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.
XTB Profit Drops 24% as Gold Rally Fails to Offset Soaring Marketing Spend
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
