In our exclusive coverage, we feature an interview with forex expert Kathy Lien about useful insights in prop trading. And in the crypto space Robinhood expanded its services across Europe.
On the regulatory front, learn about the new changes in the top leadership of the US SEC and CFTC as President Trump begins his term in the Oval Office.
President Trump vowed to return with the votes required to pass the bills.
IG Group’s H1 FY25 Revenue Jumps
Top on the weekly highlights, IG Group, reported total revenue of £522.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2025, ending on 30 November 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of 11%. Its net trading revenue for the same period rose by 12% to £451.7 million.
Finance Magnates earlier reported that IG generated £278.9 million in revenue in the first three months of the current fiscal year. This means the revenue for the second quarter came in at £243.6 million, a 12.6% quarter-over-quarter decline.
CMC Markets Reaffirms Full-Year Income
Meanwhile, another London-listed broker, CMC Markets, reaffirmed its full-year net operating income guidance in its latest trading update for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2024 (Q3 2025).
“We remain confident in meeting the guidance set earlier this year, with net operating income expected to be in line with market consensus, supported by a strong pipeline of B2B partnerships and ongoing product expansion and diversification,” commented Peter Cruddas, the CEO of CMC Markets.
FCA Is Considering Easing Consumer Duty Rules
On the regulatory front, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom is considering reducing the regulatory burden on firms by removing the “need for a Consumer Duty Board Champion” and delaying the introduction of new consumer protection rules if they are already addressed under the existing duty.
The British regulator's plans were disclosed in a letter from its CEO, Nikhil Rathi, to the UK’s Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Secretary of State, which was made public last week. The letter highlighted the FCA’s intentions to cut several bureaucratic obstacles.
The Consumer Duty rules came into effect at the end of July last year, covering the broader financial services sector in the UK and targeting services offered to retail customers.
“You Don’t Want to Prop Trade with Someone More Focused on Showing Off Their Lamborghinis”
In an insightful discussion about the prop trading space, forex expert Kathy Lien sat down with Finance Magnates this week. “Prop trading is about more than just profits; it’s about discipline, resilience, and the ability to adapt,” she said. Known for her extensive career in forex markets, Lien recently released Prop Trading Secrets (Wiley) alongside Etienne Crête.
The book compiles interviews with traders, including champions of international competitions and industry veterans, to uncover strategies, personal anecdotes, and insights into this evolving space. “Prop trading has quickly grown into a vital part of the financial ecosystem, yet it remains an area where reliable guidance is in short supply.”
Why 50,000 Retail Traders are Rushing Back to Hong Kong Markets
Besides that, Hong Kong's retail investment landscape is experiencing a visible transformation. The market has recorded 50,000 previously dormant trading accounts springing back to life, marking a decisive shift in investor sentiment. This revival represents a 3% increase in total retail online investors and successfully breaks a three-year declining trend.
The resurgence coincides with a growing embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among local investors. Current data shows that 17% of traders are already leveraging AI-powered solutions in their investment decisions. More significantly, an additional 43% of investors have expressed keen interest in incorporating these technologies into their trading strategies.
Trump Inaugurated as US President
Miles away, a historic day in Washington, D.C., took an unexpected twist this week, not only in politics but also in the world of cryptocurrency. As Donald Trump took the oath of office to reclaim the US presidency, Bitcoin shattered records, skyrocketing to an all-time high of nearly $110,000.
At the same time, the launch of meme coins by the first couple has thrown the crypto market into a whirlwind of volatility. Trump introduced his cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, just days before his inauguration, a move that jolted the crypto world. Initially, $TRUMP surged to $74, but it faced a sharp dip when Melania Trump unveiled her own coin, $MELANIA.
Changes at SEC, CFTC
Among the new changes, Trump appointed Mark Uyeda as the acting Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) until the US Senate approves Paul Atkins for the top regulatory role. Another appointment involved Caroline Pham, who is now the Acting Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Her appointment follows a previous controversy in which she criticized the CFTC's working ethics, particularly its enforcement division.
Among the beneficiaries of Trump's second term in the Oval Office is Ross Ulbricht. The U.S. President granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road, who had been serving multiple life sentences for operating the platform that facilitated over $200 million in illicit trade using Bitcoin (BTC).
Additionally, Trump has signed an executive order this week to create a cryptocurrency working group tasked with proposing new digital asset regulations and “evaluating the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile.”
An Open Letter to Trump
As Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office and return to the White House, the world is watching with anticipation. His presidency begins at a time of immense economic transformation, with one of the most significant forces shaping the future being cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
What was once a niche interest for tech enthusiasts has now become a global financial and technological revolution. This revolution has the potential to redefine commerce, empower individuals, and reshape the role of governments in the digital age.
Robinhood Expands Across Europe
In addition to global politics, Robinhood is now available in Spain. In a statement on X, the US-based commission-free stock trading and investing app welcomed Spanish users to access trading, staking, and investment services under the Robinhood Crypto EU platform.
This announcement comes more than a year after the company unveiled a detailed plan to expand its services in the European Union, including rolling out services in the United Kingdom. Robinhood’s latest expansion comes amid the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations in the region.
Crypto.com Targets Corporations
Still, with crypto, Crypto.com expanded its presence in the United States with the launch of institutional services. Announced this week, the exchange will operate under the brand Crypto.com Exchange and offer institutional services. The company already serves retail users in the US.
Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, Source: LinkedIn
“Since testing an early version of the Crypto.com Exchange in the US in 2022, we have made significant investments in the Exchange’s technological capabilities and banking infrastructure, resulting in substantial global growth and positioning ourselves as the leading USD-supporting cryptocurrency exchange,” said Kris Marszalek, Co-Founder and CEO of Crypto.com.
ESMA Sets Deadline for Crypto Firms
Lastly, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) set strict deadlines for crypto firms to act against non-compliant stablecoins under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
In an official statement, ESMA urged crypto asset service providers (CASPs) to take urgent action by January 31 to restrict or delist stablecoins that do not meet MiCA’s standards.
The ESMA’s latest push has placed crypto service providers under pressure as it stresses the need for swift alignment with MiCA, which officially governs the issuance and management of stablecoins in the European Union.
IG Group’s H1 FY25 Revenue Jumps
Top on the weekly highlights, IG Group, reported total revenue of £522.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2025, ending on 30 November 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of 11%. Its net trading revenue for the same period rose by 12% to £451.7 million.
Finance Magnates earlier reported that IG generated £278.9 million in revenue in the first three months of the current fiscal year. This means the revenue for the second quarter came in at £243.6 million, a 12.6% quarter-over-quarter decline.
CMC Markets Reaffirms Full-Year Income
Meanwhile, another London-listed broker, CMC Markets, reaffirmed its full-year net operating income guidance in its latest trading update for the period from October 1 to December 31, 2024 (Q3 2025).
“We remain confident in meeting the guidance set earlier this year, with net operating income expected to be in line with market consensus, supported by a strong pipeline of B2B partnerships and ongoing product expansion and diversification,” commented Peter Cruddas, the CEO of CMC Markets.
FCA Is Considering Easing Consumer Duty Rules
On the regulatory front, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom is considering reducing the regulatory burden on firms by removing the “need for a Consumer Duty Board Champion” and delaying the introduction of new consumer protection rules if they are already addressed under the existing duty.
The British regulator's plans were disclosed in a letter from its CEO, Nikhil Rathi, to the UK’s Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Secretary of State, which was made public last week. The letter highlighted the FCA’s intentions to cut several bureaucratic obstacles.
The Consumer Duty rules came into effect at the end of July last year, covering the broader financial services sector in the UK and targeting services offered to retail customers.
“You Don’t Want to Prop Trade with Someone More Focused on Showing Off Their Lamborghinis”
In an insightful discussion about the prop trading space, forex expert Kathy Lien sat down with Finance Magnates this week. “Prop trading is about more than just profits; it’s about discipline, resilience, and the ability to adapt,” she said. Known for her extensive career in forex markets, Lien recently released Prop Trading Secrets (Wiley) alongside Etienne Crête.
The book compiles interviews with traders, including champions of international competitions and industry veterans, to uncover strategies, personal anecdotes, and insights into this evolving space. “Prop trading has quickly grown into a vital part of the financial ecosystem, yet it remains an area where reliable guidance is in short supply.”
Why 50,000 Retail Traders are Rushing Back to Hong Kong Markets
Besides that, Hong Kong's retail investment landscape is experiencing a visible transformation. The market has recorded 50,000 previously dormant trading accounts springing back to life, marking a decisive shift in investor sentiment. This revival represents a 3% increase in total retail online investors and successfully breaks a three-year declining trend.
The resurgence coincides with a growing embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among local investors. Current data shows that 17% of traders are already leveraging AI-powered solutions in their investment decisions. More significantly, an additional 43% of investors have expressed keen interest in incorporating these technologies into their trading strategies.
Trump Inaugurated as US President
Miles away, a historic day in Washington, D.C., took an unexpected twist this week, not only in politics but also in the world of cryptocurrency. As Donald Trump took the oath of office to reclaim the US presidency, Bitcoin shattered records, skyrocketing to an all-time high of nearly $110,000.
At the same time, the launch of meme coins by the first couple has thrown the crypto market into a whirlwind of volatility. Trump introduced his cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, just days before his inauguration, a move that jolted the crypto world. Initially, $TRUMP surged to $74, but it faced a sharp dip when Melania Trump unveiled her own coin, $MELANIA.
Changes at SEC, CFTC
Among the new changes, Trump appointed Mark Uyeda as the acting Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) until the US Senate approves Paul Atkins for the top regulatory role. Another appointment involved Caroline Pham, who is now the Acting Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Her appointment follows a previous controversy in which she criticized the CFTC's working ethics, particularly its enforcement division.
Among the beneficiaries of Trump's second term in the Oval Office is Ross Ulbricht. The U.S. President granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road, who had been serving multiple life sentences for operating the platform that facilitated over $200 million in illicit trade using Bitcoin (BTC).
Additionally, Trump has signed an executive order this week to create a cryptocurrency working group tasked with proposing new digital asset regulations and “evaluating the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile.”
An Open Letter to Trump
As Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office and return to the White House, the world is watching with anticipation. His presidency begins at a time of immense economic transformation, with one of the most significant forces shaping the future being cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
What was once a niche interest for tech enthusiasts has now become a global financial and technological revolution. This revolution has the potential to redefine commerce, empower individuals, and reshape the role of governments in the digital age.
Robinhood Expands Across Europe
In addition to global politics, Robinhood is now available in Spain. In a statement on X, the US-based commission-free stock trading and investing app welcomed Spanish users to access trading, staking, and investment services under the Robinhood Crypto EU platform.
This announcement comes more than a year after the company unveiled a detailed plan to expand its services in the European Union, including rolling out services in the United Kingdom. Robinhood’s latest expansion comes amid the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations in the region.
Crypto.com Targets Corporations
Still, with crypto, Crypto.com expanded its presence in the United States with the launch of institutional services. Announced this week, the exchange will operate under the brand Crypto.com Exchange and offer institutional services. The company already serves retail users in the US.
Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, Source: LinkedIn
“Since testing an early version of the Crypto.com Exchange in the US in 2022, we have made significant investments in the Exchange’s technological capabilities and banking infrastructure, resulting in substantial global growth and positioning ourselves as the leading USD-supporting cryptocurrency exchange,” said Kris Marszalek, Co-Founder and CEO of Crypto.com.
ESMA Sets Deadline for Crypto Firms
Lastly, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) set strict deadlines for crypto firms to act against non-compliant stablecoins under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
In an official statement, ESMA urged crypto asset service providers (CASPs) to take urgent action by January 31 to restrict or delist stablecoins that do not meet MiCA’s standards.
The ESMA’s latest push has placed crypto service providers under pressure as it stresses the need for swift alignment with MiCA, which officially governs the issuance and management of stablecoins in the European Union.
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
