Barclays Stockbrokers, the execution-only retail brokerage arm of Barclays, has launched an iPhone app which will allow clients to access their Contracts for Difference (CFD) and Financial Spread Trading (FST) account.

The new app, which is free, will allow clients to trade “on the go”, continuing a recent trend of all types of financial services firms extending their services to smartphones – a reflection of the increasingly central role that such devices play in everyday life.

In addition to being able to trade on the move, users of the Barclays Stockbrokers’ app will be able to view their entire trading history via an account summary and compile “watch lists” through which to track their favourite markets.

“Our clients will be able to access the same markets as they can on our online trading platform and with 12,000 markets available, there is now no reason to miss a trade,” said Paul Inkster, head of product at Barclays Stockbrokers.

In related news, late last month it emerged that the Swiss private bank Clariden Leu had launched an iPhone app which provides clients with news and market intelligence, stock and index information and releases on new investment funds and structured products.

Wealth management firms of all types and nationalities are rushing to target technology-savvy clients with smartphone apps; one interesting point of difference is that some are focusing exclusively on the Apple iPhone whereas others are also catering for Android users, cognisant of the wide range of phones which operate on this platform.