Have you ever felt like the stock market was a “members-only” club for the rich? For a long time, that was exactly how it felt in Aotearoa. You needed thousands of dollars just to get started. But then along came Sharesies, a platform that turned the old rules upside down. Whether you have $5 or $50,000, this app makes you feel like a real investor from day one. It is all about giving everyone the same chance to grow their money, no matter their bank balance.
I remember the first time I used the app. I bought a tiny fraction of a high-priced company for the cost of a cup of coffee. It felt empowering! Today, Sharesies has grown into a massive community with nearly a million users across New Zealand and Australia. It is not just an app; it is a movement toward financial freedom. In this guide, we will look at how it works, what makes it special, and the latest sharesies news you need to know for 2026.
A Quick Look at the Sharesies Story
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s look at the “who.” The company was started by a group of friends who saw a big problem. They noticed that young people and everyday families were being left out of the wealth-building game. They wanted to “democratize” the stock market. This means making it fair and open for everyone.
The Team Behind the Vision
The founders—Brooke Roberts, Sonya Williams, Leighton Roberts, and others—started with a simple pitch. They wanted to let people buy “fractions” of shares. This was a game-changer for sharesies nz users. You no longer had to buy a whole share of an expensive company like Tesla or Apple. You could just buy $1 worth of it. This focus on “people first” helped them become a certified B Corp, which means they care about doing good as much as making a profit.
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Founders | Brooke Roberts, Sonya Williams, Leighton Roberts, Richard Clark, Ben Crotty, Martyn Smith |
| Total Users | Over 930,000 (NZ & Australia) |
| Assets Managed | Over $12 Billion |
| Key Products | Stocks, ETFs, KiwiSaver, Savings, Crypto, Insurance |
| Status | Certified B Corp |
Why Sharesies NZ is a Local Favorite
If you live in New Zealand, you have likely seen the famous pineapple logo. Sharesies nz has become a household name because it speaks our language. It makes the scary world of finance feel friendly. The app is incredibly easy to navigate, even for someone who has never seen a stock chart in their life.
One of the best things about sharesies nz is the variety. You get access to the NZX (New Zealand Stock Exchange), the ASX (Australia), and major US markets like the NYSE and Nasdaq. This means you can support local Kiwi businesses while also owning a piece of global giants. It’s the ultimate “all-in-one” shop for your wallet.
Stay Updated with the Latest Sharesies News
The world of finance moves fast, and sharesies news for 2026 shows a company that isn’t slowing down. Recently, they have expanded far beyond just buying shares. They now offer a high-interest savings account called “Sharesies Save” and even a KiwiSaver scheme that gives you more control over where your retirement money goes.
In recent sharesies news, the platform has also introduced “Sharesies Spend.” This is a debit card that lets you earn “Investback.” Imagine buying a sandwich and getting a small percentage of that money put directly into your investment portfolio. It turns everyday spending into a way to build future wealth. This kind of innovation is why they remain a leader in the Fintech space.
Understanding the Fees: Pay as You Go or Pick a Plan
One thing every investor cares about is cost. Sharesies uses a transparent fee structure. You can choose to “pay as you go” with a 1.9% transaction fee (which is capped so you don’t pay too much on large orders). Or, if you are a regular investor, you can choose a monthly plan.
These plans are great because they cover a certain amount of trading for a flat fee. For example, a small monthly fee might cover all your “auto-invest” orders. This encourages the best habit an investor can have: consistency. By investing a small amount every payday, you use a strategy called “dollar-cost averaging.” This helps smooth out the ups and downs of the market over time.
How to Start Your Journey on Sharesies
Starting is as simple as signing up on your phone. You will need a valid ID and a New Zealand bank account. Once you are in, you can explore thousands of companies and funds. If you are feeling overwhelmed, they have amazing “Collections” that group investments by theme, like “Women in Leadership” or “Eco-friendly.”
I always tell my friends to start small. Don’t worry about “timing the market.” Just pick a company or a fund you believe in and put in $5. The feeling of seeing your first dividend (a small share of the company’s profit) hit your wallet is addictive. It turns the abstract concept of “money” into a tool for your future.
Is Your Money Safe with Sharesies?
This is a question I get asked a lot. Trust is the most important part of E-E-A-T. Sharesies uses a “custodian” model. This means your investments are held in a separate entity from the company’s daily operations. If anything ever happened to the company itself, your shares would still belong to you.
They are also regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand. Being a B Corp also adds a layer of accountability. They are audited on their social and environmental impact, not just their math. This level of transparency makes sharesies nz one of the most trusted names for retail investors.
Exploring Ethical Investing Options
Many of us want our money to do good while it grows. Sharesies makes this easy by offering many “Responsible” and “Ethical” funds. You can choose to avoid industries like tobacco or weapons and instead support renewable energy or fair labor practices.
This isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also smart business. Companies that care about the planet and their people often perform better in the long run. By using the filters in the app, you can build a portfolio that matches your personal values perfectly.
The Power of Auto-Invest
If you are busy (and who isn’t?), the auto-invest feature is your best friend. You can set up a “Buy” order that happens every week or month automatically. You can choose a pre-made “Global” or “Responsible” order, or build your own DIY mix.
This takes the emotion out of investing. When the market goes down, your auto-invest buys more shares at a cheaper price. When the market goes up, your portfolio value grows. It is the ultimate “set and forget” way to build wealth. I use it myself to make sure I’m always moving toward my goals without having to think about it every day.
Sharesies for the Next Generation: Kids Accounts
One of the coolest features is the ability to open a “Kids Account.” You can start an investment fund for your children or grandchildren. They can’t access the money until they are 18, but they can watch it grow. It is a fantastic tool for teaching “financial literacy”—a fancy word for learning how money works.
Imagine your child turning 18 with a healthy nest egg for a house deposit or university, all because you put in $10 a week since they were born. That is the power of time and compound interest. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the next generation.
Conclusion: Take Your First Step Today
The world of sharesies is all about breaking down doors. It has proven that you don’t need a suit or a huge bank account to be an investor. With a friendly app, a clear mission, and a focus on community, they have changed the financial landscape of New Zealand forever.
Whether you are interested in the latest sharesies news or just want a better place to put your savings, there has never been a better time to start. Remember, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I lose money on Sharesies?
Yes. Like all investing, the value of your shares can go up or down. You should only invest money you don’t need for the short term and ensure you are diversified.
2. What is the minimum amount I can invest?
There is no minimum! You can start with as little as 1 cent, though most people start with at least $5 to make the transaction worth it.
3. Is there a mobile app?
Absolutely. The sharesies nz app is available for both iPhone and Android and is very easy to use.
4. How do I get my money out?
You can sell your shares at any time during market hours. Once the sale is finished, you can withdraw the cash to your linked bank account, which usually takes 1-3 business days.
5. Can I use it if I live outside New Zealand?
Currently, you need a New Zealand or Australian bank account and tax residency to use the platform.
6. Does Sharesies offer financial advice?
No. They provide information and tools, but they do not tell you which specific stocks to buy. It is always a good idea to do your own research or talk to a professional.