SEC Hints at Tough Online-Broker Rules on Game-Like Features (2)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sent its strongest signal yet that it plans to toughen rules for online brokers, issuing a wide-ranging request for comment on how the firms use game-like features and other tools to attract customers.

In a Friday statement, the Wall Street regulator said it’s seeking information from market participants, consumer advocates and others on “digital engagement practices” that are closely associated with the mobile phone apps offered by brokers such as Robinhood Markets Inc. and Webull Financial. The SEC said it’s concerned that such technologies are putting investors at risk by encouraging ...