A passing fad or the future? We take a look at what exactly is meant when talking of Blockchain.
Finance Magnates
Blockchain can be the most confusing of terms for a lot of people. The majority have an abstract idea of how it works and what it can do, but nothing concrete.
Most see it as either the beginning of a financial revolution, or an irrelevant, silly, and even dangerous trend. In reality, governments and big companies worldwide have already demonstrated an inclination to move towards Blockchain adoption, and implement it in any way to speed up financial and other processes.
How does Blockchain Technology Work?
In spite of the esoteric nature of blockchain technology, it is quite straightforward to understand. In terms of its revolutionary power, blockchain has been compared to the internet itself. It allows for exchanges to work without any need for a central authority, as it is based on smart contracts.
The most renowned usage of blockchain technology is the Bitcoin network. This digital currency that can be used to exchange products and services, just like the United States Dollar (USD), the Euro (EUR), and other global currencies.
To understand what the term “blockchain” means, we must first take a look at what the word "block" means in this context.
A block functions similarly to a ledger. Every transaction that takes place on a block is recorded in a group of transactions; this group of transaction data is called a block.
On the Bitcoin network, each block is capped off once it reaches one megabyte's worth of transactional data. The blocks are then added onto each other in a linear fashion, forming a chain. Hence, the name: blockchain.
The process by which blocks of data are added to the blockchain is called "mining." Computers that uphold a blockchain network, also known as nodes, solve cryptographic equations. The process of solving these equations confirms transactions so that they can be added to the blockchain; in exchange for their work, the nodes are given rewards in the form of the network's cryptocurrency. The algorithm that makes this process possible is called "Proof of Work."
Why Use Blockchain?
Blockchain networks are very secure, as more than half of the computers on any blockchain network would need to be compromised for a hacker to successfully break into the network and make changes to a blockchain.
Networks that have public blockchains are also considered to be very secure as anyone who is interested can look and see all of the transactions that have been confirmed on a blockchain at any time. For example, Bitcoin's blockchain can be viewed at https://blockchain.info/.
The transparency and immutability of blockchain are also reasons that many people consider smart contracts to be far more secure than other types of digital or paper contracts. There is no opportunity for loss of contracts like there would be paper ones, and blockchain-based smart contracts are also less vulnerable to hacking.
Furthermore, it is far easier to hack centralized servers of banks and company sites where other important documents are stored. The security offered here is far more pronounced than in other institutions.
Because blockchain networks are decentralized, no third party is needed to maintain centralized servers - therefore, there are no centralized servers to hack.
This means that if centralized institutions decide to switch to blockchain, it would be very difficult for a hacker to access the data stored on the blockchain. It also could mean that corrupt or disgruntled employees cannot take advantage of their clients. Blockchain offers privacy and anonymity which a network operated by a third party cannot guarantee.
What Can Blockchain Technology Be Used For?
Beyond Bitcoin, blockchain can be used for a myriad of different things. Whilst at the moment Blockchain is mostly associated with Bitcoin as well as other types of Cryptocurrency, the potential security offered by it allows for so much more. For example, it can be utilized for humanitarian needs. During the crisis in Syria, blockchain vouchers were sent to refugees for them to have access to funds which they could then use to buy food. Such a thing would not have been possible with bank transfers or other forms of sending money. As the currency is decentralized, anyone would have been able to access it. It allowed the circumvention of bureaucratic complexities in a time of need.
With this in mind, it can allow people with fewer financial opportunities to access funds. It allows sending money between people who are impoverished to be simplified as they only require a phone to access funds, and do not have to use centralized banks with high transactions fees. Money can be sent all over the world for minimal cost.
Its security also means that governments can implement it to tackle issues such as voter fraud. It allows for a system where no third party can access it, which means that rigging elections becomes extremely hard. It can also make governments more efficient in keeping records and storing information securely, without much opportunity for corruption.
In the art world, it can provide a secure network for trading expensive paintings, and can cut out middlemen in the music industry, giving the power to the creators. Royalties and commission can be paid more quickly and distributed fairly while getting a product to a consumer can be done far more quickly and directly.
Who Invented Blockchain?
Bitcoin was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, which is a pseudonym for a person or a group of people who are behind this project. No one knows who it is or where they’re from. Though the name is Japanese, it can simply be a red herring to throw people. Bitcoin was released in 2008 and became the first real implementation of blockchain in practical terms. While the ideas behind blockchain can be traced to the early 1990’s with Stuart Haber looking at ways to secure chains of blocks through cryptographic means. However, the identity of Nakamoto remains a mystery and is unlikely to be revealed in the near future if at all.
Blockchain Summarized
Blockchain is an exciting idea that is still in its infancy and is yet to fulfill its true potential. While it has already made a big impact regarding cryptocurrency, there are still far more avenues to explore as developers look to evolve and improve their products. While some dismiss it as a fad, it seems given that governments are putting money into it that it is here to stay. The opportunities with Blockchain are limitless; it is now about applying them practically.
Blockchain can be the most confusing of terms for a lot of people. The majority have an abstract idea of how it works and what it can do, but nothing concrete.
Most see it as either the beginning of a financial revolution, or an irrelevant, silly, and even dangerous trend. In reality, governments and big companies worldwide have already demonstrated an inclination to move towards Blockchain adoption, and implement it in any way to speed up financial and other processes.
How does Blockchain Technology Work?
In spite of the esoteric nature of blockchain technology, it is quite straightforward to understand. In terms of its revolutionary power, blockchain has been compared to the internet itself. It allows for exchanges to work without any need for a central authority, as it is based on smart contracts.
The most renowned usage of blockchain technology is the Bitcoin network. This digital currency that can be used to exchange products and services, just like the United States Dollar (USD), the Euro (EUR), and other global currencies.
To understand what the term “blockchain” means, we must first take a look at what the word "block" means in this context.
A block functions similarly to a ledger. Every transaction that takes place on a block is recorded in a group of transactions; this group of transaction data is called a block.
On the Bitcoin network, each block is capped off once it reaches one megabyte's worth of transactional data. The blocks are then added onto each other in a linear fashion, forming a chain. Hence, the name: blockchain.
The process by which blocks of data are added to the blockchain is called "mining." Computers that uphold a blockchain network, also known as nodes, solve cryptographic equations. The process of solving these equations confirms transactions so that they can be added to the blockchain; in exchange for their work, the nodes are given rewards in the form of the network's cryptocurrency. The algorithm that makes this process possible is called "Proof of Work."
Why Use Blockchain?
Blockchain networks are very secure, as more than half of the computers on any blockchain network would need to be compromised for a hacker to successfully break into the network and make changes to a blockchain.
Networks that have public blockchains are also considered to be very secure as anyone who is interested can look and see all of the transactions that have been confirmed on a blockchain at any time. For example, Bitcoin's blockchain can be viewed at https://blockchain.info/.
The transparency and immutability of blockchain are also reasons that many people consider smart contracts to be far more secure than other types of digital or paper contracts. There is no opportunity for loss of contracts like there would be paper ones, and blockchain-based smart contracts are also less vulnerable to hacking.
Furthermore, it is far easier to hack centralized servers of banks and company sites where other important documents are stored. The security offered here is far more pronounced than in other institutions.
Because blockchain networks are decentralized, no third party is needed to maintain centralized servers - therefore, there are no centralized servers to hack.
This means that if centralized institutions decide to switch to blockchain, it would be very difficult for a hacker to access the data stored on the blockchain. It also could mean that corrupt or disgruntled employees cannot take advantage of their clients. Blockchain offers privacy and anonymity which a network operated by a third party cannot guarantee.
What Can Blockchain Technology Be Used For?
Beyond Bitcoin, blockchain can be used for a myriad of different things. Whilst at the moment Blockchain is mostly associated with Bitcoin as well as other types of Cryptocurrency, the potential security offered by it allows for so much more. For example, it can be utilized for humanitarian needs. During the crisis in Syria, blockchain vouchers were sent to refugees for them to have access to funds which they could then use to buy food. Such a thing would not have been possible with bank transfers or other forms of sending money. As the currency is decentralized, anyone would have been able to access it. It allowed the circumvention of bureaucratic complexities in a time of need.
With this in mind, it can allow people with fewer financial opportunities to access funds. It allows sending money between people who are impoverished to be simplified as they only require a phone to access funds, and do not have to use centralized banks with high transactions fees. Money can be sent all over the world for minimal cost.
Its security also means that governments can implement it to tackle issues such as voter fraud. It allows for a system where no third party can access it, which means that rigging elections becomes extremely hard. It can also make governments more efficient in keeping records and storing information securely, without much opportunity for corruption.
In the art world, it can provide a secure network for trading expensive paintings, and can cut out middlemen in the music industry, giving the power to the creators. Royalties and commission can be paid more quickly and distributed fairly while getting a product to a consumer can be done far more quickly and directly.
Who Invented Blockchain?
Bitcoin was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, which is a pseudonym for a person or a group of people who are behind this project. No one knows who it is or where they’re from. Though the name is Japanese, it can simply be a red herring to throw people. Bitcoin was released in 2008 and became the first real implementation of blockchain in practical terms. While the ideas behind blockchain can be traced to the early 1990’s with Stuart Haber looking at ways to secure chains of blocks through cryptographic means. However, the identity of Nakamoto remains a mystery and is unlikely to be revealed in the near future if at all.
Blockchain Summarized
Blockchain is an exciting idea that is still in its infancy and is yet to fulfill its true potential. While it has already made a big impact regarding cryptocurrency, there are still far more avenues to explore as developers look to evolve and improve their products. While some dismiss it as a fad, it seems given that governments are putting money into it that it is here to stay. The opportunities with Blockchain are limitless; it is now about applying them practically.
FX Veteran Ilies Larbi's Crypto Exchange Ouinex to Go Live Today
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
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
Educators, IBs, And Other Regional Growth Drivers
Educators, IBs, And Other Regional Growth Drivers
When acquisition costs rise and AI generated reviews are exactly as useful as they sound, performing and fair partners can make or break brokers.
This session looks at how these players are shaping access, trust and user engagement, and what the most effective partnership models look like in 2025.
Key Themes:
- Building trader communities through education and local expertise
- Aligning broker incentives with long-term regional strategies
- Regional regulation and the realities of compliant acquisition
- What’s next for performance-driven partnerships in online trading
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Zander Van Der Merwe, Key Individual & Head of Sales at TD Markets
-Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager – Latin America at Tickmill
-Paul Chalmers, CEO at UK Trading Academy
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #BrokerGrowth #FintechPartnerships #RegionalMarkets
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
When acquisition costs rise and AI generated reviews are exactly as useful as they sound, performing and fair partners can make or break brokers.
This session looks at how these players are shaping access, trust and user engagement, and what the most effective partnership models look like in 2025.
Key Themes:
- Building trader communities through education and local expertise
- Aligning broker incentives with long-term regional strategies
- Regional regulation and the realities of compliant acquisition
- What’s next for performance-driven partnerships in online trading
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Zander Van Der Merwe, Key Individual & Head of Sales at TD Markets
-Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager – Latin America at Tickmill
-Paul Chalmers, CEO at UK Trading Academy
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #BrokerGrowth #FintechPartnerships #RegionalMarkets
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?
The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?
As the arms race to bundle investing, personal finance, and wallets under super apps grows fiercer, brokers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
This session explores unexpected ways for industry players to collaborate as consumer habits evolve, competitors eye the traffic, and regulation becomes more nuanced.
Speakers:
-Laura McCracken,CEO | Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors | The Payments Association
-Slobodan Manojlović,Vice President | Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
-Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
-Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh
Gerald Perez, CEO at Interactive Brokers UK
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As the arms race to bundle investing, personal finance, and wallets under super apps grows fiercer, brokers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
This session explores unexpected ways for industry players to collaborate as consumer habits evolve, competitors eye the traffic, and regulation becomes more nuanced.
Speakers:
-Laura McCracken,CEO | Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors | The Payments Association
-Slobodan Manojlović,Vice President | Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
-Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
-Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh
Gerald Perez, CEO at Interactive Brokers UK
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?
Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?
As the dire state of listing and investment in the UK goes from a financial services problem to a national challenge, the retail investing industry is taken to task.
Join a host of executives and experts for a candid conversation about the future of millions of Brits, as seen from a financial services standpoint:
-Are they happy with the Leeds Reform, in principle and in practice?
-Is it the government’s job to affect the ‘saver’ mentality? Is it doing well?
-What can brokers and fintechs do to spur UK investment?
-How can the FCA balance greater flexibility with consumer protection?
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins
-Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK
-Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG
-David Belle, Founder at Fink Money
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #RetailInvesting #UKFinance
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As the dire state of listing and investment in the UK goes from a financial services problem to a national challenge, the retail investing industry is taken to task.
Join a host of executives and experts for a candid conversation about the future of millions of Brits, as seen from a financial services standpoint:
-Are they happy with the Leeds Reform, in principle and in practice?
-Is it the government’s job to affect the ‘saver’ mentality? Is it doing well?
-What can brokers and fintechs do to spur UK investment?
-How can the FCA balance greater flexibility with consumer protection?
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins
-Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK
-Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG
-David Belle, Founder at Fink Money
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #RetailInvesting #UKFinance
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
