Also, Amber to exit Japan, while seeking a Hong Kong license.
Read today's FX/CFDs, crypto and fintech sectors' dynamic news.
CME Group to Expand BTC, ETH
Options Expiries on May 22
CME Group, a top derivatives
marketplace operator, has disclosed plans to expand the expiries of the cryptocurrency
options for its standard and micro-sized Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH)
contracts starting from May 22, 2023. With the new plan, which is still subject
to regulatory review, expiries will be available every day of the business
week, Monday through Friday, CME Group said in a statement released on
Monday.
Speaking on the plan, Giovanni
Vicioso, CME Group Global Head of Cryptocurrency Product, noted that the
decision is targeted at providing market participants with “greater precision
and versatility in managing short-term bitcoin and ether price risk.”
“New expiries for options on
Bitcoin and Ether futures will be offered with Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday expirations. Options on micro-sized Bitcoin and Ether
futures will add Tuesday and Thursday expiries to their existing Monday,
Wednesday and Friday contracts,” the firm explained.
Adam Wheelwright, new Chief Technology Officer at IG Group
NatWest Group's Adam Wheelwright Starts CTO Role at IG Group
Adam Wheelwright, the previous Managing Director at NatWest Group, resumed his new role as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at IG Group on Monday. Finance Magnates reported in early April that Wheelwright was appointed as the CTO by the London-based spread betting and CFD trading provider "to drive its innovation agenda."
Wheelwright, whose role is based in IG Group's London office, brings nearly three decades of financial industry experience to the role. Apart from the NatWest Group, the executive has previously worked for the UK Health Security Agency, Nomura, Dresdner Kleinwort, and UBS.
Incharge and Intergiro
Form a Partnership
A new
banking app aimed at making financial services more accessible for European
students has been launched by Intergiro, a Banking as a Service (BaaS)
platform, in partnership with financial service provider Incharge. The Incharge
app, which is free of charge, enables students to manage their finances
conveniently from their smartphones.
The app
offers a user-friendly experience, allowing students to open an account without
paperwork and long wait times by simply using their passport or national ID
card. The app provides a range of financial services, including current
accounts, virtual and physical cards that allow spending in over 130
currencies, and valuable analytics to help students better understand their
spending patterns.
Vantage Offers PayPal
Payments
Vantage, a
multi-asset broker, has announced the addition of PayPal to its payment
options. PayPal is widely recognized for its popularity, with over 370 million
users across the world and acceptance in more than 200 markets, making it a secure
and quick online available transaction method.
Jack Kelly, the Head of Sales at Vantage, stated that the company is committed to providing
investors with the best possible trading experience and is always looking for
ways to enhance its services, with the integration of PayPal being one of them.
The
inclusion of PayPal in Vantage's payment options is part of its continuous
efforts to offer customers a better trading experience. With the addition of
PayPal, investors can now easily make deposits and withdrawals as well as instantly
fund their accounts quickly and conveniently.
Ex-Deutsche Bank Dealmaker
Joins JPMorgan
Khaled Fathallah
JPMorgan
has hired Khaled Fathallah, a veteran dealmaker from Deutsche Bank, to head up
its coverage of mining companies and metals in Europe. Fathallah brings over 13
years of experience at Deutsche Bank, where he was most recently named head of
the newly-established energy transition group.
In his new
role at JPMorgan, Fathallah will serve as Head of Metals and Mining for the
EMEA region and report to James Janoskey, Co-Head of the bank's energy group.
This move reflects JPMorgan's commitment to expanding its expertise in the
natural resources sector.
Virtu Financial’s Triton Valor EMS Integrates Appital
Virtu Financial’s Triton Execution Management System (EMS) has integrated Appital’s book-building platform – Appital Turquoise BookBuilder™, which was launched in August 2022.
Announced on Monday, the integration will enable buy-side firms using Triton Valor to receive Appital liquidity opportunities directly into their workflows and trading infrastructure. Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Unigestion SA, Principal Financial Group, Groupama Asset Management, and BBVA Asset Management will be the first set of companies to access Appital’s book-building platform via Triton Valor EMS.
"Our clients are always looking for new and innovative ways to seek out liquidity," said Melissa Ellis, the Head of European Workflow Sales at Virtu Financial. "Appital allows them to interact with like-minded institutions in a market for size. By integrating with Appital, asset managers are now able to access liquidity that would otherwise be latent and initiate a bookbuilding process, adding value to their overall investment processes."
R3 to Support Fintech Industry in Qatar
New York-based blockchain firm, R3 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), the legal and tax arm of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), to accelerate the development of the country's financial technology industry.
R3 will now work with the QFCA to create a potential lab environment for commercial banks and fintechs in Qatar. They will also provide education and training on asset digitization and the use of decentralized ledger technology.
David E. Rutter, Co-Founder and CEO of R3
"Through this collaboration, we aim to foster innovation and create an environment that supports the growth of fintech companies in Qatar," said Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, the CEO of QFC.
R3's Co-Founder and CEO, David E. Rutter, added: "The QFC is already making great progress in expanding the development of fintech in Qatar, and this collaboration will further help create an environment conducive to innovation. We look forward to using our experience and expertise to assist the QFC in supporting the growth of Qatar-based fintech companies."
Kohle Capital Markets Rebrands to KCM Trade
Kohle Capital Markets, which operates a forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) brokerage platform with a Mauritius license, has rebranded itself to KCM Trade. The rebranding is a strategic move as the broker highlighted its ambitions to expand its global presence.
The broker will open a new branch office in Vietnam next month with plans of adding offices in Indonesia, and the Philippines in the third quarter of this year.
Singapore-based crypto lender Amber plans to receive a license in Hong Kong while evaluating options to sell its Japanese unit, Bloomberg reported.
Amber entered Japan, acquiring the crypto exchange, DeCurret Inc. in 2022. Its Managing Partner, Annabelle Huang, said Japan is a "very high-quality market, but regulations are strict." Other major names like Coinbase and Kaken also shuttered their businesses in Japan.
On the other hand, Hong Kong has become a preferred market for crypto companies as the jurisdiction will regulate the crypto industry from June. Last month, a Hong Kong official revealed that about 80 crypto companies are in line to receive licenses.
Hong Kong Charges Ramp-and-Dump Suspect
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) charged Leung Chung Yi, a former licensed representative, in its crackdown against a large-scale and sophisticated syndicate suspected of operating a 'ramp-and-dump' market manipulation scheme.
Yi is the eighth person to face charges, which include offenses of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to employ a scheme with intent to defraud or deceive in transactions involving securities. He has received bail with conditions to remain in Hong Kong, surrender travel documents, and a cash bond of HK$600,000.
CME Group to Expand BTC, ETH
Options Expiries on May 22
CME Group, a top derivatives
marketplace operator, has disclosed plans to expand the expiries of the cryptocurrency
options for its standard and micro-sized Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH)
contracts starting from May 22, 2023. With the new plan, which is still subject
to regulatory review, expiries will be available every day of the business
week, Monday through Friday, CME Group said in a statement released on
Monday.
Speaking on the plan, Giovanni
Vicioso, CME Group Global Head of Cryptocurrency Product, noted that the
decision is targeted at providing market participants with “greater precision
and versatility in managing short-term bitcoin and ether price risk.”
“New expiries for options on
Bitcoin and Ether futures will be offered with Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday expirations. Options on micro-sized Bitcoin and Ether
futures will add Tuesday and Thursday expiries to their existing Monday,
Wednesday and Friday contracts,” the firm explained.
Adam Wheelwright, new Chief Technology Officer at IG Group
NatWest Group's Adam Wheelwright Starts CTO Role at IG Group
Adam Wheelwright, the previous Managing Director at NatWest Group, resumed his new role as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at IG Group on Monday. Finance Magnates reported in early April that Wheelwright was appointed as the CTO by the London-based spread betting and CFD trading provider "to drive its innovation agenda."
Wheelwright, whose role is based in IG Group's London office, brings nearly three decades of financial industry experience to the role. Apart from the NatWest Group, the executive has previously worked for the UK Health Security Agency, Nomura, Dresdner Kleinwort, and UBS.
Incharge and Intergiro
Form a Partnership
A new
banking app aimed at making financial services more accessible for European
students has been launched by Intergiro, a Banking as a Service (BaaS)
platform, in partnership with financial service provider Incharge. The Incharge
app, which is free of charge, enables students to manage their finances
conveniently from their smartphones.
The app
offers a user-friendly experience, allowing students to open an account without
paperwork and long wait times by simply using their passport or national ID
card. The app provides a range of financial services, including current
accounts, virtual and physical cards that allow spending in over 130
currencies, and valuable analytics to help students better understand their
spending patterns.
Vantage Offers PayPal
Payments
Vantage, a
multi-asset broker, has announced the addition of PayPal to its payment
options. PayPal is widely recognized for its popularity, with over 370 million
users across the world and acceptance in more than 200 markets, making it a secure
and quick online available transaction method.
Jack Kelly, the Head of Sales at Vantage, stated that the company is committed to providing
investors with the best possible trading experience and is always looking for
ways to enhance its services, with the integration of PayPal being one of them.
The
inclusion of PayPal in Vantage's payment options is part of its continuous
efforts to offer customers a better trading experience. With the addition of
PayPal, investors can now easily make deposits and withdrawals as well as instantly
fund their accounts quickly and conveniently.
Ex-Deutsche Bank Dealmaker
Joins JPMorgan
Khaled Fathallah
JPMorgan
has hired Khaled Fathallah, a veteran dealmaker from Deutsche Bank, to head up
its coverage of mining companies and metals in Europe. Fathallah brings over 13
years of experience at Deutsche Bank, where he was most recently named head of
the newly-established energy transition group.
In his new
role at JPMorgan, Fathallah will serve as Head of Metals and Mining for the
EMEA region and report to James Janoskey, Co-Head of the bank's energy group.
This move reflects JPMorgan's commitment to expanding its expertise in the
natural resources sector.
Virtu Financial’s Triton Valor EMS Integrates Appital
Virtu Financial’s Triton Execution Management System (EMS) has integrated Appital’s book-building platform – Appital Turquoise BookBuilder™, which was launched in August 2022.
Announced on Monday, the integration will enable buy-side firms using Triton Valor to receive Appital liquidity opportunities directly into their workflows and trading infrastructure. Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Unigestion SA, Principal Financial Group, Groupama Asset Management, and BBVA Asset Management will be the first set of companies to access Appital’s book-building platform via Triton Valor EMS.
"Our clients are always looking for new and innovative ways to seek out liquidity," said Melissa Ellis, the Head of European Workflow Sales at Virtu Financial. "Appital allows them to interact with like-minded institutions in a market for size. By integrating with Appital, asset managers are now able to access liquidity that would otherwise be latent and initiate a bookbuilding process, adding value to their overall investment processes."
R3 to Support Fintech Industry in Qatar
New York-based blockchain firm, R3 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), the legal and tax arm of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), to accelerate the development of the country's financial technology industry.
R3 will now work with the QFCA to create a potential lab environment for commercial banks and fintechs in Qatar. They will also provide education and training on asset digitization and the use of decentralized ledger technology.
David E. Rutter, Co-Founder and CEO of R3
"Through this collaboration, we aim to foster innovation and create an environment that supports the growth of fintech companies in Qatar," said Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, the CEO of QFC.
R3's Co-Founder and CEO, David E. Rutter, added: "The QFC is already making great progress in expanding the development of fintech in Qatar, and this collaboration will further help create an environment conducive to innovation. We look forward to using our experience and expertise to assist the QFC in supporting the growth of Qatar-based fintech companies."
Kohle Capital Markets Rebrands to KCM Trade
Kohle Capital Markets, which operates a forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) brokerage platform with a Mauritius license, has rebranded itself to KCM Trade. The rebranding is a strategic move as the broker highlighted its ambitions to expand its global presence.
The broker will open a new branch office in Vietnam next month with plans of adding offices in Indonesia, and the Philippines in the third quarter of this year.
Singapore-based crypto lender Amber plans to receive a license in Hong Kong while evaluating options to sell its Japanese unit, Bloomberg reported.
Amber entered Japan, acquiring the crypto exchange, DeCurret Inc. in 2022. Its Managing Partner, Annabelle Huang, said Japan is a "very high-quality market, but regulations are strict." Other major names like Coinbase and Kaken also shuttered their businesses in Japan.
On the other hand, Hong Kong has become a preferred market for crypto companies as the jurisdiction will regulate the crypto industry from June. Last month, a Hong Kong official revealed that about 80 crypto companies are in line to receive licenses.
Hong Kong Charges Ramp-and-Dump Suspect
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) charged Leung Chung Yi, a former licensed representative, in its crackdown against a large-scale and sophisticated syndicate suspected of operating a 'ramp-and-dump' market manipulation scheme.
Yi is the eighth person to face charges, which include offenses of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to employ a scheme with intent to defraud or deceive in transactions involving securities. He has received bail with conditions to remain in Hong Kong, surrender travel documents, and a cash bond of HK$600,000.
XTB Profit Drops 24% as Gold Rally Fails to Offset Soaring Marketing Spend
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
