Executive moves that dominated the week's news for the forex, crypto and fintech industries.
This week has seen less activity in executive appointments across the forex, crypto, and fintech sectors. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of financial technology, which is constantly evolving.
Recent executive moves in the financial industry highlight significant appointments and transitions shaping the sector. These are as follows: R3 welcomes Bob Wigley, former Chairman of Merrill Lynch EMEA, to its Board of Directors; iSAM Securities appoints Aaron Brown as Sales Director to strengthen its MENA presence; while TerraPay appoints Ruben Salazar Genovez as President; Liam Bonfield joins BidX Markets as Chief Finance Officer; and Valutrades bids farewell to Bonfield, departing from CFO after eight years of service.
These executive moves represent deliberate strategic changes and innovative initiatives fueling expansion and evolution within different sectors of the financial sector.
Dive into the vibrant world of executive shifts spanning forex, cryptocurrency, and fintech with our weekly roundup. Delve into the continuously changing scenery of leadership transitions within the financial technology sector.
Executive Moves of the Week
Robert Wigley. Source: LinkedIn
R3 Appoints Ex-Merrill Lynch Chairman to Accelerate Blockchain Adoption
R3, the enterprise blockchain company, welcomes Bob Wigley, the former Chairman of Merrill Lynch EMEA, to its Board of Directors. With his extensive experience, including leadership roles at UK Finance and past board positions at organizations like the Bank of England, Wigley brings invaluable expertise to drive R3's digital finance strategy. His appointment coincides with R3's launch of the R3 Digital Markets product suite, designed to facilitate the adoption of digital assets and currencies by financial institutions. Wigley's insight and industry connections are poised to bolster R3's efforts in digitizing global markets.
In addition to Wigley's appointment, R3 recently onboarded Kate Karimson as the Chief Commercial Officer, further strengthening its leadership team. The company's focus on innovation is evident with the launch of the R3 Digital Markets suite, leveraging the Corda platform to support the integration of digital assets into capital markets operations. With a commitment to fostering a connected financial world, R3 continues to drive advancements in distributed ledger technology, with recent collaborations aimed at propelling the growth of fintech sectors globally.
Display more about R3's strategic appointments and innovative solutions driving blockchain adoption in the financial industry.
iSAM Securities Bolsters MENA Team by Hiring Aaron Brown from IXO Prime
Aaron Brown. Source: LinkedIn
iSAM Securities has appointed Aaron Brown as Sales Director to bolster its presence in the Middle East and North African region (MENA). With over two decades of experience, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles, including Head of Institutional Sales MENA at IXO Prime. His extensive background in institutional sales and understanding of client requirements in the region position him well to support iSAM Securities' growth plans. Brown's appointment reflects the firm's commitment to delivering innovative products and services to clients globally.
Strengthening its leadership further, iSAM Securities recently promoted Samuel Johnson to Managing Director and Ryan Poole to Chief Investment Officer. Brown's addition to the team aligns with the company's ambitious growth strategy and underscores its dedication to providing exceptional service. With Brown's expertise and the recent executive promotions, iSAM Securities aims to capitalize on client demand in the MENA region while maintaining its high standards of quality and innovation.
TerraPay Taps Visa Direct's Former Head Ruben Salazar Genovez as President
TerraPay has appointed Ruben Salazar Genovez, the Former Global Head of Visa Direct, as its President. Genovez, with extensive experience in the payments industry at Visa, Citibank, Barclays, and Mastercard, brings valuable expertise to TerraPay. His appointment signals TerraPay's focus on expanding its presence in cross-border money movement and non-traditional payments.
Genovez's leadership is expected to drive global growth and strengthen TerraPay's position in the industry. TerraPay's collaboration with Papara and its recent acquisition of a Major Payment Institution license in Singapore underscore its commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border transactions.
TerraPay, headquartered in London, offers a single connection to a vast cross-border payments network, enabling global money movement. Partnering with Papara, a Turkish fintech company, TerraPay aims to meet the growing demand for cross-border money transfers in Turkey's rapidly expanding digital payments sector. With its recent licensing in Singapore, TerraPay enhances its global payment solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of international money movement.
BidX Markets Taps Liam Bonfield as Chief Finance Officer
BidX Markets, a multi-asset liquidity and B2B trading technology provider, has appointed Liam Bonfield as its latest Chief Finance Officer. Bonfield, renowned for his financial expertise and strategic acumen, will lead BidX Markets in its financial endeavors, focusing on sustained growth and achievement. As the new CFO, Bonfield will oversee the entirety of BidX Markets' financial operations, including financial planning, reporting, and analysis.
Simon Blackledge, the Founder and CEO of BidX Markets, expressed his enthusiasm for Bonfield's addition to the executive team, citing his extensive expertise and strategic vision as instrumental in supporting BidX Markets' growth trajectory and enhancing its innovative trading solutions for brokers, family offices, or hedge funds. Amidst Bonfield's transition to BidX Markets, Valutrades, a retail brokerage based in London, confirmed his departure as Chief Financial Officer after eight years of service.
Valutrades’ CFO Liam Bonfield Departs after 8 Years
Valutrades, a London-headquartered retail brokerage, bids farewell to its Chief Financial Officer, Liam Bonfield, who steps down after eight years of service. Bonfield's future plans remain undisclosed. In his departing statement, he expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, citing recent investments in technology. Bonfield's tenure began in April 2016, following roles at GMO-Z.com and London Capital Group. Valutrades' CEO, Graeme Watkins, acknowledged Bonfield's contributions, emphasizing his pivotal role in the company's journey.
The departure coincides with ongoing rebranding efforts at Valutrades, fueled by fresh investments last October. Operating under licenses from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and the Seychelles' regulator, Valutrades sustains trading services across various asset classes. While 2022 witnessed a substantial revenue increase for the UK entity, rising expenses impacted pre-tax profits. Bonfield's departure marks a transition period for Valutrades as it navigates both organizational changes and market dynamics.
This week has seen less activity in executive appointments across the forex, crypto, and fintech sectors. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of financial technology, which is constantly evolving.
Recent executive moves in the financial industry highlight significant appointments and transitions shaping the sector. These are as follows: R3 welcomes Bob Wigley, former Chairman of Merrill Lynch EMEA, to its Board of Directors; iSAM Securities appoints Aaron Brown as Sales Director to strengthen its MENA presence; while TerraPay appoints Ruben Salazar Genovez as President; Liam Bonfield joins BidX Markets as Chief Finance Officer; and Valutrades bids farewell to Bonfield, departing from CFO after eight years of service.
These executive moves represent deliberate strategic changes and innovative initiatives fueling expansion and evolution within different sectors of the financial sector.
Dive into the vibrant world of executive shifts spanning forex, cryptocurrency, and fintech with our weekly roundup. Delve into the continuously changing scenery of leadership transitions within the financial technology sector.
Executive Moves of the Week
Robert Wigley. Source: LinkedIn
R3 Appoints Ex-Merrill Lynch Chairman to Accelerate Blockchain Adoption
R3, the enterprise blockchain company, welcomes Bob Wigley, the former Chairman of Merrill Lynch EMEA, to its Board of Directors. With his extensive experience, including leadership roles at UK Finance and past board positions at organizations like the Bank of England, Wigley brings invaluable expertise to drive R3's digital finance strategy. His appointment coincides with R3's launch of the R3 Digital Markets product suite, designed to facilitate the adoption of digital assets and currencies by financial institutions. Wigley's insight and industry connections are poised to bolster R3's efforts in digitizing global markets.
In addition to Wigley's appointment, R3 recently onboarded Kate Karimson as the Chief Commercial Officer, further strengthening its leadership team. The company's focus on innovation is evident with the launch of the R3 Digital Markets suite, leveraging the Corda platform to support the integration of digital assets into capital markets operations. With a commitment to fostering a connected financial world, R3 continues to drive advancements in distributed ledger technology, with recent collaborations aimed at propelling the growth of fintech sectors globally.
Display more about R3's strategic appointments and innovative solutions driving blockchain adoption in the financial industry.
iSAM Securities Bolsters MENA Team by Hiring Aaron Brown from IXO Prime
Aaron Brown. Source: LinkedIn
iSAM Securities has appointed Aaron Brown as Sales Director to bolster its presence in the Middle East and North African region (MENA). With over two decades of experience, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles, including Head of Institutional Sales MENA at IXO Prime. His extensive background in institutional sales and understanding of client requirements in the region position him well to support iSAM Securities' growth plans. Brown's appointment reflects the firm's commitment to delivering innovative products and services to clients globally.
Strengthening its leadership further, iSAM Securities recently promoted Samuel Johnson to Managing Director and Ryan Poole to Chief Investment Officer. Brown's addition to the team aligns with the company's ambitious growth strategy and underscores its dedication to providing exceptional service. With Brown's expertise and the recent executive promotions, iSAM Securities aims to capitalize on client demand in the MENA region while maintaining its high standards of quality and innovation.
TerraPay Taps Visa Direct's Former Head Ruben Salazar Genovez as President
TerraPay has appointed Ruben Salazar Genovez, the Former Global Head of Visa Direct, as its President. Genovez, with extensive experience in the payments industry at Visa, Citibank, Barclays, and Mastercard, brings valuable expertise to TerraPay. His appointment signals TerraPay's focus on expanding its presence in cross-border money movement and non-traditional payments.
Genovez's leadership is expected to drive global growth and strengthen TerraPay's position in the industry. TerraPay's collaboration with Papara and its recent acquisition of a Major Payment Institution license in Singapore underscore its commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border transactions.
TerraPay, headquartered in London, offers a single connection to a vast cross-border payments network, enabling global money movement. Partnering with Papara, a Turkish fintech company, TerraPay aims to meet the growing demand for cross-border money transfers in Turkey's rapidly expanding digital payments sector. With its recent licensing in Singapore, TerraPay enhances its global payment solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of international money movement.
BidX Markets Taps Liam Bonfield as Chief Finance Officer
BidX Markets, a multi-asset liquidity and B2B trading technology provider, has appointed Liam Bonfield as its latest Chief Finance Officer. Bonfield, renowned for his financial expertise and strategic acumen, will lead BidX Markets in its financial endeavors, focusing on sustained growth and achievement. As the new CFO, Bonfield will oversee the entirety of BidX Markets' financial operations, including financial planning, reporting, and analysis.
Simon Blackledge, the Founder and CEO of BidX Markets, expressed his enthusiasm for Bonfield's addition to the executive team, citing his extensive expertise and strategic vision as instrumental in supporting BidX Markets' growth trajectory and enhancing its innovative trading solutions for brokers, family offices, or hedge funds. Amidst Bonfield's transition to BidX Markets, Valutrades, a retail brokerage based in London, confirmed his departure as Chief Financial Officer after eight years of service.
Valutrades’ CFO Liam Bonfield Departs after 8 Years
Valutrades, a London-headquartered retail brokerage, bids farewell to its Chief Financial Officer, Liam Bonfield, who steps down after eight years of service. Bonfield's future plans remain undisclosed. In his departing statement, he expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, citing recent investments in technology. Bonfield's tenure began in April 2016, following roles at GMO-Z.com and London Capital Group. Valutrades' CEO, Graeme Watkins, acknowledged Bonfield's contributions, emphasizing his pivotal role in the company's journey.
The departure coincides with ongoing rebranding efforts at Valutrades, fueled by fresh investments last October. Operating under licenses from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and the Seychelles' regulator, Valutrades sustains trading services across various asset classes. While 2022 witnessed a substantial revenue increase for the UK entity, rising expenses impacted pre-tax profits. Bonfield's departure marks a transition period for Valutrades as it navigates both organizational changes and market dynamics.
Coming from a background in English Education, Tom joined Finance Magnates in Autumn 2020, originally as a Content Specialist and Proofreader in his first year. Having completed three successful years with the FM News desk, he has since worked with the team as both an editor and a proofreader.
Previously, he spent almost two decades in the field of education, working around the globe at different institutions and companies, which has influenced him considerably after being immersed in various cultures and business environments.
Now fully developed in this field, he is relishing the challenge of constantly adapting to the ever-changing fintech industry and all the developments that arise.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a higher diploma in English Teaching from Cambridge University.
Retail Broker FXTRADING Appoints Institutional Veteran Adam Phillips as CEO
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
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As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
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Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Educators, IBs, And Other Regional Growth Drivers
Educators, IBs, And Other Regional Growth Drivers
When acquisition costs rise and AI generated reviews are exactly as useful as they sound, performing and fair partners can make or break brokers.
This session looks at how these players are shaping access, trust and user engagement, and what the most effective partnership models look like in 2025.
Key Themes:
- Building trader communities through education and local expertise
- Aligning broker incentives with long-term regional strategies
- Regional regulation and the realities of compliant acquisition
- What’s next for performance-driven partnerships in online trading
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Zander Van Der Merwe, Key Individual & Head of Sales at TD Markets
-Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager – Latin America at Tickmill
-Paul Chalmers, CEO at UK Trading Academy
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #BrokerGrowth #FintechPartnerships #RegionalMarkets
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
When acquisition costs rise and AI generated reviews are exactly as useful as they sound, performing and fair partners can make or break brokers.
This session looks at how these players are shaping access, trust and user engagement, and what the most effective partnership models look like in 2025.
Key Themes:
- Building trader communities through education and local expertise
- Aligning broker incentives with long-term regional strategies
- Regional regulation and the realities of compliant acquisition
- What’s next for performance-driven partnerships in online trading
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Zander Van Der Merwe, Key Individual & Head of Sales at TD Markets
-Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager – Latin America at Tickmill
-Paul Chalmers, CEO at UK Trading Academy
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #BrokerGrowth #FintechPartnerships #RegionalMarkets
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?
The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?
As the arms race to bundle investing, personal finance, and wallets under super apps grows fiercer, brokers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
This session explores unexpected ways for industry players to collaborate as consumer habits evolve, competitors eye the traffic, and regulation becomes more nuanced.
Speakers:
-Laura McCracken,CEO | Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors | The Payments Association
-Slobodan Manojlović,Vice President | Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
-Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
-Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh
Gerald Perez, CEO at Interactive Brokers UK
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As the arms race to bundle investing, personal finance, and wallets under super apps grows fiercer, brokers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
This session explores unexpected ways for industry players to collaborate as consumer habits evolve, competitors eye the traffic, and regulation becomes more nuanced.
Speakers:
-Laura McCracken,CEO | Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors | The Payments Association
-Slobodan Manojlović,Vice President | Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
-Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
-Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh
Gerald Perez, CEO at Interactive Brokers UK
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?
Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?
As the dire state of listing and investment in the UK goes from a financial services problem to a national challenge, the retail investing industry is taken to task.
Join a host of executives and experts for a candid conversation about the future of millions of Brits, as seen from a financial services standpoint:
-Are they happy with the Leeds Reform, in principle and in practice?
-Is it the government’s job to affect the ‘saver’ mentality? Is it doing well?
-What can brokers and fintechs do to spur UK investment?
-How can the FCA balance greater flexibility with consumer protection?
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins
-Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK
-Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG
-David Belle, Founder at Fink Money
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #RetailInvesting #UKFinance
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As the dire state of listing and investment in the UK goes from a financial services problem to a national challenge, the retail investing industry is taken to task.
Join a host of executives and experts for a candid conversation about the future of millions of Brits, as seen from a financial services standpoint:
-Are they happy with the Leeds Reform, in principle and in practice?
-Is it the government’s job to affect the ‘saver’ mentality? Is it doing well?
-What can brokers and fintechs do to spur UK investment?
-How can the FCA balance greater flexibility with consumer protection?
Speakers:
-Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive
-Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins
-Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK
-Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG
-David Belle, Founder at Fink Money
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #FinanceLeadership #Trading #Fintech #RetailInvesting #UKFinance
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
