Watch the "Liquidity for Retail Trading Providers" panel from the latest FMLS:23.
The panel discussed retail liquidity and the evolution of trading platforms.
The annual
Finance Magnates London Summit 2023 included an expert panel discussing the
current liquidity landscape for retail trading brokers. The panel covered
topics around accessing deeper liquidity pools, innovations in liquidity
operations, competition in the prime of prime space, and whether banks
are opening up to working with retail trading firms.
Moderated
by Hormoz Faryar, the Managing Director of Institutional at ATFX, the panel
featured industry experts including Phillip Spurgeon, the UK Branch Director at
B2Prime, Andreas Kapsos the CEO of Match-Prime Liquidity, Ben Robson, the Head
of Institutional EFX at Swiss Finance Corporation, and Alexei Jiltsov, the Co-Founder
at Tradefeedr.
Impact of Geopolitical
Events
Phillip Spurgeon
The panel kicked
off with a discussion on the impact of geopolitical events, such as the
escalation between Israel and Gaza in October 2023. Phillip Spurgeon noted the
defensive pricing by market makers and widening spreads, particularly in
commodities like gold, during geopolitical tensions.
"What
we notice with any geopolitical tensions, they always lead to uncertainty in
the markets. As a company, we saw market makers pricing defensively, we noticed
spreads widening, particularly on commodities, particularly on gold as well,”
Spurgeon said.
Andreas Kapsos
This
sentiment was echoed by Andreas Kapsos, who highlighted how such events lead to
protective liquidity strategies, triggering arbitrage opportunities. "It
is very often that we have events like this during the financial year.
Obviously this one outshines the rest of it. The specific event happened on Saturday,
so that allowed the market a bit of time to react during the opening.”
Internalization with
A-book vs B-book Models
A
significant part of the discussion revolved around the A-book and B-book models
in retail trading. Spurgeon emphasized the importance of a hybrid model,
balancing risk management and selecting the right liquidity provider. Kapsos
shared his perspective on regional differences, noting the varied success of B-book strategies in different markets.
Alexei
Jiltsov pointed out that 2023's lower volatility compared to 2022 implied a
more directional market, affecting both A-book and B-book strategies. He
stressed the importance of client management in liquidity strategies.
Alexei Jiltsov
“Firstly,
the market might be more directional, with potentially less uncertainty.
Secondly, there's a chance that retail traders occasionally make accurate
predictions,” Jiltsov stated. “However, this greatly depends on the client
profile. In cases where trading is highly directional and concentrated on just
one or two assets, there's a higher risk of getting caught out, especially if
these assets have strong consensus views.”
Ben Robson
In
preferring the A-book flow, Ben Robson highlighted the influence of factors
like balance sheet strength, client base, and leverage on these models.
“B book
does have its advantages, but I agree with Phil that the balance sheet plays a
significant role. The location of the brokerage's domicile is also crucial. The
client base and the economies of scale and leverage are important factors,” Robson
added.
Evolution of Retail
Trading Platforms
The
discussion then shifted to trading platforms, with a focus on the dominance of
MT4/MT5. Andreas Kapsos noted the increasing demand for alternative platforms
and technology solutions, particularly in the wake of MetaQuotes’ decision
regarding white labels.
The
changing dynamics around trading platforms have direct implications on
liquidity and broker strategies. Kapsos observed that more startup brokers, now
exploring alternatives to MT4/MT5, are considering A-book strategies from the
outset. This is a departure from the traditional approach of initially focusing
on B-book models.
The panel
concluded with a forward-looking perspective on liquidity management,
acknowledging the complexity of factors influencing it, from geopolitical
events to technological advancements.
Participate in Our Fraud Survey: Your Opinion Matters!
We invite you to participate in our joint survey conducted
by FXStreet and Finance Magnates Group, which explores prevalent online
financial fraud types, platforms used for fraudulent activities, effectiveness
of countermeasures, and challenges faced by companies in tackling such fraud. Your
valuable insights will help inform future strategies and resource allocation in
combating financial fraud.
The annual
Finance Magnates London Summit 2023 included an expert panel discussing the
current liquidity landscape for retail trading brokers. The panel covered
topics around accessing deeper liquidity pools, innovations in liquidity
operations, competition in the prime of prime space, and whether banks
are opening up to working with retail trading firms.
Moderated
by Hormoz Faryar, the Managing Director of Institutional at ATFX, the panel
featured industry experts including Phillip Spurgeon, the UK Branch Director at
B2Prime, Andreas Kapsos the CEO of Match-Prime Liquidity, Ben Robson, the Head
of Institutional EFX at Swiss Finance Corporation, and Alexei Jiltsov, the Co-Founder
at Tradefeedr.
Impact of Geopolitical
Events
Phillip Spurgeon
The panel kicked
off with a discussion on the impact of geopolitical events, such as the
escalation between Israel and Gaza in October 2023. Phillip Spurgeon noted the
defensive pricing by market makers and widening spreads, particularly in
commodities like gold, during geopolitical tensions.
"What
we notice with any geopolitical tensions, they always lead to uncertainty in
the markets. As a company, we saw market makers pricing defensively, we noticed
spreads widening, particularly on commodities, particularly on gold as well,”
Spurgeon said.
Andreas Kapsos
This
sentiment was echoed by Andreas Kapsos, who highlighted how such events lead to
protective liquidity strategies, triggering arbitrage opportunities. "It
is very often that we have events like this during the financial year.
Obviously this one outshines the rest of it. The specific event happened on Saturday,
so that allowed the market a bit of time to react during the opening.”
Internalization with
A-book vs B-book Models
A
significant part of the discussion revolved around the A-book and B-book models
in retail trading. Spurgeon emphasized the importance of a hybrid model,
balancing risk management and selecting the right liquidity provider. Kapsos
shared his perspective on regional differences, noting the varied success of B-book strategies in different markets.
Alexei
Jiltsov pointed out that 2023's lower volatility compared to 2022 implied a
more directional market, affecting both A-book and B-book strategies. He
stressed the importance of client management in liquidity strategies.
Alexei Jiltsov
“Firstly,
the market might be more directional, with potentially less uncertainty.
Secondly, there's a chance that retail traders occasionally make accurate
predictions,” Jiltsov stated. “However, this greatly depends on the client
profile. In cases where trading is highly directional and concentrated on just
one or two assets, there's a higher risk of getting caught out, especially if
these assets have strong consensus views.”
Ben Robson
In
preferring the A-book flow, Ben Robson highlighted the influence of factors
like balance sheet strength, client base, and leverage on these models.
“B book
does have its advantages, but I agree with Phil that the balance sheet plays a
significant role. The location of the brokerage's domicile is also crucial. The
client base and the economies of scale and leverage are important factors,” Robson
added.
Evolution of Retail
Trading Platforms
The
discussion then shifted to trading platforms, with a focus on the dominance of
MT4/MT5. Andreas Kapsos noted the increasing demand for alternative platforms
and technology solutions, particularly in the wake of MetaQuotes’ decision
regarding white labels.
The
changing dynamics around trading platforms have direct implications on
liquidity and broker strategies. Kapsos observed that more startup brokers, now
exploring alternatives to MT4/MT5, are considering A-book strategies from the
outset. This is a departure from the traditional approach of initially focusing
on B-book models.
The panel
concluded with a forward-looking perspective on liquidity management,
acknowledging the complexity of factors influencing it, from geopolitical
events to technological advancements.
Participate in Our Fraud Survey: Your Opinion Matters!
We invite you to participate in our joint survey conducted
by FXStreet and Finance Magnates Group, which explores prevalent online
financial fraud types, platforms used for fraudulent activities, effectiveness
of countermeasures, and challenges faced by companies in tackling such fraud. Your
valuable insights will help inform future strategies and resource allocation in
combating financial fraud.
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.
Exclusive: CFD Industry Tops 6 Million Accounts — Can the Momentum Hold in 2026?
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
