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.
Thomas Kareklas Joins BridgeWise to Lead Expansion Into CFD Broker Segment
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
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🎥 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
