European Union – October 27, 2026 -- The number of retail clients receiving cross-border investment services in the EU/EEA rose 47% in 2025 from 2024 to about 15.5 million, according to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
That is almost twice the 2023 level. ESMA compiled the annual analysis with national competent authorities (NCAs), using data from investment firms across 30 jurisdictions.