Here are well-regarded stockbrokers in Sri Lanka for retail investors, with what they’re known for and why retail investors often choose them. (I focused on firms with strong retail platforms, market share, research or long track records. If you want a ranked shortlist for a specific need — lowest fees, best mobile app, best research, or best for small-ticket investors — tell me and I’ll tailor it.)

Top brokers for retail investors (shortlist)

• Asia Securities (Asia Securities (Pvt) Ltd) — market leader by turnover; strong research, digital onboarding and modern online/mobile trading (ATrad + in‑house platforms). Good for investors who want top research and advanced tools. (asiasecurities.lk)

• Capital Alliance (CAL / CAL Securities) — full-service investment bank with a large retail base and an established online trading channel (ATrad / CAL portal). Known for research, customer support and broad product set (equities + treasury products). Good for retail investors who want bank-grade services and education. (cal.lk)

• First Capital (First Capital Holdings / First Capital Equities) — longstanding broker with retail and institutional coverage, active online trading and research; useful for investors who want local research and advisory. (firstcapital.lk)

• NDB Securities (NDBS) — one of the pioneering broking houses in Sri Lanka with a long track record, emphasis on compliance and client service. Good for investors who prefer an established, conservative broker. (ndbs.lk)

• Bartleet Religare Securities (BRS) — large local broker with broad retail base, significant CDS account custody, in-depth research and a reputation for serving retail and institutional clients. Good for investors who value wide branch/agent networks and research. (bartleetreligare.com)

• Capital Trust Securities (part of Capital Trust group) — long track record, wide branch network and a large retail client base; suitable for investors who want in-person support plus online access. (capitaltrust.lk)

How to pick the best broker for you (practical checklist)

• Trading platform and usability: mobile app / web platform stability (real-time quotes, order types, watchlists). Many brokers use ATrad; others offer proprietary apps. (ATrad.lk)
• Fees and charges: brokerage percentage, minimum fees, stamp duties, settlement and fund transfer charges — compare total round-trip cost, not just headline brokerage.
• Research & education: if you rely on broker research (analyst reports, morning notes, webinars), prefer brokers with strong research teams. (asiasecurities.lk)
• Customer support & account opening: check if they support full digital KYC/CDS account opening and typical turnaround time (24–72 hours is common with digital CSE onboarding). (asiasecurities.lk)
• Safety & regulation: confirm they are licensed members of the Colombo Stock Exchange and regulated by the SEC of Sri Lanka (most names above are). You can verify a firm’s license on CSE/CDS/SEC lists. (cds.lk)

Next steps (recommended)

• If you want, I can:
  • compare fees and platforms of 3 specific brokers you name; or
  • prepare a short questionnaire to match you to the best broker (e.g., how much you’ll invest, whether you need research/advice, prefer mobile vs in-person).

Sources: broker websites, CSE/CDS listings and platform providers (ATrad). Key source examples cited above. (asiasecurities.lk)