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.
Retail Broker FXTRADING Appoints Institutional Veteran Adam Phillips as CEO
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
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As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Educators, IBs, And Other Regional Growth Drivers
Educators, IBs, And Other Regional Growth Drivers
When acquisition costs rise and AI generated reviews are exactly as useful as they sound, performing and fair partners can make or break brokers.
This session looks at how these players are shaping access, trust and user engagement, and what the most effective partnership models look like in 2025.
Key Themes:
- Building trader communities through education and local expertise
- Aligning broker incentives with long-term regional strategies
- Regional regulation and the realities of compliant acquisition
- What’s next for performance-driven partnerships in online trading
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Zander Van Der Merwe, Key Individual & Head of Sales at TD Markets
-Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager – Latin America at Tickmill
-Paul Chalmers, CEO at UK Trading Academy
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #BrokerGrowth #FintechPartnerships #RegionalMarkets
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
When acquisition costs rise and AI generated reviews are exactly as useful as they sound, performing and fair partners can make or break brokers.
This session looks at how these players are shaping access, trust and user engagement, and what the most effective partnership models look like in 2025.
Key Themes:
- Building trader communities through education and local expertise
- Aligning broker incentives with long-term regional strategies
- Regional regulation and the realities of compliant acquisition
- What’s next for performance-driven partnerships in online trading
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Zander Van Der Merwe, Key Individual & Head of Sales at TD Markets
-Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager – Latin America at Tickmill
-Paul Chalmers, CEO at UK Trading Academy
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #BrokerGrowth #FintechPartnerships #RegionalMarkets
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?
The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?
As the arms race to bundle investing, personal finance, and wallets under super apps grows fiercer, brokers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
This session explores unexpected ways for industry players to collaborate as consumer habits evolve, competitors eye the traffic, and regulation becomes more nuanced.
Speakers:
-Laura McCracken,CEO | Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors | The Payments Association
-Slobodan Manojlović,Vice President | Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
-Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
-Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh
Gerald Perez, CEO at Interactive Brokers UK
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As the arms race to bundle investing, personal finance, and wallets under super apps grows fiercer, brokers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
This session explores unexpected ways for industry players to collaborate as consumer habits evolve, competitors eye the traffic, and regulation becomes more nuanced.
Speakers:
-Laura McCracken,CEO | Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors | The Payments Association
-Slobodan Manojlović,Vice President | Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
-Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
-Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh
Gerald Perez, CEO at Interactive Brokers UK
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?
Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?
As the dire state of listing and investment in the UK goes from a financial services problem to a national challenge, the retail investing industry is taken to task.
Join a host of executives and experts for a candid conversation about the future of millions of Brits, as seen from a financial services standpoint:
-Are they happy with the Leeds Reform, in principle and in practice?
-Is it the government’s job to affect the ‘saver’ mentality? Is it doing well?
-What can brokers and fintechs do to spur UK investment?
-How can the FCA balance greater flexibility with consumer protection?
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins
-Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK
-Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG
-David Belle, Founder at Fink Money
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #RetailInvesting #UKFinance
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As the dire state of listing and investment in the UK goes from a financial services problem to a national challenge, the retail investing industry is taken to task.
Join a host of executives and experts for a candid conversation about the future of millions of Brits, as seen from a financial services standpoint:
-Are they happy with the Leeds Reform, in principle and in practice?
-Is it the government’s job to affect the ‘saver’ mentality? Is it doing well?
-What can brokers and fintechs do to spur UK investment?
-How can the FCA balance greater flexibility with consumer protection?
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins
-Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK
-Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG
-David Belle, Founder at Fink Money
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #RetailInvesting #UKFinance
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
