Saxo UK's Chairman Richard Balarkas exited the firm, as Bitget appointed a New Chief Sales Officer.
Other companies that announced executive moves are Capex.com, NAGA Group, and the MAS Group.
This week in our executive moves summary, Pepperstone appointed a New Head of Client Experience; former N26 Marketing Director Kertu-Liina Lehismäe joined Mintos; Trading Tech Firm 4OTC onboarded Kyle Jannece as the Head of Business Development; and Saxo UK Chairman Richard Balarkas exited the firm.
Additionally, Bitget enlisted Intae Song as Chief Sales Officer; Madalina Rotaru left Merged Capex.com and NAGA, while MAS Group hired Olivia Zhang as Head of Sales.
Pepperstone Appoints New Head of Client Experience
Among this week's key executive changes, Pepperstone appointed Kim Reilly as its new Head of Client Experience. Reilly, a seasoned executive in the FX and CFD trading industry, joins from FP Markets, where she played key roles in client relations and partnerships.
Kim Reilly, Source: LinkedIn
According to Reilly’s LinkedIn profile, her career in financial services spans major brokerage firms, including FP Markets, IC Markets, and FxPro. At FP Markets, she held several leadership roles in both Cyprus and London, overseeing partnerships, customer journeys, and quality assurance.
The Berlin-based investment platform Mintos enlisted former N26 marketing director Kertu-Liina Lehismäe as its new Chief Marketing Officer.
Kertu-Liina Lehismäe
Lehismäe, who most recently led global customer acquisition efforts at digital bank N26, joins Mintos' senior leadership team as the investment platform seeks to accelerate its European expansion and strengthen its market position.
Meanwhile, FinTech connectivity provider 4OTC appointed Kyle Jannece as Head of Business Development. In this role, Jannece will lead the company's efforts to work with banks in both cryptocurrency and foreign exchange markets.
Kyle Jannece
Jannece, who previously managed Global Sales and Business Development for CME Group's eFix Matching Service, will reportedly focus on capturing requirements from banks entering the Digital Asset space while expanding 4OTC's existing FX product suite.
In the UK, Saxo Bank UK’s long-serving Chairman, Richard Balarkas, is stepping down. His resignation, as announced by the UK Companies House, comes just one day after Swiss banking giant J. Safra Sarasin Group finalized its acquisition of a 70% stake in Saxo Bank.
Richard Balarkas, Source: LinkedIn
Balarkas’ departure from Saxo UK signals the first of what could be several leadership changes following the acquisition. The industry veteran has been with Saxo Capital Markets UK Limited since 2015, bringing experience from previous roles at Credit Suisse and Instinet Europe.
In the cryptocurrency space, Bitget hired Intae Song as its Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Song, who has been with the firm since 2020, most recently served as a Business Partner at the exchange.
Intae Song
Song entered the cryptocurrency sector in 2017 as a personal investor before joining Bitget in 2020 in a sales role. He was appointed Head of Sales in 2021 and became a Business Partner in 2023. Now, after nearly two years, he is returning to the position of CSO.
Meanwhile, Madalina Rotaru, a long-term employee of Capex/NAGA Group, parted ways with the company. She was the Group Chief Operating Officer of the merged entity and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NAGA Group.
Madalina Rotaru, Source: LinkedIn
Rotaru joined CAPEX.com in January 2017 as a Branch Director and was promoted to the Group COO role in about a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also took charge of CAPEX.com’s MENA operations, becoming the CEO of the UAE unit at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lastly, MAS Group appointed Olivia Zhang as the new Head of Sales. With experience spanning retail and institutional markets, Zhang will lead the company’s sales efforts from Sydney, according to an announcement shared with Finance Magnates this week.
Olivia Zhang
She has extensive experience in financial services, having worked across both institutional and retail trading sectors. Most recently, she was part of the Institutional Sales team at CMC Markets in Sydney, where she focused on FX and CFD trading.
This week in our executive moves summary, Pepperstone appointed a New Head of Client Experience; former N26 Marketing Director Kertu-Liina Lehismäe joined Mintos; Trading Tech Firm 4OTC onboarded Kyle Jannece as the Head of Business Development; and Saxo UK Chairman Richard Balarkas exited the firm.
Additionally, Bitget enlisted Intae Song as Chief Sales Officer; Madalina Rotaru left Merged Capex.com and NAGA, while MAS Group hired Olivia Zhang as Head of Sales.
Pepperstone Appoints New Head of Client Experience
Among this week's key executive changes, Pepperstone appointed Kim Reilly as its new Head of Client Experience. Reilly, a seasoned executive in the FX and CFD trading industry, joins from FP Markets, where she played key roles in client relations and partnerships.
Kim Reilly, Source: LinkedIn
According to Reilly’s LinkedIn profile, her career in financial services spans major brokerage firms, including FP Markets, IC Markets, and FxPro. At FP Markets, she held several leadership roles in both Cyprus and London, overseeing partnerships, customer journeys, and quality assurance.
The Berlin-based investment platform Mintos enlisted former N26 marketing director Kertu-Liina Lehismäe as its new Chief Marketing Officer.
Kertu-Liina Lehismäe
Lehismäe, who most recently led global customer acquisition efforts at digital bank N26, joins Mintos' senior leadership team as the investment platform seeks to accelerate its European expansion and strengthen its market position.
Meanwhile, FinTech connectivity provider 4OTC appointed Kyle Jannece as Head of Business Development. In this role, Jannece will lead the company's efforts to work with banks in both cryptocurrency and foreign exchange markets.
Kyle Jannece
Jannece, who previously managed Global Sales and Business Development for CME Group's eFix Matching Service, will reportedly focus on capturing requirements from banks entering the Digital Asset space while expanding 4OTC's existing FX product suite.
In the UK, Saxo Bank UK’s long-serving Chairman, Richard Balarkas, is stepping down. His resignation, as announced by the UK Companies House, comes just one day after Swiss banking giant J. Safra Sarasin Group finalized its acquisition of a 70% stake in Saxo Bank.
Richard Balarkas, Source: LinkedIn
Balarkas’ departure from Saxo UK signals the first of what could be several leadership changes following the acquisition. The industry veteran has been with Saxo Capital Markets UK Limited since 2015, bringing experience from previous roles at Credit Suisse and Instinet Europe.
In the cryptocurrency space, Bitget hired Intae Song as its Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Song, who has been with the firm since 2020, most recently served as a Business Partner at the exchange.
Intae Song
Song entered the cryptocurrency sector in 2017 as a personal investor before joining Bitget in 2020 in a sales role. He was appointed Head of Sales in 2021 and became a Business Partner in 2023. Now, after nearly two years, he is returning to the position of CSO.
Meanwhile, Madalina Rotaru, a long-term employee of Capex/NAGA Group, parted ways with the company. She was the Group Chief Operating Officer of the merged entity and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NAGA Group.
Madalina Rotaru, Source: LinkedIn
Rotaru joined CAPEX.com in January 2017 as a Branch Director and was promoted to the Group COO role in about a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also took charge of CAPEX.com’s MENA operations, becoming the CEO of the UAE unit at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lastly, MAS Group appointed Olivia Zhang as the new Head of Sales. With experience spanning retail and institutional markets, Zhang will lead the company’s sales efforts from Sydney, according to an announcement shared with Finance Magnates this week.
Olivia Zhang
She has extensive experience in financial services, having worked across both institutional and retail trading sectors. Most recently, she was part of the Institutional Sales team at CMC Markets in Sydney, where she focused on FX and CFD trading.
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
