The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has withdrawn the Investors Compensation Fund (ICF) membership of VM Vita Markets Ltd and HTFX (EU) Ltd following the regulator’s decision to revoke each firm’s Cyprus Investment Firm licence. The withdrawal was carried out under paragraph 6 of CySEC’s Directive DI87-07, which governs the operation of the ICF.  Both companies, VM Vita Markets and HTFX (EU), are no longer members of the fund as a result. CySEC emphasised that the loss of ICF membership does not eliminate covered clients’ rights to seek compensation for investment activities undertaken before the withdrawal. Clients may still qualify for compensation if the relevant conditions under the Directive are met. The regulator also noted that the removal of membership does not impede the initiation of compensation procedures for eligible clients of either firm. The decision follows the earlier withdrawal of both companies’ CIF authorisations. VM Vita Markets and HTFX (EU) had operated under CySEC oversight before their licences were revoked.The post CySEC Withdraws ICF Membership of VM Vita Markets and HTFX (EU) first appeared on LeapRate.

CME Group announced last week that its event contracts surpassed 100 million trades just eight weeks after launch, underscoring strong early appetite from retail investors. The contracts, introduced in December, allow individuals to take positions on outcomes tied to daily financial developments, cultural events and sports, using a simplified, low-cost structure.  The products are designed for newer or smaller-scale traders seeking an accessible way to express market views without the complexity of traditional derivatives. Terry Duffy, CME Group’s chairman and chief executive, said the early momentum reflects clear demand for alternative, low-barrier instruments.  “We are pleased to hit this significant milestone after just eight weeks of trading,” he commented. Duffy added that the exchange intends to expand the reach of the products “to new market participants and the next generation of potential traders.” The launch of event contracts is part of CME’s broader strategy to grow its retail footprint, complementing its established institutional offerings.  While the exchange dominates major futures markets, retail-focused tools allow it to capture a different segment of investors attracted to short-term, thematic trading opportunities. The rapid take-up suggests that demand for simple, fixed-risk contracts remains robust, particularly as retail participation in global markets continues to rise. CME plans to continue building distribution partnerships to extend availability across more platforms and regions.The post CME Group Marks 100 Million Event Contracts as Retail Demand Surges first appeared on LeapRate.

Cboe Global Markets said Friday that it has expanded trading access for its Russell 2000 Index options, offering nearly 24-hour availability five days a week in response to rising global demand for small-cap exposure. The move brings RUT and Russell 2000 Weeklys options into Cboe’s Global Trading Hours session, allowing investors in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region to trade during their local daytime.  The exchange already offers S&P 500, Mini-SPX and VIX options during the extended hours, all of which saw record volumes in 2025. Interest in RUT options has risen sharply as investors turn to cash-settled, European-style products to manage volatility, hedge portfolios and implement short-dated strategies.  In January, zero-days-to-expiry trades represented 23% of total RUT activity, highlighting strong demand for intraday tactical positioning. Rob Hocking, Cboe’s global head of derivatives, said the exchange aims to “expand global access to US markets and empower investors with the flexibility and tools they need to manage today’s market environment.” He added that elevated demand reflects investors’ efforts to diversify and adapt to ongoing uncertainty. The expansion also drew support from brokers and index providers. Milan Galik, chief executive of Interactive Brokers, said around-the-clock availability enables clients to respond to global developments in real time, while FTSE Russell’s Shawn Creighton called the move “a significant milestone for global investors.”The post Cboe Expands RUT Options to Nearly 24-Hour Trading first appeared on LeapRate.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has cancelled the Australian financial services (AFS) licence of Queensland-based securities dealer Pulse Markets Pty Ltd after identifying what it described as serious and sustained breaches of regulatory obligations. The cancellation, effective 11 February, followed findings that Pulse Markets failed to adequately supervise its corporate authorised representatives, increasing the risk of misconduct and potential financial harm to clients.  ASIC noted extensive shortcomings under section 912A of the Corporations Act, including failures to maintain competence, monitor representatives’ marketing activities, and ensure accurate compliance documentation. The regulator also found that Pulse Markets had not kept appropriate compliance and incident registers, had insufficient staffing and resources, and neglected to prepare and lodge financial statements for the 2024 and 2025 financial years.  The company is said to have additionally failed to obtain required auditor opinions on its adherence to licence conditions and did not pay its industry funding levy for 2023–2024. ASIC stated that the deficiencies represented a breakdown in governance and oversight. The firm had held AFS licence number 220383 since 2002, permitting it to provide financial product advice, deal in financial products and underwrite securities issues for wholesale clients. Pulse Markets may seek a review of the decision by the Administrative Review Tribunal.The post ASIC Cancels AFS Licence of Pulse Markets first appeared on LeapRate.

From solo journey to shared growth When asked to describe his trading journey in one word, Kommon chose growth. He later expanded on this, stating that this growth is “not just financial, but financial, psychological, and emotional as well.” For him, trading has been a way to understand how he reacts when things are going well, when they are not, and how he responds to risk and pressure. Eyram chose transformation as his defining word, describing how trading has changed both his career path and his understanding of himself. He explained that over time, “I came to realize that trading is a character development job. Because as you are getting into trading, trading also reveals who you truly are.” Both guests view trading not only as a financial activity but as a process that shapes personality, decision-making, and emotional resilience. Collaboration instead of competition Many traders are accustomed to viewing others as competitors, but both guests argued that collaboration creates more long-term value. Eyram explained that, at first, trading felt competitive, but his perspective changed as he gained experience. He now believes that the market is large enough for everyone to find their own path and that sharing strengths is more productive than hiding weaknesses. He summarized this view by saying, “So, I think collaboration is really important, but, however, competition is somehow a bit important, some kind of healthy competition to keep everyone on your toes.” Kommon agreed, adding that he prefers “healthy competition, not just wanting what your friend or your counterpart has, but letting his journey inspire you.” For both, collaboration and inspiration go hand in hand: traders can push each other to improve without falling into destructive rivalry. Building communities that compound progress A major part of their work now is building trading communities that continue to grow beyond a single classroom or seminar. Eyram described how the concept of community is embedded in his mentorship structure. “The biggest selling point for me is how I’ve built my mentorship community,” he said. “I actually add everyone together in a whole community where they are able to converse and then learn from each other.” He doesn’t position himself as the only source of knowledge. Instead, he encourages mentees who excel in specific areas—such as psychology, risk management, or particular trading pairs—to share their perspectives. As he put it, “For example, we’ve had people that are also good at certain trading pairs that share their ideas with us.” This creates a network where knowledge is distributed rather than centralized, and where mentees gradually grow into mentors themselves. Kommon has seen a similar pattern, with former mentees eventually sharing the stage with him at events and becoming educators in their own right. For both traders, this evolution is proof that mentorship and community can have a compounding effect on the broader ecosystem. Trading partners and accountability in practice One of the key concepts discussed in the episode is the idea of a trading partner—someone who shares your experience and helps you stay grounded. Kommon explained, “I know even at this level, I still have trading partners.” He views these relationships as essential, especially during difficult periods, because they allow traders to discuss and manage emotional and psychological pressure. He went further to say, “I would just always opt for having a trading partner, regardless of the level you’re on,” emphasizing that it doesn’t matter whether the partner is more experienced, less experienced, or at the same stage. What matters is shared understanding and mutual honesty. Accountability is a core part of this. Kommon described situations where his trading partner questioned him when he broke his own rules, helping him recognize when emotions such as greed were creeping in. He values this external check and prefers, in his own words, “to be held accountable all the time by my mentees, my mentors, and friends as well.” Eyram echoed this, linking trading partners directly to accountability. For him, a trading partner must be someone you respect enough to listen to when they call out over-trading or emotional decisions. Without respect and trust, accountability can’t function. Humility, transparency, and disciplined structure The episode also explored why some traders struggle to ask for help. Kommon connected this to ego and what he called “the seven deadly sins of trading. And one of them is pride.” He argued that premature exposure—trying to look like a trader before truly understanding the craft—makes people reluctant to admit when they need guidance. Humility and a willingness to learn from those with a track record become essential. Transparency is another recurring theme. Eyram explained how he uses weekly breakdown sessions with his mentorship team to analyze both successes and losses. “We need to understand that losses are part of trading and that transparency is really important,” he said. After a losing trade, he makes a point of telling his community that “yes, we took an L and then we need to be patient and wait for the next setup.” This normalizes losses and helps traders accept risk management and stop losses as part of professional behavior rather than signs of failure. Discipline also shows up in the form of clear structures and routines. Eyram defined his anchor habit simply: “I think for me, it has to do with having a trading plan and sticking to it.” He outlined rules around the number of trades, sessions traded, and other boundaries, concluding that “these are certain rules and a whole lot more that I have on my trading table. And that is something I must stick to religiously.” Kommon shared a similar approach, noting, “I have a system I’ve actually stuck to for a very long time.” His structure covers everything from sleep schedules to entry criteria. “I have a vivid entry criteria I always follow,” he said, and he makes sure to apply it consistently, regardless of device or market conditions. From hustle to harmony By the end of the episode, a clear picture emerges: sustainable trading is not built on constant hustle, isolation, or ego. It is built on structured routines, emotional awareness, transparent communication, and communities where people hold each other accountable. Eyram summed up the starting point for anyone seeking this kind of support: “First of all, get yourself into a community of like-minded people, get a mentor.” From there, shared experiences, honest feedback, and mutual respect can turn trading partners into long-term allies. For traders looking to move beyond a solitary, high-pressure approach and toward a more balanced and collaborative path, this conversation offers a practical roadmap. Catch the full discussion in Episode 2, as we break down how trust, mentorship, and community can transform trading from an individual struggle into a shared journey of growth and transformation.   The post Born to Trade Podcast Episode 2: Why your network is your greatest trading edge appeared first on LeapRate.

Argentina-based broker Eco Valores has integrated with TradingView, enabling traders to execute orders directly on local exchanges via the charting platform.  The partnership gives users access to a broad range of domestic instruments, including ARS/USD futures, sovereign bonds and equities. Eco Valores, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Buenos Aires, serves around 25,000 clients. It is regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Valores and holds an ALyC Propio licence, which permits the broker to execute and settle trades directly on behalf of retail investors. The connection allows users to trade instruments listed on ByMA and A3 Mercados straight from TradingView’s Supercharts interface.  Products available include high-liquidity sovereign bonds such as AL30, Argentine equities and cauciones repos. The broker said the offering features low commissions and no account-maintenance fees. TradingView users can activate the integration by selecting Eco Valores via the platform’s “Trade” menu and signing in to their account. The companies said the partnership supports easier access for international and domestic investors seeking exposure to Argentine markets. Eco Valores highlighted that the integration reflects its aim to modernise market access and provide a seamless experience for traders engaging with one of Latin America’s more complex but opportunity-rich financial landscapes. The post Eco Valores Links With TradingView appeared first on LeapRate.

Argentina-based broker Eco Valores has integrated with TradingView, enabling traders to execute orders directly on local exchanges via the charting platform.  The partnership gives users access to a broad range of domestic instruments, including ARS/USD futures, sovereign bonds and equities. Eco Valores, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Buenos Aires, serves around 25,000 clients. It is regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Valores and holds an ALyC Propio licence, which permits the broker to execute and settle trades directly on behalf of retail investors. The connection allows users to trade instruments listed on ByMA and A3 Mercados straight from TradingView’s Supercharts interface.  Products available include high-liquidity sovereign bonds such as AL30, Argentine equities and cauciones repos. The broker said the offering features low commissions and no account-maintenance fees. TradingView users can activate the integration by selecting Eco Valores via the platform’s “Trade” menu and signing in to their account. The companies said the partnership supports easier access for international and domestic investors seeking exposure to Argentine markets. Eco Valores highlighted that the integration reflects its aim to modernise market access and provide a seamless experience for traders engaging with one of Latin America’s more complex but opportunity-rich financial landscapes.The post Eco Valores Links With TradingView first appeared on LeapRate.

SBI Holdings has announced plans to acquire a majority stake in Singapore digital-asset platform Coinhako, marking a significant step in the group’s global crypto and tokenisation strategy.  The Japanese financial conglomerate said its wholly owned subsidiary, SBI Ventures Asset, has signed a letter of intent with Holdbuild Pte. Ltd. to inject capital into Coinhako and purchase shares from existing investors. The proposed transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approval, would see Coinhako become a consolidated subsidiary of SBI Holdings. The two parties will now finalise the structure of the deal, including capital-injection methods and the acquisition of shares from current shareholders. Coinhako, founded in Singapore and considered a pioneer in the region’s digital-asset market, operates through regulated entities licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the BVI Financial Services Commission.  SBI said combining Coinhako’s operational expertise with the group’s global resources would help establish a “next-generation digital asset powerhouse” in Asia. SBI Chairman Yoshitaka Kitao stated that incorporating Coinhako into the group aligns with its strategy to expand digital-asset infrastructure and foster cross-border tokenised finance.  Coinhako co-founder Yusho Liu believes joining forces with SBI will accelerate efforts to position Singapore as a regional hub for tokenised assets and stablecoins. The post SBI Moves to Acquire Singapore Crypto Platform Coinhako appeared first on LeapRate.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the appointment of Jalal Almarhoon as Managing Director and Chief Regional Representative for the region.  The move follows the recent opening of HKEX’s Riyadh office. Mr Almarhoon, who began his role on 10 February, will report to Johnson Chui, HKEX’s Head of Global Issuer Services.  His remit includes advancing the exchange’s engagement across Saudi Arabia and neighbouring markets, promoting Hong Kong as a preferred listing destination for issuers, and overseeing relationships with major investors and stakeholders. HKEX said the Middle East is becoming an increasingly important driver of global capital flows and strengthening its footprint in the region is a strategic priority.  Chief Executive Bonnie Y Chan stated that the exchange was “delighted to welcome Jalal”, highlighting his more than 20 years’ experience across financial centres in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Amsterdam. Mr Almarhoon joins from BNP Paribas, where he served as Managing Director and Head of Strategic Corporate Coverage in Saudi Arabia. His previous roles include senior positions at Société Générale and Standard Chartered. The post HKEX Expands Middle East Presence With Appointment of Regional Chief appeared first on LeapRate.

The government has named HSBC as the platform provider for the Digital Gilt Instrument (DIGIT) pilot, marking a major step in its plan to modernise sovereign debt issuance using distributed ledger technology. The decision follows a competitive procurement process launched in October 2025. Officials said the pilot forms a core part of the UK’s Wholesale Financial Markets Digital Strategy and is intended to ensure the country remains at the forefront of global financial innovation. Lucy Rigby KC MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said the initiative aims to attract investment and reduce costs for firms by exploring how digital infrastructure can enhance the gilt market.  She added that DIGIT reflects the government’s ambition to strengthen the UK’s position as a leading financial centre. HSBC will deploy its Orion digital assets platform for the pilot, which will issue digitally native, short-dated gilts within the Digital Securities Sandbox.  The government is also engaging additional suppliers to support accessibility and secondary-market development. Alongside HSBC, Ashurst LLP has been appointed to provide legal services, with the firm’s digital assets team advising on the pilot’s structuring and implementation. The DIGIT programme is designed to test how distributed ledger technology can be incorporated into sovereign debt issuance processes and to spur wider adoption across the UK financial system.  Officials said the pilot will help catalyse domestic DLT infrastructure and provide a foundation for future innovation in capital markets. The post UK Appoints HSBC to Lead Digital Gilt Pilot as DIGIT Progresses appeared first on LeapRate.

The New York Stock Exchange has launched the NYSE Texas Advisory Board as it continues to expand its footprint in one of the fastest-growing regions of the United States.  The initiative marks the latest step in the development of NYSE Texas, which was announced a year ago and has since grown to more than 100 dual-listings. Founding members include Amanda Brock of Solaris Energy Infrastructure, Scott Mueller of Goldman Sachs and Edward Crawford of Coltala Holdings. The group will advise on regional strategy and support efforts to attract and serve companies across the state’s rapidly expanding economy. Lynn Martin, president of NYSE Group, said the creation of the board underlines the “momentum and meaningful progress” achieved since the initial launch. Bryan Daniel, president of NYSE Texas, added that the advisory team would help strengthen the exchange’s connection with local issuers and guide future expansion. NYSE Texas reached its 100th dual-listing milestone in December 2025, establishing itself as the leading listing venue in the state.  The exchange aims to continue providing companies with enhanced access to capital markets while anchoring operations within Texas’s business community. The post NYSE Forms Texas Advisory Board appeared first on LeapRate.

Dukascopy Bank has expanded the range of assets available on its MetaTrader 5 platform, broadening access to global markets for retail and professional traders.  The update increases the number of tradable instruments from just over 100 to more than 400, marking one of the platform’s largest expansions to date. The newly added instruments include gold and silver, an extended set of foreign exchange crosses and a selection of cryptocurrency CFDs. All instruments are now live across both demo and real-money accounts. Dukascopy said the expansion is aimed at improving market access for clients seeking to diversify across asset classes.  The firm highlighted precious metals and crypto CFDs as key components of growing customer demand, particularly among traders looking for alternative markets during periods of volatility. It continues to prioritise improving the overall trading experience through wider product choice and increased flexibility. The move also positions the MT5 platform more competitively against multi-asset rivals, where large instrument counts have become an industry standard. Dukascopy added that the updated product suite forms part of a broader effort to provide clients with the tools and resources needed to trade global markets effectively.  The bank noted that further platform enhancements are expected over time as it monitors demand and market developments. The post Dukascopy Expands MT5 Offering to More Than 400 Instruments appeared first on LeapRate.

Broadridge Financial Solutions reported a sharp acceleration in activity on its Distributed Ledger Repo (DLR) platform, with daily average volumes rising 508% year-on-year in January to $365 billion.  The system processed $7.3 trillion of repo transactions during the month, underscoring the rapid institutional adoption of tokenised settlement technology. The platform, which uses distributed-ledger infrastructure to improve collateral mobility and settlement precision, has been expanding across a broader base of global clients.  Broadridge said momentum from its breakout 2025 has continued into the new year as firms increasingly rely on digital workflows for high-value funding markets. Horacio Barakat, Broadridge’s head of digital innovation, said adoption reflects the “real, day-to-day value” institutions are seeing as volumes scale.  He added that Broadridge plans to expand into intraday funding and more complex collateral arrangements during 2026, while ensuring “interoperability, resilience, and trust.” DLR now supports sponsored and intraday repo, helping institutions manage liquidity more efficiently and reduce financing costs.  Broadridge said the platform’s growing role in the securities-lending ecosystem demonstrates the market’s broadening acceptance of tokenised real-asset settlement. The post Broadridge’s Distributed Ledger Repo Platform Surges 508% appeared first on LeapRate.

Nissay Asset Management has become the first Japanese asset-management firm to implement Broadridge’s Mortgage-Backed Securities Trade Assignment Portal, a digital tool designed to automate the Assignment of Trade (AOT) process for TBA mortgage-backed securities trading. The platform replaces email-based workflows with instant document generation, electronic signatures, bulk distribution of AOT letters and real-time tracking, significantly reducing administrative load and improving transparency. Completed documents are stored securely in the cloud. Shuichi Uchida, head of trading at Nissay Asset Management, said the system enables the firm to “streamline AOT processes” and reallocate time previously spent on routine tasks. With Japan’s asset-management sector under pressure to enhance productivity, Nissay said the portal allows its traders to focus more on market analysis and execution. Broadridge APAC president David Runacres said the system exemplifies the firm’s commitment to enhancing automation and efficiency across the region. He added that the portal lays the foundation for “future network value,” enabling broader collaboration across market participants. Nissay chose the solution partly because it preserves core elements of established workflows, allowing the firm to maintain broker relationships while modernising operations. The implementation marks a further step in Japan’s gradual adoption of digital infrastructure in bond and derivatives markets. Broadridge said the portal will provide long-term operational agility as market participants continue to upgrade legacy processes. The post Nissay Asset Management Adopts Broadridge Trade Portal appeared first on LeapRate.

Schroders has agreed to a £9.9 billion takeover by Nuveen, marking a significant asset-management deal and creating a combined group with nearly $2.5 trillion in assets under management.  The recommended cash acquisition will see Nuveen’s newly formed subsidiary, Pantheon, purchase the entire issued and to-be-issued share capital of Schroders. Under the terms, shareholders will receive up to 612p per share, including a 590p cash payment and up to 22p in permitted dividends. The offer represents a premium of 29% to Schroders’ closing price on 11 February and as much as 55% against its 12-month volume-weighted average. Nuveen said the merger will combine two “highly complementary” businesses and accelerate growth across institutional and wealth channels. The Schroders brand will be retained, and London will become the combined group’s non-U.S. headquarters, employing around 3,100 staff. Schroders’ board said the premium reflects both the value of its ongoing transformation strategy and the longer-term benefits of the combination. The firm has secured irrevocable undertakings covering about 42% of its shares. Schroders chair Dame Elizabeth Corley said the transaction would “create a new global leader in public-to-private investment management,” while Schroders chief executive Richard Oldfield said Nuveen offered a partner that “shares our values” and strengthens its balance sheet. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The post Schroders Agrees £9.9 Billion Takeover By Nuveen appeared first on LeapRate.

Schroders has agreed to a £9.9 billion takeover by Nuveen, marking a significant asset-management deal and creating a combined group with nearly $2.5 trillion in assets under management.  The recommended cash acquisition will see Nuveen’s newly formed subsidiary, Pantheon, purchase the entire issued and to-be-issued share capital of Schroders. Under the terms, shareholders will receive up to 612p per share, including a 590p cash payment and up to 22p in permitted dividends. The offer represents a premium of 29% to Schroders’ closing price on 11 February and as much as 55% against its 12-month volume-weighted average. Nuveen said the merger will combine two “highly complementary” businesses and accelerate growth across institutional and wealth channels. The Schroders brand will be retained, and London will become the combined group’s non-U.S. headquarters, employing around 3,100 staff. Schroders’ board said the premium reflects both the value of its ongoing transformation strategy and the longer-term benefits of the combination. The firm has secured irrevocable undertakings covering about 42% of its shares. Schroders chair Dame Elizabeth Corley said the transaction would “create a new global leader in public-to-private investment management,” while Schroders chief executive Richard Oldfield said Nuveen offered a partner that “shares our values” and strengthens its balance sheet. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.The post Schroders Agrees £9.9 Billion Takeover By Nuveen first appeared on LeapRate.

TP ICAP has launched Fusion Structured Products Trading Systems, the first electronic alternative trading system (ATS) designed specifically for secondary-market trading of U.S. structured products. The platform aims to address liquidity fragmentation across the market by offering a centralised electronic order book, real-time request-for-quote functionality, firm pricing, and anonymous execution.  It is available to issuer banks, distributors, wealth advisers, wholesalers, and broker-dealers serving institutional clients. TP ICAP said the system provides a live aggregated view of market activity, allowing users to see available prices and RFQs in one place. The platform also offers detailed reporting and audit-trail features to meet growing regulatory expectations around transparency. Robert Romano, TP ICAP’s head of structured products for the Americas, said Fusion Structured Products will “enhance the secondary market” by streamlining operations and opening new trading opportunities. He added that the initiative aligns with broader market trends toward electronification and increased regulatory scrutiny. The launch marks a significant step for a market that has historically lacked standardised electronic trading infrastructure, with much activity still conducted through manual or bilateral channels. TP ICAP said its new ATS aims to create a more efficient and accessible trading environment, supporting price discovery and improving liquidity for participants across the structured-products ecosystem. The full name of the platform is TP ICAP Fusion Structured Products Trading Systems. The post TP ICAP Unveils Fusion Structured Products Trading System For U.S. Secondary Market appeared first on LeapRate.

Alex recalls, “I started trading during lockdown, with no mentor or guarantees. It was all trial and error, but it built resilience. Every mistake became a lesson, and that’s what I now pass on to others.” Today, he leads an active trading community providing daily market insights, mentorship, and live training sessions. His approach combines technical precision, centered on Fibonacci retracements and key market structures, with macroeconomic awareness, helping traders see beyond the charts.  Notably, he is driven by one mission: to redefine what growth looks like in trading. He states, “Protect your capital first. The market rewards patience, not impulse. Learn the process before chasing profits.”  For Alex, joining the Exness Team Pro is a continuation of his mission to empower traders. “Exness shares my vision of creating the next generation of skilled and confident African traders. This partnership is about impact; about reaching more people, building credibility for African traders, and proving that skill and discipline can change lives.  Dildora Djalolova, Exness Head of Social Media, commented, “Alex embodies the spirit of Exness Team Pro: authentic, disciplined, and committed to elevating others. His story reflects the journey so many traders across Africa are building right now, and his voice adds strength and inspiration to our growing African community.”  Through the Exness Team Pro initiative, Exness has brought together world-class traders who merge mastery with mentorship, creating a collective of professionals dedicated to raising trading standards worldwide.  About Exness:  Founded in 2008, Exness is a global multi-asset broker committed to offering better-than-market conditions to traders. Today, Exness is trusted by a global network of active traders. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships, Exness delivers stability, precise execution, and instant withdrawal processing, setting the benchmark for reliability in the online trading industry. The post Exness Team Pro welcomes Alex Muoki: The trader redefining Kenya’s trading culture appeared first on LeapRate.

Tradeweb Markets has completed the industry’s first fully electronic swaption termination, marking a significant step forward in efforts to modernise the bilateral derivatives market. The transaction, executed between Citadel and Wells Fargo on Tradeweb’s Swap Execution Facility, was processed post-trade through OSTTRA’s MarkitWire platform.  Swaptions, unlike cleared interest rate swaps, cannot be compressed easily, meaning traders must terminate or novate positions to remove exposure. Tradeweb explained that the electronic workflow directly addresses this long-standing operational challenge. The new functionality allows users to input an existing trade’s MarkitWire identification number, enabling the platform to automatically retrieve and match the original transaction details. This reduces the risk of booking errors and speeds up confirmation once both parties approve the termination. Troy Dixon, Tradeweb’s co-head of global markets, said the development demonstrates “how electronic innovation can simplify swaptions trading,” adding that it will help clients manage exposures and streamline workflows.  Citadel’s global fixed income chief operating officer, John Niccolai, called the milestone a meaningful step towards greater “optionalitity and scalability” in the swaptions market. OSTTRA’s Michael Wilshere feels the partnership reflects industry demand for automated and standardised post-trade processes. Tradeweb has been a major force in electronifying the global interest rate swaps market since 2005. The firm now works with 18 swaptions dealers and stated that the new capability will further expand liquidity and operational efficiency for clients trading complex derivatives. The post Tradeweb Completes Industry’s First Fully Electronic Swaption Termination appeared first on LeapRate.

Options Technology has agreed to acquire Crossvale in a move aimed at accelerating private cloud adoption and application modernisation across the financial services sector. The deal, which remains subject to regulatory approval, will expand Options’ ability to help banks and trading firms reduce technology debt and update legacy systems, particularly as the industry reassesses the cost and control implications of public cloud use.  Both companies stated that the combination will offer a secure and compliant route for firms looking to modernise infrastructure without sacrificing data sovereignty or operational resilience. Crossvale specialises in containerisation, application modernisation and database migration, working closely with partners such as Red Hat and VMware. Options said integrating these capabilities with its private cloud platform would create an end-to-end modernisation offering tailored for regulated markets. The move comes shortly after Options launched PrivateMind, an AI platform designed for data-sovereign financial services use cases. The company believes the acquisition will help clients migrate and run AI workloads within a controlled environment. Danny Moore, Options’ chief executive, commented that the acquisition arrives “at exactly the right moment,” pointing to rising regulatory obligations and firms’ growing interest in cloud repatriation. Crossvale’s chief executive, Todd Millard, said demand for modernisation is “rapidly accelerating” as organisations shift critical workloads. Vitruvian Partners, a majority shareholder in Options, feels the deal aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to expand its capabilities across global financial markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The post Options Technology Moves To Acquire Crossvale To Boost Private Cloud And AI Modernisation appeared first on LeapRate.