The event features panels on trading, fintech, AI, cybersecurity, and retail trends at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 2.
“New prop markets have bad elements, but the best remains,” panelist says.
iFX EXPO Asia 2025 began in Hong Kong over the weekend. The
three-day exhibition runs from October 26 to 28 and gathers professionals from
online trading, fintech, and financial services.
Yesterday (Monday) the event featured panel discussions on
topics including artificial intelligence, stablecoins, commodities, fintech
partnerships, APAC market trends, and cybersecurity. These sessions explored
how technology and regulation are shaping the region’s financial landscape.
The final day of iFX EXPO Asia 2025 takes place today at
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 2. The program includes the main exhibition and several
conferences, with speakers representing companies across the trading and
fintech sectors.
Compliance and Control Challenges Discussed Across APAC
Markets
The panel “Regulate This! Compliance, Control &
Competition in Asia” examined how regulatory shifts are reshaping fintech,
trading, and payments across the region.
Moderated by Eugenio Accongiagioco, Managing Director at
APAC Management Consultancy, the session featured Chokri Houimli, CEO of MH
Markets; Laura Liisa Lemetsar, CGO at LeadnAsia and Macro Global Markets; M
Sivakumar, APAC Legal Director at Sumsub; Paul Derham, Managing Partner at
Holley Nethercote; and Lydia Wong, APAC & MENA Regulatory Lead Counsel at
Crypto.com.
Speakers discussed fragmented frameworks, rising compliance
costs, and the need for harmonization as APAC remains both a challenging and
high-growth regulatory environment.
Future of Banking Explored Amid Fintech Growth
The panel “Built to Last or Bound to Break? Can Traditional
Banks Survive the Fintech Era?” was moderated by Lissele Pratt, Co-Founder of
Capitalixe. Speakers included Yoshi Yokokawa, Co-founder and CEO of Alpaca;
Chris Lau, Head of Hong Kong & GBA, Commercial at Olea Global Pte.; Peisi
Deng, Wealth Advisor at StashAway; and Moustapha Abdel Sater, CCO at B2BROKER.
Discussion on traditional banks, fintech disruption in APAC financial services
The discussion focused on the challenges traditional banks
face as fintechs scale rapidly and attract digital-native clients.
Panelists examined how banks are leveraging fintech
partnerships, embedded finance, and banking-as-a-service, the regulatory
environment for fintech innovation, and the evolving needs of consumers and
businesses.
The session explored whether traditional institutions can
adapt quickly enough to remain competitive in Hong Kong and the wider APAC
financial landscape.
Tokenised Assets, Infrastructure, and Investment
Opportunities Explored
The panel “From Gold to Code: The Tokenisation of
Traditional Assets” was moderated by Emil Chan, Co-Chair of the Hong Kong
Digital Finance Association. Speakers included Lennon Tam, Head of Operations
at WCG Markets; Andy Cheung, Director of Crypto at CBCX and Founder of
Zeuspace; Jesper Cheng, Advisor at GoldZip; and Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief
Product Officer and Head of Custody at Hex Trust.
Discussion on tokenisation of traditional assets and opportunities in digital finance
The discussion focused on the rise of tokenised assets in
the Asia Pacific region and their impact on trading and investment.
Panelists explored regulatory frameworks in Hong Kong and
Singapore, how banks are adopting tokenisation to modernize traditional asset
classes, infrastructure and technology requirements for scalable solutions, and
opportunities for retail and institutional investors in tokenised commodities.
The session highlighted the evolving role of precious metals
as digitally enabled asset classes.
Evolution of Digital Wallets and Embedded Payment Layers
The session “Cashless Future: Digital Wallet Race is Heating
Up” was moderated by Nikolai Isayev, Chief Operating Officer and
Editor-in-Chief at FinanceFeeds. Speakers included Daniel So, Head of Business
Development, Hong Kong at Worldpay; Paul van Sint Fiet, Head of Cross-Currency
Solutions, APAC at J.P. Morgan; and Anish Jain, Founder and Group CEO of Winity
Life and WadzPay.
Discussion on digital wallets, cashless payments, and financial inclusion
The discussion focused on Hong Kong’s growing adoption of
digital wallets and app-based payment methods. Panelists examined how credit
cards and digital wallets are evolving into seamless payment layers, the
influence of local infrastructure and user behaviour, and strategies to improve
digital inclusion for elderly and underserved populations.
Finance Magnates Executive Video Interview with Vitalii Bulynin, Co-Founder of Versus Trade
The session highlighted the competitive push by financial
institutions and fintech firms to shape Hong Kong’s emerging digital payment
ecosystem.
Panel Examines Silver’s Role Amid Growing Crypto Markets
The session “Metal vs Machine: Bullion in the Age of Crypto”
featured Ivan Wong, Managing Director at ATFX Connect for Southeast Asia, as
moderator. Speakers included Nikhil Joshi, Sales Manager at MH Markets, and
Edita Lozovska, Global Head of Brand at ZFX.
Panel discusses silver, tokenization, and market access in a crypto-driven financial landscape
The discussion focused on silver’s role in a financial
landscape increasingly dominated by digital assets. Panelists examined silver
as a hedge, store of value, and industrial asset for retail and institutional
investors. Topics included tokenized silver and its impact on market liquidity,
comparisons with digital assets, fintech-enabled investment access, and the
evolving appetite for silver in modern portfolios.
Plus 500 booth at iFX Expo Asia 2025
Quant Strategies, Digital Assets, and Talent in APAC
Trading
The session titled “Quant Wars & Crypto Moves: The Prop
Trading Shakeup”, moderated by Markus Sichler, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor
at YourPropFirm, featured speakers from leading firms in the APAC prop trading
and fintech space. The panel included Kelvin Zhao, Head of Greater China at
Axi; Bobby Winters, Group COO at Alchemy Prime/Markets/Xoala; Andrey
Kalashnikov, Head of Match2Pay; and Gil Ben Hur, Founder of 5% Group.
Panelists at “Quant Wars & Crypto Moves: The Prop Trading Shakeup”
The discussion focused on recent changes in the region’s
prop trading landscape. Topics covered included the rapid growth of quant
strategies, the integration of digital assets, evolving technology stacks, and
the competitive importance of talent.
Speakers also addressed regulatory developments and how
firms are adjusting their trading desks to maintain speed, precision, and
performance. The session explored trends in multi-asset execution, real-time
risk modeling, and strategies shaping the future of APAC prop trading.
Examining Institutional and Retail Solutions in FX,
Metals, and Digital Assets
The panel “The Evolution of Market Access: From Prime
Liquidity to Retail Solutions” featured Nick Twidale, Chief Market Analyst at
ATFX Australia, as moderator, with speakers Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director
at ATFX Connect Global, and Siju Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer at ATFX.
Panel Discussion on Institutional and Retail Market Access in FX, Metals, and Digital Assets
The discussion focused on the changing landscape of market
access, from institutional clients seeking deep liquidity and robust execution
to retail traders requiring seamless platforms, copy trading, and advanced
analytics.
Speakers examined how the convergence of institutional and retail
solutions is shaping FX, metals, and digital asset markets, and highlighted the
infrastructure, partnerships, and innovations supporting the next generation of
trading.
Panel Examines AI Insights and Human Intuition in
Financial Markets
The session “Beyond the Crystal Ball: Can AI See What Humans
Can’t?” featured Kaia-Reet Parv, Market Strategist at First Degree Global Asset
Management, serving as moderator. Speakers included Alex Delarue, Regional
Commercial Director at IUX Laura Liisa Lemetsar, CGO at LeadnAsia | Macro
Global Markets; Andy Chun, Professor of Practice at The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University; Afshin Setoudeh, CMO at ZFX; and Charlie Chiu, Solutions Architect
at Amazon Web Services Hong Kong.
Discussion on machine learning, alternative data, and human intuition
The discussion examined the role of AI in market prediction,
price discovery, and execution.
Speakers explored how machine learning models detect
patterns that humans may miss, the use of alternative data in forecasting and
risk modeling, and the areas where human intuition still provides an edge.
The session highlighted both the potential and the
challenges of AI tools in shaping trading and portfolio strategies across APAC.
Finance Magnates booth at iFX EXPO Asia 2025
Trading Challenges and Lessons at Prop Firms Discussed
The session “Prop F*ckups: Lessons from the Front Lines”
featured Santiago Valencia, Chief Partnership Officer at Swiset, as moderator
and Tom Higgins, Founder and CEO of Gold-i.
Discussion on Trading Challenges and Lessons in Prop Firms
The Speaker discussed challenges faced by institutional
proprietary firms and retail-funded trading programs. Topics included common
mistakes in trading, pitfalls in scaling teams and infrastructure, and
strategies for learning from losses while maintaining client and investor
confidence. The session aimed to provide practical insights on building
resilient operations in fast-moving markets.
iFX EXPO Asia 2025 began in Hong Kong over the weekend. The
three-day exhibition runs from October 26 to 28 and gathers professionals from
online trading, fintech, and financial services.
Yesterday (Monday) the event featured panel discussions on
topics including artificial intelligence, stablecoins, commodities, fintech
partnerships, APAC market trends, and cybersecurity. These sessions explored
how technology and regulation are shaping the region’s financial landscape.
The final day of iFX EXPO Asia 2025 takes place today at
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 2. The program includes the main exhibition and several
conferences, with speakers representing companies across the trading and
fintech sectors.
Compliance and Control Challenges Discussed Across APAC
Markets
The panel “Regulate This! Compliance, Control &
Competition in Asia” examined how regulatory shifts are reshaping fintech,
trading, and payments across the region.
Moderated by Eugenio Accongiagioco, Managing Director at
APAC Management Consultancy, the session featured Chokri Houimli, CEO of MH
Markets; Laura Liisa Lemetsar, CGO at LeadnAsia and Macro Global Markets; M
Sivakumar, APAC Legal Director at Sumsub; Paul Derham, Managing Partner at
Holley Nethercote; and Lydia Wong, APAC & MENA Regulatory Lead Counsel at
Crypto.com.
Speakers discussed fragmented frameworks, rising compliance
costs, and the need for harmonization as APAC remains both a challenging and
high-growth regulatory environment.
Future of Banking Explored Amid Fintech Growth
The panel “Built to Last or Bound to Break? Can Traditional
Banks Survive the Fintech Era?” was moderated by Lissele Pratt, Co-Founder of
Capitalixe. Speakers included Yoshi Yokokawa, Co-founder and CEO of Alpaca;
Chris Lau, Head of Hong Kong & GBA, Commercial at Olea Global Pte.; Peisi
Deng, Wealth Advisor at StashAway; and Moustapha Abdel Sater, CCO at B2BROKER.
Discussion on traditional banks, fintech disruption in APAC financial services
The discussion focused on the challenges traditional banks
face as fintechs scale rapidly and attract digital-native clients.
Panelists examined how banks are leveraging fintech
partnerships, embedded finance, and banking-as-a-service, the regulatory
environment for fintech innovation, and the evolving needs of consumers and
businesses.
The session explored whether traditional institutions can
adapt quickly enough to remain competitive in Hong Kong and the wider APAC
financial landscape.
Tokenised Assets, Infrastructure, and Investment
Opportunities Explored
The panel “From Gold to Code: The Tokenisation of
Traditional Assets” was moderated by Emil Chan, Co-Chair of the Hong Kong
Digital Finance Association. Speakers included Lennon Tam, Head of Operations
at WCG Markets; Andy Cheung, Director of Crypto at CBCX and Founder of
Zeuspace; Jesper Cheng, Advisor at GoldZip; and Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief
Product Officer and Head of Custody at Hex Trust.
Discussion on tokenisation of traditional assets and opportunities in digital finance
The discussion focused on the rise of tokenised assets in
the Asia Pacific region and their impact on trading and investment.
Panelists explored regulatory frameworks in Hong Kong and
Singapore, how banks are adopting tokenisation to modernize traditional asset
classes, infrastructure and technology requirements for scalable solutions, and
opportunities for retail and institutional investors in tokenised commodities.
The session highlighted the evolving role of precious metals
as digitally enabled asset classes.
Evolution of Digital Wallets and Embedded Payment Layers
The session “Cashless Future: Digital Wallet Race is Heating
Up” was moderated by Nikolai Isayev, Chief Operating Officer and
Editor-in-Chief at FinanceFeeds. Speakers included Daniel So, Head of Business
Development, Hong Kong at Worldpay; Paul van Sint Fiet, Head of Cross-Currency
Solutions, APAC at J.P. Morgan; and Anish Jain, Founder and Group CEO of Winity
Life and WadzPay.
Discussion on digital wallets, cashless payments, and financial inclusion
The discussion focused on Hong Kong’s growing adoption of
digital wallets and app-based payment methods. Panelists examined how credit
cards and digital wallets are evolving into seamless payment layers, the
influence of local infrastructure and user behaviour, and strategies to improve
digital inclusion for elderly and underserved populations.
Finance Magnates Executive Video Interview with Vitalii Bulynin, Co-Founder of Versus Trade
The session highlighted the competitive push by financial
institutions and fintech firms to shape Hong Kong’s emerging digital payment
ecosystem.
Panel Examines Silver’s Role Amid Growing Crypto Markets
The session “Metal vs Machine: Bullion in the Age of Crypto”
featured Ivan Wong, Managing Director at ATFX Connect for Southeast Asia, as
moderator. Speakers included Nikhil Joshi, Sales Manager at MH Markets, and
Edita Lozovska, Global Head of Brand at ZFX.
Panel discusses silver, tokenization, and market access in a crypto-driven financial landscape
The discussion focused on silver’s role in a financial
landscape increasingly dominated by digital assets. Panelists examined silver
as a hedge, store of value, and industrial asset for retail and institutional
investors. Topics included tokenized silver and its impact on market liquidity,
comparisons with digital assets, fintech-enabled investment access, and the
evolving appetite for silver in modern portfolios.
Plus 500 booth at iFX Expo Asia 2025
Quant Strategies, Digital Assets, and Talent in APAC
Trading
The session titled “Quant Wars & Crypto Moves: The Prop
Trading Shakeup”, moderated by Markus Sichler, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor
at YourPropFirm, featured speakers from leading firms in the APAC prop trading
and fintech space. The panel included Kelvin Zhao, Head of Greater China at
Axi; Bobby Winters, Group COO at Alchemy Prime/Markets/Xoala; Andrey
Kalashnikov, Head of Match2Pay; and Gil Ben Hur, Founder of 5% Group.
Panelists at “Quant Wars & Crypto Moves: The Prop Trading Shakeup”
The discussion focused on recent changes in the region’s
prop trading landscape. Topics covered included the rapid growth of quant
strategies, the integration of digital assets, evolving technology stacks, and
the competitive importance of talent.
Speakers also addressed regulatory developments and how
firms are adjusting their trading desks to maintain speed, precision, and
performance. The session explored trends in multi-asset execution, real-time
risk modeling, and strategies shaping the future of APAC prop trading.
Examining Institutional and Retail Solutions in FX,
Metals, and Digital Assets
The panel “The Evolution of Market Access: From Prime
Liquidity to Retail Solutions” featured Nick Twidale, Chief Market Analyst at
ATFX Australia, as moderator, with speakers Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director
at ATFX Connect Global, and Siju Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer at ATFX.
Panel Discussion on Institutional and Retail Market Access in FX, Metals, and Digital Assets
The discussion focused on the changing landscape of market
access, from institutional clients seeking deep liquidity and robust execution
to retail traders requiring seamless platforms, copy trading, and advanced
analytics.
Speakers examined how the convergence of institutional and retail
solutions is shaping FX, metals, and digital asset markets, and highlighted the
infrastructure, partnerships, and innovations supporting the next generation of
trading.
Panel Examines AI Insights and Human Intuition in
Financial Markets
The session “Beyond the Crystal Ball: Can AI See What Humans
Can’t?” featured Kaia-Reet Parv, Market Strategist at First Degree Global Asset
Management, serving as moderator. Speakers included Alex Delarue, Regional
Commercial Director at IUX Laura Liisa Lemetsar, CGO at LeadnAsia | Macro
Global Markets; Andy Chun, Professor of Practice at The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University; Afshin Setoudeh, CMO at ZFX; and Charlie Chiu, Solutions Architect
at Amazon Web Services Hong Kong.
Discussion on machine learning, alternative data, and human intuition
The discussion examined the role of AI in market prediction,
price discovery, and execution.
Speakers explored how machine learning models detect
patterns that humans may miss, the use of alternative data in forecasting and
risk modeling, and the areas where human intuition still provides an edge.
The session highlighted both the potential and the
challenges of AI tools in shaping trading and portfolio strategies across APAC.
Finance Magnates booth at iFX EXPO Asia 2025
Trading Challenges and Lessons at Prop Firms Discussed
The session “Prop F*ckups: Lessons from the Front Lines”
featured Santiago Valencia, Chief Partnership Officer at Swiset, as moderator
and Tom Higgins, Founder and CEO of Gold-i.
Discussion on Trading Challenges and Lessons in Prop Firms
The Speaker discussed challenges faced by institutional
proprietary firms and retail-funded trading programs. Topics included common
mistakes in trading, pitfalls in scaling teams and infrastructure, and
strategies for learning from losses while maintaining client and investor
confidence. The session aimed to provide practical insights on building
resilient operations in fast-moving markets.
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
How does the Finance Magnates newsroom handle sensitive updates that may affect a brand?
How does the Finance Magnates newsroom handle sensitive updates that may affect a brand?
Yam Yehoshua, Editor-in-Chief at Finance Magnates, explains the approach: reaching out before publication, hearing all sides, and making careful, case-by-case decisions with balance and responsibility.
⚖ Balanced reporting
📞 Right of response
📰 Responsible journalism
#FinanceMagnates #FinancialJournalism #ResponsibleReporting #FinanceNews #EditorialStandards
Yam Yehoshua, Editor-in-Chief at Finance Magnates, explains the approach: reaching out before publication, hearing all sides, and making careful, case-by-case decisions with balance and responsibility.
⚖ Balanced reporting
📞 Right of response
📰 Responsible journalism
#FinanceMagnates #FinancialJournalism #ResponsibleReporting #FinanceNews #EditorialStandards
Executive Interview | Kieran Duff | Head of UK Growth & Business Development, Darwinex | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Kieran Duff | Head of UK Growth & Business Development, Darwinex | FMLS:25
Here is our conversation with Kieran Duff, who brings a rare dual view of the market as both a broker and a trader at Darwinex.
We begin with his take on the Summit and then turn to broker growth. Kieran shares one quick, practical tip brokers can use right now to improve performance. We also cover the rising spotlight on prop trading and whether it is good or bad for the trading industry.
Kieran explains where Darwinex sits on the CFDs-broker-meets-funding spectrum, and how the model differs from the typical setups seen across the market.
We finish with a look at how he uses AI in his daily workflow — both inside the brokerage and in his own trading.
Here is our conversation with Kieran Duff, who brings a rare dual view of the market as both a broker and a trader at Darwinex.
We begin with his take on the Summit and then turn to broker growth. Kieran shares one quick, practical tip brokers can use right now to improve performance. We also cover the rising spotlight on prop trading and whether it is good or bad for the trading industry.
Kieran explains where Darwinex sits on the CFDs-broker-meets-funding spectrum, and how the model differs from the typical setups seen across the market.
We finish with a look at how he uses AI in his daily workflow — both inside the brokerage and in his own trading.
Why does trust matter in financial news? #TrustedNews #FinanceNews #CapitalMarkets
Why does trust matter in financial news? #TrustedNews #FinanceNews #CapitalMarkets
According to Yam Yehoshua, Editor-in-Chief at Finance Magnates, in a world flooded with information, the difference lies in rigorous cross-checking, human scrutiny, and a commitment to publishing only factual, trustworthy reporting.
📰 Verified reporting
🔎 Human-led scrutiny
✅ Facts over noise
According to Yam Yehoshua, Editor-in-Chief at Finance Magnates, in a world flooded with information, the difference lies in rigorous cross-checking, human scrutiny, and a commitment to publishing only factual, trustworthy reporting.
📰 Verified reporting
🔎 Human-led scrutiny
✅ Facts over noise
