# Trading US and Australian Shares via Stake A breakdown of brokerage fees, fractional share mechanisms, and upcoming tax regulatory changes. - **Source:** [techAU](https://techau.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/96d0f03e-1f52-475d-87a0-257d9e8b3287 ## Flat Fee Brokerage Structure Stake implements a transparent pricing model for retail investors accessing global markets. Users pay a flat A$3 fee for ASX trades and a US$3 fee for Wall Street transactions. This simplified structure removes percentage-based commission hurdles, allowing traders to execute smaller orders without incurring disproportionate costs relative to their total investment capital. ## Fractional Share Investment Access The platform enables entry into the U.S. equity market through fractional share trading starting at a minimum of US$10. This mechanism lowers the barrier to entry for high-priced stocks that would otherwise require significant capital. Investors can build diversified portfolios by allocating smaller dollar amounts across multiple expensive technology or blue-chip assets. ## CHESS Sponsorship Explained Australian investors on the platform benefit from CHESS sponsorship, which provides direct ownership of ASX-listed shares. This system ensures that securities are registered in the investor's name via the Clearing House Electronic Subregister System. It offers a higher level of security and transparency compared to custodial models often used by international brokers. ## Foreign Exchange Fee Mechanics Trading international assets involves currency conversion, which introduces specific foreign exchange fee considerations for Australian users. While brokerage fees remain flat, the FX spread applied during the conversion process impacts the total cost of acquisition. Investors must account for these hidden costs when calculating the net performance of their U.S. equity holdings. ## Capital Gains Tax Update A significant regulatory shift is scheduled for July 1, 2027, regarding Capital Gains Tax obligations for Australian investors. This change will alter how gains from international and domestic share disposals are reported and taxed. Investors should prepare for updated compliance requirements that may affect long-term portfolio strategies and annual tax return filings. ## Regulatory Compliance and Oversight Operating across both the ASX and Wall Street requires adherence to dual regulatory frameworks. The platform must balance Australian financial services licensing with U.S. securities regulations. This dual oversight ensures that retail investors receive standardized protections, though the specific reporting requirements for tax purposes remain the responsibility of the individual account holder. ## Portfolio Diversification Strategy Accessing both the ASX and Wall Street allows investors to hedge against localized economic downturns. By combining domestic resource-heavy stocks with U.S. growth-oriented technology equities, traders can mitigate geographic risk. The platform facilitates this cross-market exposure through a single interface, streamlining the management of diverse assets across different time zones and jurisdictions. ## Strategic Investor Considerations Investors utilizing these tools must weigh the benefits of low-cost brokerage against the complexities of international tax reporting. With the 2027 tax changes approaching, maintaining accurate records of all transactions is essential. Successful utilization of this platform requires balancing low entry costs with a disciplined approach to long-term capital gains management. ## Sources covering this story - https://techau.com.au/stake-share-trading-app-referral-jasonc456/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._