The big picture: At present would be equally proficient a time as any to aggrandize into retail trading. Co-ordinate to estimates from JMP Securities, more than than 10 meg new investors have jumped into the market in the starting time one-half of 2022 lone, spurred by government stimulus checks and meme stocks. Moreover, platforms like Robinhood and Square have fabricated it easier than ever for newcomers to go involved in retail trading, and it would seem that PayPal wants a slice of that pie.

PayPal is reportedly considering an expansion into stock trading less than a yr after launching the power to buy, hold and sell cryptocurrencies on its platform.

Sources familiar with the thing told CNBC that the payments processing company is considering ways for users to trade private stocks. Further validating the rumor is the fact that PayPal recently hired brokerage industry vet Richard J. Hagen equally the CEO of Invest at PayPal to atomic number 82 "efforts to explore opportunities in the consumer investment business organization."

According to Hagen's LinkedIn page, he started working for PayPal in August 2022. This is the kickoff time we've heard of the Invest at PayPal division.

When pinged for comment by CNBC, PayPal highlighted CEO Dan Schulman's comments from Feb about its long-term vision and "investment capabilities."

Regarding PayPal'southward plans, at least one source said they've already held discussions with potential industry partners. Another option would be to buy out an existing broker-dealer, but either fashion, the trading service is unlikely to launch this twelvemonth, i source said.

Share value in PayPal is up nearly 3.three percentage on the news.

Image credit Anna Nekrashevich, Brett Jordan