Scalable Capital vs Trade Republic

Investor Presentation Released: Scalable Capital Bank GmbH

AI parsed presentation narrative: Scalable Capital is a leading European digital bank empowering retail investors across Europe through accessible online brokerage, automated wealth management, and high-yield overnight savings accounts. Additionally, it monetizes its technology platform through B2B white-label partnerships with major financial institutions like ING Deutschland and Raiffeisen Banking Group. Strategic pillars: Digital Retail Brokerage Expansion, Automated Digital Wealth Management.

Trade Republic launches free ETF pension deposit

Trade Republic, a Berlin-based neobroker, has announced a 'completely free' state-subsidized retirement deposit (Altersvorsorgedepot) ahead of its official launch. The offer includes no account management fees, no order fees, and permanently waived product costs for over 50 selected ETFs from Blackrock, DWS, and Vanguard. CEO Christian Hecker framed this as the start of a 'new stock culture in Europe' and aims to attract new customers through the company's largest marketing campaign to date. This aggressive pricing undercuts rivals like Scalable Capital and Smartbroker, intensifying competition for the lucrative retirement market that begins in January 2026, with government subsidies of up to 540 euros per adult and 300 euros per child annually. The deposit replaces the Riester pension.

• Trade Republic launches a completely free state-subsidized retirement deposit (Altersvorsorgedepot).
• The offer includes free account management, free orders, and permanently waived product costs for over 50 ETFs from Blackrock, DWS, and Vanguard.
• CEO Christian Hecker announces the start of a 'new stock culture in Europe' and expects significant customer growth.

Deutsche Bank Enters Price War for State-Subsidized Retirement Portfolio

Deutsche Bank is entering the competitive market for the new state-subsidized retirement investment account (Altersvorsorgedepot), which will launch in 2027. The bank emphasizes transparent pricing, avoiding 'loss-leader' offers. The product allows savers to invest in ETFs, stock funds, and bonds, with tax advantages and annual subsidies up to 540 euros (plus 300 euros per child). Deutsche Bank's standard digital-only depot, developed by DWS, will cost 0.1% annually for the first two years, then 0.28%. A more expensive advisory version costs 0.99% yearly. Competitors like Scalable Capital and Dekabank have already announced low-fee or fee-free structures. The article discusses the competitive landscape, concerns about future price increases, and the potential to boost Germany's equity culture.

• Deutsche Bank enters the Altersvorsorgedepot market with a standard digital depot costing 0.1% annually for the first two years, then 0.28%, and an advisory version at 0.99% per year.
• Scalable Capital launched the price war in August, offering no fees for depot management, savings plans, or trades on its standard depot, with running costs capped at 0.15% annually.
• Dekabank offers a standard depot with 0.1% yearly fees.

Revolut to Offer Startup Investments via VC Fund from 2027

UK neobank Revolut plans to launch a venture capital fund, allowing its customers to invest in startups from 2027. The fund will be structured as an ELTIF, a regulated European investment vehicle, and will be managed by Carne Group. Investments will be available only to 'eligible' customers due to the high risk of capital loss. The fund will focus on late-stage tech startups prior to a potential IPO. This follows Revolut's earlier introduction of private markets funds in July 2026. The initiative comes from Revolut's internal innovation hub 'New Bets'. Competitors like Trade Republic and Scalable have not yet offered such a product.

• Revolut plans to launch a venture capital fund from 2027, allowing customers to invest in startups.
• The fund will be structured as an ELTIF and managed by Carne Group.
• Investments will be limited to 'eligible' customers due to high risk of capital loss.

Bafin Tightens Control Over Raisin

The German financial regulator Bafin has reclassified the Berlin-based fintech Raisin as a financial holding company, extending stricter oversight and higher capital requirements that previously applied only to its banking subsidiary. This move ends a prolonged resistance by Raisin's management, led by co-founder and CEO Tamaz Georgadze, against stronger regulatory oversight. The reclassification requires Georgadze to recalculate the business case for Raisin, which was last valued at approximately €3 billion. This change aligns Raisin with other major European fintechs like Trade Republic and Klarna, which have embraced banking status. The news was reported exclusively by manager-magazin.

• Bafin classifies Raisin as a financial holding company, extending stricter oversight beyond its banking subsidiary.
• The reclassification was made against the resistance of Raisin's management, including CEO Tamaz Georgadze.
• Raisin was last valued at approximately €3 billion.

Trade Republic Found Own Life Insurer for Retirement

Trade Republic, the Berlin-based neobroker, has established its own life insurer, Justinian Versicherungs AG, in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, after receiving a license from the local regulator FMA. The license covers traditional and unit-linked life insurance. This strategic move enables Trade Republic to offer a guaranteed version of the upcoming state-subsidized retirement savings account (Altersvorsorgedepot) in Germany, which will replace the Riester pension from 2027. The guaranteed version may incur a fee, unlike previously announced free variants. This expansion positions Trade Republic against traditional insurers like Allianz and Ergo, targeting security-conscious savers, while rival Scalable Capital avoids guarantees. Trade Republic reported €754 million in revenue for its 2024/25 fiscal year and a valuation of €12.5 billion, serving over 10 million customers.

• Trade Republic founded Justinian Versicherungs AG in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, and received a life insurance license from the FMA, covering traditional and unit-linked life insurance.
• The insurer enables Trade Republic to potentially offer a guaranteed version of the Altersvorsorgedepot, with returns of at least 80-100% of contributions, though it may carry a fee.
• The Altersvorsorgedepot is scheduled to launch in early 2027 as the successor to the Riester pension.