GKFX lost the services of Jacob Plattner, one of the group’s managing directors, who parted ways with the broker after a stint of nearly one year. Mr. Plattner originally secured the services of the former Alpari UK executive back in May 2015, having spent time in the foreign Exchange (FX) industry at a number of leading venues. Consequently, Joe Rundle joined, who will be succeeded by Mr. Plattner.
Tuesday, August 16
Phil Foweraker, FundX
FundX, an alternative lending fintech group, added a new veteran hire to its ranks last week, securing the services of Phil Foweraker as its new Business Development Manager. Mr. Foweraker joined FundX after nearly fifteen years in the finance industry – in his new role he will focus on finance broking, as well as fintech lending in conjunction with brokers. FundX is a marketplace invoice financing platform which caters to multiple channels of clients, including brokers most prominently.
Wednesday, August 17
Nir Porat, Financial Commission
The Financial Commission (FinaCom), an independent provider of compliance solutions, appointed Nir Porat, Co-Managing Partner at Ben Basat, Porat & Co., as its newest member of its Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) last Wednesday. Mr. Porat is currently the Co-Managing Partner at Ben Basat, Porat & Co., an international law firm based in Tel Aviv. He specializes in both corporate and international law departments, boasting expertise in such realms as capital markets, including foreign exchange (FX), binary options, electronic clearing, and others.
Ryan O’Grady, JPMorgan
JPMorgan bolstered its credit product development team with a new senior hire, appointing Ryan O’Grady as its newest head after a lengthy tenure with the lender. In his new role as the Head of JPMorgan’s Credit Product Development Team, Mr. O’Grady will focus exclusively on the group’s international syndicate work, where he will continue to be based out of London. Previously, he served as the co-head of the lender’s Global Debt Syndicate, having stepped into the role over the past few years.
Gavin Michael, Citi
Citi secured the services of Gavin Michael, who joined the lender from JPMorgan Chase to serve in a technology role last week. Mr. Michael will be leading the group’s technology operations at its consumer bank. In this capacity he will be reporting to Citi’s Global Consumer Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Bird, replacing the outgoing Mark Torkos, who retired back in July. Mr. Michael will begin his new tenure only in November.
Thursday, August 18
Matthew Rothman, Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse Group hired former Acadian Asset Management executive Matthew Rothman as the bank’s head of quantitative equity research as the banking group pushes into Wall Street’s battle for tech-savvy quant analysts. He will help collaborate with the firm’s strategists and researchers, as well as the team running its HOLT Analytics product. He will also help develop tools for running quantitative strategies.
Mikael Estvall, Intellect GTB
Intellect GTB appointed Mikael Estvall as its newest Senior Vice President (SVP) and Senior Business Development Manager – Nordics and Baltics last week. In his new role at Intellect GTB, Mr. Estvall will help oversee the group’s operations throughout Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. In this capacity he will be based out of Stockholm, reporting to Mark Wilson, Intellect’s Business Head, Europe.
Ivo Distelbrink, First Data
BAML’s Asia-Pacific head of transaction banking, Ivo Distelbrink, joined the global payment technology provider, First Data Corporation (NYSE:FDC), to lead its business in the Asia Pacific region. Per the move, Mr. Distelbrink will be tasked with developing First Data’s growth in the APAC market, a region in which the company has spent more than two decades offering innovative solutions.
Neil Abromavage, Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank saw another senior departure last week with the loss of Neil Abromavage, one of its senior most bankers, who parted ways with the German lender after sixteen years. Mr. Abromavage left Deutsche Bank after sixteen years, having worked as its equity capital markets (ECM) origination banker. He had served as a Managing Director and Co-Head of the Financial Institutions Group. It is unclear at this juncture where his next destination is, though the lender has already made contingency plans to soldier forth in his absence.
GKFX lost the services of Jacob Plattner, one of the group’s managing directors, who parted ways with the broker after a stint of nearly one year. Mr. Plattner originally secured the services of the former Alpari UK executive back in May 2015, having spent time in the foreign Exchange (FX) industry at a number of leading venues. Consequently, Joe Rundle joined, who will be succeeded by Mr. Plattner.
Tuesday, August 16
Phil Foweraker, FundX
FundX, an alternative lending fintech group, added a new veteran hire to its ranks last week, securing the services of Phil Foweraker as its new Business Development Manager. Mr. Foweraker joined FundX after nearly fifteen years in the finance industry – in his new role he will focus on finance broking, as well as fintech lending in conjunction with brokers. FundX is a marketplace invoice financing platform which caters to multiple channels of clients, including brokers most prominently.
Wednesday, August 17
Nir Porat, Financial Commission
The Financial Commission (FinaCom), an independent provider of compliance solutions, appointed Nir Porat, Co-Managing Partner at Ben Basat, Porat & Co., as its newest member of its Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) last Wednesday. Mr. Porat is currently the Co-Managing Partner at Ben Basat, Porat & Co., an international law firm based in Tel Aviv. He specializes in both corporate and international law departments, boasting expertise in such realms as capital markets, including foreign exchange (FX), binary options, electronic clearing, and others.
Ryan O’Grady, JPMorgan
JPMorgan bolstered its credit product development team with a new senior hire, appointing Ryan O’Grady as its newest head after a lengthy tenure with the lender. In his new role as the Head of JPMorgan’s Credit Product Development Team, Mr. O’Grady will focus exclusively on the group’s international syndicate work, where he will continue to be based out of London. Previously, he served as the co-head of the lender’s Global Debt Syndicate, having stepped into the role over the past few years.
Gavin Michael, Citi
Citi secured the services of Gavin Michael, who joined the lender from JPMorgan Chase to serve in a technology role last week. Mr. Michael will be leading the group’s technology operations at its consumer bank. In this capacity he will be reporting to Citi’s Global Consumer Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Bird, replacing the outgoing Mark Torkos, who retired back in July. Mr. Michael will begin his new tenure only in November.
Thursday, August 18
Matthew Rothman, Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse Group hired former Acadian Asset Management executive Matthew Rothman as the bank’s head of quantitative equity research as the banking group pushes into Wall Street’s battle for tech-savvy quant analysts. He will help collaborate with the firm’s strategists and researchers, as well as the team running its HOLT Analytics product. He will also help develop tools for running quantitative strategies.
Mikael Estvall, Intellect GTB
Intellect GTB appointed Mikael Estvall as its newest Senior Vice President (SVP) and Senior Business Development Manager – Nordics and Baltics last week. In his new role at Intellect GTB, Mr. Estvall will help oversee the group’s operations throughout Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. In this capacity he will be based out of Stockholm, reporting to Mark Wilson, Intellect’s Business Head, Europe.
Ivo Distelbrink, First Data
BAML’s Asia-Pacific head of transaction banking, Ivo Distelbrink, joined the global payment technology provider, First Data Corporation (NYSE:FDC), to lead its business in the Asia Pacific region. Per the move, Mr. Distelbrink will be tasked with developing First Data’s growth in the APAC market, a region in which the company has spent more than two decades offering innovative solutions.
Neil Abromavage, Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank saw another senior departure last week with the loss of Neil Abromavage, one of its senior most bankers, who parted ways with the German lender after sixteen years. Mr. Abromavage left Deutsche Bank after sixteen years, having worked as its equity capital markets (ECM) origination banker. He had served as a Managing Director and Co-Head of the Financial Institutions Group. It is unclear at this juncture where his next destination is, though the lender has already made contingency plans to soldier forth in his absence.
Bitget Recruits Former KuCoin, Bitpanda Exec to Lead EU MiCA Push
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
