In other developments, Ripple secured a regulatory license in Dubai, while Revolut and Visa challenged the UK Payment Systems Regulator in court.
In the financial reports, IG Group posted a 12% increase in total revenue, while Futu Holdings nearly doubled its fourth-quarter net income.
Saxo Bank branding on a Formula One car
Trustpilot’s Reputation Casino
Top on our weekly news recap is an interesting development involving prop trading firms and Trustpilot. Recently, the online review platform abruptly wiped out over 1,300 reviews from the profile of prop firm Hola Prime, leaving just 49 behind. The reason? The firm had allegedly flooded the platform with fake reviews to boost its rating.
And in the sporting arena, Airwallex, the fintech heavyweight, is banking on creatives, splashing cash in F1, and making global plays with strategic acquisitions. While Airwallex is busy building out its fintech ecosystem for creatives, it’s also flexing its own creative muscles.
Enter: Formula 1. Because nothing says “cutting-edge fintech” quite like slapping your brand on the world’s fastest (and most expensive) billboard. Airwallex isn’t just making waves in fintech—it’s merging speed, culture, and creativity in spectacular fashion. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, the company gifted Oscar Piastri a custom-wrapped McLaren supercar featuring an electrifying design by First Nations artist Reko Rennie.
NAGA Founder Announced New Crypto Startup
Benjamin Bilski, the former CEO and founder of NAGA is preparing to launch a new cryptocurrency trading platform. Following his departure from NAGA after its acquisition by CAPEX.com, Bilski is now eying the opportunities in the crypto landscape.
Now, he believes he has identified a major inefficiency in the industry—one he claims could “change everything.” His LinkedIn post suggested that the new platform would address structural issues in market-making and liquidity provision. He emphasized democratized liquidity pools, an independent blockchain optimized for scale, social investing elements, and an AI-driven ecosystem tailored for traders.
The approval represents Ripple's first license in the Middle East and allows the company to offer regulated crypto payment services to businesses throughout the UAE, strengthening its position in a region where it already maintains about 20% of its global customer base. This is reportedly a continuation of the regulatory moves initiated by the company in the Middle East late last year when, in October, it obtained an in-principle license to launch cross-border payment services.
Several companies posted their financial results this week. Doo Group reported a total trading volume of $134.11 billion in February 2025, a 25.33% increase from January. The company faced lower trading activity in January due to seasonal factors and market adjustments. Despite initial challenges, trading volume rebounded in February as market conditions stabilized.
iSAM Securities (UK) Limited also registered its results, reporting a total turnover of £27.04 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2024, reflecting a decline from £31.62 million in the previous year. Despite lower revenue, administrative expenses saw a slight reduction, standing at £28.31 million compared to £31.44 million in 2023.
Source: Company Information Service UK
Meanwhile, Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU) saw its fourth-quarter net income more than double as trading volume surged to an all-time high amid increased investor activity in AI and cryptocurrency stocks. Also reporting strong results, IG Group (LSE: IGG) reported a 12% increase in total revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q3 FY25), reaching £268.0 million as stronger market conditions and an uptick in active clients drove performance.
Yuh, the mobile-focused finance app developed by Swissquote and PostFinance, reported a profit of CHF 1.7 million in 2024—its first profitable year since launching in May 2021. “We originally planned to break even by 2025—proof that a well-thought-out strategy, decisive action, and an unwavering focus on our customers can achieve great things,” said Markus Schwab, CEO of Yuh.
In the prop trading space, Maven Securities Holding Limited, a UK-based proprietary trading firm, recorded a 30% decline in revenue to £84 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024, while increasing profit before tax to £15.6 million, according to the company's annual financial statements.
The Flock of Hedge Funds to GCC
Meanwhile, the most recent Global Financial Centres Index illustrates the growing influence of the GCC’s (Gulf Cooperation Council) two main financial centers. Dubai moved up four places to 16th, and Abu Dhabi advanced from 37th to 35th. Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait City also made big moves, albeit from a much lower base.
The region's increasing appeal to hedge funds is a significant factor in this growth. A report published by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in September 2024 notes that the number of hedge funds establishing operations in the center rose by 125% in 2023.
The Fintech-Bank Marriage is Broken
The latest findings show a strained relationship between banks and the fintech sector. Regulatory scrutiny intensified last spring after middleware provider Synapse collapsed, leaving thousands of online customers’ deposits in the lurch.
Last summer, federal banking agencies released an interagency statement providing guidance for banks working with third parties on deposit products, as well as a request for information related to the bank-fintech relationship. In September, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) proposed new recordkeeping rules for banks that take deposits from fintech customers.
Israeli Court Orders Panda CFD Technology Provider Sale
A FX/CFD tech partnership that generated millions in wealth reached its breaking point this week, according to the Israeli media outlet TheMarker.com. An Israeli economic court ordered the sale of fintech company Panda Trading Systems to a third party after years of escalating conflict between its equal shareholders.
Samuel Gutman and Maor Lahav, who founded Panda in 2007 and each owns 50% of the company, reportedly failed to establish any mechanism for resolving disputes or separating their interests. The court noted this oversight created significant potential for expensive and lengthy legal proceedings when disagreements emerged.
Revolut vs. The UK Regulator
Additionally, Revolut and Visa took on the UK Payment Systems Regulator over proposed caps on interchange fees, arguing that innovation and competition are at stake.
The legal challenge, filed separately by both companies, contends that the PSR’s move is unnecessary and could have unintended consequences for consumers and businesses alike. Given Revolut’s rapid rise and Visa’s global dominance, this isn’t just another regulatory spat—it’s a battle for the future of fintech.
Safra Sarasin to Buy 70% Stake in Saxo Bank
Lastly, Swiss private bank J. Safra Sarasin agreed to acquire a 70 percent stake in Saxo Bank, which has been looking for a new buyer for months. The deal is valued at around 1.1 billion euros ($1.19 billion), putting the Danish online trading and investment services provider at a valuation tag of about 1.6 billion euros.
The new owner will purchase Finnish Mandatum's stake of 19.8 percent in Saxo as well as the 49.9 percent stake in Chinese group Geely. Saxo Bank’s founder and CEO, Kim Fournais, will continue to hold his 28 percent stake in the company. He will also remain the CEO of the company.
Trustpilot’s Reputation Casino
Top on our weekly news recap is an interesting development involving prop trading firms and Trustpilot. Recently, the online review platform abruptly wiped out over 1,300 reviews from the profile of prop firm Hola Prime, leaving just 49 behind. The reason? The firm had allegedly flooded the platform with fake reviews to boost its rating.
And in the sporting arena, Airwallex, the fintech heavyweight, is banking on creatives, splashing cash in F1, and making global plays with strategic acquisitions. While Airwallex is busy building out its fintech ecosystem for creatives, it’s also flexing its own creative muscles.
Enter: Formula 1. Because nothing says “cutting-edge fintech” quite like slapping your brand on the world’s fastest (and most expensive) billboard. Airwallex isn’t just making waves in fintech—it’s merging speed, culture, and creativity in spectacular fashion. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, the company gifted Oscar Piastri a custom-wrapped McLaren supercar featuring an electrifying design by First Nations artist Reko Rennie.
NAGA Founder Announced New Crypto Startup
Benjamin Bilski, the former CEO and founder of NAGA is preparing to launch a new cryptocurrency trading platform. Following his departure from NAGA after its acquisition by CAPEX.com, Bilski is now eying the opportunities in the crypto landscape.
Now, he believes he has identified a major inefficiency in the industry—one he claims could “change everything.” His LinkedIn post suggested that the new platform would address structural issues in market-making and liquidity provision. He emphasized democratized liquidity pools, an independent blockchain optimized for scale, social investing elements, and an AI-driven ecosystem tailored for traders.
The approval represents Ripple's first license in the Middle East and allows the company to offer regulated crypto payment services to businesses throughout the UAE, strengthening its position in a region where it already maintains about 20% of its global customer base. This is reportedly a continuation of the regulatory moves initiated by the company in the Middle East late last year when, in October, it obtained an in-principle license to launch cross-border payment services.
Several companies posted their financial results this week. Doo Group reported a total trading volume of $134.11 billion in February 2025, a 25.33% increase from January. The company faced lower trading activity in January due to seasonal factors and market adjustments. Despite initial challenges, trading volume rebounded in February as market conditions stabilized.
iSAM Securities (UK) Limited also registered its results, reporting a total turnover of £27.04 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2024, reflecting a decline from £31.62 million in the previous year. Despite lower revenue, administrative expenses saw a slight reduction, standing at £28.31 million compared to £31.44 million in 2023.
Source: Company Information Service UK
Meanwhile, Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU) saw its fourth-quarter net income more than double as trading volume surged to an all-time high amid increased investor activity in AI and cryptocurrency stocks. Also reporting strong results, IG Group (LSE: IGG) reported a 12% increase in total revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q3 FY25), reaching £268.0 million as stronger market conditions and an uptick in active clients drove performance.
Yuh, the mobile-focused finance app developed by Swissquote and PostFinance, reported a profit of CHF 1.7 million in 2024—its first profitable year since launching in May 2021. “We originally planned to break even by 2025—proof that a well-thought-out strategy, decisive action, and an unwavering focus on our customers can achieve great things,” said Markus Schwab, CEO of Yuh.
In the prop trading space, Maven Securities Holding Limited, a UK-based proprietary trading firm, recorded a 30% decline in revenue to £84 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024, while increasing profit before tax to £15.6 million, according to the company's annual financial statements.
The Flock of Hedge Funds to GCC
Meanwhile, the most recent Global Financial Centres Index illustrates the growing influence of the GCC’s (Gulf Cooperation Council) two main financial centers. Dubai moved up four places to 16th, and Abu Dhabi advanced from 37th to 35th. Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait City also made big moves, albeit from a much lower base.
The region's increasing appeal to hedge funds is a significant factor in this growth. A report published by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in September 2024 notes that the number of hedge funds establishing operations in the center rose by 125% in 2023.
The Fintech-Bank Marriage is Broken
The latest findings show a strained relationship between banks and the fintech sector. Regulatory scrutiny intensified last spring after middleware provider Synapse collapsed, leaving thousands of online customers’ deposits in the lurch.
Last summer, federal banking agencies released an interagency statement providing guidance for banks working with third parties on deposit products, as well as a request for information related to the bank-fintech relationship. In September, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) proposed new recordkeeping rules for banks that take deposits from fintech customers.
Israeli Court Orders Panda CFD Technology Provider Sale
A FX/CFD tech partnership that generated millions in wealth reached its breaking point this week, according to the Israeli media outlet TheMarker.com. An Israeli economic court ordered the sale of fintech company Panda Trading Systems to a third party after years of escalating conflict between its equal shareholders.
Samuel Gutman and Maor Lahav, who founded Panda in 2007 and each owns 50% of the company, reportedly failed to establish any mechanism for resolving disputes or separating their interests. The court noted this oversight created significant potential for expensive and lengthy legal proceedings when disagreements emerged.
Revolut vs. The UK Regulator
Additionally, Revolut and Visa took on the UK Payment Systems Regulator over proposed caps on interchange fees, arguing that innovation and competition are at stake.
The legal challenge, filed separately by both companies, contends that the PSR’s move is unnecessary and could have unintended consequences for consumers and businesses alike. Given Revolut’s rapid rise and Visa’s global dominance, this isn’t just another regulatory spat—it’s a battle for the future of fintech.
Safra Sarasin to Buy 70% Stake in Saxo Bank
Lastly, Swiss private bank J. Safra Sarasin agreed to acquire a 70 percent stake in Saxo Bank, which has been looking for a new buyer for months. The deal is valued at around 1.1 billion euros ($1.19 billion), putting the Danish online trading and investment services provider at a valuation tag of about 1.6 billion euros.
The new owner will purchase Finnish Mandatum's stake of 19.8 percent in Saxo as well as the 49.9 percent stake in Chinese group Geely. Saxo Bank’s founder and CEO, Kim Fournais, will continue to hold his 28 percent stake in the company. He will also remain the CEO of the company.
XTB Shares Surge 12% on Margin Trading and 24/5 Markets
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
