Other firms that reported notable executive moves this week are SGX FX, Match-Trade, and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.
In our weekly executive move coverage, EC Markets UK tapped
Adam Saward as Managing Director, EBS' Former Executive Hugh Whelan joined SGX FX, Devexperts named Ben Hurley the new CEO, Match-Trade appointed Andrey Kalashnikov to head Match2Pay, and SFC picked Kelvin Wong Tin-yau as Chairman.
Executive Moves of the Week
EC Markets UK Tapped Adam Saward as MD
EC Markets UK appointed Adam Saward as Managing Director, bringing more than 22 years of experience in the financial sector to the role. His career began at HSBC and was followed by a significant period at ETrade, where he held various positions during its peak years in the UK.
Adam Saward, Source: LinkedIn
Saward’s experience includes setting up an execution trading desk at Penson Financial, where he was introduced to the Prime Brokerage industry. After four years, he moved to Linear, developing its Prime Brokerage offering. He later co-founded PrimeXtend, a Prime Broker and Execution provider, in partnership with former Nomura and JP Morgan executives.
SGX FX named Hugh Whelan as the new Head of Liquidity Management and Data Strategy. Whelan brings experience from his previous role at EBS, where he played a key role in launching and developing EBS Direct into a notable foreign exchange (FX) trading platform.
Hugh Whelan, Source: LinkedIn
Whelan's career at EBS began in November 2013, where he served as Head of EBS Direct FX Trading Platforms until June 2024. In this position, he led the establishment of EBS Direct, a bilateral FX trading venue offering spot, forwards, swaps, and metals under ICAP Plc.
Devexperts, a global software developer for the capital markets, announced that Ben Hurley will be the new Chief Executive Officer. Hurley will replace Michael Babushkin, the previous CEO.
Ben Hurley, Source: LinkedIn
Hurley has been with Devexperts since 2022, previously serving as the Country Manager in Ireland. In this role, he reportedly played a key part in reshaping the company’s operations and leading its restructuring project.
Match-Trade Appointed Andrey Kalashnikov to Head Match2Pay
Match-Trade Technologies enlisted Andrey Kalashnikov as the Head of Match2Pay, a crypto payment processing solution. Kalashnikov has over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Andrey Kalashnikov, Source: LinkedIn
He spent eight years as the CEO of a Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF), where he developed skills in risk management, payments, and leadership within regulated entities.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong named Kelvin Wong Tin-yau as Chairman, effective October 20, 2024. Tin-yau will replace Tim Lui, who has held the position for six years and is stepping down.
Tin-yau previously served as Chairman of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council and worked closely with the SFC. Reflecting on his tenure in a recent statement, Lui characterized the past six years as challenging, noting events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
In our weekly executive move coverage, EC Markets UK tapped
Adam Saward as Managing Director, EBS' Former Executive Hugh Whelan joined SGX FX, Devexperts named Ben Hurley the new CEO, Match-Trade appointed Andrey Kalashnikov to head Match2Pay, and SFC picked Kelvin Wong Tin-yau as Chairman.
Executive Moves of the Week
EC Markets UK Tapped Adam Saward as MD
EC Markets UK appointed Adam Saward as Managing Director, bringing more than 22 years of experience in the financial sector to the role. His career began at HSBC and was followed by a significant period at ETrade, where he held various positions during its peak years in the UK.
Adam Saward, Source: LinkedIn
Saward’s experience includes setting up an execution trading desk at Penson Financial, where he was introduced to the Prime Brokerage industry. After four years, he moved to Linear, developing its Prime Brokerage offering. He later co-founded PrimeXtend, a Prime Broker and Execution provider, in partnership with former Nomura and JP Morgan executives.
SGX FX named Hugh Whelan as the new Head of Liquidity Management and Data Strategy. Whelan brings experience from his previous role at EBS, where he played a key role in launching and developing EBS Direct into a notable foreign exchange (FX) trading platform.
Hugh Whelan, Source: LinkedIn
Whelan's career at EBS began in November 2013, where he served as Head of EBS Direct FX Trading Platforms until June 2024. In this position, he led the establishment of EBS Direct, a bilateral FX trading venue offering spot, forwards, swaps, and metals under ICAP Plc.
Devexperts, a global software developer for the capital markets, announced that Ben Hurley will be the new Chief Executive Officer. Hurley will replace Michael Babushkin, the previous CEO.
Ben Hurley, Source: LinkedIn
Hurley has been with Devexperts since 2022, previously serving as the Country Manager in Ireland. In this role, he reportedly played a key part in reshaping the company’s operations and leading its restructuring project.
Match-Trade Appointed Andrey Kalashnikov to Head Match2Pay
Match-Trade Technologies enlisted Andrey Kalashnikov as the Head of Match2Pay, a crypto payment processing solution. Kalashnikov has over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Andrey Kalashnikov, Source: LinkedIn
He spent eight years as the CEO of a Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF), where he developed skills in risk management, payments, and leadership within regulated entities.
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong named Kelvin Wong Tin-yau as Chairman, effective October 20, 2024. Tin-yau will replace Tim Lui, who has held the position for six years and is stepping down.
Tin-yau previously served as Chairman of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council and worked closely with the SFC. Reflecting on his tenure in a recent statement, Lui characterized the past six years as challenging, noting events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
Former IG and OvalX Executive Takes CEO Role at Savings Platform
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
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
