Münster/Frankfurt, March 19, 2026 – More and more people are using securities as a key component of their wealth accumulation, and the smartphone is becoming their most important means of access. The latest Mobile Investing Study by the strategy, IT and management consultancy zeb illustrates how banks have been adapting to this development and what it means for the future of the retail securities business in Germany.

Securities accounts are booming – the smartphone is becoming the primary access point

The boom in mobile investing is associated with a continuous upswing in the German securities business. The number of securities accounts in Germany has risen from around 23.5 million in 2019 to around 34.4 million in 2025 while the volume of portfolios under management has grown to almost EUR 2 trillion. Looking ahead to 2030, the authors of the study expect further continuous growth.

This development is largely driven by a younger, digitally savvy investor base that looks up information online, makes self-directed decisions and, above all, expects mobile ways to invest. Advisory services are gradually becoming less important, at least in this segment. What is particularly relevant for this age group at the moment is that they understand the processes and feel comfortable with their use and the costs involved.

Benjamin Winter, Senior Manager at zeb and co-author of the study, explains: “Redistribution in the important market segment of mobile investing for retail customers will gradually continue. In order to remain relevant, providers have to deliver offers that are designed from a smartphone user perspective and consistently take into account the product preferences of the new investor groups.”

Simplicity and clear pricing beat product depth

A look at the banking market shows that neobrokers are gaining new, young customers by offering more attractive user journeys and keeping their fees transparent. By contrast, established direct and branch banks have an edge when it comes to a trusting customer base, a broad range of products and comprehensive customer support expertise. So far, however, they have rarely translated their strengths into convincing digital customer offers of similar quality.

Young customers are also causing a shift in preferences. Aspects such as cost awareness and easy-to-use models are taking priority over the many other reasons for using securities offerings, and ETFs are significantly growing in importance. Many users expect a securities account to be immediately ready and easy to use without having to master technical jargon.

Banks must provide compelling mobile solutions and smartly combine them with customer support

From the study authors’ point of view, mobile investing in securities should not be regarded as an add-on. It is a key lever for sustainable growth and customer retention in the retail business of German banks. It all comes down to an excellent mobile user experience, clear and comprehensible securities account models and offerings that combine digital simplicity with suitable customer support options.

Ulrich Hoyer, Partner at zeb and co-author of the study, concludes: “Those who want to win over the new generation of self-directed investors have to combine simplicity and inspiration. Intuitive-to-use mobile investment solutions and smart securities account models are basic requirements, whereas guided customer journeys and curated incentives are becoming real differentiators.”

Further information is available at: zeb.Mobile Investing Study

About zeb

As a leading strategy, management and IT consultancy, zeb offers a full range of consulting services in the financial services industry, which is heavily influenced by regulation and digital transformation. Clients include banks (incl. savings banks and neobanks) and fintech companies, insurers and insurtech companies, asset managers, captives, as well as numerous other specialized European financial services providers and financial intermediaries.

zeb was founded in 1992 and operates offices in Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Münster (HQ). Its international offices are located in Amsterdam, Kyiv, London, Luxembourg, Milan, Oslo, Stockholm, Vienna, Warsaw and Zurich. In industry rankings, zeb has repeatedly been classed and acknowledged as the “best consultancy” for the banking and insurance industry.