Robinhood Markets Inc. (Nasdaq: HOOD) is preparing to enter the Indonesian market through the acquisition of two local firms, Buana Capital Sekuritas and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto. Both are owned by businessman Pieter Tanuri, who will remain as a strategic adviser. The deal, announced in a company blog post, provides Robinhood with licensed regulatory entry. While the purchase price was not disclosed, the transaction is slated for completion in the first half of 2026. The move capitalizes on Indonesia’s substantial and growing retail investment base. The Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti) estimates that Indonesian crypto users surpassed 17 million, with monthly transaction volumes regularly exceeding $1.5 billion in 2025. https://twitter.com/SteveQuirk_/status/1997839306019270909 Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis also ranks Indonesia seventh globally for grassroots crypto adoption, the highest in Southeast Asia, citing strong peer-to-peer activity as a key driver. Acquiring already-licensed entities is a recognized strategy to circumvent Indonesia’s lengthy licensing process for foreign brokers, which industry analyses confirm can take 12 to 18 months. This approach provides a decisive speed-to-market advantage, allowing Robinhood to immediately contend with established local crypto exchanges Pintu and Indodax. Patrick Chan, Head of Robinhood Asia, stated the expansion aligns with the company’s mission to democratize investing. The entry coincides with regulatory maturation in the Southeast Asian country. Indonesian authorities have enacted new tax rules covering trades on international platforms, domestic crypto transactions, and related business activities. There is also preliminary, non-official discussion within policy circles regarding the potential for Bitcoin reserves. Robinhood’s Growing Global Footprint Marked by Key Asia and EU Moves The Indonesia deal fits into a much bigger expansion plan Robinhood has been executing over the past two years. The company’s broader strategic shift, marked by its addition to the S&P 500 in September 2025, includes strengthening its European presence and laying the groundwork for its Asia-Pacific entry. Here’s a quick look at the major milestones. Robinhood Key Expansion Events (2024–2025) YearEvent/MilestoneRegion/MarketWhy It MattersDec 2024Announced Asia expansion into Asia; named Singapore as APAC HQ.Asia-PacificCreated a base for coordinated regional growth.Early–Mid 2025Secured EU licenses; set up a hub in Lithuania.European UnionObtained key licenses to operate across the EU/EEA.Mar–June 2025Launches tokenized stocks and new wealth products for EU usersEuropeIntroduced localized products, diversifying beyond basic trading. Sept 2025Joined the S&P 500 index.United States / GlobalBoosted institutional credibility, drawing funds from index trackers. Dec 2025Agreed to acquire Buana Capital Sekuritas and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto; formal entry into Indonesia (deal closes 2026)IndonesiaFirst Southeast Asian market: gaining access to over 19M potential investors. With Singapore established as its Asia-Pacific hub, the move into Indonesia underscores a definitive strategic shift. Robinhood is now actively building a multi-market platform, systematically reducing its reliance on its core U.S. business to pursue growth in the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.
Robinhood to Enter Indonesia after Brokerage and Crypto Asset Trader Acquisition
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