The verdict in three sentences
The new generation of UK savers, and diaspora investors who want exposure to the London market, open a brokerage account the way they open a banking app: from their phone, in 15 minutes. A firm whose website is limited to a brochure and a phone number leaves these clients to competitors offering online account opening with KYC, educational content and a transparent fee schedule. Kolonell builds this kind of platform on a custom basis at FCFA 2.5 to 15 M+ (about GBP 3,200 to 19,000+) depending on complexity, the rest on quote, in 3 to 4 months, in line with FCA requirements.
The journey that turns a visitor into a client
A 28-year-old saver in London who discovers ISAs and FTSE dividend stocks on social media has three questions: how much do I need to start, what does it cost, how do I open an account. The site must answer in under three clicks, then lead them into a smooth onboarding flow.
| Journey step | Content or function | Target 2026 conversion rate |
|---|---|---|
| Retail investor homepage | Minimum GBP 100, indicative return simulator | 100 % (entry) |
| Beginner's guide to investing | Shares, bonds, ISAs, dividends, tax | 35 % read the guide |
| Fee schedule | Dealing 0.5 to 1 %, custody fees, stamp duty 0.5 % | 20 % view it |
| Account opening form | Identity, investor profile, appropriateness test | 8 % start |
| Online KYC | ID document, selfie, proof of address | 5 % complete |
| First deposit | Bank transfer or debit card | 3.5 % fund |
With 85,000 qualified visitors a year and 3.5 % funded accounts, the firm reaches about 3,000 new accounts, half of them opened entirely online.
Fees, compliance and features by complexity
Fee transparency is both a regulatory duty under Consumer Duty and a sales argument. A clear schedule prevents complaints and reassures investors comparing with app-based brokers.
| Order size | Dealing fee (0.5 to 1 %) | Stamp duty and market charges estimated | Indicative total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP 500 | GBP 2.50 to 5 (often a GBP 5 minimum) | GBP 2.50 | GBP 7.50 |
| GBP 2,500 | GBP 12.50 to 25 | GBP 12.50 | GBP 25 to 37.50 |
| GBP 10,000 | GBP 50 to 100 | GBP 50 | GBP 100 to 150 |
| GBP 50,000 | GBP 250 to 500 | GBP 250 | GBP 500 to 750 |
| GBP 250,000 (professional) | Negotiated, 0.3 to 0.5 % | GBP 1,250 | GBP 2,000 to 2,500 |
These are 2026 ballpark figures to check against each firm's official tariff.
| Scope | Features | Indicative Kolonell budget | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated showcase site | Product pages, fee schedule, guides, contact form | FCFA 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Site + account opening | Multi-step form, appropriateness test, document upload | FCFA 4,000,000 to 7,000,000 | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Full platform | KYC with identity verification, e-signature, portfolio client area, back-office integration | FCFA 7,000,000 to 15,000,000+ | 14 to 16 weeks |
The site displays the FCA firm reference number, capital-at-risk warnings and the complaints policy, with financial promotions approved by a compliance officer. Personal data follows UK GDPR under ICO oversight.
Mini case study
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Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Oliver, CEO of an FCA-authorised brokerage in the City, opens 1,200 accounts a year today, almost all through advisers. He invests about GBP 11,500 in a platform with online KYC. The 3,000-account target is reached in 18 months. With an average portfolio of GBP 15,000 per new client and 100 % annual turnover, each account generates about GBP 110 in dealing fees and GBP 40 in custody fees a year. The 1,800 extra accounts therefore bring GBP 270,000 a year. The investment pays back within weeks, and file processing time drops from 45 to 10 minutes.
FAQ
Is fully online account opening allowed by the FCA?
Yes, provided KYC and anti-money laundering rules are met, with identity verification and record retention for at least 5 years.
Can we accept deposits by card or open banking?
Yes, to fund the cash account, within payment provider limits. Large amounts usually go through bank transfer.
How do we reach diaspora investors?
With a French version, pages for non-residents and clear explanations of dividend tax and withholding treaties.
Do we need a mobile app?
Not at launch: a fast responsive site covers 90 % of needs. An app becomes useful beyond 10,000 active clients.
What educational content drives the most sign-ups?
Guides such as « investing your first GBP 1,000 » and dividend calendars, which often bring over 40 % of organic visits.
Let's scope your project. Share your account opening target and your back-office: we price a regulated site or a KYC platform at FCFA 2.5 to 15 M+, delivered in 3 to 4 months. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
