Payment companies are integrating with forex and crypto markets due to rising demand.
Regulatory challenges in crypto are being met with adaptive strategies.
Africa and Latin America, are becoming significant focus areas for payment providers.
Walking the floor of the iFX Expo in
Limassol, Cyprus, the big story was how payments and payment service providers are adapting
to changing demands and emerging markets, specifically the forex and crypto
spaces.
The following observations are made
following interviews with representatives of payment companies and crypto companies
that were present at the Cyprus iFX Expo (site).
🌟We've left a successful iFX EXPO International 2024 Day 1 behind us.
This shift is driven by the growing
number of forex traders and the need for robust payment solutions that
facilitate smooth transactions. Many payment companies have long-standing
relationships with large, regulated forex brokers, ensuring secure transactions
and maintaining market integrity. This trend is mirrored by other payment firms
looking to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for forex services, particularly
in emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa​​​​. This was evidenced by
the number of companies both based in these emerging markets, and European
providers that are building networks within these regions.
Get ready to witness a new era in industry recognition. We listened to the industry and we are proud to announce the launch of a highly anticipated product that's been in the making for quite a while.
— Finance Magnates (@financemagnates) June 18, 2024
Navigating the Crypto Landscape
The cryptocurrency market presents
both opportunities and challenges for payments companies. On the one hand,
crypto offers fast, cheap, and borderless transactions, which are highly
appealing in an increasingly globalized economy. The ease of crypto
transactions—where funds can be deposited and withdrawn quickly without the
scrutiny typical of traditional banking systems—is driving adoption among
traders and consumers​​​​.
However, while many firms are
exploring crypto options, others are choosing to focus on traditional payments,
along with forex. In one extreme example, one representative hinted that their
firm – predominantly targeting the African, LATAM and South American markets –
was avoiding crypto payments due a partner’s financial collapse.
While all this might sound off
putting, almost all of the payment providers working, or seeking to work, in
the crypto space where bullish about the sector’s future. Regulation was seen as
both inevitable and as a positive thing across the board. The questions posed
all related to how, and when, rather than if.
Emerging Markets: A New Frontier
Emerging markets are becoming a
focal point for payment providers looking to expand their reach. Africa and
Latin America, in particular, are drawing significant attention due to their growing
economies. Payment solutions tailored to local preferences and regulatory
requirements are crucial in these regions. For example, in Brazil, the Pix
payment method has revolutionized the market, capturing a significant share
from traditional methods like Boleto Bancário​​.
In Africa, increasing internet
penetration and higher incomes are driving demand for more sophisticated
financial services. Payment companies are facilitating this growth by providing
solutions that connect local economies to the global financial system, thus
supporting both local and international transactions​​​​.
In addition, crypto is growing within
Africa as internet penetration rises rapidly and personal income is on the
rise. However, as hinted at before, many companies are cautious about future
regulations.
The Role of Technology and AI
Several of the interviewees highlighted
the increasing impact of technological advancements and how the integration of
artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the payments landscape.
Payment providers are leveraging AI
to enhance security, streamline operations, and offer innovative solutions that
meet the dynamic needs of the forex and crypto markets. AI-driven insights are
helping companies understand transaction patterns, detect fraud, and provide
personalized services to clients​​.
Moreover, the development of
omnichannel payment solutions is enabling providers to offer a comprehensive
range of services under one platform. This integration simplifies processes for
users and allows companies to adapt to varying consumer behaviors across different
regions. As the demand for diverse payment methods grows, companies are
increasingly focusing on offering multiple solutions to remain competitive​​​​.
The continued growth of the forex
and cryptocurrency markets with the payments sector is driving significant
innovation and expansion. Payment companies are adapting to the regulatory
landscape and leveraging technological advancements to offer secure, efficient,
and versatile solutions. As emerging markets become more integral to global
financial systems, the evolution of payment services will continue to shape the
future of international trade and finance.
The iFX Expo runs until the end of
today.
For more finance and finance-adjacent
stories, visit our Trending
section.
Walking the floor of the iFX Expo in
Limassol, Cyprus, the big story was how payments and payment service providers are adapting
to changing demands and emerging markets, specifically the forex and crypto
spaces.
The following observations are made
following interviews with representatives of payment companies and crypto companies
that were present at the Cyprus iFX Expo (site).
🌟We've left a successful iFX EXPO International 2024 Day 1 behind us.
This shift is driven by the growing
number of forex traders and the need for robust payment solutions that
facilitate smooth transactions. Many payment companies have long-standing
relationships with large, regulated forex brokers, ensuring secure transactions
and maintaining market integrity. This trend is mirrored by other payment firms
looking to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for forex services, particularly
in emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa​​​​. This was evidenced by
the number of companies both based in these emerging markets, and European
providers that are building networks within these regions.
Get ready to witness a new era in industry recognition. We listened to the industry and we are proud to announce the launch of a highly anticipated product that's been in the making for quite a while.
— Finance Magnates (@financemagnates) June 18, 2024
Navigating the Crypto Landscape
The cryptocurrency market presents
both opportunities and challenges for payments companies. On the one hand,
crypto offers fast, cheap, and borderless transactions, which are highly
appealing in an increasingly globalized economy. The ease of crypto
transactions—where funds can be deposited and withdrawn quickly without the
scrutiny typical of traditional banking systems—is driving adoption among
traders and consumers​​​​.
However, while many firms are
exploring crypto options, others are choosing to focus on traditional payments,
along with forex. In one extreme example, one representative hinted that their
firm – predominantly targeting the African, LATAM and South American markets –
was avoiding crypto payments due a partner’s financial collapse.
While all this might sound off
putting, almost all of the payment providers working, or seeking to work, in
the crypto space where bullish about the sector’s future. Regulation was seen as
both inevitable and as a positive thing across the board. The questions posed
all related to how, and when, rather than if.
Emerging Markets: A New Frontier
Emerging markets are becoming a
focal point for payment providers looking to expand their reach. Africa and
Latin America, in particular, are drawing significant attention due to their growing
economies. Payment solutions tailored to local preferences and regulatory
requirements are crucial in these regions. For example, in Brazil, the Pix
payment method has revolutionized the market, capturing a significant share
from traditional methods like Boleto Bancário​​.
In Africa, increasing internet
penetration and higher incomes are driving demand for more sophisticated
financial services. Payment companies are facilitating this growth by providing
solutions that connect local economies to the global financial system, thus
supporting both local and international transactions​​​​.
In addition, crypto is growing within
Africa as internet penetration rises rapidly and personal income is on the
rise. However, as hinted at before, many companies are cautious about future
regulations.
The Role of Technology and AI
Several of the interviewees highlighted
the increasing impact of technological advancements and how the integration of
artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the payments landscape.
Payment providers are leveraging AI
to enhance security, streamline operations, and offer innovative solutions that
meet the dynamic needs of the forex and crypto markets. AI-driven insights are
helping companies understand transaction patterns, detect fraud, and provide
personalized services to clients​​.
Moreover, the development of
omnichannel payment solutions is enabling providers to offer a comprehensive
range of services under one platform. This integration simplifies processes for
users and allows companies to adapt to varying consumer behaviors across different
regions. As the demand for diverse payment methods grows, companies are
increasingly focusing on offering multiple solutions to remain competitive​​​​.
The continued growth of the forex
and cryptocurrency markets with the payments sector is driving significant
innovation and expansion. Payment companies are adapting to the regulatory
landscape and leveraging technological advancements to offer secure, efficient,
and versatile solutions. As emerging markets become more integral to global
financial systems, the evolution of payment services will continue to shape the
future of international trade and finance.
The iFX Expo runs until the end of
today.
For more finance and finance-adjacent
stories, visit our Trending
section.
Louis Parks has lived and worked in and around the Middle East for much of his professional career. He writes about the meeting of the tech and finance worlds.
Gold Price Prediction 2026: WGC Warns of 20% Crash Risk
Featured Videos
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Charlotte Bullock | Chief Product Officer, Bank of London | FMLS:25
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this interview, we sat down with Charlotte Bullock, Head of Product at The Bank of London, previously at SAP and now shaping product at one of the sector’s most ambitious new banking players.
Charlotte reflects on the Summit so far and talks about the culture inside fintech banks today. We look at the pressures that come with scaling, and how firms can hold onto the nimble approach that made them stand out early on.
We also cover the state of payments ahead of her appearance on the payments roundtable: the blockages financial firms face, the areas that still need fixing, and what a realistic solution looks like in 2026.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
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
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
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
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
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
