Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites
Friday,12/12/2025|11:04GMTby
FM
Exness opens a new Cape Town office and outlines its growth plans, local focus, and long-term goals in Africa.
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. The interview, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, explored Exness’ plans in Africa, the local trading environment, and the company's growth strategy across the region.
A new chapter for Exness in Cape Town
Exness has held a local license in South Africa since 2020. What started as a small office has now grown into a full regional hub.
Backed by two FSCA licences, Paul Margarites explains that Exness’ move into a larger Cape Town office reflects its long-term commitment to South Africa. The strengthened regulatory footing, combined with an expanded physical presence, allows the company to deepen its engagement with traders across the country and the wider region. The Cape Town office now has around 50 staff members, with additional hires expected.
“We want to invest in the continent,” Margarites said, adding that, “South Africa offers strong talent and a stable base for growth.”
Margarites shared several reasons why South Africa has become one of the strongest spots for retail trading:
Strong regulation
Reliable local infrastructure
High mobile use and quick digital adoption.
A young, tech-driven population.
He explained that South Africa is now viewed as a rising trading hub, joining more established ones such as London and Singapore. The country’s stable rules and apparent oversight also place it ahead of many other developing markets.
Local needs, local insight
One of the key points Margarites emphasised is the need to understand each African country on its own terms. While the continent is large and varied, specific trends cross borders, especially in digital behaviour and mobile use.
For example, South Africans often trade more in local indices than in those of nearby countries. These minor differences shape how brokers should build their product line and service models.
This is why Exness invests in local teams, which help relay market needs back to the global group.
Younger traders driving growth
Another strong trend in the region is the rise of younger traders. Margarites noted that many new users now search for and learn about products on Instagram and other social media platforms rather than on websites or via Google.
This change in habits has shaped how brokers approach education, support, and engagement.
Margarites discussed Africa as a whole, noting that the continent's diverse languages, cultures, and needs contribute to its complexity. However, he also pointed out that specific patterns and user interests are often consistent across many countries. He likened this situation to Europe, where, despite differences between countries, shared habits still bind them.
Growth plans for Sub-Saharan Africa
Exness aims to continue expanding in a stable and safe manner. The company currently holds licenses in Kenya and South Africa, which are considered two of the most advanced markets from a regulatory perspective.
Margarites described Africa as a long-term commitment for Exness, with continued focus on regulation, compliance, and sustainable growth.
Standing out in a growing, competitive space
As more global brokers enter South Africa, competition is intensifying. Margarites explained how Exness sets itself apart:
Better-than-market conditions
A transparent model
Local support from staff in the market.
He believes this blend of a global product and a local approach gives Exness a strong edge.
The opening of the new Cape Town office marks an essential step in Exness' journey in Africa. The brand plans to keep investing in people, local knowledge, and long-term growth across sub-Saharan markets.
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. The interview, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, explored Exness’ plans in Africa, the local trading environment, and the company's growth strategy across the region.
A new chapter for Exness in Cape Town
Exness has held a local license in South Africa since 2020. What started as a small office has now grown into a full regional hub.
Backed by two FSCA licences, Paul Margarites explains that Exness’ move into a larger Cape Town office reflects its long-term commitment to South Africa. The strengthened regulatory footing, combined with an expanded physical presence, allows the company to deepen its engagement with traders across the country and the wider region. The Cape Town office now has around 50 staff members, with additional hires expected.
“We want to invest in the continent,” Margarites said, adding that, “South Africa offers strong talent and a stable base for growth.”
Margarites shared several reasons why South Africa has become one of the strongest spots for retail trading:
Strong regulation
Reliable local infrastructure
High mobile use and quick digital adoption.
A young, tech-driven population.
He explained that South Africa is now viewed as a rising trading hub, joining more established ones such as London and Singapore. The country’s stable rules and apparent oversight also place it ahead of many other developing markets.
Local needs, local insight
One of the key points Margarites emphasised is the need to understand each African country on its own terms. While the continent is large and varied, specific trends cross borders, especially in digital behaviour and mobile use.
For example, South Africans often trade more in local indices than in those of nearby countries. These minor differences shape how brokers should build their product line and service models.
This is why Exness invests in local teams, which help relay market needs back to the global group.
Younger traders driving growth
Another strong trend in the region is the rise of younger traders. Margarites noted that many new users now search for and learn about products on Instagram and other social media platforms rather than on websites or via Google.
This change in habits has shaped how brokers approach education, support, and engagement.
Margarites discussed Africa as a whole, noting that the continent's diverse languages, cultures, and needs contribute to its complexity. However, he also pointed out that specific patterns and user interests are often consistent across many countries. He likened this situation to Europe, where, despite differences between countries, shared habits still bind them.
Growth plans for Sub-Saharan Africa
Exness aims to continue expanding in a stable and safe manner. The company currently holds licenses in Kenya and South Africa, which are considered two of the most advanced markets from a regulatory perspective.
Margarites described Africa as a long-term commitment for Exness, with continued focus on regulation, compliance, and sustainable growth.
Standing out in a growing, competitive space
As more global brokers enter South Africa, competition is intensifying. Margarites explained how Exness sets itself apart:
Better-than-market conditions
A transparent model
Local support from staff in the market.
He believes this blend of a global product and a local approach gives Exness a strong edge.
The opening of the new Cape Town office marks an essential step in Exness' journey in Africa. The brand plans to keep investing in people, local knowledge, and long-term growth across sub-Saharan markets.
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Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
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We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
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Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
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He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
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As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
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-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
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-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
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Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
