July 2025 Summaries

Alpaca has introduced a new Stock Lending Program for its US-based users, allowing them to generate passive income by lending their securities to institutions in exchange for interest. This program automates the process of identifying and lending eligible shares within a user's portfolio, thereby maximizing efficiency and maintaining full economic ownership of the assets, though temporarily relinquishing voting rights. Users can earn competitive interest rates, with Alpaca Elite members receiving up to 50% of the interest income from loaned shares. The program is designed to be simple and secure, with loans secured by cash collateral, and users can opt out at any time. Eligibility for participation requires meeting specific financial criteria, and while there are potential risks involved, Alpaca provides comprehensive disclosures for prospective participants.

Composer, an investment platform founded in 2020, aims to democratize access to sophisticated trading strategies traditionally reserved for institutional investors by offering a no-code interface that utilizes artificial intelligence and natural language. The platform enables users to create, backtest, and share complex trading algorithms called "symphonies," which have become a significant driver of user engagement and community growth. Since its inception, Composer has expanded its offerings to include various asset classes such as crypto and options, partnering with Alpaca to integrate options trading and create seamless user experiences. This strategic partnership has allowed Composer to address user demand for integrated trading solutions and to advance its mission of lowering the barriers to advanced trading by using technology to simplify complex investment strategies. Composer's CEO, Ben Rollert, envisions transforming the platform into an operating system for trading, where users can launch their own hedge funds and advisory services. Despite being a small team, Composer has experienced rapid growth, attributed to strategic prioritization and a focus on leveraging AI to support no-code algorithmic trading, which the company believes is unique in the market.

Manzil Investment Advisors LLC, a subsidiary of the Canadian Islamic fintech startup Manzil, has launched Manzil Invest USA, a digital platform offering Shariah-compliant investment solutions tailored for the American Muslim community. This initiative, powered by a partnership with the self-clearing broker-dealer Alpaca, aims to provide Muslims in the U.S. with access to halal investment strategies, addressing the challenge that many face in finding investments that align with their beliefs. The platform offers expertly managed and diversified portfolios pre-screened for compliance with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) standards and the American Friends Screening Committee (AFSC) criteria. Manzil Invest USA also provides educational resources to help users make informed financial decisions. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, this platform underscores Alpaca's commitment to financial innovation and accessibility, although Alpaca itself does not certify its products as Shariah-compliant, leaving customers to determine their compliance.

ZAD is a Kuwait-based investment platform from The Securities House, dedicated to providing Shariah-compliant financial products to investors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the broader Middle East. Founded during the pandemic by Abdullah Alotaibi, Abdulrahman Alkharafi, and Abdullah Alansari, ZAD initially focused on Shariah-compliant US stocks and ETFs, rapidly evolving into a regional powerhouse with a user-centric model that emphasizes client education and care. Partnering with Alpaca, ZAD has developed innovative Shariah-compliant products like Instant Funding and asset-backed margin trading, which align with Islamic principles by avoiding interest and certain prohibited sectors. This partnership has been central to ZAD's ambitious growth plans, including expanding into new markets like the UAE, Qatar, and potentially lucrative regions such as Turkey and Egypt, while continuously innovating with features like 24/5 trading. By prioritizing ethical investing and client values, ZAD aims to provide accessible financial opportunities, navigating complex Shariah requirements and contributing to the growth of Islamic finance.