Cayman updates VASP rules, ESMA targets MiFIR. Want to learn more? Get the free report now.
The third edition of the Regulatory Intelligence Insights Report has been released in response to strong feedback on earlier editions. Produced by the Finance Magnates Intelligence Team, this report aims to guide compliance officers, regulators, and financial institutions through the increasingly complex landscape of legal frameworks and supervisory changes.
May 2025 Edition
Cayman Islands: Raising the Bar for VASPs
The Cayman Islands has moved forward with Phase Two of its VASP regulatory regime. The changes, effective 1 April 2025, establish new standards for licensing, governance, and compliance monitoring.
These updates aim to align the jurisdiction with international best practices on anti-money laundering (AML), cybersecurity, and consumer protection. What does this mean for crypto platforms, custodians, and token issuers? We have highlighted the key regulatory shifts; however, the detailed implications are explored in the full report.
ESMA’s MiFIR Transparency Overhaul: A Game Changer
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is proposing substantial revisions to the MiFIR framework, focusing on derivatives market transparency. This could impact how data is disclosed, reported, and interpreted across European Union financial markets.
From revised trade reporting obligations to changes in how systematic internalisers operate, this consultation marks a pivotal moment for compliance teams across Europe.
Each edition includes our signature sections. Regulator Highlights and Spotlight On covering regional policy signals that could shape your future planning. Full coverage and expert interpretation are available only in the downloadable report.
Why This Report Matters for Compliance Teams
The Regulatory Intelligence Insights is more than just a regulatory digest, it is a strategic decision-support tool. In this issue, readers gain access to:
In-depth analysis of emerging frameworks like VASP regulation
Expert commentary on MiFIR reforms and ESMA guidance
Actionable takeaways to support audit readiness and compliance planning
By reviewing the insights in this edition, professionals can anticipate future shifts, avoid operational pitfalls, and build proactive frameworks that reduce regulatory exposure.
1. What does this edition of the report focus on? It highlights the Cayman Islands’ updated VASP regulations and ESMA’s consultation on MiFIR transparency reforms.
2. Who is this report for? It’s tailored for compliance professionals, financial service providers, digital asset firms, and regulatory analysts.
3. Are the Cayman VASP reforms already in effect? Yes, they took effect on April 1, 2025.
4. What is the MiFIR consultation timeline? ESMA’s proposals are under review and expected to be finalised by early 2026.
5. Is the report free? Yes, it is completely free and downloadable without cost.
The third edition of the Regulatory Intelligence Insights Report has been released in response to strong feedback on earlier editions. Produced by the Finance Magnates Intelligence Team, this report aims to guide compliance officers, regulators, and financial institutions through the increasingly complex landscape of legal frameworks and supervisory changes.
May 2025 Edition
Cayman Islands: Raising the Bar for VASPs
The Cayman Islands has moved forward with Phase Two of its VASP regulatory regime. The changes, effective 1 April 2025, establish new standards for licensing, governance, and compliance monitoring.
These updates aim to align the jurisdiction with international best practices on anti-money laundering (AML), cybersecurity, and consumer protection. What does this mean for crypto platforms, custodians, and token issuers? We have highlighted the key regulatory shifts; however, the detailed implications are explored in the full report.
ESMA’s MiFIR Transparency Overhaul: A Game Changer
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is proposing substantial revisions to the MiFIR framework, focusing on derivatives market transparency. This could impact how data is disclosed, reported, and interpreted across European Union financial markets.
From revised trade reporting obligations to changes in how systematic internalisers operate, this consultation marks a pivotal moment for compliance teams across Europe.
Each edition includes our signature sections. Regulator Highlights and Spotlight On covering regional policy signals that could shape your future planning. Full coverage and expert interpretation are available only in the downloadable report.
Why This Report Matters for Compliance Teams
The Regulatory Intelligence Insights is more than just a regulatory digest, it is a strategic decision-support tool. In this issue, readers gain access to:
In-depth analysis of emerging frameworks like VASP regulation
Expert commentary on MiFIR reforms and ESMA guidance
Actionable takeaways to support audit readiness and compliance planning
By reviewing the insights in this edition, professionals can anticipate future shifts, avoid operational pitfalls, and build proactive frameworks that reduce regulatory exposure.
1. What does this edition of the report focus on? It highlights the Cayman Islands’ updated VASP regulations and ESMA’s consultation on MiFIR transparency reforms.
2. Who is this report for? It’s tailored for compliance professionals, financial service providers, digital asset firms, and regulatory analysts.
3. Are the Cayman VASP reforms already in effect? Yes, they took effect on April 1, 2025.
4. What is the MiFIR consultation timeline? ESMA’s proposals are under review and expected to be finalised by early 2026.
5. Is the report free? Yes, it is completely free and downloadable without cost.
Weekly Recap: FXCM, Tradu to Slash 100+ Jobs; 1/3 of eToro Trades Now in 24/5 Extended Market Hours
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
Vitalii Bulynin Talks About Versus Trade, New Pairs, and Big Plans
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
