They represent online tools (web-based apps, portals, or mobile apps) that allow both retail and institutional traders to buy and sell financial assets from anywhere in the world.

Key Features:

Trading Access: Trade a diverse portfolio of assets like stocks (US, EU, HK, etc.), foreign exchange, bonds and derivative assets including options, futures, ETFs, and crypto assets.

Instant Market Feeds: Live price quotes, interactive charts, and market news.

Trade Placement: The capability to create, adjust, and perform market and limit orders instantly.

Research & Analysis Tools: Built-in charting, indicators, and analytics.

Portfolio Tools: Manage deposits, withdrawals, and performance tracking of your overall holdings.

Types of Financial Trading Platforms:
Retail Brokerage Platforms

Created for individual traders and independent traders.

Examples:

Interactive Brokers: Popular due to its vast global market access and advanced functionalities.

Charles Schwab / TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim): Popular in the US for strong analysis tools and simple platform.

Saxo Bank: A Europe-based multi-asset platform offering a comprehensive platform for multi-asset investors.

eToro: Renowned for social and copy trading.

Plus500 & IG: Leading CFD providers.

Platforms for Advanced Traders

Designed for institutional clients and financial firms.

Examples: Reuters Eikon.
These deliver massive data access, advanced analytics, and institutional-grade access.

Forex (FX) Specific Platforms

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) / MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Most widely used for retail forex trading, offered by many global brokerages.

cTrader: New-age rival to MT4/5 with a clean design.

How to Choose a Financial Platform

If you're picking a platform, consider:

Assets Offered: Can you trade to the assets you prefer?

Fees & Commissions: Check pricing and hidden charges.

Regulation & Security: Ensure it’s licensed by trusted authorities (FCA, SEC, ASIC, CySEC).

User Interface: Is it user-friendly?

Tools & Features: Are there sufficient research and charting tools?

Global Trading Platforms for Physical Goods (B2B)

These represent online marketplaces that connect international buyers and sellers of raw materials.

Key Features

Product Catalogs: Extensive listings from suppliers worldwide.

Supplier Verification: Systems to validate.

Request for Quotation (RFQ): Buyers submit product requests and receive multiple offers.

Logistics & Shipping: Built-in logistics options.

Trade Assurance & Payment Protection: Escrow-based protection.

Major B2B Global Trading Platforms

Alibaba.com: The world’s largest B2B marketplace connecting buyers with Asian manufacturers.

Global Sources: Focuses on electronics from Greater China.

Made-in-China.com: A major alternative for Chinese manufacturing sourcing.

Thomasnet.com: North American sourcing hub.

Amazon Business: B2B version of Amazon.

eWorldTrade: Cross-industry B2B marketplace.

How to Choose a B2B Platform

Industry Focus: Select a platform aligned with your product type.

Geographic Reach: Choose where most suppliers are based.

Verification: Check supplier credibility.

Fee Model: Compare membership plans.

Extra Services: Inspect, logistics, financing availability.

Key Considerations for Any Global Platform

Across all platforms:

Regulatory Compliance: Respect export/import rules.

Fees & Costs: Monitor conversion and transfer costs.

Currency & Exchange Rates: Affect profit margins.

Language & Culture: Be aware of cross-cultural negotiation.

Security: Avoid scams and phishing.

Conclusion

If your goal is trading, choose trading platforms like Interactive Brokers or Saxo Bank.
For physical product trade, use B2B marketplaces like Alibaba or Thomasnet.

Each platform type caters to different needs but ultimately aims — enabling global trade.