Online trading faces choppy waters, but AI, diversification, and client focus can navigate to calmer seas and new horizons.
"With AI-driven advancements, marketing becomes more personalized and relevant."
Leaders' Agenda: Where Online Trading Is Headed - Panel at FMLS:23
The online trading landscape is facing a pivotal moment. After a period of meteoric growth, turbulence in the form of increased volatility, regulatory pressure, and the dominance of tech giants loom on the horizon. Yet, amidst these challenges, fertile ground for adaptation and innovation awaits those bold enough to seize it. This was the crux of the fascinating panel discussion hosted at the Finance Magnates London Summit (FMLS:23), moderated by Andrea Mateos, the Chief Commercial Officer at Finance Magnates Group.
Market Volatility and Diversification
The prospect of heightened market volatility in 2024 casts a long shadow over online brokers. Following a year of phenomenal returns in 2023, investors brace for a more arduous terrain. As Andrew Ralich, the CEO and Co-Founder at oneZero, put it: "the days of easy money are behind us."
Matthew Maloney, Group CEO of Finalto
To navigate this choppy sea, diversification will be the life raft. Panelists emphasized the critical role of offering clients access to a diverse array of asset classes and geographic regions. Matthew Maloney, the Group CEO at Finalto, chimed in: "The multi-asset approach is the future of online trading. It's about managing risk efficiently and securing fair pricing, all on a user-friendly, mobile-optimized platform."
Charles White-Thomson, CEO of Saxo UK
In a market teeming with competitors, laser-sharp focus on client needs becomes paramount. This entails understanding their risk tolerance, investment aspirations, and preferred trading styles. The need for multi-asset platforms catering to varied strategies was consistently echoed by Charles White-Thomson, the CEO at Saxo UK: "The future of online trading is vibrant. The market offers immense opportunity, but controlling risk and managing costs are key."
Iskandar Najjar, Co-Founder and CEO at Equiti Group
Robust risk management practices are the bedrock of client trust. The panelists reiterated the importance of equipping clients with the tools and resources for informed decision-making and effective risk mitigation. Iskandar Najjar, the Co-Founder and CEO at Equiti Group, added: "Consolidation is the name of the game in online trading. The market is maturing, and players are consolidating. This augurs well for stability and innovation in the industry."
AI Will Be in the Forefront
Andrew Ralich, the Co-Founder and CEO of oneZero
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming countless industries, and online trading is no exception. From revolutionizing marketing and customer service to empowering trading tools and risk management, the panelists envisioned a future brimming with AI's potential. For example, AI-powered chatbots could offer clients 24/7 support and real-time query resolution. However, the panelists also urged caution against overhyping AI, emphasizing the need for practical applications that deliver tangible value to clients. OneZero’s Ralich reiterated: "AI is a valuable tool, not a magic bullet."
Jan De Schepper, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Swissquote
Jan De Schepper, the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Swissquote, emphasized the transformative impact of AI: "With AI-driven advancements, marketing becomes more personalized and relevant. In the realm of customer service, AI empowers us to offer high-quality, 24/7 support through chatbots, enhancing the customer experience."
Sharing his views on AI, Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director at ATFX UK & ATFX Connect of ATFX Global, pointed out: "Just as cryptocurrencies were a hot topic until mid-last year, AI has now taken centre stage in market discussions."
Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director at ATFX UK & ATFX Connect
The online trading industry is increasingly under the watchful eye of regulators worldwide. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority's new consumer duty rules demand that firms prioritize their clients' interests. While welcoming the focus on consumer protection, the panelists acknowledged the challenges of complying with evolving regulations. Maloney concluded: "Putting the client at the heart of online trading is the future. It's about ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive."
The crossroads beckon the online trading industry. The approaching years may be fraught with challenges, but for those who dare to adapt and innovate, fertile ground for unprecedented growth awaits. The insights shared by the esteemed panelists at the Finance Magnates London Summit 2023 serve as a valuable roadmap for brokers, technology providers, and investors alike. By prioritizing client needs, embracing innovation, and navigating the regulatory landscape with agility, the online trading industry can not only weather the coming storm but also redefine its trajectory in the years to come.
The online trading landscape is facing a pivotal moment. After a period of meteoric growth, turbulence in the form of increased volatility, regulatory pressure, and the dominance of tech giants loom on the horizon. Yet, amidst these challenges, fertile ground for adaptation and innovation awaits those bold enough to seize it. This was the crux of the fascinating panel discussion hosted at the Finance Magnates London Summit (FMLS:23), moderated by Andrea Mateos, the Chief Commercial Officer at Finance Magnates Group.
Market Volatility and Diversification
The prospect of heightened market volatility in 2024 casts a long shadow over online brokers. Following a year of phenomenal returns in 2023, investors brace for a more arduous terrain. As Andrew Ralich, the CEO and Co-Founder at oneZero, put it: "the days of easy money are behind us."
Matthew Maloney, Group CEO of Finalto
To navigate this choppy sea, diversification will be the life raft. Panelists emphasized the critical role of offering clients access to a diverse array of asset classes and geographic regions. Matthew Maloney, the Group CEO at Finalto, chimed in: "The multi-asset approach is the future of online trading. It's about managing risk efficiently and securing fair pricing, all on a user-friendly, mobile-optimized platform."
Charles White-Thomson, CEO of Saxo UK
In a market teeming with competitors, laser-sharp focus on client needs becomes paramount. This entails understanding their risk tolerance, investment aspirations, and preferred trading styles. The need for multi-asset platforms catering to varied strategies was consistently echoed by Charles White-Thomson, the CEO at Saxo UK: "The future of online trading is vibrant. The market offers immense opportunity, but controlling risk and managing costs are key."
Iskandar Najjar, Co-Founder and CEO at Equiti Group
Robust risk management practices are the bedrock of client trust. The panelists reiterated the importance of equipping clients with the tools and resources for informed decision-making and effective risk mitigation. Iskandar Najjar, the Co-Founder and CEO at Equiti Group, added: "Consolidation is the name of the game in online trading. The market is maturing, and players are consolidating. This augurs well for stability and innovation in the industry."
AI Will Be in the Forefront
Andrew Ralich, the Co-Founder and CEO of oneZero
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming countless industries, and online trading is no exception. From revolutionizing marketing and customer service to empowering trading tools and risk management, the panelists envisioned a future brimming with AI's potential. For example, AI-powered chatbots could offer clients 24/7 support and real-time query resolution. However, the panelists also urged caution against overhyping AI, emphasizing the need for practical applications that deliver tangible value to clients. OneZero’s Ralich reiterated: "AI is a valuable tool, not a magic bullet."
Jan De Schepper, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Swissquote
Jan De Schepper, the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Swissquote, emphasized the transformative impact of AI: "With AI-driven advancements, marketing becomes more personalized and relevant. In the realm of customer service, AI empowers us to offer high-quality, 24/7 support through chatbots, enhancing the customer experience."
Sharing his views on AI, Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director at ATFX UK & ATFX Connect of ATFX Global, pointed out: "Just as cryptocurrencies were a hot topic until mid-last year, AI has now taken centre stage in market discussions."
Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director at ATFX UK & ATFX Connect
The online trading industry is increasingly under the watchful eye of regulators worldwide. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority's new consumer duty rules demand that firms prioritize their clients' interests. While welcoming the focus on consumer protection, the panelists acknowledged the challenges of complying with evolving regulations. Maloney concluded: "Putting the client at the heart of online trading is the future. It's about ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive."
The crossroads beckon the online trading industry. The approaching years may be fraught with challenges, but for those who dare to adapt and innovate, fertile ground for unprecedented growth awaits. The insights shared by the esteemed panelists at the Finance Magnates London Summit 2023 serve as a valuable roadmap for brokers, technology providers, and investors alike. By prioritizing client needs, embracing innovation, and navigating the regulatory landscape with agility, the online trading industry can not only weather the coming storm but also redefine its trajectory in the years to come.
Arnab is an electronics engineer-turned-financial editor. He entered the industry covering the cryptocurrency market for Finance Magnates and later expanded his reach to forex as well. He is passionate about the changing regulatory landscape on financial markets and keenly follows the disruptions in the industry with new-age technologies.
Finance Magnates 2025 Awards Return to Cyprus for a Night of Industry Recognition
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
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
