IMS Crypto uses the CIF license number of IMS Markets.
The latter is CySEC's authorized investment firm, the first is just a clone.
Finance Magnates
The Cyprus
Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) published on Thursday a new warning
regarding the activity of an unregulated cryptocurrency firm, IMS Crypto.
According to the Cypriot regulator, the entity falsely claims to possess a CySEC
trading license, using the details of the authorized company.
IMS Crypto on CySEC
Warnings List
The ims-crypto.com
website, which was placed on the warning list on 9 February 2023, falsely
claims to be run by Initial Merit Secure Ltd. which, under the IMS Crypto
brand, offers access to crypto managed investments, offering a monthly return
of 15%.
Information
on the website shows that the company is licensed by CySEC and registered as a
Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) under license number 219/14. According to the
regulator's register, this CIF license actually belongs to Initial Merit Secure
Ltd, but the entity uses the imsmarkets.com website address. IMS Markets offers
trading to retail clients based on contracts for difference (CFDs).
"The
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ('CySEC') informs the investment
public that the website below, does not belong to an entity registered to CySEC's
register as Crypto Asset Service Provider, as provided by article 61E of the
Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Laws of
20071, as amended," CySEC wrote in its statement.
Website of unlicensed crypto trading firm, IMS Crypto
CySEC
reminds retail investors to always check with the regulator's registry whether the
trading company is registered as a cryptocurrency service provider or any other
financial services provider before deciding to enter into a business relationship.
Just two
weeks ago, the Cypriot regulator warned against another five unregulated CFDs
platforms, including inforexeu.com, et-fx.com, nbimarkets.com and
emporiumcapital.ltd. At the time of publishing its warning, only the inforexeu.com
website was not responding, while the others continued to encourage investment.
CySEC Revokes Two Licenes
in February
Although February
barely started, CySEC has already cancelled the authorizations of two trading
companies, F1Markets Ltd and FF Simple and Smart Trades Investment Services Ltd.
F1Markets
operated multiple trading brands, including Investous. However, according to a
notice on the F1Markets' website, the company closed its services last May. It
closed all the open positions on 19 May 2022 and asked traders to withdraw their funds.
Last week, CySEC withdrew the operational license of FF Simple and Smart Trades Investment
Services Ltd, operating at least two trading brands: TradoCenter and Toro
Inveter. As in the previous case, the withdrawal came as the company itself
decided to renounce its CIF license.
Watch the recent iFX EXPO International 2022 Opening Keynote by CySEC Chairman.
One in Three Traders Trust
Finfluencers, CySEC Study Finds
CySEC
recently published the outcomes of a survey conducted amongst retail traders
from Europe to review their decision-making process. According to the study,
31% of questioned investors rely on finance influencers (finfluencers), while
22% made investment decisions based on celebrity endorsements and digital
promotions.
"Social
media now has a direct influence on investment decisions, but not all the
information can be trusted. Too many investors, including young people, are
taking real risks with their money because they are taking advice and
recommendations from unreliable sources," a CySEC spokesperson said.
The number
of investors making decisions based on finfluencers varies by country of
residence. Investors from France were the most likely to rely on social media
(42%), followed by those from the UK (34%), while retail traders from Germany
were the least likely (24%) to take investment advice from celebrities.
The Cyprus
Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) published on Thursday a new warning
regarding the activity of an unregulated cryptocurrency firm, IMS Crypto.
According to the Cypriot regulator, the entity falsely claims to possess a CySEC
trading license, using the details of the authorized company.
IMS Crypto on CySEC
Warnings List
The ims-crypto.com
website, which was placed on the warning list on 9 February 2023, falsely
claims to be run by Initial Merit Secure Ltd. which, under the IMS Crypto
brand, offers access to crypto managed investments, offering a monthly return
of 15%.
Information
on the website shows that the company is licensed by CySEC and registered as a
Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) under license number 219/14. According to the
regulator's register, this CIF license actually belongs to Initial Merit Secure
Ltd, but the entity uses the imsmarkets.com website address. IMS Markets offers
trading to retail clients based on contracts for difference (CFDs).
"The
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ('CySEC') informs the investment
public that the website below, does not belong to an entity registered to CySEC's
register as Crypto Asset Service Provider, as provided by article 61E of the
Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Laws of
20071, as amended," CySEC wrote in its statement.
Website of unlicensed crypto trading firm, IMS Crypto
CySEC
reminds retail investors to always check with the regulator's registry whether the
trading company is registered as a cryptocurrency service provider or any other
financial services provider before deciding to enter into a business relationship.
Just two
weeks ago, the Cypriot regulator warned against another five unregulated CFDs
platforms, including inforexeu.com, et-fx.com, nbimarkets.com and
emporiumcapital.ltd. At the time of publishing its warning, only the inforexeu.com
website was not responding, while the others continued to encourage investment.
CySEC Revokes Two Licenes
in February
Although February
barely started, CySEC has already cancelled the authorizations of two trading
companies, F1Markets Ltd and FF Simple and Smart Trades Investment Services Ltd.
F1Markets
operated multiple trading brands, including Investous. However, according to a
notice on the F1Markets' website, the company closed its services last May. It
closed all the open positions on 19 May 2022 and asked traders to withdraw their funds.
Last week, CySEC withdrew the operational license of FF Simple and Smart Trades Investment
Services Ltd, operating at least two trading brands: TradoCenter and Toro
Inveter. As in the previous case, the withdrawal came as the company itself
decided to renounce its CIF license.
Watch the recent iFX EXPO International 2022 Opening Keynote by CySEC Chairman.
One in Three Traders Trust
Finfluencers, CySEC Study Finds
CySEC
recently published the outcomes of a survey conducted amongst retail traders
from Europe to review their decision-making process. According to the study,
31% of questioned investors rely on finance influencers (finfluencers), while
22% made investment decisions based on celebrity endorsements and digital
promotions.
"Social
media now has a direct influence on investment decisions, but not all the
information can be trusted. Too many investors, including young people, are
taking real risks with their money because they are taking advice and
recommendations from unreliable sources," a CySEC spokesperson said.
The number
of investors making decisions based on finfluencers varies by country of
residence. Investors from France were the most likely to rely on social media
(42%), followed by those from the UK (34%), while retail traders from Germany
were the least likely (24%) to take investment advice from celebrities.
Damian Chmiel is a Senior Analyst & Editor at Finance Magnates with more than 15 years of experience in the CFD and online trading industry. Active as both a trader and journalist since 2010, he focuses on broker coverage, fintech innovation, and regulatory developments across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
His work includes interviews with C-level leaders at major brokerages and fintech platforms, as well as co-authoring Finance Magnates’ quarterly industry benchmarking reports. Damian’s reporting is data-driven, market-aware, and grounded in direct industry engagement. His analysis and commentary have also been cited by external media outlets, including Investing.com, Binance, The Asset, Stockhead, and Dispatch.
Education:
MA in Finance and Accounting, Cracow University of Economics
Rakuten Securities Extends US Stock Trading to 16 Hours With After-Market Session
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War Stories: Lessons from 20 Years in Markets (the pain, the pitfalls and the profits)
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The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The trades that taught me the most aren't the ones that worked. They're the ones that didn't — or the ones I almost caught and didn't have the nerve to ride. In this session, I'll tell you about the Brexit miss, the SNB shocker that nearly handed me a 5400% return, the BoJ surprise that punched me in the gut, and a few wins along the way. Each story carries a lesson, but the lessons aren't the point. Everyone who trades long enough collects a portfolio of moments like these; what separates the people who stay in the game is what they do with them.
The Engine and the Fuel: How AI & Data Drives African Future
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If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
If AI is the engine, data is the fuel. Without quality, accessible data, AI cannot work well; and without the right mindset, data remains just numbers instead of insight. In this session, leading experts will explore how AI and data are democratizing opportunities for businesses and personal growth. Discover practical ways to make AI accessible today, anticipate its transformative impact on African markets, and learn actionable steps to prepare for what's next. Let's talk about:
-How AI and data drive business efficiency and innovation in trading and fintech
-AI tools to elevate trading or business strategies
-How to access and maximise the power of data and AI
-Emerging AI and data trends in Africa and their economic ripple effects
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
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Inside My Best Trade with Jimmy Moyaha
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Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Most market post-mortems describe what happened to prices. Few describe what happened in the trading room while the position was open: the entry conviction, the moments that tested it, and the exit decision that closed the book.
This session brings one seasoned trader to the stage for an unfiltered account of the position that still defines how they think about markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
-A first-hand account of how a conviction trade is built, from thesis and entry through position management and exit
-Understanding of what turns a market observation into a live position, and what holds it when conditions shift
-Insight into how timing, execution quality, and market structure shaped the final result
-Perspective on what the trade revealed about edge, risk tolerance, and when to hold through a position moving against you
-Clarity on what separates a well-built trade from a well-timed one
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
Agentic Inequality: Democratizing Financial Access Through AI & Blockchain
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy
As crypto and CFD trading continue to expand across Africa, access to advanced tools and market insights remains uneven. This session explores how AI and blockchain can bridge that gap by empowering informal traders and underserved communities to participate more effectively in digital financial markets. The discussion will focus on practical applications of technology to improve accessibility, education, and investment outcomes in both formal and informal sectors.
In this discussion, we will explore:
-The role of AI in democratizing access to trading tools, insights, and strategy development
-How crypto and blockchain can enable broader participation beyond traditional financial systems
-Addressing access barriers: infrastructure, education, and affordability in underserved communities
-Opportunities for brokers and platforms to tap into the informal trading economy