CFI, Britannia, Saxo Bank, Hidden Road, STARTRADER, and VT Markets also reported significant changes in their executive teams.
The number of executive appointments, promotions, and departures jumped this week. Featuring in our executive segment: CFI onboarded two of Amana's former executives; Kypros Zoumidou resigned as Capital.com’s Group CEO; Nomura appointed a new CEO for its European division.
Also, Finalto enlisted Luis dos Santos as Sales Director for Latin America; Capital.com added a new Head of M&A and Corporate Development based in London; Britannia onboarded Neil Welsh as Head of Metals; Saxo Bank split Adam Reynolds’ Role after his exit; Hidden Road promoted Michael Higgins to International CEO.
Elsewhere, STARTRADER brought an ex-MultiBank executive to lead European Business Development, VT Markets named Marex's Former Exec to lead Strategy, while Andrew Biggs was appointed CEO of Finalto Trading.
Executive Moves of the Week
CFI Onboards Two Top Former Amana Executives
CFI Financial Group appointed two industry veterans to its top management team: Ahmad Khatib as Chief Business Development Officer and Ziad Melhem as Chief Marketing Officer. Both executives joined the firm after dedicating nearly two years to Amana as advisors.
Ahmad Khatib, Source: CFI
Khatib was Amana’s founding CEO, a role he held for 12 years, while Melhem spent eight years with the Gulf-based broker, initially as Chief Marketing Officer and later as Chief Business Development Officer.
In his new role at CFI, Khatib will reportedly focus on implementing the company’s objectives and strategies across markets. His goal is to make the broker “agile and responsive” against its competitors. Melhem, on the other hand, will lead the broker’s marketing efforts, aiming to enhance its brand reach in the MENA region and beyond.
Kypros Zoumidou Resigns as Capital.com’s Group CEO
Capital.com announced Kypros Zoumidou's exit from the role of Global Group CEO after about a year in the position. However, the broker is not replacing Zoumidou with another individual but has decided to follow a regional leadership model, promoting Soutzis as the CEO of the Cyprus entity.
Kypros Zoumidou, Source: LinkedIn
The company clarified that Zoumidou will remain a part of the business and assist with strategic projects. Additionally, he will support the new management in settling into their roles, ensuring continued success in future initiatives.
Nomura announced a significant leadership transition. John Tierney will take over as CEO of Nomura Europe Holdings and Nomura International. The move marks the end of Jonathan Lewis's 10-year tenure as CEO.
John Tierney, Source: LinkedIn
Jonathan Lewis, who has held the CEO position since December 2014, reportedly played a pivotal role in steering Nomura through a turbulent financial landscape. His tenure spanned critical events such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a wave of regulatory changes.
Finalto Appoints Luis dos Santos as Sales Director for Latin America
Finalto, the liquidity and fintech provider, named Luis dos Santos as its Sales Director for Latin America. Dos Santos previously worked as Global Head of Business Development at Markets.com.
Luis dos Santos, Source: Finalto
He has also held senior client services and business development roles at IG, LCG, and Trading 212. In his role at Finalto, Dos Santos will reportedly focus on identifying new market opportunities and partnerships.
Capital.com Names New Head of M&A and Corporate Development in London
Capital.com appointed Salim Sebbata as Head of M&A and Corporate Development. Based in Capital.com’s London office, Sebbata will oversee the company’s M&A strategy and support its global expansion initiatives.
Salim Sebbata,Head of M&A and Corporate Development, Capital.com, Source: LinkedIn
Sebbata joins Capital.com after holding several senior roles in financial services. Most recently, he was CEO and Director at APM Capital Markets Limited, where he served for six months. Before that, he spent two years as Managing Director at Stryk by BUX and three years as Chief Executive Officer for BUX in the UK and Global Managing Director for Derivatives.
FCA-regulated Britannia Global Markets boosted its trading desk by rehiring Neil Welsh as Head of Metals. He returns to the company after about two years, having previously served as a base metals sales trader there for over three years.
Neil Welsh as Head of Metals at Britannia Global Markets
“The highly experienced team of professionals at Britannia Global Markets is what has attracted me to return to the business,” said Welsh. He added, “I am delighted to be back, especially given the firm’s renewed focus on growing its brokerage business, particularly in commodities and metals.”
Saxo Bank Splits Adam Reynolds’ Role after His Exit
Saxo Bank, whose owners are reportedly accepting bids for sale, boosted its management in the Asia-Pacific region with two internal promotions. The broker appointed Damian Hitchen as the Regional Head of APAC and MENA and Mahesh Sethuraman as the CEO for Singapore.
Adam Reynolds
Both executives succeed Adam Reynolds, who previously held the role of APAC and Singapore CEO at Saxo. He stepped down last September after spending a decade with the company.
Hidden Road Promotes Michael Higgins to International CEO
Hidden Road, the crypto prime brokerage, promoted Michael Higgins to International Chief Executive Officer, further strengthening its leadership. According to Higgins' update on LinkedIn, he assumed the role last month.
Michael Higgins, Source: LinkedIn
Higgins joined Hidden Road in 2019 as a Partner and Head of EMEA and the UK. He was later promoted to Global Head of Business Development, which was also his most recent role. He is based in London.
STARTRADER Appoints Ex-MultiBank Executive to Lead European Business Development
Sarah Farah started a new role as Head of European Business Development at STARTRADER. Prior to this position, Farah worked at MultiBank Group for nearly two years as Head of International Sales. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing international sales operations and driving the company’s growth in global markets.
Sarah Farah, Source: LinkedIn
She also spent over a year at NAGA, initially as a Sales Team Leader and later as Head of Retention, where she managed customer retention strategies and led the sales team.
VT Markets Names Marex's Former Exec to Lead Strategy
Online trading platform VT Markets onboarded veteran financial markets professional Ross Maxwell as its new Global Strategy Operations Lead. Maxwell brings over two decades of financial markets experience across major financial hubs including London and Hong Kong.
Ross Maxwell, Source: LinkedIn
He previously worked as a dealer for the EMEA region for three years at Marex's London branch and eight years as a Senior Dealer for BGC Partners in the same area. At VT Markets, he will spearhead the development of educational content and trading resources while providing strategic direction for the company's global growth initiatives.
Finalto Group promoted Andrew Biggs to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Finalto Trading. The company sits within Finalto Group and will complement the services provided by industry-leading financial institution Finalto Financial Services.
Andrew Biggs, Source: LinkedIn
Effective immediately, Biggs will take on the role of CEO at Finalto Trading, and will lead the company’s strategic vision, focusing on driving innovation and expanding the group’s influence in the global trading ecosystem. Andrew Biggs brings to the role over 15 years of experience in the financial and trading industry. He has a history of impactful leadership in trading and strategic planning.
The number of executive appointments, promotions, and departures jumped this week. Featuring in our executive segment: CFI onboarded two of Amana's former executives; Kypros Zoumidou resigned as Capital.com’s Group CEO; Nomura appointed a new CEO for its European division.
Also, Finalto enlisted Luis dos Santos as Sales Director for Latin America; Capital.com added a new Head of M&A and Corporate Development based in London; Britannia onboarded Neil Welsh as Head of Metals; Saxo Bank split Adam Reynolds’ Role after his exit; Hidden Road promoted Michael Higgins to International CEO.
Elsewhere, STARTRADER brought an ex-MultiBank executive to lead European Business Development, VT Markets named Marex's Former Exec to lead Strategy, while Andrew Biggs was appointed CEO of Finalto Trading.
Executive Moves of the Week
CFI Onboards Two Top Former Amana Executives
CFI Financial Group appointed two industry veterans to its top management team: Ahmad Khatib as Chief Business Development Officer and Ziad Melhem as Chief Marketing Officer. Both executives joined the firm after dedicating nearly two years to Amana as advisors.
Ahmad Khatib, Source: CFI
Khatib was Amana’s founding CEO, a role he held for 12 years, while Melhem spent eight years with the Gulf-based broker, initially as Chief Marketing Officer and later as Chief Business Development Officer.
In his new role at CFI, Khatib will reportedly focus on implementing the company’s objectives and strategies across markets. His goal is to make the broker “agile and responsive” against its competitors. Melhem, on the other hand, will lead the broker’s marketing efforts, aiming to enhance its brand reach in the MENA region and beyond.
Kypros Zoumidou Resigns as Capital.com’s Group CEO
Capital.com announced Kypros Zoumidou's exit from the role of Global Group CEO after about a year in the position. However, the broker is not replacing Zoumidou with another individual but has decided to follow a regional leadership model, promoting Soutzis as the CEO of the Cyprus entity.
Kypros Zoumidou, Source: LinkedIn
The company clarified that Zoumidou will remain a part of the business and assist with strategic projects. Additionally, he will support the new management in settling into their roles, ensuring continued success in future initiatives.
Nomura announced a significant leadership transition. John Tierney will take over as CEO of Nomura Europe Holdings and Nomura International. The move marks the end of Jonathan Lewis's 10-year tenure as CEO.
John Tierney, Source: LinkedIn
Jonathan Lewis, who has held the CEO position since December 2014, reportedly played a pivotal role in steering Nomura through a turbulent financial landscape. His tenure spanned critical events such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a wave of regulatory changes.
Finalto Appoints Luis dos Santos as Sales Director for Latin America
Finalto, the liquidity and fintech provider, named Luis dos Santos as its Sales Director for Latin America. Dos Santos previously worked as Global Head of Business Development at Markets.com.
Luis dos Santos, Source: Finalto
He has also held senior client services and business development roles at IG, LCG, and Trading 212. In his role at Finalto, Dos Santos will reportedly focus on identifying new market opportunities and partnerships.
Capital.com Names New Head of M&A and Corporate Development in London
Capital.com appointed Salim Sebbata as Head of M&A and Corporate Development. Based in Capital.com’s London office, Sebbata will oversee the company’s M&A strategy and support its global expansion initiatives.
Salim Sebbata,Head of M&A and Corporate Development, Capital.com, Source: LinkedIn
Sebbata joins Capital.com after holding several senior roles in financial services. Most recently, he was CEO and Director at APM Capital Markets Limited, where he served for six months. Before that, he spent two years as Managing Director at Stryk by BUX and three years as Chief Executive Officer for BUX in the UK and Global Managing Director for Derivatives.
FCA-regulated Britannia Global Markets boosted its trading desk by rehiring Neil Welsh as Head of Metals. He returns to the company after about two years, having previously served as a base metals sales trader there for over three years.
Neil Welsh as Head of Metals at Britannia Global Markets
“The highly experienced team of professionals at Britannia Global Markets is what has attracted me to return to the business,” said Welsh. He added, “I am delighted to be back, especially given the firm’s renewed focus on growing its brokerage business, particularly in commodities and metals.”
Saxo Bank Splits Adam Reynolds’ Role after His Exit
Saxo Bank, whose owners are reportedly accepting bids for sale, boosted its management in the Asia-Pacific region with two internal promotions. The broker appointed Damian Hitchen as the Regional Head of APAC and MENA and Mahesh Sethuraman as the CEO for Singapore.
Adam Reynolds
Both executives succeed Adam Reynolds, who previously held the role of APAC and Singapore CEO at Saxo. He stepped down last September after spending a decade with the company.
Hidden Road Promotes Michael Higgins to International CEO
Hidden Road, the crypto prime brokerage, promoted Michael Higgins to International Chief Executive Officer, further strengthening its leadership. According to Higgins' update on LinkedIn, he assumed the role last month.
Michael Higgins, Source: LinkedIn
Higgins joined Hidden Road in 2019 as a Partner and Head of EMEA and the UK. He was later promoted to Global Head of Business Development, which was also his most recent role. He is based in London.
STARTRADER Appoints Ex-MultiBank Executive to Lead European Business Development
Sarah Farah started a new role as Head of European Business Development at STARTRADER. Prior to this position, Farah worked at MultiBank Group for nearly two years as Head of International Sales. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing international sales operations and driving the company’s growth in global markets.
Sarah Farah, Source: LinkedIn
She also spent over a year at NAGA, initially as a Sales Team Leader and later as Head of Retention, where she managed customer retention strategies and led the sales team.
VT Markets Names Marex's Former Exec to Lead Strategy
Online trading platform VT Markets onboarded veteran financial markets professional Ross Maxwell as its new Global Strategy Operations Lead. Maxwell brings over two decades of financial markets experience across major financial hubs including London and Hong Kong.
Ross Maxwell, Source: LinkedIn
He previously worked as a dealer for the EMEA region for three years at Marex's London branch and eight years as a Senior Dealer for BGC Partners in the same area. At VT Markets, he will spearhead the development of educational content and trading resources while providing strategic direction for the company's global growth initiatives.
Finalto Group promoted Andrew Biggs to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Finalto Trading. The company sits within Finalto Group and will complement the services provided by industry-leading financial institution Finalto Financial Services.
Andrew Biggs, Source: LinkedIn
Effective immediately, Biggs will take on the role of CEO at Finalto Trading, and will lead the company’s strategic vision, focusing on driving innovation and expanding the group’s influence in the global trading ecosystem. Andrew Biggs brings to the role over 15 years of experience in the financial and trading industry. He has a history of impactful leadership in trading and strategic planning.
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
