Owners of Avail Trading Corp (ATC) operating in Forex and Futures markets as an IB in the US, had just registered a UK-FCA authorised brokerage last August and recently appointed a new Chief Executive Officer to that entity.
Leaving a multi-billion dollar public company to join a smaller private firm that may be on the up-and-up is not always an easy choice but can be rewarding if the timing and conditions are right.
The latest such executive move occurred for Michael Mirarchi, previously Vice President of Citi's FX Prime Brokerage division, who has since left his post at the bank to join the newly FCA-regulated broker, ATC Brokers UK Ltd.
Newly Regulated FCA firm of the NFA Registered-IB ATC brand
The firm appears under common interest/ownership with the senior management behind the NFA regulated Avail Trading Corp (dba ATC Brokers) in the US, based in California.
Mr. David Manoukian, one of the co-founders of the US entity - is also listed with UK entity (as Director) according to information on the UK FCA financial service register - under the name ATC Brokers UK Ltd - which has just received authorization effective August 30, 2013.
Interestingly, while ATC Brokers' US business operates under the regulatory license of an Introducing Broker (IB), under Avail Trading Corp (dba ATC Brokers), since 2005, its registration with the FCA (through the separate entity) can be viewed as an evolutionary step from IB (for the US) to broker (in the UK) where it is able to hold and control Client Money (in the FCA entity-not the US one).
UK Business Availed along with New CEO, and UK Website to Follow
Forex Magnates' reporters reached out to the UK-listed phone number which redirected to a US staffed trade desk covering the European session, and was explained how while there is only website offering at the moment serving its customers - a new website for the UK entity will be launched as well.
After less than a month having joined as CEO, according to a description in a public LinkedIn profile for Mr. Mirarchi, and the recent approval of the UK entity's FCA status, it will be interesting to see what progress is made for the new regulatory hub under the company's brand name.
Regulatory Track Record in US, Helps Lay Groundwork for UK Obligations
With the approval of UK FCA, and experience as a regulated NFA IB for almost a decade, it appears that ATC could be well poised to grow its new venture in Europe, as the allure of non-US traders appeals to US-based brokers, and assuming that the firm already has a significant portion of its book of clients outside of the US to justify new direction.
Either way, the experience in running a sophisticated IB business (with white-labeled and branded platforms) more like a broker than as an IB - looks to have helped lay the ground work for the evolution of the brand's regulatory license additions.
This news follows the small fine for $10,000 by the NFA over a complaint in 2011 related to allegations in NFA's September 11, 2012 complaint, in connection with ATC's solicitation from ILQ to participate in a proprietary price feed concept.
According to the case document, during this time ATC had introduced one customer, whose account only had three mini-lots traded that resulted in a loss of $8.33, and ATC had voluntarily terminated the test with ILQ promptly after inquiry by NFA staff in August 2011, and subsequently denied the allegations NFA alleged in their response posted on the NFA website, related to Pure Ventures/ ILQ, and then came to a settlement with the regulator (on October 23, 2012) agreeing to the fine.
Leaving a multi-billion dollar public company to join a smaller private firm that may be on the up-and-up is not always an easy choice but can be rewarding if the timing and conditions are right.
The latest such executive move occurred for Michael Mirarchi, previously Vice President of Citi's FX Prime Brokerage division, who has since left his post at the bank to join the newly FCA-regulated broker, ATC Brokers UK Ltd.
Newly Regulated FCA firm of the NFA Registered-IB ATC brand
The firm appears under common interest/ownership with the senior management behind the NFA regulated Avail Trading Corp (dba ATC Brokers) in the US, based in California.
Mr. David Manoukian, one of the co-founders of the US entity - is also listed with UK entity (as Director) according to information on the UK FCA financial service register - under the name ATC Brokers UK Ltd - which has just received authorization effective August 30, 2013.
Interestingly, while ATC Brokers' US business operates under the regulatory license of an Introducing Broker (IB), under Avail Trading Corp (dba ATC Brokers), since 2005, its registration with the FCA (through the separate entity) can be viewed as an evolutionary step from IB (for the US) to broker (in the UK) where it is able to hold and control Client Money (in the FCA entity-not the US one).
UK Business Availed along with New CEO, and UK Website to Follow
Forex Magnates' reporters reached out to the UK-listed phone number which redirected to a US staffed trade desk covering the European session, and was explained how while there is only website offering at the moment serving its customers - a new website for the UK entity will be launched as well.
After less than a month having joined as CEO, according to a description in a public LinkedIn profile for Mr. Mirarchi, and the recent approval of the UK entity's FCA status, it will be interesting to see what progress is made for the new regulatory hub under the company's brand name.
Regulatory Track Record in US, Helps Lay Groundwork for UK Obligations
With the approval of UK FCA, and experience as a regulated NFA IB for almost a decade, it appears that ATC could be well poised to grow its new venture in Europe, as the allure of non-US traders appeals to US-based brokers, and assuming that the firm already has a significant portion of its book of clients outside of the US to justify new direction.
Either way, the experience in running a sophisticated IB business (with white-labeled and branded platforms) more like a broker than as an IB - looks to have helped lay the ground work for the evolution of the brand's regulatory license additions.
This news follows the small fine for $10,000 by the NFA over a complaint in 2011 related to allegations in NFA's September 11, 2012 complaint, in connection with ATC's solicitation from ILQ to participate in a proprietary price feed concept.
According to the case document, during this time ATC had introduced one customer, whose account only had three mini-lots traded that resulted in a loss of $8.33, and ATC had voluntarily terminated the test with ILQ promptly after inquiry by NFA staff in August 2011, and subsequently denied the allegations NFA alleged in their response posted on the NFA website, related to Pure Ventures/ ILQ, and then came to a settlement with the regulator (on October 23, 2012) agreeing to the fine.
“The Worst Decision Is Not Having a Decision”: CBO of Bridgewise on AI Adoption, Broker Growth, and Vertical Models
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
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
