Stephen Sikes, Chief Operating Officer of Public.com, shared his outlook on the future of retail investing during a live interview on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange. As technology reshapes financial markets, Sikes outlined how Public.com is positioning itself to serve serious retail investors by integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain, and intuitive platform design ahead of 2025.
Sikes explained that Public.com was built with a focus on investors who want more than basic trading tools. He emphasized that modern users expect their brokerage platforms to evolve alongside technologies such as generative AI and Large Language Models. “Users want their brokerage to operate similar to what they experience with chatbots like ChatGPT or assistants like Google’s Gemini,” Sikes said, underscoring demand for more conversational and automated investing experiences.
At the core of Public.com’s strategy is simplifying how investors interact with their portfolios. “We’re building a platform that supports generalizability,” Sikes explained. Rather than forcing users to navigate numerous tools, the company is developing a streamlined user interface that allows investors to monitor bank accounts, place trades, and execute personalized strategies through automated triggers. The goal is to reduce friction while increasing control and customization.
One feature Sikes highlighted was Public.com’s generated assets platform, which enables users to create tailored investment portfolios based on specific themes or criteria. He noted that he personally used the tool to build a portfolio centered on founder-led companies, illustrating how the platform supports highly customized investment approaches. This level of personalization is designed to deepen engagement and align portfolios more closely with individual investor convictions.
The conversation also touched on shifting trends in retail investor behavior, particularly within cryptocurrency markets. Sikes noted a clear move toward quality-focused crypto investing. During October and November, Public.com experienced a sharp rise in net inflows, marking two of its strongest months for Bitcoin activity. “These were two of our best months ever in terms of Bitcoin net flows,” Sikes said, pointing to increased confidence among retail investors.
According to Sikes, retail investors are increasingly prioritizing established digital assets over speculative trends. Interest has shifted away from meme coins toward assets viewed as having stronger long-term fundamentals. Even amid volatility, many retail investors are showing discipline by buying market dips and focusing on higher-quality opportunities.
Sikes also addressed broader market dynamics, noting that retail investors have become more sophisticated and responsive than in past cycles. After market lows earlier in the year, he observed that while institutional investors paused, retail investors stepped in decisively. “Retail investors are digitally native and sophisticated; they’ve learned to buy the dip,” he said, highlighting a structural shift in market participation.
As Public.com continues to evolve, the company is focused on combining AI-driven tools with blockchain-enabled access to assets, including cryptocurrency and sustainable investment opportunities. Sikes emphasized that empowering investors with better data, automation, and customization is central to the platform’s long-term vision.
The insights shared by Stephen Sikes reflect a broader transformation underway in retail investing. As technology lowers barriers and improves access, platforms like Public.com are redefining how individuals engage with financial markets. With AI, crypto, and personalization at the core, Public.com aims to remain at the forefront of a more dynamic and investor-driven financial landscape.