Regulations and infrastructure hold back, but ETFs & collaboration could unlock a trillion-dollar future.
Muddy waters of regulation and a lack of bridges, but ETFs & teamwork might pave the golden path.
FMLS:23 panel on Roadblocks & Building Blocks for Institutional Crypto Adoption
The burgeoning world of cryptocurrency beckons with immense potential for the financial giants, yet the path to their embrace remains riddled with obstacles. A recent panel discussion at the Finance Magnates London Summit (FMLS:23), moderated by Madeleine Boys, Head of Community at GBBC Digital Finance, delved into this intricate tapestry, unraveling the challenges and opportunities lurking on the horizon for established players.
Navigating the Regulatory Labyrinth
One of the most formidable roadblocks hindering institutional crypto adoption is in the labyrinthine realm of regulations. "The lack of regulatory clarity is definitely a pain point," asserted Laurence Willows, the Head of Business Development for Digital Assets at IG (tastycrypto). "Institutions need assurance, not just on what they can do, but also what they can't." This absence of clear-cut guidelines breeds hesitation, often leaving risk-averse institutions wary of venturing into the crypto unknown.
Ian McAfee, CEO at Shift Markets
Beyond the regulatory morass lies the chasm of inadequate infrastructure. "We're making headway," but the lack of robust exchanges and custodians tailored for large investors remains a significant hurdle," conceded Shannon Kurtas, the Senior Director of Product Management at Kraken. "
As Ian McAfee, the CEO at Shift Markets, stated: "Imagine walking into Goldman Sachs and saying, 'I want to buy $100 million worth of Bitcoin.' The current infrastructure simply isn't equipped for such large-scale maneuvers."
Aditya Turakhia, Senior Director of Institutional Markets at Ripple
Despite these challenges, the panel painted a surprisingly optimistic picture of the future. Chen Arad, the Chief Operating Officer at Solidus Labs, envisioned a future where "crypto will be a cornerstone of a multi-trillion dollar market. The interest in institutional adoption is palpable."
This positive outlook resonated with Aditya Turakhia, the Senior Director of Institutional Markets at Ripple, who boldly predicted: "I wouldn't be surprised if we saw multiple Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs approved within the next year."
Laurence Willows, Head of Business Development, Digital Assets at IG (tastycrypto)
The potential green light for ETFs, as McAfee highlighted, could be a "game-changer," paving the way for an influx of institutional capital. "These ETFs are the on-ramp we've been waiting for," remarked Kurtas, emphasizing their power to bridge the gap between traditional and crypto markets.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Shannon Kurtas, Senior Director of Product Management at Kraken
The discussion served as a stark reminder that overcoming these challenges demands a collaborative spirit. As McAfee pointed out: "It's not just about regulations; it's about the industry building the right bridges and infrastructure." Continued collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and crypto companies is paramount to establishing best practices and building robust infrastructure that facilitates seamless institutional adoption.
Chen Arad, Chief Operating Officer at Solidus Labs
"The future of finance is knocking," declared Arad, emphasizing the urgency of action. "Institutions that embrace this revolution and adapt to the changing landscape stand to reap immense rewards." The question is no longer if, but when and how major financial players will integrate crypto into their portfolios, shaping the trajectory of a new era in finance.
The burgeoning world of cryptocurrency beckons with immense potential for the financial giants, yet the path to their embrace remains riddled with obstacles. A recent panel discussion at the Finance Magnates London Summit (FMLS:23), moderated by Madeleine Boys, Head of Community at GBBC Digital Finance, delved into this intricate tapestry, unraveling the challenges and opportunities lurking on the horizon for established players.
Navigating the Regulatory Labyrinth
One of the most formidable roadblocks hindering institutional crypto adoption is in the labyrinthine realm of regulations. "The lack of regulatory clarity is definitely a pain point," asserted Laurence Willows, the Head of Business Development for Digital Assets at IG (tastycrypto). "Institutions need assurance, not just on what they can do, but also what they can't." This absence of clear-cut guidelines breeds hesitation, often leaving risk-averse institutions wary of venturing into the crypto unknown.
Ian McAfee, CEO at Shift Markets
Beyond the regulatory morass lies the chasm of inadequate infrastructure. "We're making headway," but the lack of robust exchanges and custodians tailored for large investors remains a significant hurdle," conceded Shannon Kurtas, the Senior Director of Product Management at Kraken. "
As Ian McAfee, the CEO at Shift Markets, stated: "Imagine walking into Goldman Sachs and saying, 'I want to buy $100 million worth of Bitcoin.' The current infrastructure simply isn't equipped for such large-scale maneuvers."
Aditya Turakhia, Senior Director of Institutional Markets at Ripple
Despite these challenges, the panel painted a surprisingly optimistic picture of the future. Chen Arad, the Chief Operating Officer at Solidus Labs, envisioned a future where "crypto will be a cornerstone of a multi-trillion dollar market. The interest in institutional adoption is palpable."
This positive outlook resonated with Aditya Turakhia, the Senior Director of Institutional Markets at Ripple, who boldly predicted: "I wouldn't be surprised if we saw multiple Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs approved within the next year."
Laurence Willows, Head of Business Development, Digital Assets at IG (tastycrypto)
The potential green light for ETFs, as McAfee highlighted, could be a "game-changer," paving the way for an influx of institutional capital. "These ETFs are the on-ramp we've been waiting for," remarked Kurtas, emphasizing their power to bridge the gap between traditional and crypto markets.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Shannon Kurtas, Senior Director of Product Management at Kraken
The discussion served as a stark reminder that overcoming these challenges demands a collaborative spirit. As McAfee pointed out: "It's not just about regulations; it's about the industry building the right bridges and infrastructure." Continued collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and crypto companies is paramount to establishing best practices and building robust infrastructure that facilitates seamless institutional adoption.
Chen Arad, Chief Operating Officer at Solidus Labs
"The future of finance is knocking," declared Arad, emphasizing the urgency of action. "Institutions that embrace this revolution and adapt to the changing landscape stand to reap immense rewards." The question is no longer if, but when and how major financial players will integrate crypto into their portfolios, shaping the trajectory of a new era in finance.
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.
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
