Webull has expanded its Canadian offering to include cryptocurrencies, the company announced Monday, adding Canada to a growing list of markets where users can trade digital assets alongside traditional securities. The rollout is supported by Coinbase's Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure, with Coinbase handling the underlying trading execution and custody for Webull's Canadian clients.

The move marks a significant step for Webull, which built its reputation as a commission-free brokerage for stocks, exchange-traded funds and options before branching into digital assets. The company, founded in 2017, has become one of the most popular self-directed trading platforms among retail investors, particularly through its mobile app and straightforward pricing model. By adding crypto, Webull is responding to the shifting habits of individual investors who increasingly expect to manage both conventional and digital assets in one place.

Coinbase infrastructure powers the launch

For this expansion, Webull is relying on Coinbase's Crypto-as-a-Service solution, a platform designed to let brokers, banks and fintech companies integrate cryptocurrency trading and custody without having to build the underlying technology themselves. Coinbase will provide the trading venue and secure storage for digital assets held by Webull Canada users, while Webull continues to control the user-facing experience and client relationship.

The partnership is not Webull's first collaboration with Coinbase. In the United States, Webull has already offered crypto trading through a similar arrangement, and the company has extended its crypto services to Australia and Brazil. The Canadian launch deepens that partnership and gives Coinbase another distribution channel for its institutional-grade infrastructure.

What's available to Canadian users

Webull's Canadian website currently displays 10 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL), while also indicating that additional assets are available. The initial lineup spans some of the most established digital assets by market capitalization, giving Canadian retail investors exposure to the categories that have attracted the most interest in recent years.

For Webull users, this means they can now hold crypto alongside their existing equity positions and exchange-traded fund portfolios within the same brokerage account. The company says the expanded offering is intended to create a more complete investing experience, allowing clients to move between assets without needing separate accounts at multiple platforms.

Beyond crypto, Webull Canada users can trade a range of instruments, including stocks listed on major North American exchanges, ETFs and options. The platform offers extended-hours trading, real-time market data and a suite of analytical tools designed for active retail investors. Adding crypto gives users access to a new asset class while keeping the same account and an integrated portfolio view. It also positions Webull against rivals that already offer digital assets, such as Robinhood, as both companies seek to become one-stop financial super-apps.

Why Canada? Growing ownership and clearer rules

Webull cited growing crypto adoption in Canada as one reason for the expansion, pointing to Ontario Securities Commission research that shows digital asset ownership has risen to 25% this year from 10% in 2023. That increase reflects broader global trends, but Canada has also developed a reputation as one of the more crypto-curious markets in North America, with a high percentage of retail investors holding or trading digital assets.

The rise in ownership comes as Canadian regulators work to establish clearer rules for the industry. The country has taken a measured approach to digital assets, focusing on investor protection and market integrity while allowing legitimate businesses to operate under existing securities regulations. For platforms like Webull, clearer guidelines make it easier to launch compliant services and give users more confidence that their assets are being handled within a regulated framework.

Regulatory momentum for stablecoins

Canada does not yet have comprehensive rules for fiat-backed stablecoins, but that could soon change. The Stablecoin Act, introduced following the 2025 federal budget, would set requirements for both domestic and foreign issuers, covering areas such as reserves, transparency and redeemability. Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value, usually by being backed one-to-one by traditional currency or other liquid assets.

A formal regulatory framework for stablecoins could play a significant role in the broader adoption of cryptocurrency in Canada. Stablecoins are often used as a bridge between conventional currencies and digital assets, allowing traders to hold a dollar-pegged digital token while moving in and out of positions. If the legislation moves forward, it may also pave the way for more investment platforms to offer stablecoin trading and for payment providers to integrate them into everyday transactions.

The OSC research also found that crypto ownership in Canada is no longer a niche phenomenon. A quarter of Canadians now own digital assets, and for many, the primary motivation is long-term investment rather than speculation. That creates an opportunity for brokerage platforms that can offer crypto in a familiar, regulated environment.

Webull's global crypto footprint

Canada now becomes the fourth market where Webull offers cryptocurrency trading, following the United States, Australia and Brazil. This global expansion highlights Webull's ambition to be a multi-asset brokerage rather than a traditional equities-only platform. The company has been investing heavily in technology and compliance to support digital assets in different regulatory environments.

In Australia, Webull has rolled out crypto services in response to growing demand from younger investors. In Brazil, the platform has leveraged local banking and payment partnerships to provide a broader suite of financial services. The Canadian rollout follows a similar playbook, adapting the core Webull app to the local market while integrating a global trading infrastructure provider.

The timing of the Canadian launch also reflects a broader institutional shift toward digital assets. Major financial institutions, payments companies and asset managers have been adding crypto products, and brokerage platforms are under increasing pressure to keep pace. By partnering with an established player like Coinbase, Webull can offer crypto without taking on the full burden of building trading desks and custody operations in each country.

Challenges and opportunities

Expanding crypto trading into a new country comes with a unique set of challenges. Compliance with local securities laws is the most obvious hurdle, and each market has its own rules governing which digital assets can be offered, how they must be disclosed and what safeguards are required. Webull has indicated that its Canadian platform will operate in line with applicable regulations, with Coinbase providing the underlying infrastructure and security measures.

Another challenge is the volatility of digital assets. While traditional stocks and ETFs can also fluctuate, cryptocurrencies have historically experienced much larger drawdowns, and retail investors may not always understand the risks. Webull's platform, like many brokerages, attempts to address this by providing educational materials and clear warnings, though users ultimately make their own investment decisions.

The competitive landscape is another issue. Canada has several crypto trading platforms, including dedicated exchanges and multi-asset brokers. Webull's entry into this market adds another option for Canadian investors, and its established brand in stock and options trading may help it attract clients who have not yet opened a dedicated cryptocurrency exchange account.

Webull's margin business and fractional share offering may also play a role in its Canadian growth strategy. By allowing investors to buy fractions of expensive stocks and exchange-traded funds, the platform has lowered the barrier to entry for those with smaller account balances. Crypto, by nature, is already divisible, and providing it through the same interface reinforces the idea that retail investors can build a diversified portfolio with whatever amount they choose to put in.

Key facts at a glance

• Headline: Webull expands crypto trading into Canada through Coinbase collaboration.
• Webull has launched crypto trading for its Canadian users through Coinbase's Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure.
• The initial offering includes 10 cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL), with additional assets available.
• The service expands Webull Canada beyond stocks, ETFs and options into digital assets.
• Webull's global crypto footprint now includes the United States, Australia, Brazil and Canada.
• Canadian digital asset ownership has risen to 25% in the current year from 10% in 2023, according to Ontario Securities Commission research.
• Canada's Stablecoin Act, introduced after the 2025 federal budget, could establish requirements for domestic and foreign stablecoin issuers.

Source:Cointelegraph News