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.
Finance Magnates 2025 Awards Return to Cyprus for a Night of Industry Recognition
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
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
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
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
