News Nuggets | 23 November: eToro Presents New Products; Mercer to Pay $12M Penalty

Thursday, 23/11/2023 | 10:27 GMT by Damian Chmiel
  • Also, ASIC secures undertaking from iExtend; SFC initiates legal action against AMTD.
  • Read today's FX/CFDs, crypto and fintech sectors' dynamic news.
Finance Magnates News Nuggets

eToro Debuts Argentina-Focused ETF

eToro has launched the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT), exposing investors to Argentina's largest stocks, particularly those traded in New York. This ETF encompasses prominent Argentine companies across various sectors, including MercadoLibre, YPF, and Arcos Dorados.

ARGT aims to provide a diversified portfolio that reflects the growth potential of Argentina's key market players. The offering aligns with eToro's zero-commission policy in eligible regions, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the Argentine market.

eToro's Climate-Conscious Investment Option

Etoro Logo

In addition, eToro has introduced the XtremeWeather portfolio. This investment opportunity includes stocks from industries poised to weather extreme climatic events, from renewables to industrial supplies.

The portfolio comprises 30 stocks, with a diversification strategy to minimize risks and a rebalancing mechanism to adapt to changing conditions. The launch comes as awareness grows about the financial implications of climate change and the need for climate-resilient investment strategies.

ASIC Secures Undertaking from iExtend

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from iExtend, following concerns that they operated without a proper financial services license.

iExtend was found to be entering into co-ownership deeds with policyholders, affecting life insurance premium payments. As a result of ASIC's actions, iExtend is now required to apply for a license that will cover issuing financial products, general advice, and claims handling.

Mercer's Multi-Million Dollar Penalty

ASIC

Mercer Financial Advice has been ordered by the Federal Court of Australia and ASIC to pay a $12 million penalty for multiple breaches, including failures in fee disclosure and charging for unprovided services.

The court's decision highlights the significance of maintaining accurate compliance systems within financial services, and this ruling marks a substantial penalty in the industry, reflecting the severity of Mercer's breaches.

SFC Initiates Legal Action against AMTD Global Markets

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has begun legal proceedings against AMTD Global Markets and its former executives for failing to comply with investigation notices related to IPO processes.

Non-compliance involves suspected deceptive practices in the IPOs of some listed companies. The SFC's action underscores the regulatory scrutiny on firms and individuals to uphold market integrity.

Mizuho's Move to Establish China Securities Company

Mizuho Financial Group has applied to set up a securities company in China, indicating a strategic move into China's securities market. This application is part of Mizuho's efforts to tap into China's capital markets, representing a significant global fee pool. The initiative follows China's decision in 2019 to allow fully-owned foreign securities entities to operate in its market.

TradingView Enhances Replay Trading with Brackets

TradingView has introduced a new feature allowing users to apply bracket orders during Replay trading. This tool enables traders to set take profit and stop loss orders to strategize their positions better. The addition is part of TradingView's continuous improvements, shaped by user feedback to refine the trading experience on the platform.

“We hope bracket orders in the Bar replay mode will help you design even more accurate strategies. Keep sharing your feedback; it helps us make the platform better,” the company commented.

KPMG Canada and Chainalysis Collaborate

Bloomberg

KPMG in Canada has partnered with Chainalysis to enhance their capabilities in combating illicit crypto transactions. This strategic alliance involves KPMG joining the Chainalysis Solution Provider program and aims to fortify the fight against crypto fraud, leveraging Chainalysis's data monitoring technologies and KPMG's forensic investigation expertise.

“Our clients can leverage the expertise of KPMG’s trusted forensics and cryptoasset advisory professionals to establish effective know-your-transaction rules, stronger anti-money laundering protocols,” said Jonathan Levin, the Chief Strategy Officer at Chainalysis.

Leadership Reshuffle at Korea Investment & Securities

Korea Investment & Securities has appointed Kim Sung-hwan as the new CEO, succeeding Jung Il-moon, who is now Vice Chairman. The move is part of a broader management restructuring aimed at adapting to changing financial environments.

The company has also named Jeon Chan-woo as the CEO of Korea Investment Savings Bank, reflecting a strategic emphasis on leadership and expertise in finance.

eToro Debuts Argentina-Focused ETF

eToro has launched the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT), exposing investors to Argentina's largest stocks, particularly those traded in New York. This ETF encompasses prominent Argentine companies across various sectors, including MercadoLibre, YPF, and Arcos Dorados.

ARGT aims to provide a diversified portfolio that reflects the growth potential of Argentina's key market players. The offering aligns with eToro's zero-commission policy in eligible regions, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the Argentine market.

eToro's Climate-Conscious Investment Option

Etoro Logo

In addition, eToro has introduced the XtremeWeather portfolio. This investment opportunity includes stocks from industries poised to weather extreme climatic events, from renewables to industrial supplies.

The portfolio comprises 30 stocks, with a diversification strategy to minimize risks and a rebalancing mechanism to adapt to changing conditions. The launch comes as awareness grows about the financial implications of climate change and the need for climate-resilient investment strategies.

ASIC Secures Undertaking from iExtend

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from iExtend, following concerns that they operated without a proper financial services license.

iExtend was found to be entering into co-ownership deeds with policyholders, affecting life insurance premium payments. As a result of ASIC's actions, iExtend is now required to apply for a license that will cover issuing financial products, general advice, and claims handling.

Mercer's Multi-Million Dollar Penalty

ASIC

Mercer Financial Advice has been ordered by the Federal Court of Australia and ASIC to pay a $12 million penalty for multiple breaches, including failures in fee disclosure and charging for unprovided services.

The court's decision highlights the significance of maintaining accurate compliance systems within financial services, and this ruling marks a substantial penalty in the industry, reflecting the severity of Mercer's breaches.

SFC Initiates Legal Action against AMTD Global Markets

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has begun legal proceedings against AMTD Global Markets and its former executives for failing to comply with investigation notices related to IPO processes.

Non-compliance involves suspected deceptive practices in the IPOs of some listed companies. The SFC's action underscores the regulatory scrutiny on firms and individuals to uphold market integrity.

Mizuho's Move to Establish China Securities Company

Mizuho Financial Group has applied to set up a securities company in China, indicating a strategic move into China's securities market. This application is part of Mizuho's efforts to tap into China's capital markets, representing a significant global fee pool. The initiative follows China's decision in 2019 to allow fully-owned foreign securities entities to operate in its market.

TradingView Enhances Replay Trading with Brackets

TradingView has introduced a new feature allowing users to apply bracket orders during Replay trading. This tool enables traders to set take profit and stop loss orders to strategize their positions better. The addition is part of TradingView's continuous improvements, shaped by user feedback to refine the trading experience on the platform.

“We hope bracket orders in the Bar replay mode will help you design even more accurate strategies. Keep sharing your feedback; it helps us make the platform better,” the company commented.

KPMG Canada and Chainalysis Collaborate

Bloomberg

KPMG in Canada has partnered with Chainalysis to enhance their capabilities in combating illicit crypto transactions. This strategic alliance involves KPMG joining the Chainalysis Solution Provider program and aims to fortify the fight against crypto fraud, leveraging Chainalysis's data monitoring technologies and KPMG's forensic investigation expertise.

“Our clients can leverage the expertise of KPMG’s trusted forensics and cryptoasset advisory professionals to establish effective know-your-transaction rules, stronger anti-money laundering protocols,” said Jonathan Levin, the Chief Strategy Officer at Chainalysis.

Leadership Reshuffle at Korea Investment & Securities

Korea Investment & Securities has appointed Kim Sung-hwan as the new CEO, succeeding Jung Il-moon, who is now Vice Chairman. The move is part of a broader management restructuring aimed at adapting to changing financial environments.

The company has also named Jeon Chan-woo as the CEO of Korea Investment Savings Bank, reflecting a strategic emphasis on leadership and expertise in finance.

About the Author: Damian Chmiel
Damian Chmiel
  • 1912 Articles
  • 43 Followers
About the Author: Damian Chmiel
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.
  • 1912 Articles
  • 43 Followers

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