Executive moves that dominated the week's news for the forex, crypto and fintech industries.
This week has been pivotal for the forex industry executive moves, crypto industry leadership changes, and fintech sector appointments, highlighting a dynamic shift in the financial technology landscape.
Key developments include FlexTrade's new Head of Fixed Income Sales; OKX's appointment of a General Manager for the MENA region; Zodia Markets strengthening its leadership in Africa and the Middle East; Scila welcoming a new CEO; Travelex’s strategic hire for Global Retail Director; VT Markets expanding its analyst team; and ClearBank's upcoming change in chairmanship.
Explore these significant forex, crypto, and fintech executive shifts further in our detailed weekly roundup, showcasing the evolving landscape of financial technology leadership.
Executive Moves of the Week
FlexTrade Hires Fintech Expert as Head of Fixed Income Sales
Michael Kovach, Head of Fixed Income Sales at FlexTrade
In a significant forex industry executive move, FlexTrade Systems has welcomed Michael Kovach as their new Head of Fixed Income Sales in the Americas, marking a key strategic direction in tackling tech-driven market challenges. Kovach, a fintech and electronic trading solutions expert, will focus on promoting FlexFI, the company's Fixed Income EMS. His extensive 20-year experience, including roles at BlackRock's Aladdin and Liquidnet, positions him well for this role. FlexFI promises to simplify complex workflows and ensure compliance in the fixed income sector. This strategic move highlights FlexTrade's dedication to addressing buy-side issues.
A comment from Kovach: "I am
thrilled to join a company that has such a strong reputation in both the Fixed
Income and multi-asset trading technology market. I look
forward to joining the team at FlexTrade and leveraging innovative technology
to provide best-in-class solutions for the fixed income desk."
Recent partnerships, including one with Tradefeedr for FX data analytics integration, and the introduction of artificial intelligence functionality in their flagship platform, underscore FlexTrade's commitment to innovation and providing comprehensive solutions.
Furthering their expansion in digital assets, OKX underscores its commitment to the dynamic MENA region by appointing Rifad Mahasneh as the General Manager, a notable crypto industry leadership change. This appointment underlines the company’s dedication to the dynamic digital assets and Web3 landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. Mahasneh will spearhead OKX's regional operations and strive to solidify the company’s position in the market.
"We're
thrilled to welcome Rifad as OKX's leader in MENA. With his extensive
background in digital assets, finance and growth, and years of local leadership
in the region, Rifad is a key strong addition to the team," remarked Hong Fang, OKX's President. "With MENA being one of the fastest growing
markets globally for digital assets and Web3 adoption, this appointment is a
testament to our commitment to drive sustainable growth in this region."
Ayad Butt
Zodia Markets Strengthens
Leadership
Zodia Markets enhances its executive team by naming Ayad Butt as the Head of Sales and Trading for the Africa and Middle East regions. This move coincides with their objective to broaden the reach of their digital asset services. Stationed in Abu Dhabi, Butt's appointment comes at a strategic time as Zodia secures In-Principle Approval from ADGM, positioning him to utilize his substantial financial expertise to advance the firm’s presence and innovative solutions in these key markets.
Butt expressed his enthusiasm: “I am
excited to join Zodia Markets and look forward to contributing to the growth of
an innovative digital assets franchise that offers a comprehensive range of
products to a global client base. Africa and the Middle East
are a key focus for growth, and I look forward to developing these markets
alongside Zodia Markets’ founders, team, and partners.”
Mikko Andersson
Scila Appoints New CEO Mikko Andersson
Mikko Andersson has been appointed as the new CEO of Scila, tasked with steering the firm through its next phase of growth and technological advancement in financial surveillance, risk management, and anti-money laundering solutions.
“I am very
glad to have been appointed to lead Scila and its talented team to provide our
customers with market leading technology and support within the important areas
of Surveillance, Risk, and AM,” Andersson mentioned.
Jackie Uhi
Travelex Appoints New Global Retail Director
In a strategic fintech sector appointment, Travelex elevates its global retail strategy by naming Jackie Uhi as the new Global Retail Director, challenged with driving the company's retail strategy and expanding its global markets. With a rich background in retail banking, Uhi will manage an international network encompassing over 1,100 stores and 900 ATMs. Travelex is committed to elevating the retail experience for customers by introducing innovative services, including click-and-collect options at ATMs and advanced automated currency exchange kiosks.
The organization's growth initiatives have led to the creation of upwards of 1,200 jobs, and plans are underway to increase the number of store locations. In a concurrent strategic shift, Cameron Hume has assumed the role of Global Wholesale Director, with a focus on enhancing the company's wholesale activities, particularly within the burgeoning Asian markets.
Styliana Charalambous
VT Markets Expands Analyst
Team with Styliana Charalambous
VT Markets is set to enhance its analytical offerings by enlisting Styliana Charalambous, a finance professional with over nine years of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge to provide comprehensive market reports and insights, a vital addition as VT Markets aims to elevate its service offerings in the competitive EMEA sectors.
"My ambition is to deliver analyses that empower our clients to make informed, strategic decisions in the dynamic trading landscape," Charalambous commented.
The renowned online broker, VT Markets, confirmed Charalambous's role as a Market Analyst for the EMEA region. Her career includes significant experience as an ACCA-qualified accountant, with past positions such as Audit Supervisor at KPMG and as the Head of Investment and Market Research at a global fintech corporation.
Leadership Transition at
ClearBank
In the dynamic landscape of instant clearing and banking solutions, ClearBank has announced Shonaid Jemmett-Page as the prospective new Chair of its UK Board, awaiting approval from regulatory bodies. She will take over the reins from David Gagie, who has been instrumental in ClearBank's expansion since 2018. Jemmett-Page brings to the table a distinguished career in finance and corporate governance, poised to steer ClearBank towards further achievements.
As this leadership change unfolds, accolades are exchanged between the predecessor and successor, with both expressing high esteem and anticipation for the bank's ongoing prosperity.
This week has been pivotal for the forex industry executive moves, crypto industry leadership changes, and fintech sector appointments, highlighting a dynamic shift in the financial technology landscape.
Key developments include FlexTrade's new Head of Fixed Income Sales; OKX's appointment of a General Manager for the MENA region; Zodia Markets strengthening its leadership in Africa and the Middle East; Scila welcoming a new CEO; Travelex’s strategic hire for Global Retail Director; VT Markets expanding its analyst team; and ClearBank's upcoming change in chairmanship.
Explore these significant forex, crypto, and fintech executive shifts further in our detailed weekly roundup, showcasing the evolving landscape of financial technology leadership.
Executive Moves of the Week
FlexTrade Hires Fintech Expert as Head of Fixed Income Sales
Michael Kovach, Head of Fixed Income Sales at FlexTrade
In a significant forex industry executive move, FlexTrade Systems has welcomed Michael Kovach as their new Head of Fixed Income Sales in the Americas, marking a key strategic direction in tackling tech-driven market challenges. Kovach, a fintech and electronic trading solutions expert, will focus on promoting FlexFI, the company's Fixed Income EMS. His extensive 20-year experience, including roles at BlackRock's Aladdin and Liquidnet, positions him well for this role. FlexFI promises to simplify complex workflows and ensure compliance in the fixed income sector. This strategic move highlights FlexTrade's dedication to addressing buy-side issues.
A comment from Kovach: "I am
thrilled to join a company that has such a strong reputation in both the Fixed
Income and multi-asset trading technology market. I look
forward to joining the team at FlexTrade and leveraging innovative technology
to provide best-in-class solutions for the fixed income desk."
Recent partnerships, including one with Tradefeedr for FX data analytics integration, and the introduction of artificial intelligence functionality in their flagship platform, underscore FlexTrade's commitment to innovation and providing comprehensive solutions.
Furthering their expansion in digital assets, OKX underscores its commitment to the dynamic MENA region by appointing Rifad Mahasneh as the General Manager, a notable crypto industry leadership change. This appointment underlines the company’s dedication to the dynamic digital assets and Web3 landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. Mahasneh will spearhead OKX's regional operations and strive to solidify the company’s position in the market.
"We're
thrilled to welcome Rifad as OKX's leader in MENA. With his extensive
background in digital assets, finance and growth, and years of local leadership
in the region, Rifad is a key strong addition to the team," remarked Hong Fang, OKX's President. "With MENA being one of the fastest growing
markets globally for digital assets and Web3 adoption, this appointment is a
testament to our commitment to drive sustainable growth in this region."
Ayad Butt
Zodia Markets Strengthens
Leadership
Zodia Markets enhances its executive team by naming Ayad Butt as the Head of Sales and Trading for the Africa and Middle East regions. This move coincides with their objective to broaden the reach of their digital asset services. Stationed in Abu Dhabi, Butt's appointment comes at a strategic time as Zodia secures In-Principle Approval from ADGM, positioning him to utilize his substantial financial expertise to advance the firm’s presence and innovative solutions in these key markets.
Butt expressed his enthusiasm: “I am
excited to join Zodia Markets and look forward to contributing to the growth of
an innovative digital assets franchise that offers a comprehensive range of
products to a global client base. Africa and the Middle East
are a key focus for growth, and I look forward to developing these markets
alongside Zodia Markets’ founders, team, and partners.”
Mikko Andersson
Scila Appoints New CEO Mikko Andersson
Mikko Andersson has been appointed as the new CEO of Scila, tasked with steering the firm through its next phase of growth and technological advancement in financial surveillance, risk management, and anti-money laundering solutions.
“I am very
glad to have been appointed to lead Scila and its talented team to provide our
customers with market leading technology and support within the important areas
of Surveillance, Risk, and AM,” Andersson mentioned.
Jackie Uhi
Travelex Appoints New Global Retail Director
In a strategic fintech sector appointment, Travelex elevates its global retail strategy by naming Jackie Uhi as the new Global Retail Director, challenged with driving the company's retail strategy and expanding its global markets. With a rich background in retail banking, Uhi will manage an international network encompassing over 1,100 stores and 900 ATMs. Travelex is committed to elevating the retail experience for customers by introducing innovative services, including click-and-collect options at ATMs and advanced automated currency exchange kiosks.
The organization's growth initiatives have led to the creation of upwards of 1,200 jobs, and plans are underway to increase the number of store locations. In a concurrent strategic shift, Cameron Hume has assumed the role of Global Wholesale Director, with a focus on enhancing the company's wholesale activities, particularly within the burgeoning Asian markets.
Styliana Charalambous
VT Markets Expands Analyst
Team with Styliana Charalambous
VT Markets is set to enhance its analytical offerings by enlisting Styliana Charalambous, a finance professional with over nine years of experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge to provide comprehensive market reports and insights, a vital addition as VT Markets aims to elevate its service offerings in the competitive EMEA sectors.
"My ambition is to deliver analyses that empower our clients to make informed, strategic decisions in the dynamic trading landscape," Charalambous commented.
The renowned online broker, VT Markets, confirmed Charalambous's role as a Market Analyst for the EMEA region. Her career includes significant experience as an ACCA-qualified accountant, with past positions such as Audit Supervisor at KPMG and as the Head of Investment and Market Research at a global fintech corporation.
Leadership Transition at
ClearBank
In the dynamic landscape of instant clearing and banking solutions, ClearBank has announced Shonaid Jemmett-Page as the prospective new Chair of its UK Board, awaiting approval from regulatory bodies. She will take over the reins from David Gagie, who has been instrumental in ClearBank's expansion since 2018. Jemmett-Page brings to the table a distinguished career in finance and corporate governance, poised to steer ClearBank towards further achievements.
As this leadership change unfolds, accolades are exchanged between the predecessor and successor, with both expressing high esteem and anticipation for the bank's ongoing prosperity.
Coming from a background in English Education, Tom joined Finance Magnates in Autumn 2020, originally as a Content Specialist and Proofreader in his first year. Having completed three successful years with the FM News desk, he has since worked with the team as both an editor and a proofreader.
Previously, he spent almost two decades in the field of education, working around the globe at different institutions and companies, which has influenced him considerably after being immersed in various cultures and business environments.
Now fully developed in this field, he is relishing the challenge of constantly adapting to the ever-changing fintech industry and all the developments that arise.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a higher diploma in English Teaching from Cambridge University.
Thomas Kareklas Joins BridgeWise to Lead Expansion Into CFD Broker Segment
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
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🎥 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
