smartTrade Technologies, Bitcoin venture fund Axiom, and TMGM also announced significant executive moves.
This week in our executive move segment: ActivTrades appointed CEO for Mauritius; smartTrade Technologies promoted Laurent Danesi as Chief Innovation Officer; ACY Securities onboarded Phil Kim as Director of Institutional Sales for Asia; Former UK Minister joined Axiom's $75 Million Bitcoin Venture Fund.
Elsewhere, SIX promoted Exchange Head Bjørn Sibbern to CEO, while TMGM tapped Fullerton Markets veteran to lead Liquidity Management.
Executive Moves of the Week
ActivTrades Appoints CEO for Mauritius
ActivTrades appointed Matteo Paganini as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Mauritius division. According to Paganni’s LinkedIn post, this move is part of the company's strategy to expand into new markets and grow its global operations. In addition to his new role, Paganini will retain his position as Chief Commercial Officer for the ActivTrades group.
Matteo Paganini
He will also oversee efforts to align global operations and enhance the company’s service delivery. His professional background includes leadership roles at Admirals for Europe and Pepperstone in Italy and Spain. He also contributed to the establishment of Salex S.p.A., recognized as Italy's first FX broker, and managed FXCM’s Italian division and market analysis team.
smartTrade Technologies Promotes Laurent Danesi as Chief Innovation Officer
Laurent Danesi landed a new role as the Chief Innovation Officer of smartTrade Technologies, a provider of multi-asset electronic trading and payments based in France. Danesi is a veteran technology expert who has been with smartTrade Technologies for more than 20 years.
Laurent Danesi, Source: LinkedIn
According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined the firm as a System Architect in 2004. Since then, he has held other roles in the firm, including serving as the Chief Architect, Head of Product Development, and now promoted to Chief Inovation Officer on a permanent basis.
ACY Securities Appoints Phil Kim as Director of Institutional Sales for Asia
ACY Securities boosted its institutional arm, ACY Connect, by appointing seasoned FX professional Phil Kim as Director of Institutional Sales for Asia. Based in Hong Kong, Kim brings nearly two decades of experience to the role. According to the official announcement, he will lead business development efforts across the region.
Phil Kim
Kim will oversee initiatives to cultivate new institutional relationships and identify opportunities within the global market. Reporting directly to ACY Securities' CEO, Jimmy Ye, he will reportedly work closely with the entire ACY Connect team to align sales strategies with the company’s expansion goals.
Former UK Minister Joins Axiom's $75 Million Bitcoin Venture Fund Push
Steve Baker became the latest politician to transition from public service to the cryptocurrency sector. After serving as Minister of State for Northern Ireland for two years and subsequently as Minister of State in the Cabinet Office for six months, he has now joined Axiom.
Steve Baker, Source: YouTube
The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) has approved former Minister of State for Northern Ireland Baker's appointment as an advisor to Bitcoin-focused venture capital firm Axiom Venture Fund II LP. The part-time role comes with strict conditions to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
SIX Promotes Exchange Head Sibbern to CEO as Dijsselhof Exits
SIX Group, Switzerland's principal financial market infrastructure operator, appointed Bjørn Sibbern as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at one of Europe's major exchange operators.
Sibbern, who currently serves as Global Head of Exchanges and sits on SIX's Group Executive Board, will succeed Jos Dijsselhof, who is stepping down after a transformative seven-year tenure to pursue opportunities in the Middle East. The Danish executive brings more than two decades of experience in capital markets, including significant roles at Nasdaq, OMX Exchanges, and E*TRADE Bank Denmark.
TMGM Taps Fullerton Markets Veteran to Lead Liquidity Management
Rainer Phua has announced his new role as Head of Liquidity Management at TMGM. He will be working on-site in Singapore, managing liquidity operations directly from TMGM's regional office. According to the firm, this location will allow him to engage closely with the team and oversee critical functions in person.
Rainer Phua, Source: LinkedIn
Phua brings over a decade of experience in risk and technology management. Before joining TMGM, he spent more than nine years at Fullerton Markets, where his roles included Head of Risk Management for over eight years and Head of Technology for nearly five years.
This week in our executive move segment: ActivTrades appointed CEO for Mauritius; smartTrade Technologies promoted Laurent Danesi as Chief Innovation Officer; ACY Securities onboarded Phil Kim as Director of Institutional Sales for Asia; Former UK Minister joined Axiom's $75 Million Bitcoin Venture Fund.
Elsewhere, SIX promoted Exchange Head Bjørn Sibbern to CEO, while TMGM tapped Fullerton Markets veteran to lead Liquidity Management.
Executive Moves of the Week
ActivTrades Appoints CEO for Mauritius
ActivTrades appointed Matteo Paganini as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Mauritius division. According to Paganni’s LinkedIn post, this move is part of the company's strategy to expand into new markets and grow its global operations. In addition to his new role, Paganini will retain his position as Chief Commercial Officer for the ActivTrades group.
Matteo Paganini
He will also oversee efforts to align global operations and enhance the company’s service delivery. His professional background includes leadership roles at Admirals for Europe and Pepperstone in Italy and Spain. He also contributed to the establishment of Salex S.p.A., recognized as Italy's first FX broker, and managed FXCM’s Italian division and market analysis team.
smartTrade Technologies Promotes Laurent Danesi as Chief Innovation Officer
Laurent Danesi landed a new role as the Chief Innovation Officer of smartTrade Technologies, a provider of multi-asset electronic trading and payments based in France. Danesi is a veteran technology expert who has been with smartTrade Technologies for more than 20 years.
Laurent Danesi, Source: LinkedIn
According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined the firm as a System Architect in 2004. Since then, he has held other roles in the firm, including serving as the Chief Architect, Head of Product Development, and now promoted to Chief Inovation Officer on a permanent basis.
ACY Securities Appoints Phil Kim as Director of Institutional Sales for Asia
ACY Securities boosted its institutional arm, ACY Connect, by appointing seasoned FX professional Phil Kim as Director of Institutional Sales for Asia. Based in Hong Kong, Kim brings nearly two decades of experience to the role. According to the official announcement, he will lead business development efforts across the region.
Phil Kim
Kim will oversee initiatives to cultivate new institutional relationships and identify opportunities within the global market. Reporting directly to ACY Securities' CEO, Jimmy Ye, he will reportedly work closely with the entire ACY Connect team to align sales strategies with the company’s expansion goals.
Former UK Minister Joins Axiom's $75 Million Bitcoin Venture Fund Push
Steve Baker became the latest politician to transition from public service to the cryptocurrency sector. After serving as Minister of State for Northern Ireland for two years and subsequently as Minister of State in the Cabinet Office for six months, he has now joined Axiom.
Steve Baker, Source: YouTube
The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) has approved former Minister of State for Northern Ireland Baker's appointment as an advisor to Bitcoin-focused venture capital firm Axiom Venture Fund II LP. The part-time role comes with strict conditions to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
SIX Promotes Exchange Head Sibbern to CEO as Dijsselhof Exits
SIX Group, Switzerland's principal financial market infrastructure operator, appointed Bjørn Sibbern as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at one of Europe's major exchange operators.
Sibbern, who currently serves as Global Head of Exchanges and sits on SIX's Group Executive Board, will succeed Jos Dijsselhof, who is stepping down after a transformative seven-year tenure to pursue opportunities in the Middle East. The Danish executive brings more than two decades of experience in capital markets, including significant roles at Nasdaq, OMX Exchanges, and E*TRADE Bank Denmark.
TMGM Taps Fullerton Markets Veteran to Lead Liquidity Management
Rainer Phua has announced his new role as Head of Liquidity Management at TMGM. He will be working on-site in Singapore, managing liquidity operations directly from TMGM's regional office. According to the firm, this location will allow him to engage closely with the team and oversee critical functions in person.
Rainer Phua, Source: LinkedIn
Phua brings over a decade of experience in risk and technology management. Before joining TMGM, he spent more than nine years at Fullerton Markets, where his roles included Head of Risk Management for over eight years and Head of Technology for nearly five years.
Markets.com Names New Head of Compliance After eToro and FOREX.com Stints
Hannah Hill on Innovation, Branding & Award-Winning Technology | Executive Interview | AXI
Hannah Hill on Innovation, Branding & Award-Winning Technology | Executive Interview | AXI
Recorded live at FMLS:25, this executive interview features Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at AXI, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following AXI’s win for Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Hannah shares insights on:
🔹What winning the Finance Magnates award means for AXI’s credibility and innovation
🔹How the launch of AXI Select, the capital allocation program, is redefining industry standards
🔹The development and rollout of the AXI trading app across multiple markets
🔹Driving brand evolution alongside technological advancements
🔹Encouraging and recognizing teams behind the scenes
🔹The role of marketing, content, and social media in building product awareness
Hannah explains why standout products, strategic branding, and a focus on innovation are key to growing visibility and staying ahead in a competitive brokerage landscape.
🏆 Award Highlight: Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #MostInnovativeBroker #TradingTechnology #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview #AXI
Recorded live at FMLS:25, this executive interview features Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at AXI, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following AXI’s win for Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Hannah shares insights on:
🔹What winning the Finance Magnates award means for AXI’s credibility and innovation
🔹How the launch of AXI Select, the capital allocation program, is redefining industry standards
🔹The development and rollout of the AXI trading app across multiple markets
🔹Driving brand evolution alongside technological advancements
🔹Encouraging and recognizing teams behind the scenes
🔹The role of marketing, content, and social media in building product awareness
Hannah explains why standout products, strategic branding, and a focus on innovation are key to growing visibility and staying ahead in a competitive brokerage landscape.
🏆 Award Highlight: Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #MostInnovativeBroker #TradingTechnology #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview #AXI
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
