Notable executive moves that dominated headlines this week came from the online trading, futures, cryptocurrency, forex, and fintech sectors.
This week, there were fewer notable executive
hires, promotions, and departures compared to last week. Online trading,
futures, cryptocurrency, forex, and fintech sectors experienced key executive
moves. The changes reflected the dynamic nature of these sectors.
NinjaTrader added four senior executives to its
management; Saxo Bank named Casper Solbakken as the Global Head of Commercial
Offering and Experience; CobaltFX promoted Stephen Nelson to Chief Operating
Officer and appointed Daniel Evans as CPO; Gracy Chen joined Bitget as CEO;
Broadridge onboarded two senior executives to lead European Issuer Services expansion.
Explore our exciting coverage of executive transitions
in online trading, futures, cryptocurrency, forex, and fintech sectors.
Executive Moves of the Week
NinjaTrader Expands C-Suite as Retail Traders Flock to
Futures
NinjaTrader appointed four experienced executives to
its team. This expansion arrives as the trading software provider pushes to cater to the rising demand for futures among
retail traders. The appointments include Ryan Pitylak as Executive Vice
President of Growth, Aditya Nishandar as Chief Technology Officer, John O'Neil
as General Manager of Evaluation Services, and Michael Krafft as Vice President
of Product.
Ryan Pitylak, Source: LinkedIn
Pitylak has over 15 years of experience in marketing,
strategy, and operations. He will focus on developing offerings centered around
trader education, social experiences, and partner networks. Nishandar has a background in technology
leadership and innovation. Previously, he worked as a Senior Director of Carta
Liquidity and dedicated more than a decade to Goldman Sachs.
Learn more about NinjaTrader's new appointees, their level of experience, and the company's focus on the futures market.
Saxo Bank Names Casper Solbakken as the Global Head of
Commercial Offering and Experience
Saxo Bank appointed Casper Andreas Solbakken as the
Global Head of Commercial Offering and Experience. Solbakken has been with the
online trading and investment firm for more than 18 years serving in different
roles. Since July last year, he was the Global Head of Products, Pricing, and
Platforms.
Casper Solbakken, Source: LinkedIn
Solbakken has held other roles, such as Global Head of
Products and Services, Head of Equities, Product Specialist Equities, and
Quantitative Trader at Saxo. He joined the Danish bank in 2006 as a Student
Assistant for Equities and Derivatives. The appointment followed a recent restructuring at the Danish Bank, which led to a new entity called Group
Commercial will be led by Stig Christensen, who took over the role of Chief
Commercial Officer.
CobaltFX Promotes Stephen Nelson to Chief Operating
Officer, Appoints Daniel Evans as CPO
United Fintech's CobaltFX elevated Stephen Nelson to
Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Nelson was the Global Head of Operations,
a role he held for five years. He joined the company in 2017 as the Head of
Solution Delivery and Support. CobaltFX also made another change to its C-level
management: Daniel Evans will transition to Chief Product Owner.
Stephen Nelson, Source: LinkedIn
According to the company’s announcement on LinkedIn,
Evans will focus on product development and innovation. He joined the company
in 2019 as a Product Analytics Lead before being promoted to Head of Product. United
Fintech acquired Cobalt, a provider of data and risk services to the digital
assets and foreign exchange markets, in 2022. The fintech firm disclosed that
it had acquired a 100% stake in Cobalt despite the challenges facing the
industry.
Expose more about CobaltFX's promotion of Stephen Nelson to Chief Operating
Officer and the appointment of Daniel Evans as CPO.
From TV Host to Crypto Exchange CEO: Gracy Chen at the
Helm of Bitget
Gracy Chen, a seasoned entrepreneur with a decade of
experience in business management, marketing, and investment, landed the role
of Chief Executive Officer at Bitget. She will succeed Sandra Lou, who is
stepping down to pursue personal business goals. Chen's involvement in the
blockchain and cryptocurrency industry began in 2014 during her tenure as a TV
host.
Gracy Chen, Source: LinkedIn
Chen joined Bitget as Managing Director in June
2022 to lead the platform's growth strategies and global expansion initiatives.
During her tenure, Bitget's number of users significantly expanded, attributed
to partnerships and a comprehensive global affiliate network. Besides her
duties as the CEO, she will continue as a columnist for Forbes. She is also a
"judge" on the first reality crypto TV show, "Killer
Whales", featuring promising Web3 projects.
Broadridge Taps Two Senior Hires to Lead European
Issuer Services Expansion
Broadridge hired Simona Vitali, the Former Chief
Operating Officer for Europe at Morrow Sodali, to lead sales operations for its
new international issuer services. Mariana González also joined the team as
Sales Director for International Issuer Services. The new executives are
expected to enhance the company's suite of investor communication tools across
Europe.
Simona Vitali, Source: LinkedIn
Vitali has over two decades of experience in corporate
governance, focusing on strengthening ties between institutional investors
and publicly listed companies. In her new role, Vitali will lead a new team of
sales executives throughout Europe, expanding Broadridge's reach and impact in
the region. González has 15 years of experience in corporate banking, working at Royal Bank of Scotland.
This week, there were fewer notable executive
hires, promotions, and departures compared to last week. Online trading,
futures, cryptocurrency, forex, and fintech sectors experienced key executive
moves. The changes reflected the dynamic nature of these sectors.
NinjaTrader added four senior executives to its
management; Saxo Bank named Casper Solbakken as the Global Head of Commercial
Offering and Experience; CobaltFX promoted Stephen Nelson to Chief Operating
Officer and appointed Daniel Evans as CPO; Gracy Chen joined Bitget as CEO;
Broadridge onboarded two senior executives to lead European Issuer Services expansion.
Explore our exciting coverage of executive transitions
in online trading, futures, cryptocurrency, forex, and fintech sectors.
Executive Moves of the Week
NinjaTrader Expands C-Suite as Retail Traders Flock to
Futures
NinjaTrader appointed four experienced executives to
its team. This expansion arrives as the trading software provider pushes to cater to the rising demand for futures among
retail traders. The appointments include Ryan Pitylak as Executive Vice
President of Growth, Aditya Nishandar as Chief Technology Officer, John O'Neil
as General Manager of Evaluation Services, and Michael Krafft as Vice President
of Product.
Ryan Pitylak, Source: LinkedIn
Pitylak has over 15 years of experience in marketing,
strategy, and operations. He will focus on developing offerings centered around
trader education, social experiences, and partner networks. Nishandar has a background in technology
leadership and innovation. Previously, he worked as a Senior Director of Carta
Liquidity and dedicated more than a decade to Goldman Sachs.
Learn more about NinjaTrader's new appointees, their level of experience, and the company's focus on the futures market.
Saxo Bank Names Casper Solbakken as the Global Head of
Commercial Offering and Experience
Saxo Bank appointed Casper Andreas Solbakken as the
Global Head of Commercial Offering and Experience. Solbakken has been with the
online trading and investment firm for more than 18 years serving in different
roles. Since July last year, he was the Global Head of Products, Pricing, and
Platforms.
Casper Solbakken, Source: LinkedIn
Solbakken has held other roles, such as Global Head of
Products and Services, Head of Equities, Product Specialist Equities, and
Quantitative Trader at Saxo. He joined the Danish bank in 2006 as a Student
Assistant for Equities and Derivatives. The appointment followed a recent restructuring at the Danish Bank, which led to a new entity called Group
Commercial will be led by Stig Christensen, who took over the role of Chief
Commercial Officer.
CobaltFX Promotes Stephen Nelson to Chief Operating
Officer, Appoints Daniel Evans as CPO
United Fintech's CobaltFX elevated Stephen Nelson to
Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Nelson was the Global Head of Operations,
a role he held for five years. He joined the company in 2017 as the Head of
Solution Delivery and Support. CobaltFX also made another change to its C-level
management: Daniel Evans will transition to Chief Product Owner.
Stephen Nelson, Source: LinkedIn
According to the company’s announcement on LinkedIn,
Evans will focus on product development and innovation. He joined the company
in 2019 as a Product Analytics Lead before being promoted to Head of Product. United
Fintech acquired Cobalt, a provider of data and risk services to the digital
assets and foreign exchange markets, in 2022. The fintech firm disclosed that
it had acquired a 100% stake in Cobalt despite the challenges facing the
industry.
Expose more about CobaltFX's promotion of Stephen Nelson to Chief Operating
Officer and the appointment of Daniel Evans as CPO.
From TV Host to Crypto Exchange CEO: Gracy Chen at the
Helm of Bitget
Gracy Chen, a seasoned entrepreneur with a decade of
experience in business management, marketing, and investment, landed the role
of Chief Executive Officer at Bitget. She will succeed Sandra Lou, who is
stepping down to pursue personal business goals. Chen's involvement in the
blockchain and cryptocurrency industry began in 2014 during her tenure as a TV
host.
Gracy Chen, Source: LinkedIn
Chen joined Bitget as Managing Director in June
2022 to lead the platform's growth strategies and global expansion initiatives.
During her tenure, Bitget's number of users significantly expanded, attributed
to partnerships and a comprehensive global affiliate network. Besides her
duties as the CEO, she will continue as a columnist for Forbes. She is also a
"judge" on the first reality crypto TV show, "Killer
Whales", featuring promising Web3 projects.
Broadridge Taps Two Senior Hires to Lead European
Issuer Services Expansion
Broadridge hired Simona Vitali, the Former Chief
Operating Officer for Europe at Morrow Sodali, to lead sales operations for its
new international issuer services. Mariana González also joined the team as
Sales Director for International Issuer Services. The new executives are
expected to enhance the company's suite of investor communication tools across
Europe.
Simona Vitali, Source: LinkedIn
Vitali has over two decades of experience in corporate
governance, focusing on strengthening ties between institutional investors
and publicly listed companies. In her new role, Vitali will lead a new team of
sales executives throughout Europe, expanding Broadridge's reach and impact in
the region. González has 15 years of experience in corporate banking, working at Royal Bank of Scotland.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
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
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
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
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
