From Desktop to Smartphone: Transforming Trading in Southeast Asia

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The financial industry in Southeast Asia is undergoing major changes. If previously Singapore was the main center, now the rapid growth comes from technology-based markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. According to VSDC, in Vietnam the number of domestic securities trading accounts has reached 12.26 million as of February 2026.

The way people trade has also changed. In the past, this activity was synonymous with the use of a computer or desktop terminal. Now, everything can be done directly from a smartphone. The increase in the use of mobile internet, the increasingly affordable price of devices, and the increasingly stable connection are the main factors behind this change.

Although Singapore and Malaysia are still ahead in fintech adoption, countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam show a stronger tendency towards using mobile platforms as the main choice.

On the other hand, financial literacy in the region is also increasing, especially among young people. In the Philippines, for example, about 26.5% of retail investors aged 18-29 years. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, more than half of the total 16.2 million investors are under the age of 30.

What Drives Mobile Trading Growth?

There are several factors that make trading through smartphones increasingly popular:

● More accessible - does not require large capital or special devices ● Fast response - instant execution and real-time updates help decision making ● Features are increasingly complete - from charts, indicators, to AI assistance for analysis ● Local support - payment methods and languages that are appropriate for each market are available With these various conveniences, trading can now be reached by more people, no longer limited to certain circles.

JustMarkets' role in Southeast Asia

Brokers also play an important role in driving this trend. JustMarkets, for example, offers a variety of features that support the needs of traders in the region:

● TradingView chart integration for deeper analysis● Fast and stable trading execution● Leverage up to 1:3000● Services tailored to local markets, including payment methods and 24/7 support

Through this service, traders of various levels can access the market more flexibly according to their needs.

Changes in Trader Behavior

In Southeast Asia, traders are increasingly relying on mobile devices and technology. In Thailand, for example, online trading already accounts for about 24.61% of total exchange activity, with more than 6.8 million active accounts.

Interestingly, many traders don't just focus on trading as their main activity. They also combine it with other activities such as business or freelance work, so that trading becomes part of a more flexible lifestyle.

Support from the government has also accelerated this growth, especially through regulations and the development of fintech infrastructure in various countries.

The Future of Trading in Southeast Asia

In the future, technology will continue to be the main factor that shapes the trading industry. Artificial intelligence, automation, and sentiment analysis will make the trading experience more personal.

In addition, the development of blockchain and the latest generation mobile network will increase the speed and transparency of transactions. All of this opens up opportunities for traders in Southeast Asia to manage their investments more effectively.