A rundown of the moves and acquisitions in the financial industry last week.
Finance Magnates
Monday, April 11
Hussein Al Sayed, FXTM
FXTM secured Hussein Al Sayed this week, who joined the group as its newest Chief Market Strategist for the Gulf and Middle East region. Mr. Al Sayed is one of the more visible figures in the world of finance in the Middle East, namely in regard to his experience as a financial analyst and host of CNBC Arabia’s Bursat Al Alam Show. In his new role as the Chief Market Strategist at FXTM, he will help expand the broker’s global focus and brand within both the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and GCC regions.
Remo Fritschi, ADS Securities
Remo Fritschi
ADS Securities reinforced its business in London by adding foreign exchange (FX) sales veteran Remo Fritschi as its Sales Manager of the Institutional Sales team. Mr. Fritschi landed at ADS Securities following a stint at Morgan Stanley as an Executive Director of FX Sales. Fritschi’s tenure at Morgan Stanley was preceded by a long career in FX sales, including State Street, RBS, and Standard Chartered, dating back to 2000.
Eleanor Yuen, Julius Baer
Eleanor Yuen
Eleanor Yuen was appointed this week as the Head Wealth & Tax Planning Advisory at global investment bank Julius Baer, boasting upwards of two decades in the financial services industry. Yuen has also held senior roles at Credit Suisse for over eleven years, holding additional roles in trust administration and marketing at Citibank, Schroder Investment Management, and HSBC International Trustee Ltd.
Tuesday, April 12
Naren Patel, SmartStream Technologies
Earlier this week, SmartStream Technologies brought in Naren Patel as the Head of its Strategic Account Management for its London-based Corona Business Unit (CBU). Patel was chosen to focus on all channels of the CBU’s business development and strategic account management across the United Kingdom and most of continental Europe. Previously he held senior level positions at leading venues such as Markit, Broadridge, Fiserv, and SWIFT.
Arman Tahmassebi, ETX Capital
Arman Tahmassebi
ETX Capital appointed a new Chief Operating Officer (COO), tapping ex-London Capital Group COO Arman Tahmassebi as its man. He stepped into the role this week after garnering roles across a number of FX brokerages, including at LCG, and IG Markets as Global Head of Operations.
Lucera’s CEO Jacob Loveless relinquished his role with the company and parted ways with the group this week to found his own consultancy firm. Lucera’s existing Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Peter Durkan stepped into the role of CEO for Lucera in his stead. The new consultancy will focus on large scale telecommunications (telecom) companies with emphasis on data center, IaaS, SDN and NFV design and operation.
Friday, April 16th
ISDA Hires 3 New Directors, Re-Elects 7
Eric Litvack, Chairman of Board, ISDA
The International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) last week ISDA elected three new directors to its board. The new hires are John Feeney, the Head of Pricing and Conduct Coordination at National Australia Bank (NAB), Benjamin Jacquard, Global Head of Credit at BNP Paribas, and Hideo Kitano, Managing Director, Head of Credit Trading Department at Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.
Jorgen Nordin has over 30 years of experience in the field. Immediately prior to his new role, he was the product head at American wearables company Jawbone which itself has backing from venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz.
FXTM secured Hussein Al Sayed this week, who joined the group as its newest Chief Market Strategist for the Gulf and Middle East region. Mr. Al Sayed is one of the more visible figures in the world of finance in the Middle East, namely in regard to his experience as a financial analyst and host of CNBC Arabia’s Bursat Al Alam Show. In his new role as the Chief Market Strategist at FXTM, he will help expand the broker’s global focus and brand within both the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and GCC regions.
Remo Fritschi, ADS Securities
Remo Fritschi
ADS Securities reinforced its business in London by adding foreign exchange (FX) sales veteran Remo Fritschi as its Sales Manager of the Institutional Sales team. Mr. Fritschi landed at ADS Securities following a stint at Morgan Stanley as an Executive Director of FX Sales. Fritschi’s tenure at Morgan Stanley was preceded by a long career in FX sales, including State Street, RBS, and Standard Chartered, dating back to 2000.
Eleanor Yuen, Julius Baer
Eleanor Yuen
Eleanor Yuen was appointed this week as the Head Wealth & Tax Planning Advisory at global investment bank Julius Baer, boasting upwards of two decades in the financial services industry. Yuen has also held senior roles at Credit Suisse for over eleven years, holding additional roles in trust administration and marketing at Citibank, Schroder Investment Management, and HSBC International Trustee Ltd.
Tuesday, April 12
Naren Patel, SmartStream Technologies
Earlier this week, SmartStream Technologies brought in Naren Patel as the Head of its Strategic Account Management for its London-based Corona Business Unit (CBU). Patel was chosen to focus on all channels of the CBU’s business development and strategic account management across the United Kingdom and most of continental Europe. Previously he held senior level positions at leading venues such as Markit, Broadridge, Fiserv, and SWIFT.
Arman Tahmassebi, ETX Capital
Arman Tahmassebi
ETX Capital appointed a new Chief Operating Officer (COO), tapping ex-London Capital Group COO Arman Tahmassebi as its man. He stepped into the role this week after garnering roles across a number of FX brokerages, including at LCG, and IG Markets as Global Head of Operations.
Lucera’s CEO Jacob Loveless relinquished his role with the company and parted ways with the group this week to found his own consultancy firm. Lucera’s existing Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Peter Durkan stepped into the role of CEO for Lucera in his stead. The new consultancy will focus on large scale telecommunications (telecom) companies with emphasis on data center, IaaS, SDN and NFV design and operation.
Friday, April 16th
ISDA Hires 3 New Directors, Re-Elects 7
Eric Litvack, Chairman of Board, ISDA
The International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) last week ISDA elected three new directors to its board. The new hires are John Feeney, the Head of Pricing and Conduct Coordination at National Australia Bank (NAB), Benjamin Jacquard, Global Head of Credit at BNP Paribas, and Hideo Kitano, Managing Director, Head of Credit Trading Department at Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.
Jorgen Nordin has over 30 years of experience in the field. Immediately prior to his new role, he was the product head at American wearables company Jawbone which itself has backing from venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz.
OneRoyal Taps Former Tickmill and Doo Prime Executive as Chief Marketing Officer
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
