Firms eye FX trading growth, but investment budgets set to rise.
Exchange fees and EU regulations present challenges amid expansion.
Discover the best brokers in the UAE in 2025.
In a
proactive move signaling confidence in the financial markets, proprietary
trading firms globally are poised to scale up their foreign exchange (FX)
trading activities and boost investment budgets in 2024. This development stems
from findings in the latest Acuiti Proprietary Trading Management Insight
Report, unveiled today (Monday).
Proprietary Trading Firms
Gear Up for FX Growth and Investment Spike in 2024
The report,
a collaborative effort with Avelacom and produced after surveying senior
executives from over a hundred proprietary trading firms, paints a picture of a
sector on the brink of significant growth.
With 45% of
FX trading entities looking to substantially up their game in the asset class,
and a keen interest in equity options, the landscape for 2024 shows a bullish
trend. Conversely, cash equities seem to be on a downtrend, especially in
Europe, where a notable fraction of firms intend to pare down their exposure.
Source: Acuiti
"The
report reveals that proprietary trading firms are willing to invest in
improving their connectivity to markets, including exploring new ones," Aleksey
Larichev, the Managing Director at Avelacom, commented.
Further
diversification is evident as several firms set sights on the cash government
bond markets, indicating a strategic move to broaden their trading spectrum. A considerable
63% of these firms are ready to allocate above-average resources toward
advancements in algorithmic trading, market access, and data acquisition.
Acuiti's July research pointed out that traders and proprietary trading firms aim to ride the waves of volatility precisely in the
most volatile markets where the highest activity is observed.
Source: Acuiti
"This
shows their plans to expand and optimize their current trading setups. It's a
positive sign that the market is in good shape and working to stay competitive,"
Larichev added.
Yet, it's
not all smooth sailing. The report underscores the strain of rising exchange
fees which are constricting the range of markets and products firms are willing
to trade. For many proprietary trading companies, these costs represent a
significant and increasing burden.
Nine out of
ten survey participants have reported a rise in exchange fees over the past
five years, with nearly all of those not facing higher fees being primarily or
exclusively involved in cryptocurrency trading.
Source: Acuiti
"Exchange
costs are an increasing burden for many firms, which are trading fewer products
and markets than they would if fees were lower," said Will Mitting, the
Founder of Acuiti.
Adding to
the complexity is the low awareness of the EU's impending Digital Operational
Resilience Act, set to take effect in 2025, which could have significant
compliance implications for the firms.
Source: Acuiti
Amidst
these challenges, the report captures a sector in dynamic flux, with over half
of the firms trading equity options contemplating 0 Days to Expiration (0DTE)
strategies on Eurex, signaling a potential uptick in the product's trade volume
come 2024. 0DTE refers to options contracts that expire on the same day they
are traded.
Source: Acuiti
In its
report from the end of October, Acuiti also indicated that there is a noticeable consolidation trend in the FX prime brokerage industry, especially in hedge funds. The study highlighted the
growing concerns among fund managers about adverse changes occurring in the
sector.
In a
proactive move signaling confidence in the financial markets, proprietary
trading firms globally are poised to scale up their foreign exchange (FX)
trading activities and boost investment budgets in 2024. This development stems
from findings in the latest Acuiti Proprietary Trading Management Insight
Report, unveiled today (Monday).
Proprietary Trading Firms
Gear Up for FX Growth and Investment Spike in 2024
The report,
a collaborative effort with Avelacom and produced after surveying senior
executives from over a hundred proprietary trading firms, paints a picture of a
sector on the brink of significant growth.
With 45% of
FX trading entities looking to substantially up their game in the asset class,
and a keen interest in equity options, the landscape for 2024 shows a bullish
trend. Conversely, cash equities seem to be on a downtrend, especially in
Europe, where a notable fraction of firms intend to pare down their exposure.
Source: Acuiti
"The
report reveals that proprietary trading firms are willing to invest in
improving their connectivity to markets, including exploring new ones," Aleksey
Larichev, the Managing Director at Avelacom, commented.
Further
diversification is evident as several firms set sights on the cash government
bond markets, indicating a strategic move to broaden their trading spectrum. A considerable
63% of these firms are ready to allocate above-average resources toward
advancements in algorithmic trading, market access, and data acquisition.
Acuiti's July research pointed out that traders and proprietary trading firms aim to ride the waves of volatility precisely in the
most volatile markets where the highest activity is observed.
Source: Acuiti
"This
shows their plans to expand and optimize their current trading setups. It's a
positive sign that the market is in good shape and working to stay competitive,"
Larichev added.
Yet, it's
not all smooth sailing. The report underscores the strain of rising exchange
fees which are constricting the range of markets and products firms are willing
to trade. For many proprietary trading companies, these costs represent a
significant and increasing burden.
Nine out of
ten survey participants have reported a rise in exchange fees over the past
five years, with nearly all of those not facing higher fees being primarily or
exclusively involved in cryptocurrency trading.
Source: Acuiti
"Exchange
costs are an increasing burden for many firms, which are trading fewer products
and markets than they would if fees were lower," said Will Mitting, the
Founder of Acuiti.
Adding to
the complexity is the low awareness of the EU's impending Digital Operational
Resilience Act, set to take effect in 2025, which could have significant
compliance implications for the firms.
Source: Acuiti
Amidst
these challenges, the report captures a sector in dynamic flux, with over half
of the firms trading equity options contemplating 0 Days to Expiration (0DTE)
strategies on Eurex, signaling a potential uptick in the product's trade volume
come 2024. 0DTE refers to options contracts that expire on the same day they
are traded.
Source: Acuiti
In its
report from the end of October, Acuiti also indicated that there is a noticeable consolidation trend in the FX prime brokerage industry, especially in hedge funds. The study highlighted the
growing concerns among fund managers about adverse changes occurring in the
sector.
Damian's adventure with financial markets began at the Cracow University of Economics, where he obtained his MA in finance and accounting. Starting from the retail trader perspective, he collaborated with brokerage houses and financial portals in Poland as an independent editor and content manager. His adventure with Finance Magnates began in 2016, where he is working as a business intelligence analyst.
Typosquatting Goes Industrial: Why One Broker Registered Over 600 Domains
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
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
