Hargreaves Lansdown
The UK's #1 investment platform for trust and service.
Full Analysis
Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) is the giant of the UK investment industry. It justifies its premium pricing through service, reliability, and the sheer depth of its research and guidance.
It is not for the day trader or the penny pincher. However, for someone building a serious nest egg through funds or looking for a secure home for their SIPP, HL remains the gold standard.
The "Wealth Shortlist" is particularly helpful for those who don't know where to start, curating the best funds from across the market.
Real Investing, Explained
Owning the Company
When you buy a stock (or share), you are buying a tiny slice of a real company. If Apple sells more iPhones, your slice gets more valuable. You might also get paid a "dividend" (profit share) just for holding it.
Unlike CFDs, there is no leverage here. If you buy £100 of stock, you pay £100. The worst that happens is the company goes bust and you lose your £100. You can't lose more than you put in.
Capital at Risk
The value of investments can go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most trusted and established platform in the UK.
- Unbeatable range of funds and research.
- Excellent customer service based in Bristol.
- Comprehensive SIPP and Junior ISA options.
Cons
- High share dealing fee (£11.95) for infrequent traders.
- Platform fee of 0.45% applies to funds.
- High FX fees compared to modern competitors.
Best For
Fund Investors
Access commission-free fund dealing (subject to platform fee) and famous 'Wealth Shortlist'.
Retirement Planning
The best SIPP provision in the market with extensive tools to help you plan for the future.
Service Seekers
If something goes wrong, you can pick up the phone and speak to a real person instantly.