According to our latest data from the upcoming Finance Magnates' Q1 Intelligence Report, MT5 accounted for 54.2% of the total combined trading volume between MT4 and MT5, while MT4 held a 45.8% share.
Technological upgrades, evolving regulatory standards, and a growing demand for more diverse trading instruments have all fueled its rise.
IC Markets eyes the UAE
Meanwhile, the race to expand into the fast-growing Middle East market is not about to stop. Australia-headquartered broker IC Markets is now considering strengthening its presence in the region by obtaining a licence in the United Arab Emirates.
A report shared with financeMagnates.com revealed that the broker has appointed Jason Hughes as its General Manager for the Middle East. Hughes has previously worked with several brokerage firms, including eToro, Exinity, ADSS, and CMC Markets.
eToro brings Hong Kong stock exchange-listed securities
Israel-based fintechgiant eToro is also expanding its offering. The company announced this week that it will add all securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) to its platform in a phased rollout, expanding investor access to Chinese and Asian markets.
Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro
The addition will include all HKEX-listed stocks and exchange-traded products (ETPs), including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and leveraged and inverse products. Users will also benefit from real-time pricing data provided directly by HKEX.
"By expanding our offering to include more companies listed on HKEX – one of the world's top ten stock exchanges by market capitalization – we are further strengthening our commitment to making global markets accessible to everyone," said Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro.
XTB share buyback program
The Polish-based fintech broker XTB (WSE: XTB) is among the few stocks defying the market volatility caused by Trump tariffs, thanks to a share buyback program.
The company's shares jumped to an all-time high on Tuesday, rising more than 4% as investors responded positively to the company's 10 million zlotys share buyback program launched this week.
The Poland-based fintech broker saw its stock price reach 78.74 PLN during morning trading on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE: XTB), surpassing its previous record of 78 PLN set in January.
XTB price chart. Source: Stooq.pl
Also posting positive financial performance, Hantec Markets Limited, the UK subsidiary of the global forex and CFD broker, returned to profitability for the financial year that ended on 31 December 2024. The company posted a profit of £72K for the year, compared to a loss of £55K in 2023.
Forex and CFD trading in Poland
The latest data shows rising numbers in the forex trading industry globally. For instance, the number of active Forex traders in Poland increased by 40% last year alone, reaching nearly 117,000 participants.
Miles away, the U.S. retail forex brokers held approximately $527 million in client obligations as of February 2025, according to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) report. The figures represent a 2.9% month-over-month increase from January, when total client funds stood at approximately $512 million.
According to the company’s report, under the agreement, R.J. O’Brien’s global operations will be merged into StoneX. The combined business is expected to be a substantial futures commission merchant in the US, with RJO's client accounts currently at 75,000.
However, the company clarified that its legacy CFDs-based prop products will remain unavailable to US clients. FundedNext initially offered its original prop trading services to US residents, but withdrew following the crackdown on MetaQuotes in February 2024.
In our recent analysis, we looked at why prop firms are challenging CFD brokers and whether there will be a takeover or coexistence. One of the interesting questions raised by this acceleration in prop trading revenues is its effect on CFD brokers.
Charles Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Upside Funding
Charles Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Upside Funding, says his firm’s analysis suggests the number of challenges sold is rising by around 30% per annum. “An argument a trader may make when deciding between the two options is that prop firms have rules and CFD brokers do not, which is completely valid,” he says.
Nvidia takes $5.5B tariff hit
As the global market reels from the consequences of Trump's recent tariffs, losses are starting to emerge. Nvidia faces a $5.5 billion hit from the tariffs, which will affect its Nvidia H20 rollout in China.
Inventory was reportedly intended for China, especially the Nvidia H20 chips, which were hyped as the company's bespoke workaround to U.S. export restrictions, has been affected by the new policies.
Crypto Mantra (OM) drops 90%
Mantra’s OM crypto token, a cryptocurrency native to its namesake blockchain supporting real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, plunged. with centralized exchanges and suspected insider dumpers in the spotlight, the token lost over 90% of its value in the shortest time.
Just one day after a devastating crash wiped out billions in value, the OM token staged a dramatic rebound, surging nearly 50%. In response to mounting accusations and comparisons with the collapsed Terra LUNA, Mantra co-founder JP Mullin had to issue a statement assuring investors that the project remained operational.
According to our latest data from the upcoming Finance Magnates' Q1 Intelligence Report, MT5 accounted for 54.2% of the total combined trading volume between MT4 and MT5, while MT4 held a 45.8% share.
Technological upgrades, evolving regulatory standards, and a growing demand for more diverse trading instruments have all fueled its rise.
IC Markets eyes the UAE
Meanwhile, the race to expand into the fast-growing Middle East market is not about to stop. Australia-headquartered broker IC Markets is now considering strengthening its presence in the region by obtaining a licence in the United Arab Emirates.
A report shared with financeMagnates.com revealed that the broker has appointed Jason Hughes as its General Manager for the Middle East. Hughes has previously worked with several brokerage firms, including eToro, Exinity, ADSS, and CMC Markets.
eToro brings Hong Kong stock exchange-listed securities
Israel-based fintechgiant eToro is also expanding its offering. The company announced this week that it will add all securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) to its platform in a phased rollout, expanding investor access to Chinese and Asian markets.
Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro
The addition will include all HKEX-listed stocks and exchange-traded products (ETPs), including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and leveraged and inverse products. Users will also benefit from real-time pricing data provided directly by HKEX.
"By expanding our offering to include more companies listed on HKEX – one of the world's top ten stock exchanges by market capitalization – we are further strengthening our commitment to making global markets accessible to everyone," said Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro.
XTB share buyback program
The Polish-based fintech broker XTB (WSE: XTB) is among the few stocks defying the market volatility caused by Trump tariffs, thanks to a share buyback program.
The company's shares jumped to an all-time high on Tuesday, rising more than 4% as investors responded positively to the company's 10 million zlotys share buyback program launched this week.
The Poland-based fintech broker saw its stock price reach 78.74 PLN during morning trading on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE: XTB), surpassing its previous record of 78 PLN set in January.
XTB price chart. Source: Stooq.pl
Also posting positive financial performance, Hantec Markets Limited, the UK subsidiary of the global forex and CFD broker, returned to profitability for the financial year that ended on 31 December 2024. The company posted a profit of £72K for the year, compared to a loss of £55K in 2023.
Forex and CFD trading in Poland
The latest data shows rising numbers in the forex trading industry globally. For instance, the number of active Forex traders in Poland increased by 40% last year alone, reaching nearly 117,000 participants.
Miles away, the U.S. retail forex brokers held approximately $527 million in client obligations as of February 2025, according to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) report. The figures represent a 2.9% month-over-month increase from January, when total client funds stood at approximately $512 million.
According to the company’s report, under the agreement, R.J. O’Brien’s global operations will be merged into StoneX. The combined business is expected to be a substantial futures commission merchant in the US, with RJO's client accounts currently at 75,000.
However, the company clarified that its legacy CFDs-based prop products will remain unavailable to US clients. FundedNext initially offered its original prop trading services to US residents, but withdrew following the crackdown on MetaQuotes in February 2024.
In our recent analysis, we looked at why prop firms are challenging CFD brokers and whether there will be a takeover or coexistence. One of the interesting questions raised by this acceleration in prop trading revenues is its effect on CFD brokers.
Charles Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Upside Funding
Charles Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Upside Funding, says his firm’s analysis suggests the number of challenges sold is rising by around 30% per annum. “An argument a trader may make when deciding between the two options is that prop firms have rules and CFD brokers do not, which is completely valid,” he says.
Nvidia takes $5.5B tariff hit
As the global market reels from the consequences of Trump's recent tariffs, losses are starting to emerge. Nvidia faces a $5.5 billion hit from the tariffs, which will affect its Nvidia H20 rollout in China.
Inventory was reportedly intended for China, especially the Nvidia H20 chips, which were hyped as the company's bespoke workaround to U.S. export restrictions, has been affected by the new policies.
Crypto Mantra (OM) drops 90%
Mantra’s OM crypto token, a cryptocurrency native to its namesake blockchain supporting real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, plunged. with centralized exchanges and suspected insider dumpers in the spotlight, the token lost over 90% of its value in the shortest time.
Just one day after a devastating crash wiped out billions in value, the OM token staged a dramatic rebound, surging nearly 50%. In response to mounting accusations and comparisons with the collapsed Terra LUNA, Mantra co-founder JP Mullin had to issue a statement assuring investors that the project remained operational.
Aussies on CMC Invest Traded Local Stocks Six Times More Than US-Listed Ones
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
