CommSec

CommSec, the online broker of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia

CommSec is an online investing and share trading platform that operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, though not guaranteed by it. The firm presents itself as Australia's leading online broker, with over 30 years of service in the sector, and offers trading solutions via both web and mobile app.

Products and markets available

The platform allows you to invest in more than 2,000 Australian companies listed on the ASX. It also provides access to shares in 13 global markets, including the U.S. and others in Europe and Asia. It also offers investment in ETFs, understood as baskets of securities grouped by sector or theme.

The service catalogue is completed with other financial products: margin lending, cash management, high-interest savings accounts, managed funds and services for self-managed super funds (SMSF).

Analysis and tracking tools

The platform includes tools to track portfolio and market movements. Users can create watchlists with Australian and international shares and set up alerts from the mobile app or desktop. A watchlist widget is available for iOS and Android that can be added to the phone's home or lock screen.

In the analysis section, CommSec offers customisable investment recommendations prepared by Morningstar, as well as daily insights from its own market analysts. It also publishes a podcast with regular updates on market developments.

Investor education

The firm maintains an educational space called The Academy, with free, bite-sized content on investing fundamentals and how the stock market works. It is designed for users to progress at their own pace, from basic levels to more advanced knowledge.

Security and costs

The website has a dedicated section on cybersecurity, scams and fraud, with material to protect the user's account. It also publishes a breakdown of fees and charges by product. The company states that opening an account is free and that access to trading tools, news and stock data is immediate after registration.

Corporate structure and regulation

Commonwealth Securities Limited (CommSec) operates under ABN 60 067 254 399 and AFSL 238814. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945), though not guaranteed by the bank. The company is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and TMX Australia Exchange Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited. The Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) is issued by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and administered by CommSec.