The firm is in the process of relocating its global headquarters to Dubai.
It targets institutional investors while serving retail clients via its Panama affiliate.
Deribit FZE, the Dubai-based arm of Deribit Group, a firm in
the cryptocurrency derivative options market, has announced the acquisition of
a conditional Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai's
Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license, covering both spot and
derivatives trading, remains non-operational until Deribit fulfills all
remaining conditions and localized requirements outlined by VARA.
Relocation of Global Headquarters to Dubai and New CEO
Appointment
As part of its strategic moves, Deribit is in the process of
relocating its global headquarters to Dubai. The appointment of Luuk Strijers
as the Chief Executive Officer, along with the addition of two Non-Executive
Directors, marks significant leadership changes within the organization.
Strijers, who joined Deribit in 2019 as the Chief Commercial Officer, brings
nearly two decades of experience, including a tenure at SGX, to his new role.
Luuk Strijers, CEO, Deribit FZE, Source: LinkedIn
Strijers commented on the news: “Being appointed CEO at this
crucial time is a huge honour. VARA’s progressive regulatory framework opens up
vast opportunities in the digital asset realm. Our strong position in the
crypto options market reflects the trust our clients have in us. I’m thrilled
to work with our loyal clientele and drive Deribit’s innovation, as we continue
to lead in the evolving crypto marketplace.”
Deribit's operational expansion into Dubai aims to cater to
institutional and qualified investors, leveraging its advanced technology
platform. The firm also plans to maintain services for its retail clientele
through its broker affiliate in Panama, which is linked to Deribit FZE in
Dubai.
Deribit Readies for Dubai Exchange Launch
John Jansen, Co-Founder of Deribit, Source: LinkedIn
Details regarding the official launch of the exchange in
Dubai, including launch plans, terms, and operational timelines, will be shared
by Deribit in due
course. Dennis Dijkstra, the former CEO of Flow Traders, and industry veteran
Willem Meijer are set to join Deribit as Non-Executive Directors. In their
advisory roles, Dijkstra and Meijer will contribute to shaping the long-term
growth strategy and maintaining Deribit's market leadership position.
John Jansen, the Co-Founder of Deribit, commented: “Securing
the conditional VASP license from VARA is not just a regulatory milestone; it’s
a sign of our unwavering commitment to providing a secure, transparent, and
innovative platform for our users. The appointment of a new CEO and two
seasoned NEDs signifies a fusion of fresh insights and extensive experience,
fortifying our strategy for long-term growth.”
Deribit FZE, the Dubai-based arm of Deribit Group, a firm in
the cryptocurrency derivative options market, has announced the acquisition of
a conditional Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai's
Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license, covering both spot and
derivatives trading, remains non-operational until Deribit fulfills all
remaining conditions and localized requirements outlined by VARA.
Relocation of Global Headquarters to Dubai and New CEO
Appointment
As part of its strategic moves, Deribit is in the process of
relocating its global headquarters to Dubai. The appointment of Luuk Strijers
as the Chief Executive Officer, along with the addition of two Non-Executive
Directors, marks significant leadership changes within the organization.
Strijers, who joined Deribit in 2019 as the Chief Commercial Officer, brings
nearly two decades of experience, including a tenure at SGX, to his new role.
Luuk Strijers, CEO, Deribit FZE, Source: LinkedIn
Strijers commented on the news: “Being appointed CEO at this
crucial time is a huge honour. VARA’s progressive regulatory framework opens up
vast opportunities in the digital asset realm. Our strong position in the
crypto options market reflects the trust our clients have in us. I’m thrilled
to work with our loyal clientele and drive Deribit’s innovation, as we continue
to lead in the evolving crypto marketplace.”
Deribit's operational expansion into Dubai aims to cater to
institutional and qualified investors, leveraging its advanced technology
platform. The firm also plans to maintain services for its retail clientele
through its broker affiliate in Panama, which is linked to Deribit FZE in
Dubai.
Deribit Readies for Dubai Exchange Launch
John Jansen, Co-Founder of Deribit, Source: LinkedIn
Details regarding the official launch of the exchange in
Dubai, including launch plans, terms, and operational timelines, will be shared
by Deribit in due
course. Dennis Dijkstra, the former CEO of Flow Traders, and industry veteran
Willem Meijer are set to join Deribit as Non-Executive Directors. In their
advisory roles, Dijkstra and Meijer will contribute to shaping the long-term
growth strategy and maintaining Deribit's market leadership position.
John Jansen, the Co-Founder of Deribit, commented: “Securing
the conditional VASP license from VARA is not just a regulatory milestone; it’s
a sign of our unwavering commitment to providing a secure, transparent, and
innovative platform for our users. The appointment of a new CEO and two
seasoned NEDs signifies a fusion of fresh insights and extensive experience,
fortifying our strategy for long-term growth.”
How Ripple Pulled Off the Year’s Biggest Crypto Raise While XRP Tumbled 40%
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official