We wrap up another week with a selection of our editors’ favourite stories and reading recommendations.
Finance Magnates
As Friday descends on us, our contributing editors once again divert their attention away from the hectic newsdesk with some of their favourite stories from the press during the past week, this time relating to money matters.
Victor Golovtchenko kicks off with a focus on Norway's sovereign wealth fund...
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is preparing to buy $130 billion worth of stocks. The move shifts the country’s coffers heavily into higher risk territory with its stocks portfolio to amount to 75 percent of the $860 billion total.
Victor Golovtchenko Senior Editor
The move is yet another nail in the coffin of the long-running sovereign bond market bull run.
With an average return of 8.25 percent over the past 10 years, Norway can afford two consecutive years of withdrawals to fill the country’s budget hole that opened due to lower oil prices.
Wallets are Overrated
For many this holiday season, a new wallet may be the perfect gift idea for your friend, son, or man in your life – not so in Venezuela, where the rampant inflation of the bolivar is forcing individuals to walk around with a flush stock of cash on hand.
Jeff Patterson, Senior Editor
The oil-dependent country has faced a pretty tough year with its economy nearly cratering on the falling prices of crude. For much of the world, the word Venezuela invokes images of runs on grocery stores, bare shelves, and stacks of worthless cash. 100 bolivars are worth approximately $0.05 in the country, with inflation slated to reach 720% by year’s end.
With such an inflated currency, it’s a tall order to find individuals using wallets in the streets of Caracas. According to a recent article on the Washington Post, the new medium of transport for carrying around cash has become handbags, money belts, and in most cases backpacks.
Such a devalued currency also has further reaching consequences, namely in regard to executing even basic purchases, such as food and cigarettes, as well as the impracticality of such services as taxis. Even a trip to a local ATM has become a logistical nightmare, with only $5 from the machine producing at least 100 notes.
This is also sure to be an issue in a country already known for its crime, with visible stacks of cash no doubt presenting the perfect motivation for would-be criminals or thieves.
A Game Changer for the Unbanked?
Around 2 billion people worldwide, more than a quarter of the global population, don’t own a bank account. The reason for this is obviously the lack of infrastructure and technological solutions to establish banks in some parts of the developing world.
However, in many cases, it’s also a matter of creditworthiness. Assessing the creditworthiness of a lender is a key feature in the financial industry, not to mention the banking sector.
Michael Pearl Head Of Business Intelligence
In the developing world, creditworthiness is a very complicated assignment. The main reason for it is the lack of documentation on the financial activity of a person or a small business.
Recently, another form of credit scoring has emerged – analysis of one’s mobile activity.
According to an article published on Bloomberg this week, your "relationship” with your mobile phone says a lot about your attitude towards lending, and most importantly repaying. Apparently, there is a correlation between economic activity and mobile usage which may be good news for both the developing world and the financial industry.....read the full story here.
We conclude another week of stories that our editors are reading. Feel free to share your views in the comment section and any recommendations of your own. We look forward to hearing your opinions!
As Friday descends on us, our contributing editors once again divert their attention away from the hectic newsdesk with some of their favourite stories from the press during the past week, this time relating to money matters.
Victor Golovtchenko kicks off with a focus on Norway's sovereign wealth fund...
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is preparing to buy $130 billion worth of stocks. The move shifts the country’s coffers heavily into higher risk territory with its stocks portfolio to amount to 75 percent of the $860 billion total.
Victor Golovtchenko Senior Editor
The move is yet another nail in the coffin of the long-running sovereign bond market bull run.
With an average return of 8.25 percent over the past 10 years, Norway can afford two consecutive years of withdrawals to fill the country’s budget hole that opened due to lower oil prices.
Wallets are Overrated
For many this holiday season, a new wallet may be the perfect gift idea for your friend, son, or man in your life – not so in Venezuela, where the rampant inflation of the bolivar is forcing individuals to walk around with a flush stock of cash on hand.
Jeff Patterson, Senior Editor
The oil-dependent country has faced a pretty tough year with its economy nearly cratering on the falling prices of crude. For much of the world, the word Venezuela invokes images of runs on grocery stores, bare shelves, and stacks of worthless cash. 100 bolivars are worth approximately $0.05 in the country, with inflation slated to reach 720% by year’s end.
With such an inflated currency, it’s a tall order to find individuals using wallets in the streets of Caracas. According to a recent article on the Washington Post, the new medium of transport for carrying around cash has become handbags, money belts, and in most cases backpacks.
Such a devalued currency also has further reaching consequences, namely in regard to executing even basic purchases, such as food and cigarettes, as well as the impracticality of such services as taxis. Even a trip to a local ATM has become a logistical nightmare, with only $5 from the machine producing at least 100 notes.
This is also sure to be an issue in a country already known for its crime, with visible stacks of cash no doubt presenting the perfect motivation for would-be criminals or thieves.
A Game Changer for the Unbanked?
Around 2 billion people worldwide, more than a quarter of the global population, don’t own a bank account. The reason for this is obviously the lack of infrastructure and technological solutions to establish banks in some parts of the developing world.
However, in many cases, it’s also a matter of creditworthiness. Assessing the creditworthiness of a lender is a key feature in the financial industry, not to mention the banking sector.
Michael Pearl Head Of Business Intelligence
In the developing world, creditworthiness is a very complicated assignment. The main reason for it is the lack of documentation on the financial activity of a person or a small business.
Recently, another form of credit scoring has emerged – analysis of one’s mobile activity.
According to an article published on Bloomberg this week, your "relationship” with your mobile phone says a lot about your attitude towards lending, and most importantly repaying. Apparently, there is a correlation between economic activity and mobile usage which may be good news for both the developing world and the financial industry.....read the full story here.
We conclude another week of stories that our editors are reading. Feel free to share your views in the comment section and any recommendations of your own. We look forward to hearing your opinions!
Only 7% of New XTB Clients Pick CFDs Now, Down From 80% in 2019
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
