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.
Jared Kirui is an Editor at Finance Magnates with more than five years of experience in financial journalism. He covers online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto industries with a focus on companies, regulation and compliance, executive moves, trading technology, and market analysis.
His work has been featured in other media outlets, including Benzinga, ZyCrypto, The Distributed, and The Daily Hodl.
Education:
Bachelor of Commerce degree (Finance option), University of Nairobi
After 20 Years at Saxo Bank, Casper Andreas Solbakken Steps Down Amid Ownership Change
Finance Magnates Awards 2026 – Nominations Now Open
Finance Magnates Awards 2026 – Nominations Now Open
The Finance Magnates Awards 2026 nominations are now open. 🏆
From fintech innovators to leading brokers, this is where the finance industry celebrates its biggest achievements.
Winners will be announced at the Cyprus Gala Dinner on November 6, 2026.
Nominate your brand now.
https://awards.financemagnates.com/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=nominations-open
#FMAwards #FinanceMagnates #FintechAwards #Fintech #FinanceIndustry
The Finance Magnates Awards 2026 nominations are now open. 🏆
From fintech innovators to leading brokers, this is where the finance industry celebrates its biggest achievements.
Winners will be announced at the Cyprus Gala Dinner on November 6, 2026.
Nominate your brand now.
https://awards.financemagnates.com/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=nominations-open
#FMAwards #FinanceMagnates #FintechAwards #Fintech #FinanceIndustry
Finance Magnates Awards 2026 | Nominations Now Open 🏆#Fintech #FMAwards #TradingIndustry
Finance Magnates Awards 2026 | Nominations Now Open 🏆#Fintech #FMAwards #TradingIndustry
Lights on. Cameras ready. 🎬
Finance Magnates Awards 2026 nominations are now open. 🏆
#FMAwards #FinanceMagnates #FintechAwards #Fintech
Lights on. Cameras ready. 🎬
Finance Magnates Awards 2026 nominations are now open. 🏆
#FMAwards #FinanceMagnates #FintechAwards #Fintech
Exness sees trust as the key theme for growth in MENA Trading Growth for 2026
Exness sees trust as the key theme for growth in MENA Trading Growth for 2026
Mohammad Amer, Regional Commercial Director at Exness, sits down to discuss the booming MENA financial trading market. Find out why Dubai is key to the company's growth strategy, how a mobile-first generation is changing expectations, and why trust will be the defining theme for traders in 2026.
In this interview, you'll learn:
* Why Dubai and the MENA region are critical growth markets for fintech and online trading.
* How Exness is addressing the demands of mobile-first, younger traders through engineering, platform stability, and transparent conditions.
* The essential role local talent plays in providing a culturally relevant and compliant user experience.
* Mohammad Amer's outlook on the future of the online trading industry and why stronger controls and systems are necessary.
* Why "trust" isn't just a brand value, but has commercial value—and why he predicts 2026 will be the "Year of Trust."
Key Takeaways:
➡️ The MENA region is rapidly shaping global financial markets.
➡️ New traders expect stability, precise execution, and transparency.
➡️ Local expertise is key to regulatory compliance and user experience.
➡️ Future success belongs to firms capable of meeting rising standards across regulation and platform consistency.
Read the full article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-sees-trust-as-the-key-theme-for-growth-in-mena-trading-growth-for-2026/
#Exness #MENA #Trading #FinTech #Dubai #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #MohammadAmer #Trust #MobileTrading
Mohammad Amer, Regional Commercial Director at Exness, sits down to discuss the booming MENA financial trading market. Find out why Dubai is key to the company's growth strategy, how a mobile-first generation is changing expectations, and why trust will be the defining theme for traders in 2026.
In this interview, you'll learn:
* Why Dubai and the MENA region are critical growth markets for fintech and online trading.
* How Exness is addressing the demands of mobile-first, younger traders through engineering, platform stability, and transparent conditions.
* The essential role local talent plays in providing a culturally relevant and compliant user experience.
* Mohammad Amer's outlook on the future of the online trading industry and why stronger controls and systems are necessary.
* Why "trust" isn't just a brand value, but has commercial value—and why he predicts 2026 will be the "Year of Trust."
Key Takeaways:
➡️ The MENA region is rapidly shaping global financial markets.
➡️ New traders expect stability, precise execution, and transparency.
➡️ Local expertise is key to regulatory compliance and user experience.
➡️ Future success belongs to firms capable of meeting rising standards across regulation and platform consistency.
Read the full article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-sees-trust-as-the-key-theme-for-growth-in-mena-trading-growth-for-2026/
#Exness #MENA #Trading #FinTech #Dubai #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #MohammadAmer #Trust #MobileTrading
Paytiko CEO Razi Salih on Why Payment Orchestration is a MUST-HAVE for Brokers in 2026
Paytiko CEO Razi Salih on Why Payment Orchestration is a MUST-HAVE for Brokers in 2026
At iFX Expo Dubai, Finance Magnates spoke with Razi Salih, CEO at Paytiko, about the evolution of the payments ecosystem and why payment orchestration has shifted from an option to a necessity for brokers, prop firms, and exchanges.
Mr. Salih explains how global expansion, the need for deep localisation, and the sheer number of new payment methods, from instant banking to stablecoins, are driving this critical infrastructure shift.
#PaymentOrchestration #Fintech #Brokerage #TradingPayments #RaziSalih #Paytiko #iFXExpoDubai #Stablecoins #AIinFintech
At iFX Expo Dubai, Finance Magnates spoke with Razi Salih, CEO at Paytiko, about the evolution of the payments ecosystem and why payment orchestration has shifted from an option to a necessity for brokers, prop firms, and exchanges.
Mr. Salih explains how global expansion, the need for deep localisation, and the sheer number of new payment methods, from instant banking to stablecoins, are driving this critical infrastructure shift.
#PaymentOrchestration #Fintech #Brokerage #TradingPayments #RaziSalih #Paytiko #iFXExpoDubai #Stablecoins #AIinFintech
Altima CTO Sunil Jadhav: Solving Data Fragmentation & Lag for Brokers & Prop Firms
Altima CTO Sunil Jadhav: Solving Data Fragmentation & Lag for Brokers & Prop Firms
Altima CTO Sunil Jadhav sits down with Finance Magnates to discuss the core technology challenges facing CFD brokers and proprietary trading firms today.
Jadhav explains how the industry's reliance on batch processing and fragmented systems (where CRMs, risk tools, and trading platforms operate with separate 'sources of truth') leads to delayed data and inconsistent operational decisions. He argues that real-time event processing is essential for managing fast-moving trading activity and risk.
Learn how Altima's unified, event-driven architecture, connecting Altima CRM, Altima Prop, IB systems, and risk management through a single backbone, is designed to provide synchronous data and better operational coordination for modern brokerage and prop firm stacks.
Key Topics:
- Broker and Prop Firm Data Challenges
- The problem of delayed data processing (batch processing vs. real-time events)
- Fragmented systems and conflicting data sources
- Altima's unified, event-driven solution architecture
- The concept of a "risk-aware CRM"
- Built-in risk management in Altima Prop
#Altima #financemagnates #iFXDubai #FinTech #BrokerTech #PropFirm #CFDBroker #TradingTechnology #RealTimeData #RiskManagement #CRM #FinancialMarkets #EventDrivenArchitecture
Altima CTO Sunil Jadhav sits down with Finance Magnates to discuss the core technology challenges facing CFD brokers and proprietary trading firms today.
Jadhav explains how the industry's reliance on batch processing and fragmented systems (where CRMs, risk tools, and trading platforms operate with separate 'sources of truth') leads to delayed data and inconsistent operational decisions. He argues that real-time event processing is essential for managing fast-moving trading activity and risk.
Learn how Altima's unified, event-driven architecture, connecting Altima CRM, Altima Prop, IB systems, and risk management through a single backbone, is designed to provide synchronous data and better operational coordination for modern brokerage and prop firm stacks.
Key Topics:
- Broker and Prop Firm Data Challenges
- The problem of delayed data processing (batch processing vs. real-time events)
- Fragmented systems and conflicting data sources
- Altima's unified, event-driven solution architecture
- The concept of a "risk-aware CRM"
- Built-in risk management in Altima Prop
#Altima #financemagnates #iFXDubai #FinTech #BrokerTech #PropFirm #CFDBroker #TradingTechnology #RealTimeData #RiskManagement #CRM #FinancialMarkets #EventDrivenArchitecture
