Doris Platform Launches to Democratize Stock Market Access for Retail Investors

Novum Investment Management has secured funding from a UK local government pension scheme to launch Doris, a new investment platform. The technology aims to make global markets, including the stock market today, more accessible to everyday investors while controlling risk. Government officials and industry leaders have welcomed the move as a step toward broadening retail investment.

Doris connects retail investors to exchange-traded options markets with clear risk limits. Users can define their exposure before committing funds, addressing concerns about unpredictability. The platform brings institutional-grade tools to individual investors, a shift from traditional savings habits.

Over 10 million people in the UK avoid investing due to fear of losses, according to industry data. Doris seeks to change this by offering transparency and predefined downside protection. Co-founder Mark Davies explained that the technology was developed to remove barriers for those hesitant to enter markets.

The investment aligns with the UK government's push to turn savers into investors. Lord Stockwood, Minister for Investment, called the funding a boost for fintech and wider economic growth. Samantha Niblett MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fintech, also backed the project, noting its fit with national financial inclusion goals.

Novum has partnered with US wealth tech firm FusionIQ to explore integrating Doris into its platform. This collaboration could expand the technology's reach, particularly in the US, where an estimated 100 million retail investors actively manage portfolios. A 2025 eToro survey of 11,000 investors across 13 countries found that 70% regularly review their finance, with 79% trading monthly.

The pension fund's backing highlights confidence in fintech solutions that support government objectives. Doris will now scale its platform, offering retail investors tools previously reserved for institutions. The partnership with FusionIQ may further accelerate its adoption in key markets.