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.
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
📸 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
