Science towards financial prosperity

Private Investor Alliance (PIA) provides scientific and independent research to help retail investors across the EU choose the safest, and most cost-effective online brokers for their investment journeys.

PIA's evaluations cover over 75 online brokers operating within the EU, analysing more than 250 data points per broker to deliver comprehensive, up-to-date rankings and insights.

Science-First

Using comprehensive and data-based research method to evaluate brokers.

Unbiased

Following a evidence-based process to ensure investors’ needs are put first.

Transparent

Clearly communicating how brokers are assessed and results are interpreted.

Why is choosing the right online broker is critical?

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Degiro
ABN Amro
Category 1: Asset Safety
Key question: Are investor assets safe in case the online broker goes bankrupt? Why it matters: Investors need to know their assets are protected if the broker fails for any reason. This category checks legal, structural, and financial safeguards for client assets (stocks, bonds, structured products, cash). PIA category weight: 14 / 100 Ranking Criteria: - Asset Custody Structure - Government Protection Scheme - Client Funds Segregation - Regulatory License - Insurance Beyond State Protection
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How do we uniquely compare brokers?

PIA us using 14 Evaluation Categories, carefully chosen based on scientific research, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices. 

Each category addresses a critical question about broker quality and uses multiple criteria to provide a rigorous, transparent, and trustworthy assessment.

Market Trends

Last year saw a positive trend in stock prices, with the US clearly outperforming EU and Dutch stocks. 

Read our latest publication on Nagivating the EU Economy in 2025

AEX Stock Index  🇳🇱

+ 10.26%

Full 2024 Year Return

Europe 600 Index 🇪🇺

+ 5.58%

Full 2024 Year Return

S&P 500 US Index 🇺🇸

+ 24.47%

Full 2024 Year Return

Deposit Facility Rate 🇪🇺

2.00%

June 2025

Latest Publications

Design of investment platforms influiences investment behavior, often driving risk-taking, overtrading, and poor diversification—AFM reports.

Suboptimal investment behavior reported by over 500,000 Dutch households

The design of investment platforms influences investor behavior in powerful ways—often driving excessive risk-taking, frequent trading, and poor diversification, according to the Dutch financial regulator AFM.

Navigating the EU Economy in 2025: Risks, Opportunities, and the Path Ahead

With modest growth, falling inflation, and new global trade tensions, the EU economy in 2025 faces challenges—but also investment opportunities in tech, green energy, and infrastructure.

For further publications please visit our Publication Center ↗️

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why choosing the right online broker is key to success?

The right broker impacts your investment safety, costs, market access, and experience. A trustworthy broker protects your assets, keeps fees clear, and supports smart investing. The wrong choice can mean higher costs, fewer options, or security risks.


 

2. How does Private Investor Alliance evaluate online brokers?

We use a scientific method based on 14 categories and 92 criteria, gathering over 250 data points per broker. Our approach relies on academic research, regulations, and best practices to provide transparent, independent assessments. Read more about our Online Broker Evaluation Framework.


 

3. How do we finance ourselves? 

We earn through affiliate partnerships with recommended brokers, a common industry practice. This allows us to offer free, independent research while ensuring our recommendations put investors’ interests first.


 

4. How can I use the broker rankings to choose the right broker for me?

Rankings show scores across safety, cost, and user experience. Use them to compare brokers based on what matters most to your investment goals, helping you find the best fit. Visit the Compare page for the latest broker rankings. 


 

5. How often are broker rankings updated?

We update rankings monthly to keep information current, reflecting market changes and platform updates for accurate decisions.

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