This week, the number of executive moves significantly dropped compared to the previous busy week. Still, notable appointments, promotions, and exits were witnessed in the fintech, regulation, forex, and proprietary trading sectors.
The number of executive moves dropped compared to last week. Notable moves came from the fintech, regulation, forex, and proprietary trading sectors.
FINRA boosted enforcement team with two new Senior VP appointments;
After 6 Years at OANDA, James Abbott became Chief Revenue Officer for the UK
Division; eToro named new US Head as Lule Demmissie stepped down; IG Group promoted
Chris Old as Head of Organic Growth; Tether picked Chainalysis' Former
Economist as New Head of Economics; Exante welcomed Oscar Tsui as Hong Kong
Regional Head; Prop Trading Firm FunderPro onboarded Tools for Brokers'
Ex-Cyprus Head.
Check out this week's executive moves, featuring key appointments, promotions, and exits from top industry brands.
Executive Moves of the Week
FINRA Boosts Enforcement Team with Two New Senior VP Appointments
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) appointed Julie Glynn and Tina Gubb as Senior Vice Presidents of Enforcement. FINRA expects the new appointments will enhance the organization’s mission to protect investors and maintain market integrity. Glynn and Gubb bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles.
Julie Glynn, Source: LinkedIn
Reporting directly to Bill St. Louis, the Executive Vice President and Head of Enforcement, the two will act as senior legal advisors. They will oversee high-impact investigations and disciplinary actions across the enforcement department. Glynn and Gubb will also lead the enforcement attorney teams and collaborate with FINRA’s regulatory operations to support the organization-wide execution of its mission. Their responsibilities include overseeing four chief counsel enforcement teams each, with Glynn also overseeing enforcement litigation.
After 6 Years at OANDA, Abbott Becomes Chief Revenue Officer of The UK Division
James Abbott, with over a decade of experience in the retail trading industry, was promoted to the position of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at the London office of OANDA. This is Abbott's fourth position within the company since joining at the end of 2018.
Abbott joined OANDA UK in November 2018 as a High-Net-Worth Relationship Manager for the UK and EMEA region. He has held the role of Head of Sales in the British division for the past two years. Previously, he worked at LCG at the private client desk for three months. At the beginning of his career, he was associated with Ascendo Markets for over five years as an Equity Trader and later as Head of Desk Trading.
eToro Names New US Head as Lule Demmissie Steps Down
Lule Demmissie stepped down as CEO of eToro's US operations,
and Andrew McCormick will replace her as Head of eToro US. The brokerage
confirmed to Finance Magnates that McCormick will assume the new role on 1
August 2024. Despite her departure, she will continue to be with the broker in
an advisory capacity for the rest of the year.
Andrew McCormick (left) and Lule Demmissie (middle).
Demmissie took over as the CEO of eToro’s US operations in
September 2023. She joined the broker from Ally Investing, where she served as
President and oversaw the Ally Invest Securities, Ally Invest Advisors, and API
business lines. Before Ally Invest, Demmissie worked for several other leading
financial firms, including TD Ameritrade, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and
JPMorgan.
IG Group Promotes Chris Old as Head of Organic Growth
Chris Old started a new role as the Head of Organic Growth
at IG Group. Old, who is based in London, has been with the group for more than
six years in different positions. He joined the company in 2021 as SEO Manager
for the UK. Subsequently, he rose through the ranks, serving as the SEO Manager
for EMEA and SEO Lead for IG.com before his latest appointment.
Chris Old, Source: LinkedIn
IG Group has recently experienced other notable executive
moves. The group's Global Institutional Marketing Manager, Tomas Ausra, was
recently named the Head of Marketing for IG Prime, the entity's institutional
arm. Ausra will spearhead IG Prime's brand marketing activities worldwide.
Tether Picks Chainalysis' Former Economist as New Head of Economics
Stablecoin issuer Tether appointed Philip Gradwell, the
former Chief Economist at Chainalysis, as its new Head of Economics. Gradwell
brings over six years of experience analyzing digital assets from his tenure at
Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm. He has a background in blockchain
research, data science, and product development, besides his engagement with
regulators.
Speaking about the new hire, Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of
Tether, mentioned: "We are thrilled to welcome Philip to the Tether team.
His extensive experience and proven track record in the digital asset space
make him the ideal person to lead our economic analysis efforts. Philip's
expertise will enable Tether to bring even further understanding to our
indispensable role in supporting the dollar."
Exante Welcomes Oscar Tsui as Hong Kong Regional Head
Exante appointed Oscar Tsui, an experienced financial
services expert, as its new Regional Head to strengthen its presence in Hong
Kong. With more than two decades of experience and important roles across Asia,
Tsui's leadership is expected to drive Exante's growth in the region.
According to the official statement, this appointment is
under Exante's Hong Kong entity XHK Ltd. Tsui, with a wide background spanning
over 20 years in financial services, will lead business development efforts in
the region.
Prop Trading Firm FunderPro Onboards Tools for Brokers' Ex-Cyprus Head
Lastly, Petros Kalaitzis left his role at Tools for Brokers
to join FunderPro, a company offering prop trading services, as its new Chief
Strategy Officer. With over a decade of experience in the financial technology
sector, Kalaitzis brings a wealth of knowledge to FunderPro.
Petros Kalaitzis, Source: LinkedIn
Kalaitzis will oversee the Operations and Marketing
departments in his new role, ensuring that all initiatives align with the
company's long-term vision and immediate objectives. The company expects his
extensive expertise to guide FunderPro in navigating the financial services
space.
The number of executive moves dropped compared to last week. Notable moves came from the fintech, regulation, forex, and proprietary trading sectors.
FINRA boosted enforcement team with two new Senior VP appointments;
After 6 Years at OANDA, James Abbott became Chief Revenue Officer for the UK
Division; eToro named new US Head as Lule Demmissie stepped down; IG Group promoted
Chris Old as Head of Organic Growth; Tether picked Chainalysis' Former
Economist as New Head of Economics; Exante welcomed Oscar Tsui as Hong Kong
Regional Head; Prop Trading Firm FunderPro onboarded Tools for Brokers'
Ex-Cyprus Head.
Check out this week's executive moves, featuring key appointments, promotions, and exits from top industry brands.
Executive Moves of the Week
FINRA Boosts Enforcement Team with Two New Senior VP Appointments
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) appointed Julie Glynn and Tina Gubb as Senior Vice Presidents of Enforcement. FINRA expects the new appointments will enhance the organization’s mission to protect investors and maintain market integrity. Glynn and Gubb bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles.
Julie Glynn, Source: LinkedIn
Reporting directly to Bill St. Louis, the Executive Vice President and Head of Enforcement, the two will act as senior legal advisors. They will oversee high-impact investigations and disciplinary actions across the enforcement department. Glynn and Gubb will also lead the enforcement attorney teams and collaborate with FINRA’s regulatory operations to support the organization-wide execution of its mission. Their responsibilities include overseeing four chief counsel enforcement teams each, with Glynn also overseeing enforcement litigation.
After 6 Years at OANDA, Abbott Becomes Chief Revenue Officer of The UK Division
James Abbott, with over a decade of experience in the retail trading industry, was promoted to the position of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at the London office of OANDA. This is Abbott's fourth position within the company since joining at the end of 2018.
Abbott joined OANDA UK in November 2018 as a High-Net-Worth Relationship Manager for the UK and EMEA region. He has held the role of Head of Sales in the British division for the past two years. Previously, he worked at LCG at the private client desk for three months. At the beginning of his career, he was associated with Ascendo Markets for over five years as an Equity Trader and later as Head of Desk Trading.
eToro Names New US Head as Lule Demmissie Steps Down
Lule Demmissie stepped down as CEO of eToro's US operations,
and Andrew McCormick will replace her as Head of eToro US. The brokerage
confirmed to Finance Magnates that McCormick will assume the new role on 1
August 2024. Despite her departure, she will continue to be with the broker in
an advisory capacity for the rest of the year.
Andrew McCormick (left) and Lule Demmissie (middle).
Demmissie took over as the CEO of eToro’s US operations in
September 2023. She joined the broker from Ally Investing, where she served as
President and oversaw the Ally Invest Securities, Ally Invest Advisors, and API
business lines. Before Ally Invest, Demmissie worked for several other leading
financial firms, including TD Ameritrade, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and
JPMorgan.
IG Group Promotes Chris Old as Head of Organic Growth
Chris Old started a new role as the Head of Organic Growth
at IG Group. Old, who is based in London, has been with the group for more than
six years in different positions. He joined the company in 2021 as SEO Manager
for the UK. Subsequently, he rose through the ranks, serving as the SEO Manager
for EMEA and SEO Lead for IG.com before his latest appointment.
Chris Old, Source: LinkedIn
IG Group has recently experienced other notable executive
moves. The group's Global Institutional Marketing Manager, Tomas Ausra, was
recently named the Head of Marketing for IG Prime, the entity's institutional
arm. Ausra will spearhead IG Prime's brand marketing activities worldwide.
Tether Picks Chainalysis' Former Economist as New Head of Economics
Stablecoin issuer Tether appointed Philip Gradwell, the
former Chief Economist at Chainalysis, as its new Head of Economics. Gradwell
brings over six years of experience analyzing digital assets from his tenure at
Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics firm. He has a background in blockchain
research, data science, and product development, besides his engagement with
regulators.
Speaking about the new hire, Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of
Tether, mentioned: "We are thrilled to welcome Philip to the Tether team.
His extensive experience and proven track record in the digital asset space
make him the ideal person to lead our economic analysis efforts. Philip's
expertise will enable Tether to bring even further understanding to our
indispensable role in supporting the dollar."
Exante Welcomes Oscar Tsui as Hong Kong Regional Head
Exante appointed Oscar Tsui, an experienced financial
services expert, as its new Regional Head to strengthen its presence in Hong
Kong. With more than two decades of experience and important roles across Asia,
Tsui's leadership is expected to drive Exante's growth in the region.
According to the official statement, this appointment is
under Exante's Hong Kong entity XHK Ltd. Tsui, with a wide background spanning
over 20 years in financial services, will lead business development efforts in
the region.
Prop Trading Firm FunderPro Onboards Tools for Brokers' Ex-Cyprus Head
Lastly, Petros Kalaitzis left his role at Tools for Brokers
to join FunderPro, a company offering prop trading services, as its new Chief
Strategy Officer. With over a decade of experience in the financial technology
sector, Kalaitzis brings a wealth of knowledge to FunderPro.
Petros Kalaitzis, Source: LinkedIn
Kalaitzis will oversee the Operations and Marketing
departments in his new role, ensuring that all initiatives align with the
company's long-term vision and immediate objectives. The company expects his
extensive expertise to guide FunderPro in navigating the financial services
space.
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
