Financial brokerage is no longer what it used to be. For years, brokers were at the center of the trading process: clients called in, sought advice, and executed trades with professional guidance. But as technology reshapes investing, that traditional role has largely disappeared. “You should stop thinking like before,” says Hassan Fawaz, founder of GivTrade Holding. “We used to sit on a computer, get calls from clients saying, ‘I want to buy gold’ or ‘I want to buy that stock.’ But now, you don’t even see what the client is doing. You don’t know what they’re thinking or what trades they’re about to place.”
Investors today act independently, making split-second decisions based on a news article, a social media post, or an AI-generated insight. Trading platforms are no longer just execution tools—they are ecosystems of data, analytics, and automation. This shift has forced brokers to evolve or risk becoming irrelevant. Fawaz, who has built and led financial firms across global markets, understands this transformation better than most. His success comes from recognizing how technology is redefining brokerage—and adapting accordingly.
The Challenge: A Market Overrun by Technology and Competition
Technology has made investing more accessible, but it has also intensified competition. Brokers who once charged hefty commissions per trade now operate on razor-thin margins, competing with zero-fee platforms that offer seamless, AI-powered trading experiences. Traditional firms are losing market share to newer players that prioritize speed, design, and automation. 
“The market has become very hard for financial brokers because there’s a lot of competition,” Fawaz explains. “Before, you used to charge $50 commission per trade. That’s not there anymore. Margins are low, and brokers have to do extra work to keep up.” This extra work isn’t about returning to the old ways—it’s about embracing the tools that modern investors demand.
The Solution: Investing in Technology, UX, and Research Tools
For brokers to survive, technology can’t be seen as a disruptor—it must be an advantage. “Technology, technology, technology—it’s the only way for brokers to have a competitive edge,” Fawaz emphasizes. Successful firms today are those investing in AI-powered analytics, real-time research tools, and user-friendly interfaces that enhance the trading experience.
Platforms like Robinhood have demonstrated that sleek design and simplicity attract investors. Fawaz sees this as a lesson, not a threat. “Traders want something that looks good while they’re stressed about the markets,” he says. “A stressful trading environment needs a platform that’s intuitive and easy to use.” At GivTrade, this philosophy is central. The firm prioritizes transparency and innovation, ensuring traders have the tools they need to make informed decisions, not just a place to execute trades.
Expanding Beyond Borders: The Power of AI and Digitalization
Beyond technology, Fawaz points to another critical shift—global reach. With margins shrinking in traditional markets, brokers must think beyond their immediate geographies. “Thanks to AI and digitalization, it’s easier now to penetrate new markets,” he explains. “You can be in the U.S. and target investors in China, or operate in Dubai while serving clients in Europe.” This ability to expand globally is a major opportunity for brokers willing to invest in the right infrastructure. AI-driven marketing, multilingual trading platforms, and data analytics now allow firms to scale beyond borders in ways that were once impossible.
Staying Ahead: The Future of Financial Brokerage
The only certainty in financial brokerage is change. Fawaz acknowledges that today’s strategies could be obsolete in months. “Anything we say now is going to change in a month or two because AI is advancing so much,” he says. The key to long-term success isn’t just adopting new tools—it’s maintaining the flexibility to evolve as the industry does.
For brokers looking to stay competitive, Fawaz’s approach is clear: invest in research tools that empower traders, embrace technology, and be ready to pivot as new innovations emerge. Financial brokerage is no longer about simply executing trades—it’s about guiding clients through an increasingly complex, technology-driven market. The brokers who succeed will be those who recognize that the old ways are gone—and who are ready to redefine success in this new era.
To learn more about Hassan Fawaz’s insights into financial markets and investing technologies, connect with him on LinkedIn.
