In 2025, AI-driven solutions expanded rapidly across industries.
McKinsey’s “The State of AI” research indicates that nearly 88% of organizations now utilize AI in at least one business function. Trading and financial services have also adopted AI.
They have integrated it into advanced analytics and user-friendly tools for investing and banking.
South Africa has embraced the global AI trend. Modern financial applications, increased smartphone adoption, and economic volatility have transformed how South Africans trade and invest.
As a result, demand is growing for online trading platforms and mobile trading apps in South Africa that simplify market analysis and lower entry barriers for retail investors.
In South Africa, traders are increasingly seeking FSCA-regulated trading platforms that combine security, transparency, and AI-powered tools to access both local and global markets with confidence.
As an early adopter, Doto combines advanced AI analytics with a streamlined, intuitive user experience, uniquely positioning itself to help shape the next phase of South Africa’s digital trading ecosystem.
The changing landscape of online trading in South Africa
South Africa’s investment environment is increasingly dynamic.
Despite global market turbulence, domestic consumer activity remains resilient.
According to Statistics South Africa, retail trade sales rose by 5.6% in July 2025, indicating sustained economic engagement.
South African traders are increasingly looking beyond local assets and exploring global equities, cryptocurrencies, commodities such as gold, and international indices through online platforms.
These platforms typically offer multiple instrument types, simplified onboarding, and mobile-first functionality.
Younger participants primarily drive this trend, particularly those aged 25–40 who are exploring mobile-first trading apps in South Africa.
These users expect trading platforms to be intuitive, transparent, fast, and accessible on their smartphones.
The experience is expected to resemble mobile banking or social media rather than traditional desktop trading terminals.
Doto has gained traction among this demographic by prioritizing simplicity and usability.
Its streamlined app interface, plain-language design, and digital onboarding — with personalized support and locally relevant instruments —reflect a broader shift toward accessible trading tools built specifically for modern South African traders.
Why AI matters for South African traders – Doto’s perspective
AI is now essential for smarter, more confident financing. It transforms large volumes of market data into real-time, actionable insights.
AI-driven systems can detect patterns, assess volatility, and identify risks more quickly than manual analysis. This is especially valuable for less experienced traders.
Beyond analytics, AI also helps address emotional decision-making.
Automated risk alerts and scenario simulations can reduce impulsive behaviors such as panic selling or overtrading.
By continuously monitoring global markets, AI distills price movements, news flow, and market sentiment into timely signals.
In effect, AI functions as an always-on trading assistant, supporting diversification, visualizing risk exposure, and suggesting Stop Loss and Take Profit levels.
This evolution is evident in AI-powered chatbots, robo-advisors, and algorithmic trade signals. Importantly, these tools are designed to enhance — not replace — human judgment.
“AI is not here to replace human decision-making — it’s here to empower it. Our goal is to make trading understandable and accessible for everyone, whether they’re experienced or just starting.” — Mayank Srivastava, Executive Director of Doto Global
On Doto’s AI-powered trading platform, AI-generated trading signals are built directly into the app.
South African traders can open positions from the home screen or terminal, with signals suggesting potential entry points and AI-informed Stop Loss and Take Profit levels — without requiring advanced financial expertise.
2025 insights & 2026 forecast: what South African traders can expect
Key 2025 trends are setting the stage for 2026: AI adoption is up, global exposure is rising, and trust is more important than ever.
First, AI-driven trading tools are now firmly established in the market. Mobile-first platforms increasingly guide users through analysis, execution, and risk management.
This trend is expected to intensify in 2026 as competition drives brokers to deliver more personalized AI features.
Second, global market exposure continues to attract South African traders. In 2025, increased volatility led to higher interest in international assets.
Gold surged over 60% and reached record highs, which boosted demand for gold-linked instruments. Bitcoin climbed above $125,000 before correcting.
This lifted the broader cryptocurrency market. Technology equities also remained popular.
Younger investors favored global brands such as Apple, Tesla, and Alibaba. Access to these markets is likely to expand in 2026.
Finally, regulatory awareness and transparency are becoming increasingly important.
As retail participation grows, traders are paying closer attention to FSCA compliance, platform security, and clear fee structures.
Choosing a regulated broker in South Africa is now seen as a key safeguard, particularly for new entrants to online trading.
Doto focuses on transparent pricing, clear trading conditions, and regulatory compliance. This approach aligns with new market expectations.
In an environment where confidence is as important as innovation, secure and transparent platforms are essential for long-term growth.
How platforms like Doto are shaping the future of trading
As the industry evolves, platforms like Doto that adapt quickly to user needs are shaping the future of online trading in South Africa.
A user-centric approach is becoming the defining factor. Several key developments illustrate this shift.
Simplified UX & clear user journey
Modern trading platforms prioritize clean layouts, fast onboarding, and intuitive tools.
Simplicity is not merely aesthetic — it helps new users feel confident rather than overwhelmed.
Doto’s interface is designed for clarity, with streamlined sign-up, straightforward identity verification, easy account funding, and intuitive order placement.
AI-Driven insights
AI is increasingly embedded throughout the user experience to provide context-aware guidance.
This extends beyond basic price alerts to predictive analytics that help traders identify instruments of interest and assess market conditions.
Doto’s AI signals, powered by analysis from Trading Central and enhanced with AI-based Stop Loss and Take Profit logic, aim to make sophisticated market insights accessible to non-expert users.
As one Doto user says, “The AI bot and AI signals, as well as the news, give me insights into news events and market progression.”
By integrating machine intelligence in a user-friendly manner, platforms enable even non-experts to benefit from sophisticated market analysis.
It’s like having an experienced mentor looking over your shoulder, available 24/7.
Mobile-first trading experience
The future of trading is mobile. Most South African traders now prefer apps over desktop platforms, checking markets frequently throughout the day.
Doto’s mobile app supports this behavior with instant notifications, relevant news, and real-time market updates.
Platforms that fail to deliver a seamless mobile experience risk falling behind as mobile-first trading becomes the norm.
In short, if you can’t trade easily from your phone, you’re already behind the curve – a reality Doto and its peers understand well.
Trust, regulation and industry recognition
Trust remains the foundation of financial services. For trading platforms, this involves operating under regulatory oversight, implementing robust security measures, and promoting responsible trading practices.
Doto operates under multiple regulatory frameworks, including oversight by the FSCA in South Africa, and incorporates features such as two-factor authentication, fund segregation, and negative balance protection.
Industry recognition can further reinforce trust. Doto has received awards such as “Best CFD Broker 2025” and “Most Trusted Broker 2024” at the World Financial Award ceremonies, reflecting its focus on transparency, innovation, and user protection.
As the number of retail traders grows, such trust markers are expected to play an increasingly important role in platform selection.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead to 2026
South Africa is entering a pivotal phase in its retail trading evolution.
The convergence of mobile connectivity, a younger investor base, and AI-powered innovation is reshaping market participation.
As 2026 approaches, AI will define the next stage of accessibility, confidence, and inclusion.
The rise of platforms like Doto demonstrates that the future of trading is not only more advanced but also more inclusive.
Intuitive design, AI-assisted decision-making, and strong regulatory foundations are lowering barriers that have excluded many potential investors.
If current trends continue, South Africa could emerge as one of the most vibrant retail trading markets globally, driven by a tech-savvy and empowered investor community.
As AI-powered, FSCA-regulated trading platforms in South Africa continue to evolve, trust and usability will remain central to long-term growth.
