Robinhood Markets has announced plans to acquire PT Buana Capital Securities and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto. This will allow them to enter the largest and fastest-growing cryptocurrency market in Southeast Asia.
Through this acquisition, Robinhood will be able to provide services to over 19 million capital market investors and 17 million cryptocurrency traders in Indonesia. This transaction is subject to approval by Indonesia's financial services authority and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.
Strategic entry into high-growth markets
California-based Robinhood is targeting Indonesia, which has a young, tech-savvy population and a favorable regulatory environment. Robinhood's official announcement highlighted Indonesia's strong expansion potential. This acquisition follows Robinhood's recent establishment of a regional headquarters in Singapore and obtaining a license for the Bitstamp cryptocurrency exchange.
Indonesia's changing regulatory framework now supports digital asset trading. By the third quarter of 2025, the Financial Services Authority will have granted licenses to 28 companies involved in cryptocurrency trading, one of which is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange. Regulatory clarity encourages international firms to enter the market legally.
By acquiring existing local companies, Robinhood can streamline regulatory compliance and accelerate market access. PT Buana Capital Securities provides brokerage services, while PT Pedagang Asset Crypto offers cryptocurrency trading. Major shareholder Peter Ternur, known for his work with Bali United Football Club, will continue to be involved as a strategic advisor.
Robinhood's Chief Brokerage Officer, Steve Quirk, mentioned that he is committed to expanding financial participation. He expressed hope on social media that more people can engage with the financial system.
Integration and service expansion
Robinhood plans to maintain Buana Capital's current services while gradually introducing a broader product lineup. The initial rollout will include local Indonesian products, followed by services for existing customers that will gradually introduce new products, including access to U.S. stocks and cryptocurrencies.
This move aligns with Robinhood's global growth. The platform currently serves approximately 27 million users, and its stock price has risen nearly 268 percent since 2025. This reflects investor confidence in Robinhood's expansion strategy.
Robinhood was included in the S&P 500 index this year, marking a milestone that signifies the company's institutional status. It faced several challenges, including a $45 million fine from a data breach in 2021 and ongoing discussions with UK regulators regarding potential market entry.
Peter Ternur is well known for founding Bali United, the first publicly listed football club in Southeast Asia, and will remain a strategic advisor to Robinhood after this acquisition.
The financial terms of the Indonesian deal have not been disclosed. This acquisition is pending regulatory review by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to determine whether Robinhood meets Indonesia's financial and digital asset service standards.
Market impactโฆcompetitive landscape
Indonesia has developed into a leading cryptocurrency hub in Southeast Asia due to supportive regulations and high digital participation. The expanding market now attracts international companies seeking growth in new regions. Robinhood's entry adds to the competitive landscape with domestic and foreign firms.
The dual acquisition approach gives Robinhood advantages in traditional securities and digital assets. By holding licenses in both areas, the company can offer a wide range of investment services.
Investors welcomed the news. The market reaction showed a 1.17 percent increase in Robinhood's stock following the announcement, reflecting expectations that it could gain market share in Indonesia's promising environment.
This entry into Indonesia comes after Robinhood announced last year that it would establish a regional headquarters in Singapore. Robinhood is still waiting for regulatory approval for its brokerage operations and is also in discussions with UK regulators regarding its global initiatives.