Also, Cboe reported September 2023 volumes; CMCC Global launched a $100 million fund; and more.
Read today's FX/CFDs, crypto and fintech sectors' dynamic news.
FXCM Australia Renamed to
Stratos Trading
A few weeks
after the UK's and Cypriot branches of FXCM rebranded to Stratos Markets
Limited and Stratos Europe Ltd., the Australian subsidiary also changed its
official name. According to the registry of companies authorized by ASIC, the
company changed its name from FXCM Australia Pty. Ltd. to Stratos Trading Pty.
Ltd.
Source: ASIC
All
indications suggest that the change in the company serving as the broker's
operator does not affect the rebranding of FXCM. At least for now. FXCM
originated from the now-defunct Global Brokerage Inc., which declared
bankruptcy in 2017. The company's roots date to 1999 in New York, a global
financial hub.
ACY Securities Appoints Alchaar
as Chief Economist
Nedal Alchaar
ACY
Securities, a global multi-asset CFD broker, has welcomed Dr Nedal Alchaar as
the Chief Economist for their MENA team. Dr Alchaar is a renowned figure in
finance, economics, and academia, with a rich background that includes serving
as the Minister of Economy and Trade in Syria.
He has also
been an adjunct professor at George Washington University and has received
multiple accolades, including nominations for the Nobel Prize. ACY Securities
believes that Dr Alchaar's expertise will significantly benefit their clients
and keep the company at the forefront of industry innovation.
Colt Technology Identifies
Growth Avenues in AI
Colt
Technology Services has released a report highlighting new AI and digital
infrastructure growth opportunities. The study surveyed 755 IT leaders and
found that technologies like 5G, agile connectivity, and edge computing are
considered essential for AI adoption.
The report
also emphasized the increasing importance of On-Demand connectivity, with 89%
of respondents planning to use or already using this feature. The study
suggests that IT leaders are looking for diverse partners to expand their
knowledge in these areas, presenting opportunities for SaaS providers, hardware
vendors, and consultants.
CMCC Global Launches $100
Million Fund
The Hong
Kong-based venture capital firm CMCC Global has successfully raised $100
million for its new Titan Fund to support early-stage blockchain startups in
Asia. The fund attracted more than 30 investors, including significant names
like Winklevoss Capital and Jebsen Capital.
Martin
Baumann, the Co-Founder of CMCC Global, stated that the fund would focus heavily on
Hong Kong-based companies. The Titan Fund is CMCC Global's fourth fund despite a challenging funding environment in the crypto sector.
SIX Digital Exchange
Collaborates with Invest Direct for Private Markets
SDX, the
world's first fully regulated digital asset financial market infrastructure by SIX,
has entered discussions with Invest Direct, a Geneva-based startup specializing
in independent company assessments and investor matchmaking. The collaboration
aims to enhance transparency and standardization in SDX's private equity
offerings. Invest Direct's team, led by Frank Levy, will assist private
companies throughout their funding process, providing independent assessments
and connecting them with professional investors.
Cboe Global Markets Announces
September 2023 Trading Volume
Bloomberg
Cboe Global
Markets, a leading derivatives and securities exchange network, has released
its trading volume statistics for September 2023. The report covers various
segments, including options, futures, and equities. Notably, the average daily
trading volume (ADV) for index options witnessed an increase of 14.3% compared to
September 2022.
However, US
equities on exchange experienced a decline of 16.2% in matched shares. The company
also provided insights into its third-quarter performance, highlighting new
volume records in its proprietary product suite.
FlexTrade Partners with
Axioma for Portfolio Optimization
FlexTrade,
a trading solutions provider, has partnered with Axioma to integrate its
Portfolio Optimizer into FlexONE, FlexTrade's order and execution management
system. The integration aims to automate portfolio rebalancing based on various
criteria like risk tolerance and investment constraints.
Jose
Cortez, the VP of Buy-Side Sales at FlexTrade, stated that the partnership would
offer clients a more efficient workflow across trading, operations, and risk
management, enhancing the role of trading desks in risk management and
portfolio optimization.
According
to a global memo sent to staff, Citigroup is undergoing its most significant
reorganization in decades. The memo, written by Sara Wechter, the bank's Chief
Human Resources Officer, indicates that roles will be reassessed, created, or
eliminated to fit the new structure.
The changes
are set to be announced in November. Employees whose roles are eliminated may
be eligible for severance pay and can apply for other positions within the
company.
Deutsche Bank Appoints New
Head of Human Resources
Volker Steuer
Deutsche
Bank has named Volker Steuer as its new Head of Human Resources. Steuer, who
has been with the bank for over 30 years, will report to Rebecca Short, a Member
of the Management Board and the Group's Chief Operating Officer.
The
appointment is part of Deutsche Bank's ongoing transformation, and Steuer aims
to focus on evolving the workforce to meet changing client expectations and
market conditions.
FCA's Regulatory Action against
Christopher Vincent Summers
The UK
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has prohibited Christopher Vincent Summers
from performing any regulated activities due to his criminal activities between
2014 and 2019. Summers was convicted of fraud and sentenced to six years in
prison. The Authority stated that Summers' actions demonstrated a severe lack
of honesty and integrity, making him unfit for any regulated activities.
Wirex Limited Revises
E-Money Contract Terms
In a separate
action, the FCA informed that Wirex Limited has committed to revising its e-money
contract terms under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The firm will remove three
terms that were considered likely to be unfair to consumers.
These terms
are related to the firm's liability in case of account suspension, limitations
on compensation, and exclusion of commitments implied by law. The changes aim
to provide clearer and fairer conditions for consumers, effective from January
1, 2024.
FXCM Australia Renamed to
Stratos Trading
A few weeks
after the UK's and Cypriot branches of FXCM rebranded to Stratos Markets
Limited and Stratos Europe Ltd., the Australian subsidiary also changed its
official name. According to the registry of companies authorized by ASIC, the
company changed its name from FXCM Australia Pty. Ltd. to Stratos Trading Pty.
Ltd.
Source: ASIC
All
indications suggest that the change in the company serving as the broker's
operator does not affect the rebranding of FXCM. At least for now. FXCM
originated from the now-defunct Global Brokerage Inc., which declared
bankruptcy in 2017. The company's roots date to 1999 in New York, a global
financial hub.
ACY Securities Appoints Alchaar
as Chief Economist
Nedal Alchaar
ACY
Securities, a global multi-asset CFD broker, has welcomed Dr Nedal Alchaar as
the Chief Economist for their MENA team. Dr Alchaar is a renowned figure in
finance, economics, and academia, with a rich background that includes serving
as the Minister of Economy and Trade in Syria.
He has also
been an adjunct professor at George Washington University and has received
multiple accolades, including nominations for the Nobel Prize. ACY Securities
believes that Dr Alchaar's expertise will significantly benefit their clients
and keep the company at the forefront of industry innovation.
Colt Technology Identifies
Growth Avenues in AI
Colt
Technology Services has released a report highlighting new AI and digital
infrastructure growth opportunities. The study surveyed 755 IT leaders and
found that technologies like 5G, agile connectivity, and edge computing are
considered essential for AI adoption.
The report
also emphasized the increasing importance of On-Demand connectivity, with 89%
of respondents planning to use or already using this feature. The study
suggests that IT leaders are looking for diverse partners to expand their
knowledge in these areas, presenting opportunities for SaaS providers, hardware
vendors, and consultants.
CMCC Global Launches $100
Million Fund
The Hong
Kong-based venture capital firm CMCC Global has successfully raised $100
million for its new Titan Fund to support early-stage blockchain startups in
Asia. The fund attracted more than 30 investors, including significant names
like Winklevoss Capital and Jebsen Capital.
Martin
Baumann, the Co-Founder of CMCC Global, stated that the fund would focus heavily on
Hong Kong-based companies. The Titan Fund is CMCC Global's fourth fund despite a challenging funding environment in the crypto sector.
SIX Digital Exchange
Collaborates with Invest Direct for Private Markets
SDX, the
world's first fully regulated digital asset financial market infrastructure by SIX,
has entered discussions with Invest Direct, a Geneva-based startup specializing
in independent company assessments and investor matchmaking. The collaboration
aims to enhance transparency and standardization in SDX's private equity
offerings. Invest Direct's team, led by Frank Levy, will assist private
companies throughout their funding process, providing independent assessments
and connecting them with professional investors.
Cboe Global Markets Announces
September 2023 Trading Volume
Bloomberg
Cboe Global
Markets, a leading derivatives and securities exchange network, has released
its trading volume statistics for September 2023. The report covers various
segments, including options, futures, and equities. Notably, the average daily
trading volume (ADV) for index options witnessed an increase of 14.3% compared to
September 2022.
However, US
equities on exchange experienced a decline of 16.2% in matched shares. The company
also provided insights into its third-quarter performance, highlighting new
volume records in its proprietary product suite.
FlexTrade Partners with
Axioma for Portfolio Optimization
FlexTrade,
a trading solutions provider, has partnered with Axioma to integrate its
Portfolio Optimizer into FlexONE, FlexTrade's order and execution management
system. The integration aims to automate portfolio rebalancing based on various
criteria like risk tolerance and investment constraints.
Jose
Cortez, the VP of Buy-Side Sales at FlexTrade, stated that the partnership would
offer clients a more efficient workflow across trading, operations, and risk
management, enhancing the role of trading desks in risk management and
portfolio optimization.
According
to a global memo sent to staff, Citigroup is undergoing its most significant
reorganization in decades. The memo, written by Sara Wechter, the bank's Chief
Human Resources Officer, indicates that roles will be reassessed, created, or
eliminated to fit the new structure.
The changes
are set to be announced in November. Employees whose roles are eliminated may
be eligible for severance pay and can apply for other positions within the
company.
Deutsche Bank Appoints New
Head of Human Resources
Volker Steuer
Deutsche
Bank has named Volker Steuer as its new Head of Human Resources. Steuer, who
has been with the bank for over 30 years, will report to Rebecca Short, a Member
of the Management Board and the Group's Chief Operating Officer.
The
appointment is part of Deutsche Bank's ongoing transformation, and Steuer aims
to focus on evolving the workforce to meet changing client expectations and
market conditions.
FCA's Regulatory Action against
Christopher Vincent Summers
The UK
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has prohibited Christopher Vincent Summers
from performing any regulated activities due to his criminal activities between
2014 and 2019. Summers was convicted of fraud and sentenced to six years in
prison. The Authority stated that Summers' actions demonstrated a severe lack
of honesty and integrity, making him unfit for any regulated activities.
Wirex Limited Revises
E-Money Contract Terms
In a separate
action, the FCA informed that Wirex Limited has committed to revising its e-money
contract terms under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The firm will remove three
terms that were considered likely to be unfair to consumers.
These terms
are related to the firm's liability in case of account suspension, limitations
on compensation, and exclusion of commitments implied by law. The changes aim
to provide clearer and fairer conditions for consumers, effective from January
1, 2024.
Cyprus Regulator Proposes Higher CIF Licensing Costs, Plans to Drop Crypto Fee Under MiCA
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
