Apex Group acquired a 3% stake in London-listed CFDs broker CMC Markets.
Find out how much the CEOs of leading CFD brokers earn.
Hirose permanently ended retail CFD onboarding outside Japan
IG CEO made $4.5M in FY25
This week’s recap highlights interesting figures in executive
pay in the CFD brokerage sector. IG Group CEO Breon Corcoran became the second-highest-paid chief among London-listed CFD brokers in fiscal 2025,
earning about £3.35 million ($4.46 million).
Comparatively, Plus500 CEO David Zruia topped the list with
$4.97 million, while CMC Markets’ Lord Peter Cruddas received £1.1 million
($1.5 million).
Despite Cruddas’ comparatively lower salary, his nearly 60%
ownership in CMC Markets brought him around £14.5 million ($19.68 million) in
dividends last year.
Plus500 customer deposits jump over 100%
At the same time, Plus500 delivered solid first-half results, with revenue rising 4% year-on-year to $415.1 million despite
challenging market conditions. Net profit inched up to $149.6 million from
$148.8 million.
The London-listed trading platform continued to
diversify beyond its core contracts-for-difference offering, while customer
deposits more than doubled to over $3 billion.
Meanwhile, nearly nine
out of ten contracts for differences trades at Plus500 were made on a
phone or tablet in the first half of 2025, accounting for 89% of the broker’s
OTC revenue. This was well above the industry average of 55.5% for Q2 2025.
Besides the numbers, the company is seeking a licence in Chile, having already established a local entity in the
country.The move followed its entry into the US retail futures
market and the recent acquisition of an OTC Canadian licence.
eToro revenue jumps
Still in a week dominated by earnings reports, eToro posted mixed results in its first earnings release as a public company. Net contribution rose 26% year-on-year in Q2
2025, while net income remained at about $30 million.
Net profit came in at CHF 158.2 million ($196.2 million), up
9.4%. The company raised its full-year pre-tax profit forecast to CHF 365
million ($452.6 million) from CHF 355 million ($440.2 million) and increased
its revenue target to CHF 700 million from CHF 675 million.
In April, the company set a single-day trading record by
processing $56 billion in transactions, supported by high client activity
across its global platforms.
The Hamburg-based company continued to invest in expanding
its “financial superapp” user base, maintaining the growth seen in 2024, when
it posted full-year revenue of EUR 62 million.
Regional banks bet on crypto
Beyond the financial reports, Paul Golden highlighted how crypto has moved further into the
financial mainstream in 2025, with a clearer regulatory environment encouraging
mid-tier and smaller US financial institutions to explore crypto offerings.
Surveys indicated that consumer confidence in regional banks
had recovered from the reputational damage caused by the collapses of First
Republic Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature Bank in 2023.
Executive moves of the week
In our executive roundup, B2C2, the crypto market maker
owned by Japanese conglomerate SBI, expanded its presence in Southeast Asia by
appointing Laura Teo as Singapore Country Head and Head of Sales, APAC.
Equiti Group reshuffled its top ranks, promoting Sartaj
Singh to Chief Technology Officer, Rick Fulton to Chief Risk and Audit Officer,
and Sean Hong to Chief Financial Officer.
Bitcoin, XRP, Ether price action
Early this week, Bitcoin rose 2.84% to $121,625, driven by
strong institutional demand and expectations of a favorable Federal Reserve
policy. The move brought the cryptocurrency close to its all-time high, with
analysts targeting the $140,000 level.
Lord Cruddas, CMC’s founder and CEO, continued to hold over
59% of the company. The filing did not specify the cost, but the market value
of the shares on that date was around £21.66 million.
Hirose permanently ends retail CFD onboarding outside Japan
In our exclusive story, Hirose Financial stopped onboarding new retail clients under its UK- and Labuan-regulated entities. A Companies House filing showed that the UK entity planned to shift its focus to B2B market opportunities.
A notice on Hirose's offshore website homepage
Hirose’s client registration pages for the UK and Labuan
entities stated that retail applications were permanently closed. However, another notice on a separate Hirose website, which
redirected potential clients to offshore platforms, described the suspension as
temporary.
Nvidia and AMD had seen billions in potential revenue vanish
under the US ban on high-performance chip exports to China. Beijing subtly restricted the use of foreign AI hardware, a
move that could reshape the chip market and disadvantage Nvidia and AMD.
Chinese regulators told companies, including Alibaba and
ByteDance, to justify their orders of American-made AI chips, especially for
projects related to government or national security.
IG CEO made $4.5M in FY25
This week’s recap highlights interesting figures in executive
pay in the CFD brokerage sector. IG Group CEO Breon Corcoran became the second-highest-paid chief among London-listed CFD brokers in fiscal 2025,
earning about £3.35 million ($4.46 million).
Comparatively, Plus500 CEO David Zruia topped the list with
$4.97 million, while CMC Markets’ Lord Peter Cruddas received £1.1 million
($1.5 million).
Despite Cruddas’ comparatively lower salary, his nearly 60%
ownership in CMC Markets brought him around £14.5 million ($19.68 million) in
dividends last year.
Plus500 customer deposits jump over 100%
At the same time, Plus500 delivered solid first-half results, with revenue rising 4% year-on-year to $415.1 million despite
challenging market conditions. Net profit inched up to $149.6 million from
$148.8 million.
The London-listed trading platform continued to
diversify beyond its core contracts-for-difference offering, while customer
deposits more than doubled to over $3 billion.
Meanwhile, nearly nine
out of ten contracts for differences trades at Plus500 were made on a
phone or tablet in the first half of 2025, accounting for 89% of the broker’s
OTC revenue. This was well above the industry average of 55.5% for Q2 2025.
Besides the numbers, the company is seeking a licence in Chile, having already established a local entity in the
country.The move followed its entry into the US retail futures
market and the recent acquisition of an OTC Canadian licence.
eToro revenue jumps
Still in a week dominated by earnings reports, eToro posted mixed results in its first earnings release as a public company. Net contribution rose 26% year-on-year in Q2
2025, while net income remained at about $30 million.
Net profit came in at CHF 158.2 million ($196.2 million), up
9.4%. The company raised its full-year pre-tax profit forecast to CHF 365
million ($452.6 million) from CHF 355 million ($440.2 million) and increased
its revenue target to CHF 700 million from CHF 675 million.
In April, the company set a single-day trading record by
processing $56 billion in transactions, supported by high client activity
across its global platforms.
The Hamburg-based company continued to invest in expanding
its “financial superapp” user base, maintaining the growth seen in 2024, when
it posted full-year revenue of EUR 62 million.
Regional banks bet on crypto
Beyond the financial reports, Paul Golden highlighted how crypto has moved further into the
financial mainstream in 2025, with a clearer regulatory environment encouraging
mid-tier and smaller US financial institutions to explore crypto offerings.
Surveys indicated that consumer confidence in regional banks
had recovered from the reputational damage caused by the collapses of First
Republic Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature Bank in 2023.
Executive moves of the week
In our executive roundup, B2C2, the crypto market maker
owned by Japanese conglomerate SBI, expanded its presence in Southeast Asia by
appointing Laura Teo as Singapore Country Head and Head of Sales, APAC.
Equiti Group reshuffled its top ranks, promoting Sartaj
Singh to Chief Technology Officer, Rick Fulton to Chief Risk and Audit Officer,
and Sean Hong to Chief Financial Officer.
Bitcoin, XRP, Ether price action
Early this week, Bitcoin rose 2.84% to $121,625, driven by
strong institutional demand and expectations of a favorable Federal Reserve
policy. The move brought the cryptocurrency close to its all-time high, with
analysts targeting the $140,000 level.
Lord Cruddas, CMC’s founder and CEO, continued to hold over
59% of the company. The filing did not specify the cost, but the market value
of the shares on that date was around £21.66 million.
Hirose permanently ends retail CFD onboarding outside Japan
In our exclusive story, Hirose Financial stopped onboarding new retail clients under its UK- and Labuan-regulated entities. A Companies House filing showed that the UK entity planned to shift its focus to B2B market opportunities.
A notice on Hirose's offshore website homepage
Hirose’s client registration pages for the UK and Labuan
entities stated that retail applications were permanently closed. However, another notice on a separate Hirose website, which
redirected potential clients to offshore platforms, described the suspension as
temporary.
Nvidia and AMD had seen billions in potential revenue vanish
under the US ban on high-performance chip exports to China. Beijing subtly restricted the use of foreign AI hardware, a
move that could reshape the chip market and disadvantage Nvidia and AMD.
Chinese regulators told companies, including Alibaba and
ByteDance, to justify their orders of American-made AI chips, especially for
projects related to government or national security.
With CFD Brokers Showing Interest in Futures, NinjaTrader Extends Access for EU Retail Traders
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
