Firms and traders seek to hedge risk and capitalize on equity market fluctuations.
Traders demand products that could reduce trading costs and improve execution.
Volatility
is the main driving force of financial markets. Where volatility appears, there
is also increased trading activity by traders and investment firms. The latest
data suggests that participants are looking for new products that allow them to
leverage market volatility better.
A recent
study by Acuiti, conducted in association with MIAX, suggests a surge in demand
for volatility products in the derivatives markets. The research reveals that
firms and traders are increasingly looking to hedge risk and profit from the
spikes in volatility, which is a characteristic of equity markets from 2020.
Traders Show Rising Demand
for Volatility Products
According
to the study named ‘Expanding Horizons in Volatility Trading’, 44% of the
Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) reported increased demand for trading
volatility since 2020 from their client base. This research involved 94
proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, banks, interdealer brokers, and major
FCMs serving the derivatives market.
The
findings suggest that firms trading volatility are keen to expand the ecosystem with new tradable products parallel to established ones.
Moreover, the respondents expressed a desire for innovative products that could
reduce trading costs and improve execution, such as futures and options with
smaller tick sizes.
Traders are
calling on exchanges to innovate and introduce new concepts to the market, with
methodology viewed as a crucial factor for any firm considering a new product. One
notable finding is the strong demand for new derivatives contracts among
volatility traders. This indicates a significant appetite for expanding their
trading options within the volatility trading community.
“There is
significant room for innovation in volatility markets,” Ross Lancaster, the
Head of Research at Acuiti, commented. “Different products with different
methodologies will enable firms to trade across different measures of
volatility, expanding the strategies used and creating basis and arbitrage trading
opportunities.”
The report
also suggests that volatility trading is expected to experience substantial
growth in the future. Many firms are planning to adopt this asset class and
trade new products alongside their existing ones, further driving the expansion
of volatility trading.
Index
methodology emerges as a crucial factor for most market participants. The
success of any new contract is heavily influenced by the methodology used to
calculate the index, making it an important consideration for traders and
investors.
Additionally,
the report reveals a growing trend in the popularity of short-dated options
trading. This trend has the potential to greatly impact expectations for listed
volatility products and their associated calculations.
The VIX,
offered by the CBOE, is the most popular volatility product. It calculates
volatility based on S&P 500 options traded exclusively on its exchange. On
the other hand, MIAX provides its own volatility index called SPIKES, which
measures 30-day expected volatility using options on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF,
the world's largest exchange-traded fund.
VIX. Source: Tradingview.com
“Demand for
volatility products across futures, options and ETFs remains strong, with
market participants continuing to look for ways to manage their risk and hedge
portfolios even during times of low volatility,” Kaitlin Meyer, the VP of Marketing
and Sales at MIAX, commented.
Meyer highlighted that SPIKES Volatility Products offer traders an alternative when trading products based on the volatility indexes, boasting a more robust methodology and lower exchange fees to support their strategies.
A
significant finding of the report was the willingness of volatility traders to
diversify their trading by including new volatility products. As much as 79% of
the respondents expressed their openness to trading SPIKES alongside
established volatility products.
Volatility
is the main driving force of financial markets. Where volatility appears, there
is also increased trading activity by traders and investment firms. The latest
data suggests that participants are looking for new products that allow them to
leverage market volatility better.
A recent
study by Acuiti, conducted in association with MIAX, suggests a surge in demand
for volatility products in the derivatives markets. The research reveals that
firms and traders are increasingly looking to hedge risk and profit from the
spikes in volatility, which is a characteristic of equity markets from 2020.
Traders Show Rising Demand
for Volatility Products
According
to the study named ‘Expanding Horizons in Volatility Trading’, 44% of the
Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) reported increased demand for trading
volatility since 2020 from their client base. This research involved 94
proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, banks, interdealer brokers, and major
FCMs serving the derivatives market.
The
findings suggest that firms trading volatility are keen to expand the ecosystem with new tradable products parallel to established ones.
Moreover, the respondents expressed a desire for innovative products that could
reduce trading costs and improve execution, such as futures and options with
smaller tick sizes.
Traders are
calling on exchanges to innovate and introduce new concepts to the market, with
methodology viewed as a crucial factor for any firm considering a new product. One
notable finding is the strong demand for new derivatives contracts among
volatility traders. This indicates a significant appetite for expanding their
trading options within the volatility trading community.
“There is
significant room for innovation in volatility markets,” Ross Lancaster, the
Head of Research at Acuiti, commented. “Different products with different
methodologies will enable firms to trade across different measures of
volatility, expanding the strategies used and creating basis and arbitrage trading
opportunities.”
The report
also suggests that volatility trading is expected to experience substantial
growth in the future. Many firms are planning to adopt this asset class and
trade new products alongside their existing ones, further driving the expansion
of volatility trading.
Index
methodology emerges as a crucial factor for most market participants. The
success of any new contract is heavily influenced by the methodology used to
calculate the index, making it an important consideration for traders and
investors.
Additionally,
the report reveals a growing trend in the popularity of short-dated options
trading. This trend has the potential to greatly impact expectations for listed
volatility products and their associated calculations.
The VIX,
offered by the CBOE, is the most popular volatility product. It calculates
volatility based on S&P 500 options traded exclusively on its exchange. On
the other hand, MIAX provides its own volatility index called SPIKES, which
measures 30-day expected volatility using options on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF,
the world's largest exchange-traded fund.
VIX. Source: Tradingview.com
“Demand for
volatility products across futures, options and ETFs remains strong, with
market participants continuing to look for ways to manage their risk and hedge
portfolios even during times of low volatility,” Kaitlin Meyer, the VP of Marketing
and Sales at MIAX, commented.
Meyer highlighted that SPIKES Volatility Products offer traders an alternative when trading products based on the volatility indexes, boasting a more robust methodology and lower exchange fees to support their strategies.
A
significant finding of the report was the willingness of volatility traders to
diversify their trading by including new volatility products. As much as 79% of
the respondents expressed their openness to trading SPIKES alongside
established volatility products.
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.
FSMA Blocks 245 Scam Websites; Whistleblowing Increases 12% in 2025
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
