed by a team of 1,100 employees worldwide. That year, eToro also acquired Marq Millions, its UK e-money division, rebranding it as eToro Money, and obtained Visa's primary membership along with an electronic money institution (EMI) license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. In December 2021, it launched the eToro Money debit card for UK residents. In 2021, the company reported operating in 140 countries and having 20 million users.

In March 2021, eToro announced plans to go public via a merger with FinTech Acquisition Corp V (NASDAQ:FTCV), a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by former Bancorp CEO Betsy Z. Cohen. The combined entity was expected to operate as eToro Group Ltd with an implied enterprise value of $10.4 billion, supported by $650 million in funding from private investment funds. However, due to market instability and internal challenges within the SPAC, including "material weaknesses" in its financial controls, the deal was canceled by mid-2022. By that time, eToro had invested heavily in preparation for the IPO, contributing to a net loss of $265 million for 2021. Following the cancellation, eToro implemented cost-cutting measures, including laying off approximately 100 employees, or around 6% of its workforce, to stabilize its finances. In 2023, eToro completed a $250 million funding round that valued the company at $3.5 billion, a stark contrast to its initial $10 billion valuation target. However, eToro's financial performance in 2023 showed mixed results: eToro UK reported a 14% drop in net income and a 28% decrease in comprehensive income. In March 2024, the company announced that it is considering New York or London as potential venues for an IPO at an unspecified future date, with the aim of achieving a valuation higher than its last funding round.

In August 2022, eToro signed a definitive agreement to acquire Gatsby, a fintech startup specializing in options and stock trading, for $50 million in cash and stock. In April 2023, the company announced a partnership with Twitter to allow users to click on ticker symbols preceded by a dollar sign, redirecting them to an eToro trading page.

In July 2024, eToro announced a partnership with the London Stock Exchange, aiming to add over 1,000 new UK stocks in the coming months. That month, it also collaborated with Bocconi University and joined the European FS Financial Services Tech Hub. In September 2024, eToro acquired the Australian app Spaceship for nearly $55 million.

Operations

eToro's primary research and development hub is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. The company operates under regulatory oversight from several major authorities: CySEC in the EU, FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the United States, and ASIC in Australia. As of 2022, eToro maintained operations in 140 countries.

The company's business model, centered around Contracts for Difference (CFDs), has faced significant criticism. CFDs are high-risk financial products that frequently result in substantial losses for customers. eToro's model allows it to profit directly from customer losses, and the company retains the option not to hedge its CFD positions, raising questions about transparency and client interest.

Marketing

eToro is known for substantial investments in marketing, which include sports sponsorships and traditional advertising. In 2020, eToro released a high-profile ad starring Alec Baldwin that quickly accumulated 3 million views on YouTube.

In February 2022, eToro aired its first Super Bowl commercial during Super Bowl LVI, also dubbed the "Crypto Bowl." The 30-second ad, titled "Flying Your Way," featured a consumer seeking cryptocurrency advice while crypto enthusiasts descended from the sky, asking, "To the moon?" The commercial also highlighted a Shiba Inu dog, referencing the meme coin Shiba Inu (SHIB), and included an appearance of a Bored Ape NFT, targeting a crypto-savvy audience.

As of 2024, eToro's sponsorship portfolio encompasses five English Premier League clubs (Crystal Palace, Everton, Leicester City, Southampton, and Burnley), five Bundesliga teams (Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Augsburg, 1. FC Köln, Hamburger SV in Bundesliga 2, 1. FC Union Berlin, and VfL Wolfsburg), as well as the UK's Premiership Rugby Cup, Spain's Basketball Liga ACB, and Rugby Australia. In September 2024, eToro signed a two-year sponsorship agreement with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Controversies

Critics argue that eToro's business model inherently conflicts with its customers' interests, as the company directly profits when customers incur losses.

CySEC, 2013

In 2013, CySEC fined eToro €50,000 due to weaknesses identified in its organizational and operational structure, dating back to 2010.

Quebec Blacklist, 2015

In 2015, Quebec authorities placed eToro on a blacklist of unauthorized foreign companies, citing its encouragement of local residents to invest in binary options through its platform.

Leveraged crypto position closures, 2021

On 8 January 2021, eToro informed its European clients that "due to extreme market volatility in the crypto markets," margin positions for all leveraged crypto positions needed to be converted into non-leveraged. Customers were warned that failure to comply would lead to position closures within four hours.

Closure of customer positions in Magnit stock, 2022

On 2 March 2022, eToro liquidated customer positions in Magnit stock (MGNTL.L), compensating customers at $0.01 per share. Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Magnit shares were valued at $14.20 per share. Investors holding Russian American (ADRs) and global depository receipts (GDRs) argued that the forced closure was unlawful and initiated a petition, which quickly garnered a thousand signatures, though media reports have not confirmed any subsequent outcomes.

Misleading advertising in Italy, 2023

In 2023, the Italian Competition Authority fined eToro €1.3 million for misleading advertising. The Authority found that eToro's Italian website promoted zero-commission share trading but did not disclose various costs and financial risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations and operational limitations on customer rights. These omissions led consumers to make choices they might not have otherwise made, in violation of Articles 20, 21, and 22 of the Italian Consumer Code.

ASIC lawsuit, 2023

In August 2023, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission filed a case against eToro Aus Capital Limited in Federal Court, alleging that the company of lack of compliance, more specifically, of violation of design and distribution obligations. The screening test for onboarding clients was so lax that nearly anyone could qualify. ASIC argued that eToro's target market for CFDs was overly broad for such a high-risk product. Between 5 October 5, 2021 and 14 June 14, 2023, almost 20,000 eToro clients reportedly lost money.

As of November 2024, court proceedings have been postponed eight times.

US SEC lawsuit for unregistered crypto trade, 2024

An investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission discovered that since at least 2020, eToro operated as an unregistered broker and clearing agency, facilitating crypto asset trading as securities. On 12 September 2024, eToro USA LLC agreed to pay a $1.5 mln penalty to settle charges, no comments had been given to admit or deny the SEC's findings. The US clients were given 180 days to liquidate other crypto positions, with only Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ether remaining available for trade.

Unlicensed operations

Malaysia

In May 2020, eToro announced the expansion of its commission-free offering to customers in the Asia-Pacific region. In a related statement, eToro noted that 11% of its customers in this region were from Malaysia. In response to eToro's announcement, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) publicly stated that eToro was operating without proper licensing in the country.

Canada

From 2008 to 2017, eToro operated in Canada without a license despite warnings from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). In 2018, eToro agreed to pay a $550,000 fine and an additional $25,000 in costs, and to disgorge nearly US$1.8 million. The company also committed to closing Ontario accounts and blocking its site from Canadian IP addresses.

India

In September 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's central bank, released a list of 34 forex trading online platforms, in which eToro was also listed as an illegal platform in India.

Philippines

On 14 March 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission of The Philippines issued an advisory against eToro. The company was marketing its offerings to Filipinos and allowed them to open accounts without the necessary license, an act punishable in the Philippines with up to 21 years in prison. The company spokesman denied active promotion of its services in the Philippines and highlighted that it has no local presence in the country. In October 2024, the company announced that it will stop operations in the Philippines citing "risk management considerations". Philippines residents' access to all accounts will be stopped on 15 February 2025.

The Times of Israel investigation

In July 2021, The Times of Israel published an investigation on eToro, exposing dozens of cases of staffing connections between eToro and Israel's largely fraudulent binary options industry. For example, Shmuel Hauser, former chairman of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), joined eToro as an advisory board member after overseeing regulatory decisions that impacted the company. During Hauser's ISA tenure from 2011 to 2017, he agreed to modify a Knesset bill that would have restricted eToro's operations, which allowed eToro to continue expanding internationally. Although eToro did not engage in binary options, a sector under heavy scrutiny for fraudulent practices, the modified bill exempted companies like eToro from stricter regulations. In the same year, he resigned from his post at ISA amidst several high-profile anti-corruption scandals. After leaving the ISA, Hauser began advising eToro on regulatory issues worldwide. In 2021, Hauser became an advisory board member at eToro. At the same year, eToro announced that it had appointed he, former supervisor of banks at the Bank of Israel, in 2021 was appointed deputy CEO and global COO.

The Times of Israel also covered the story of Nir Barkat, Likud MK and former mayor of Jerusalem. Barkat was linked to eToro in the "Pandora Papers," revealing he holds shares in the company, which is registered in the Virgin Islands despite most operations being based in Israel. While mayor, Barkat claimed his assets were under a blind trust, but leaks indicate they remained in his name until he transferred them to his brother upon joining the Knesset in 2019, contrary to Knesset Ethics Committee guidelines. In 2019, Barkat's net worth was valued at $139 million.

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