FX and CFD broker, Colmex Pro, prop firm FundYourFX, and StoneX each welcomed new CEO. IC Markets also announced a significant executive move this week.
Although the number of executive moves was not much this week, three companies each welcomed a new CEO. The5ers Co-Founder became the CEO of FundYourFX; Nicos Vassiliou was named the CEO of Colmex Pro; Philip Smith is now the Group Chief Executive Officer of StoneX, while IC Markets onboarded the new Global Head of Risk.
The5ers Co-Founder Becomes CEO of FundYourFX
Proprietary trading firm FundYourFX appointed Snir Ahiel, an experienced prop trading executive, as its new CEO. The firm is simultaneously expanding beyond its instant funding model to offer clients trading challenges. This appointment followed another recent C-level move in the industry, with TradersYard announcing Manuel Sonnleithner, former COO of AgenaTrader for more than five years, as its new president.
Snir Ahiel
Snir AhielBefore joining FundYourFX, he spent over six years with The5ers, one of the older and more popular prop trading firms, where he served as a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO). He “directed operations, strategy, and community development over six years, contributing to the firm's strong reputation and success.”
CySEC-licensed broker Colmex Pro also welcomed a new CEO. The company appointed Nicos Vassiliou for the new role. He is expected to leverage experience gained from “both sides of the fence,” having worked for the Cypriot market watchdog and several locally regulated FX/CFD brokers.
Nicos Vassiliou, Source: LinkedIn
Prior to moving to Colmex, he served as Head of Compliance at Finvasia Wealth for nearly a year. His previous roles also include a similar position at StockTech and AML Director at FXVC Online Trading. His expertise in compliance and regulations stems from his tenure as CySEC Officer in the Market Surveillance and Investigation department from 2016 to 2020.
Vasilis Sotiriou started a new role as Global Head of Risk at IC Markets. Before the new role, he worked at 26 Degrees in Cyprus, where his most recent position was Chief Risk Officer for the EMEA region. Prior to that, he served as Head of Risk Management at 26 Degrees for three years.
Vasilis Sotiriou , Source: LinkedIn
Previously, Sotiriou worked at IC Markets, where he held roles including Group Risk Manager for about one year and Senior Dealer for about two years. Earlier in his career, he was Chief Risk Officer at a Cyprus investment firm for less than a year.
StoneX Group also announced significant leadership changes. Philip Smith is now the Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Sean O'Connor, who will transition to Executive Vice-Chairman after serving as CEO for 22 years.
Philip Smith, Source: LinkedIn
Smith, who previously led the Commercial and Payments segments, will now oversee the entire company. Charles Lyon, former head of the Institutional business segment, has been named Group President. Both Smith and Lyon will report to O'Connor, who will focus on long-term strategy, capital allocation, and M&A activity.
Although the number of executive moves was not much this week, three companies each welcomed a new CEO. The5ers Co-Founder became the CEO of FundYourFX; Nicos Vassiliou was named the CEO of Colmex Pro; Philip Smith is now the Group Chief Executive Officer of StoneX, while IC Markets onboarded the new Global Head of Risk.
The5ers Co-Founder Becomes CEO of FundYourFX
Proprietary trading firm FundYourFX appointed Snir Ahiel, an experienced prop trading executive, as its new CEO. The firm is simultaneously expanding beyond its instant funding model to offer clients trading challenges. This appointment followed another recent C-level move in the industry, with TradersYard announcing Manuel Sonnleithner, former COO of AgenaTrader for more than five years, as its new president.
Snir Ahiel
Snir AhielBefore joining FundYourFX, he spent over six years with The5ers, one of the older and more popular prop trading firms, where he served as a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO). He “directed operations, strategy, and community development over six years, contributing to the firm's strong reputation and success.”
CySEC-licensed broker Colmex Pro also welcomed a new CEO. The company appointed Nicos Vassiliou for the new role. He is expected to leverage experience gained from “both sides of the fence,” having worked for the Cypriot market watchdog and several locally regulated FX/CFD brokers.
Nicos Vassiliou, Source: LinkedIn
Prior to moving to Colmex, he served as Head of Compliance at Finvasia Wealth for nearly a year. His previous roles also include a similar position at StockTech and AML Director at FXVC Online Trading. His expertise in compliance and regulations stems from his tenure as CySEC Officer in the Market Surveillance and Investigation department from 2016 to 2020.
Vasilis Sotiriou started a new role as Global Head of Risk at IC Markets. Before the new role, he worked at 26 Degrees in Cyprus, where his most recent position was Chief Risk Officer for the EMEA region. Prior to that, he served as Head of Risk Management at 26 Degrees for three years.
Vasilis Sotiriou , Source: LinkedIn
Previously, Sotiriou worked at IC Markets, where he held roles including Group Risk Manager for about one year and Senior Dealer for about two years. Earlier in his career, he was Chief Risk Officer at a Cyprus investment firm for less than a year.
StoneX Group also announced significant leadership changes. Philip Smith is now the Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Sean O'Connor, who will transition to Executive Vice-Chairman after serving as CEO for 22 years.
Philip Smith, Source: LinkedIn
Smith, who previously led the Commercial and Payments segments, will now oversee the entire company. Charles Lyon, former head of the Institutional business segment, has been named Group President. Both Smith and Lyon will report to O'Connor, who will focus on long-term strategy, capital allocation, and M&A activity.
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
