The previous week in the financial markets was pressured down by rising inflation expectations. The hawkish monetary policy shift across the globe boosts demand for the US dollar. As there are no significant economic publications this week, traders pay attention mostly to geopolitical agenda and changing market conditions. According to the Fedwatchtool from CME group, probabilities for the interest rate to be kept at the same level until the end of 2026, have increased substantially.  That pressures major currencies against the US dollar, keeping volatility above the threshold value of 20. SOFR futures (overnight swap rate futures), which are visible on the CME group’s website, display some convexity in expectations. Literally it shows that expected yields of 30 year treasury bonds of the US are now higher than the predicted level, and the borrowing cost on the interbank market is higher than it was expected to be. That situation explains the elevated capital flows to the US dollar at the moment, and fragile position of stocks, Gold and crypto currencies.   SOFR watch indicator. Source: https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html  As a result, EURUSD and other currencies get under pressure against the Greenback, while yields of 30 year bonds of the US continue growing close to 5%. It’s worth noting that the similar dynamics is observed across other regions, but the US dollar has a greater weight than, for example, Australian dollar in terms of capital flows. What would be in focus this week? This week, traders will continue to monitor the development of the US-Iran confrontation, which doesn’t seem to reach a resolution soon, as the US moves troops to potentially start the on-site operation. Houthis from Yemen joined the war on Iran’s side, complicating the situation. Brent oil has hit $116 on Monday, so we can expect oil prices to stay elevated for an indefinite period of time, with inflation expectations continuing to increase. That might create a downside pressure for major currencies against the US dollar, including Gold. Metals display weak performance even after three weeks of initial volatility spike, which might not be a bearish signal per se, but not a bullish one either. The NFP publication on Friday, April the 3rd, would be the main publication throughout the week. Let’s go to charts now and try to project any possible trading opportunities for the upcoming week. CADJPY  The Canadian dollar, as a crude oil related currency, might rebound early in the week against Japanese Yen, as it’s positioned right inside of the dynamic support area between 20 and 50 moving averages, and might follow the bullish pressure of Crude oil. The price is locked in a coil (a short-term trading range). If it is broken to the upside, it’s possible to observe CADJPY going up toward 116 area and higher. CADJPY, D1. Source: Exness.com  XAUUSD  Gold continues to consolidate at the bottom of the trading range, not displaying any signs of recovery. The strength of the US dollar makes the price action vulnerable, especially if it tries to break through key resistance areas of borders of formations. Testing $4600 would be indicative for the further price action of Gold. If it fails to break through, it might stay locked in a trading range for a longer period of time.   XAUUSD, H4. Source: Exness.comThe post The US dollar strikes back first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

PayPoint said on Monday that it expects to report record performance for the year to 31 March 2026, as it unveiled a reorganisation to simplify its structure and sharpen its strategic focus. The group revealed it has continued its extended share buyback, purchasing 3.96 million shares for £23.8 million and remaining “on course to reduce its issued share capital by circa 30% in the three years to FY28”. Share capital has already fallen by about 15% this year. Under the restructuring, PayPoint will be reorganised into four units. These include Network Services, Digital Payments and Open Banking, Love2shop and Merchant Services. The company said this would create “a better integrated and more transparent business with a simpler investment case”. The move includes a fundamental review of the cost base and a shift toward a more accountable operating culture, with each unit having its own financial metrics and KPIs. Network Services, with estimated FY26 net revenue of £91.3 million, will move to a unified, geographically aligned model focused on improving compliance, service delivery and revenue per store. Digital Payments and Open Banking will be merged into a single structure to accelerate product development and cross-selling opportunities. Love2shop, with net revenue of £53.2 million, will continue its technology upgrades and expansion of distribution channels, while Merchant Services will undergo a “fundamental reset” to improve retention and target higher-value SME clients. Looking to FY27, PayPoint said trading conditions remain challenging but expects to exceed underlying FY26 profits, supported by cost efficiencies and broader product adoption.The post PayPoint Sets Out Business Overhaul, FY26 Performance to Hit Record Levels first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) and Bursa Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening capital-market connectivity between Hong Kong and Malaysia, including cooperation on dual listings, ETFs, product development and Shariah-compliant securities. The companies revealed that as part of the partnership, they have launched the HKEX Bursa Malaysia Large Cap Index, covering 60 of the largest listed companies across both markets, with a 60–40 weighting split between Hong Kong- and Malaysia-listed constituents.  The index is expected to support cross-market investment and broaden regional access for global investors. HKEX chief executive Bonnie Y Chan stated that the collaboration reflects a strategic priority to deepen ties across Southeast Asia, describing Malaysia as a market offering “exciting opportunities” in innovation, consumer sectors and resources.  She believes the index and MOU provide “tangible outcomes that benefit our markets”. Bursa Malaysia CEO Fad’l Mohamed believes the initiative supports the exchange’s international ambitions. He added that it showcases Malaysia’s strengths in Islamic finance and its role as a gateway to ASEAN growth markets. HKEX noted that 30 Malaysian companies are already listed in Hong Kong, underscoring existing connectivity. The post HKEX and Bursa Malaysia Launch Joint Index, Deepen Market Ties first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) said Friday that it has completed a new $600 million cash investment in Polymarket, advancing its previously announced funding arrangement with the firm. The investment is part of Polymarket’s ongoing equity fundraising. It follows ICE’s initial $1 billion direct investment in October 2025.  ICE also expects to purchase up to $40 million of additional Polymarket securities from certain existing holders, after which it will have fulfilled its obligations under the investment agreement. The investment is not expected to materially affect ICE’s financial results or capital-return plans. Key terms of the latest investment, including valuation, are expected to be disclosed once Polymarket completes its fundraising round. Polymarket operates a blockchain-based event-prediction platform that has grown rapidly alongside demand for alternative information sources. ICE’s move highlights rising interest in prediction markets, which have drawn institutional attention as tools for assessing real-time sentiment on politics, economics and current events. The post ICE Completes Additional $600m Investment in Polymarket first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

ASX Limited has confirmed the appointment of Vic Jokovic as a non-executive director, continuing its broader board-renewal efforts.  The exchange noted that his appointment will take effect on 4 May 2026. He will stand for election at the annual meeting in October. Jokovic, who previously served as chief executive of Cboe Australia until 2023, has more than 30 years of experience across global exchanges and financial markets operations.  He also spent 26 years at Deutsche Bank, where he held senior roles, including Head of Global Markets Asia-Pacific. ASX chair David Clarke remarked that Jokovic’s experience in market infrastructure, regulatory engagement and transformation programmes would provide “valuable insights and global perspectives”.  Clarke added that the appointment comes at a time of “change”, with ASX sharpening its focus on stewardship of a “future-focused exchange”. Jokovic has also served on the boards of the Securities Exchanges Guarantee Corporation, Deutsche Securities Australia, Wilsons Stockbroking and Craigs Investment Partners, and advised the Cboe Global Management Board. He previously sat on ASIC’s Markets Advisory Panel. ASX said Jokovic’s appointment follows a series of governance enhancements and technology-upgrade initiatives across the exchange.The post ASX Appoints Vic Jokovic as Non-Executive Director first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Standard Chartered revealed last week that it has appointed Jan Metzger as Global Head of Coverage Banking within its Corporate & Investment Banking arm.  The move is expected to strengthen the firm’s senior leadership bench as it targets growth in cross-border advisory and financing. Metzger is a veteran banker with two decades of experience in Asia. He joins from Citi, where he most recently served as Co-Head of Investment Banking for Asia-Pacific.  His earlier roles include Global Co-Head of Technology Investment Banking, alongside senior positions at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank. Metzger will be based in Hong Kong and will join the CIB Management Team and report to Roberto Hoornweg.  The bank believes his appointment reflects its drive to build a globally integrated franchise focused on multinational corporations, financial institutions and public-sector clients. Hoornweg commented: “As a leading cross-border bank, our success depends on a global client-first mindset, relentless execution and assembling the best talent.”  He added that Metzger is “a fantastic addition” who will help accelerate momentum built over recent years. Standard Chartered has been investing in senior leadership and sector expertise as it looks to expand advisory revenue and strengthen its position in fast-growing Asian markets.  Metzger’s appointment is expected to support the bank’s ambition to deepen relationships with clients operating across multiple geographies.The post Standard Chartered Hires Jan Metzger to Lead global Coverage first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Last week, FTMO confirmed a leadership transition following its acquisition of OANDA, with founders Otakar Šuffner and Marek Vašíček taking over as co-chief executives. The companies explained that the change followed “open and constructive discussions” over their future direction. The founders will replace Gavin Bambury, whose tenure was credited with strengthening OANDA’s commercial footing and making it an attractive target. FTMO said it “deeply values Gavin’s outstanding leadership and the strong foundations he helped build”. The acquisition, which was announced earlier this year, is said to be part of FTMO’s ambition to expand globally and broaden its presence across the retail-trading sector. Despite the management shift, both organisations will continue to operate independently. FTMO noted that it remains focused on the long-term, aiming to become a global trading powerhouse, while integrating OANDA’s capabilities and international reach into its business. Operational teams in all countries will remain unchanged, a move intended to ensure business continuity for clients. The firms believe the combined organisation will focus on expanding services, improving infrastructure and adapting to evolving trading behaviours.The post FTMO Founders Assume Joint Leadership of OANDA first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Barclays PLC has been fined €1.65 million by German regulator BaFin for failing to submit mandatory voting-rights disclosures on time in more than two dozen cases. BaFin said the penalty, issued on 10 March, related to a “breach of supervisory duties” after Barclays failed 26 times to notify both the issuer and the regulator of changes in its voting rights between June 2022 and March 2023. The regulator stated that the bank “failed to submit voting rights notifications within the prescribed period”. Under German law, shareholders must inform both the issuer and BaFin within four trading days when their holdings cross specified thresholds. The requirement is designed to support transparency and strengthen confidence in the functioning of the German market. BaFin noted that the rules help make Germany “as a financial centre more attractive in the face of international competition”. The regulator said the case constituted a breach of section 130 (1) of the German Act on Breaches of Administrative Regulations in connection with several provisions of the German Securities Trading Act. It added that the fine reflected Barclays’ failure to implement adequate organisational measures to prevent or impede the reporting failures. BaFin can impose fines of up to €10 million or 5% of total revenue when sanctioning legal entities. The decision may still be appealed by the bank. The post BaFin Fines Barclays €1.65 Million for Voting-Rights Reporting Failures first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

The New York Stock Exchange said Thursday that it has listed the new Global X NYSE 100 ETF.  The move provides investors with exposure to the NYSE 100 Index, a benchmark comprising 100 highly capitalised U.S. technology and tech-enabled growth companies. The exchange, part of Intercontinental Exchange, said the index uses a rules-based, modified float-adjusted methodology intended to track actively traded U.S. securities across multiple sectors. The ETF is issued by Global X, part of Mirae Asset Global Investments. Lynn Martin, president of NYSE Group, remarked: “A technology-focused ETF with exposure across multiple sectors gives investors a way to participate in a more complete view of the innovation driving the American economy.” The NYSE stated that the 100 Index has delivered strong historical performance on a hypothetical back-tested basis, rising 27.65 per cent over the past year and posting annualised returns of 30.15 per cent over three years and 22.13 per cent over a decade. However, the exchange emphasised that past performance does not predict future results. Pedro Palandrani, head of product research and development at Global X, said the fund “focuses on exposure to core innovation” and is “designed to capture the companies genuinely reshaping the economy across sectors.” The index is administered by ICE Data Indices, which oversees more than 7,500 global benchmarks.The post NYSE Lists Global X NYSE 100 ETF first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

TradeStation Securities announced that it has completed an API integration with real-time market-intelligence platform Trade Ideas.  The move enables users to analyse equities and execute trades within a single workflow. The brokerage explained that the integration links Trade Ideas’ analytics, which is powered by continuous monitoring of every stock and ETF tick, to TradeStation’s execution systems.  The companies said the link reduces steps between market analysis and order placement for active traders. John Bartleman, president and chief executive of TradeStation Group, commented: “Providing traders with professional-grade tools that streamline their workflow is a top priority at TradeStation.” He added the integration “is yet another step in our ongoing journey to help people trade the way they want.” Trade Ideas co-founder Dan Mirkin said the collaboration “bring[s] together real-time market intelligence and a trusted execution platform in a streamlined workflow.” The arrangement also expands TradeStation’s ecosystem of professional third-party platforms. Trade Ideas users will gain access to a self-clearing brokerage offering commission-free equities trading.The post TradeStation Adds API Integration With Trade Ideas first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

BMO, working with CME Group and Google Cloud, announced earlier this week, plans to launch tokenised cash capabilities that allow institutional clients to move value continuously using CME Group’s permissioned network on Google Cloud’s Universal Ledger. The system is said to be designed to support 24/7 settlement for margin, collateral and trading flows, addressing rising demand for infrastructure suited to continuous global markets.  The project will also reportedly lay the groundwork for tokenised deposits, expected in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approval. Derek Vernon, head of North American treasury and payment solutions at BMO, stated that the collaboration “modernises capital-market efficiency” and “marks significant progress of BMO’s ambition to bring regulated money movement into a modern, programmable environment.” Suzanne Sprague, chief operating officer and global head of clearing at CME Group, said tokenising cash will enable firms to “meet margin requirements and settlement obligations in real-time, freeing up capital that would otherwise need to wait for traditional banking cycles.” Google Cloud executive James Tromans commented that the venture shows how its infrastructure “empowers our partners to fundamentally transform their businesses.” BMO intends to offer tokenised cash to institutional clients later this year, alongside tokenised deposits for broader payments and treasury usage.The post BMO to Introduce 24/7 Tokenised Cash Platform With CME Group and Google Cloud first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

StoneX Group said Thursday that it has launched a securitisation banking, lending and capital-markets platform aimed at broadening its structured-finance capabilities and deepening its presence in institutional credit markets. The firm said the new business will provide tailored capital-markets solutions, lending facilities and investment opportunities across a wide range of asset classes, with an emphasis on non-traditional sectors requiring specialist structuring expertise.  The initiative builds on its existing fixed-income sales and trading franchise. Robert Laforte, global head of fixed-income sales, commented: “Clients are increasingly looking for partners who can help them navigate complex financing structures and unlock value across specialised asset classes.”  He added that expanding into securitisation “deliver[s] more integrated financing and capital markets solutions.” StoneX has spent more than a year developing the platform, which will encompass advisory work, lending activity and structured-finance investments. The firm is currently hiring additional banking and analytics professionals as it scales globally. To lead the expansion, StoneX has appointed Rob Sannicandro, a structured-finance veteran with more than 20 years’ experience at major Wall Street institutions. Sannicandro states: “The opportunity now is to extend that foundation into structured finance by delivering creative, disciplined financing solutions across a range of asset sectors.”The post StoneX Expands Structured Finance Business With New Global Securitisation Platform first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Better Home & Finance Holding Company and Coinbase have launched what they describe as the first token-backed, conforming mortgage in the United States, allowing qualified borrowers to pledge Bitcoin or USDC as collateral instead of liquidating digital assets. The companies said the product is aimed at widening access to homeownership for the 52 million Americans who own digital assets, a group they argue is increasingly struggling to meet traditional down-payment requirements.  Under the structure, borrowers who meet mortgage criteria with Better can pledge tokenised assets to satisfy down-payment rules without triggering capital-gains taxes. Vishal Garg, CEO of Better, said: “This partnership with Coinbase introduces a new pathway to realising the American Dream for the 52 million Americans who own digital assets.” He added that the initiative represents “a major step towards truly democratising homeownership for hardworking Americans.” According to the release, the loans are originated and serviced by Better and backed by Fannie Mae, like other conforming mortgages.  Coinbase provides the custody and pledge mechanism, and the firms intend to add more eligible digital-asset types over time. The product features no margin calls or top-ups, with pledged assets only at risk of liquidation if a borrower becomes 60 days delinquent. Max Branzburg, head of consumer and business products at Coinbase, stated: “The ability to transform digital wealth into housing access is an exciting milestone in our mission to increase economic freedom.”The post Token-Backed Mortgage Launched by Better and Coinbase to Aid U.S. Homebuyers first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

By 2030, Africa’s trading ecosystem is expected to look very different from what it was a decade earlier. Increased access to digital infrastructure, greater financial literacy, and growing participation from a younger generation are gradually transforming the landscape. What once existed as a niche activity for a small group of early adopters is steadily evolving into a more structured and widely recognized financial activity across the continent. This transformation is not defined solely by access. As participation expands, the conversation is increasingly focused on sustainability: how traders develop real skills, how education shapes decision-making, and how industry stakeholders contribute to a more transparent and reliable environment. In many ways, these developments reflect Africa’s vision for trading by 2030, a market built not just on opportunity, but on structure, knowledge, and trust. For experienced participants in the ecosystem, these shifts are already visible. The narrative is gradually moving away from lifestyle-driven hype toward deeper conversations about education, regulation, technology, and long-term participation. Professional trader and educator Kojo Forex sees this progression as a natural stage in the continent’s development. Reflecting on how the trading landscape has changed over time, he describes the journey in one word: “evolved.” From image-driven growth to education-led demand Kojo reflects on the early era of online trading education, where visibility often outweighed depth. At the time, audiences were drawn to lifestyle signals rather than structured methodology. That dynamic, he explains, has changed. Today, traders are asking more practical questions: “What can you teach me?” “What differentiates you?”  “Is this something I can build a career around?” The emphasis has shifted from short-term excitement to long-term viability This transition signals a healthier market structure. As awareness grows, education standards are rising in parallel. Content that lacks depth no longer sustains attention for long. Kojo notes that demand for structured learning remains strong because the skill gap remains significant. In his view, many participants are still in the learning phase, seeking approaches they can rely on with confidence. Education, therefore, continues to anchor the ecosystem. Career mindset versus short-term intent A central theme of the episode is intention. Kojo explains that many new participants initially approach trading with short-term expectations. Over time, experience reshapes that perspective. His advice is direct: define your objective early. Is trading a primary career path, or is it supplemental to other income streams? Clarity reduces emotional pressure and shapes risk decisions. He cautions strongly against entering with urgent financial pressure. Losses are part of market participation, and emotional attachment to outcomes can destabilize decision-making. As he puts it, approaching markets with “wrong intent” often leads to poor judgment. To illustrate discipline, Kojo shares how he measures risk in monetary terms rather than abstract metrics. The key question, he says, is: “How much am I going to lose when the market doesn’t go my way?” Framing risk in clear financial terms enforces structure and helps prevent overexposure. Equally important is lifestyle management. He emphasizes living within one’s means, especially in the early stages. Sustainability, not spectacle, defines long-term growth. Regulation as structure and confidence The conversation also explores regulation. Kojo recounts earlier efforts to raise the topic with authorities at a time when understanding of online trading products was limited. He observes that the discussion has progressed significantly in recent years. Regulation, in his view, can strengthen confidence by formalizing standards and clarifying expectations. It can also create clearer frameworks for industry participants, from brokers to educators and account managers. However, Kojo notes that demand for regulation does not always originate from retail traders. Often, momentum comes from institutional or governmental initiatives as participation expands. When implemented thoughtfully, regulatory structures can support transparency and long-term stability. Trust, community, and ecosystem development In markets where formal structures are still developing, trust often emerges through community networks. Kojo explains that credibility frequently begins through educator relationships and gradually transitions into independent trust as traders gain direct experience. A moment like a successful withdrawal can be a turning point. When perception shifts from “someone recommended this” to “I have experienced it myself.” Kojo also outlines what defines a broker that is genuinely invested in the region. In his view, it is not occasional visibility or marketing presence. It is the consistent development of ecosystem stakeholders—mentors, partners, and educators—through structured engagement and collaborative platforms. He cites Exness as an example of a broker contributing to ecosystem growth by facilitating community interaction and educational events that connect stakeholders. Such initiatives strengthen knowledge-sharing and professional development across the market. Technology as the acceleration layer Looking ahead to 2030, Kojo predicts significantly increased awareness and participation across the continent. Technology is the catalyst. Internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and digital payment infrastructure have dramatically lowered access barriers. The next phase, however, is not about access—it is about quality. As information becomes easier to obtain, filtering credible knowledge becomes more important. Kojo believes that by 2030, trading will be widely understood, with fewer misconceptions about what it involves. The competitive edge will not lie in visibility, but in discipline, education, and responsible growth. Vision 2030 Africa’s trading ecosystem is entering a more structured era. The shift from image to education, from impulse to career mindset, and from informal trust to institutional frameworks signals maturation. By 2030, the defining characteristics are likely to be: Broader awareness across multiple markets. Increased regulatory conversations and structured oversight. Stronger community collaboration. Higher demand for transparent education. Technology-driven access paired with better information filtering. The evolution Kojo describes is not about speed. It is about the foundation. Markets expand. Standards rise. Expectations mature. The next phase of Africa’s trading journey will be defined not by hype, but by structure—and by those prepared to build within it responsibly. Video Transcript: Host: Today we’re talking about the future of trading in Africa — where the industry is heading and how traders are transforming from beginners into professionals. Joining me is someone who needs no introduction: Mr. Kojo Forex. Great to have you back. This is round three. Kojo: Yes, and I’m glad to be here. Host: If you had to describe Africa’s trading journey in one word, what would it be? Kojo: Evolved. If you look at it in hindsight, it’s like watching a child grow from infancy through to adulthood. Trading has always been prevalent on the continent, but it started from the south and gradually spread east, west, and north. I give credit to South Africans — they really pioneered and spearheaded the whole drive for forex trading here. Traders from South Africa were inspiring us, and we wanted to follow in their footsteps. Host: I’ve worked in African markets for a long time and the evolution has been tremendous. It’s gaining momentum, though there’s still a lot of growing to do. South Africa had early financial regulation, which then spread to markets like Kenya. How have African traders evolved over the past decade in terms of mindset, discipline, and goals? Kojo: Back in the early 2010s, the industry was more about lifestyle. If you were a mentor, people wanted to see the flashy cars and the travel. Nobody cared much about real trading. But that’s changed. People got used to the lifestyle content and stopped being impressed by it. Now the question is: what can you teach me? What differentiates you? Can I build a career from your strategy? If your education isn’t deep, people aren’t interested. The shift is real. Host: Do you see education continuing to be the primary focus, or will more advanced traders start demanding something different? Kojo: Honestly, there’s still a significant gap between profitable and unprofitable traders. We’re still in the era of spreading information and getting people to a point where they can confidently call themselves traders. Every corner you turn there are new academies filling up because demand for education is still enormous. Eventually, traders evolve beyond that stage and start asking what else is available — partnerships, business structures, the commercial side. But right now, education is still the foundation. Host: When you look at new traders coming in, is their intention to build a career from trading or just supplement their income? Kojo: Most newcomers start with the quick-money mindset. It doesn’t take long before they blow a trading account and reality sets in. Then they notice that the person who introduced them to trading is still thriving, and they start wondering why. That’s when they begin thinking about it as a career rather than a side hustle. I always tell people: define your objective first. If trading is going to be your career, treat it like one. If it’s a side income, remove the pressure and let it be casual. Host: Do you see a difference in commitment and success levels between those two groups? Kojo: Absolutely. Those who go full-time generally succeed at a higher level, simply because of focus. However, going in with your back against the wall — “I need this to work or I lose the house” — that’s the wrong intent. You cannot escape losses in trading. If someone loses $100 from a $100,000 account and goes to pieces, trading probably isn’t for them. Host: Nine out of ten people tell me they’re a “serious trader.” What does that actually mean to you? Kojo: Being a full-time trader goes well beyond a nice trading setup and FX on your social media name. It means this is what your family depends on. Your rent, your savings, your kids’ school fees — everything is funded from this. A serious trader can look at their expenses and confirm that their trading income covers it. If it can’t, you’re not there yet. Host: How has the community and mentorship side of trading in Africa evolved? Kojo: Community has become essential. XS has been very good at bringing mentors and industry players together — events like this create connections, sharing of ideas, and inspiration for people watching from the outside. Everyone is more focused on who they can connect with to expand their reach, and it’s a beautiful thing to see. There’s no competition. There are enough traders for everyone. Host: Regulation in Africa doesn’t seem to be high on most traders’ checklists. Why is that, and why aren’t there more local regulators? Kojo: I’ve lived through this firsthand. Back in 2018 or 2019, I walked into the Securities and Exchange Commission in Ghana. I wanted to talk to whoever was responsible for forex and CFD regulation. They only knew about physical currency exchange — the bureau de change. They didn’t know anything about retail forex or CFDs. It was alarming. But over the years, as other markets evolved and people saw the industry grow, attitudes changed. Now regulation is in active conversation in Ghana and Nigeria. Host: Do you think local regulation would shift credibility and increase market share for brokers operating in those regions? Kojo: Yes. Regulation creates a framework that protects everyone — traders, investors, account managers. When I read through what Rwanda put in place, for example, it made sense. It wasn’t just about protecting investors from brokers; it was about encouraging responsible participation across the whole ecosystem. That kind of environment builds confidence and invites people who were previously on the fence. The model could be adapted by other markets. Host: What makes a broker truly Africa-focused, rather than just saying they’re Africa-focused? Kojo: Developing the stakeholders — the mentors, partners, educators. If the people driving the industry aren’t doing well, there’s no momentum. An Africa-centric broker invests in those people. They organise training programmes, set up seminars, handle the logistics so that mentors can focus on sharing knowledge and reaching more traders. That’s the role XS plays. It’s not just about deposits and account numbers. Host: The new Cape Town office — how significant is that? Kojo: It’s probably the most impressive brokerage office I’ve experienced anywhere in the sub-region. Most regional offices are partner-run, branded for a broker but not actually operated by the broker. This is a real corporate office, in South Africa, the continent that started it all. It removes any remaining doubt. If you want to see who you’re dealing with, you can come here. For all of us operating across the continent, it feels like home. Host: By 2030, what does Africa’s trading ecosystem look like? Kojo: Trading will be a household name. Right now, the momentum is strongest in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria — but Africa has 54 countries. The gap is enormous and it will close. Language barriers are dissolving with AI and interpretation tools. Countries that are where Ghana was in 2016 will catch up far faster because the information infrastructure is already there. By 2030, nobody in any major African market will be asking “what is forex trading?” They’ll either be in it or actively choosing not to be. Host: What advice would you give to the next generation of African traders? Kojo: Think about trading as a career, not just a side income. That doesn’t mean quitting your job tomorrow. It means giving it the same seriousness you would give any other business venture. While you’re still in school or employed, build your knowledge in risk management, psychology, and strategy. Know your real expenses. Know what you actually need to survive. Then build towards covering that from your trading income — step by step, not in a week. The lifestyle you see on social media is not the reality. My first trading capital was $300 and I was happy making $5 or $10 a week as a student. I once put the investor login of a $30,000 trading account out publicly so people could see the actual history — consistent risk, measured lot sizes, regular withdrawals, nothing exaggerated. That’s what sustainable trading looks like. The capital will find you when you’re ready. Nature has a way of progressing what you’re genuinely committed to. Thanks for tuning in to Born to Trade. Catch up on earlier episodes to hear how traders across Africa are shaping markets and mastering their craft. Subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. The post Trading tomorrow: Africa’s vision 2030 first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

With the cTrader Store Affiliate Programme, Spotware introduces a new approach to affiliate marketing. Partners can now benefit from two revenue streams instead of one and expand conversion opportunities beyond broker signups, while keeping traffic aligned with their existing setup. In this model, the cTrader Store complements the IB structure – it doesn’t replace it. Two revenue streams instead of one Nothing in the current IB structure changes – the programme just builds on it. Partners earn through two independent revenue streams: IB commissions from brokers and affiliate commissions from cTrader Store product sales, with rates of up to 20% per sale. The strength of the model lies in how these two streams work together, widening the earning scope without altering the foundation of the IB model. The model is designed to keep established broker relationships intact. Partners already working with one or more cTrader brokers can carry their referral setup through into the Store experience – traffic stays connected to their own broker links, not redirected into a generic flow. On selected product pages, IB links can appear within the Recommended Brokers section, so when broker interest arises alongside product discovery, it stays tied to the partner. The Brokers section can be tailored around a partner’s existing framework, whether that covers a single broker or several. The Store experience, in both cases, reflects the partner’s own referral structure. The same logic applies after a product is installed. Whether the product is free or paid, the Open button directs the trader to the partner’s broker, maintaining the IB attribution at every stage. In practice, a partner adds their IB links once in their account, and those links carry through across the Store. The brokers a trader sees – whether on a product page, in the Broker section, or via the Open button after a product is installed – are the ones that partner already works with. If the trader buys the product, the partner earns an affiliate commission from the Store. If the same trader signs up with one of those brokers, the partner earns an IB commission from the broker as usual. Both can happen from the same visit. Creating additional points of engagement cTrader Store extends the conversion potential of an existing broker-IB programme by opening up additional monetisation opportunities alongside the broker signup. Partners can promote trading products, tools and applications that reflect a trader’s interests or approach to the market. This means the same audience can create value at different stages – from opening an account with a broker to later engaging with products in cTrader Store, or the reverse, in cases where a product catches a trader’s attention first and broker interest follows. The promotion toolkit The programme comes with a full set of resources covering different content formats and audience types. At the centre are flexible referral links generated through Impact.com. Partners can create as many as needed and point them to any page within the cTrader Store – individual products, seller profiles, full storefronts or curated collections. This makes it easy to match links to specific content and track clicks and earnings in one place. Beyond links, a range of ready-to-use landing pages covers the main use cases: product-focused pages, creator profiles and broader category views. A banner library spans key segments – trading bots, indicators, risk management tools and interactive widgets for partners looking to work with more engaging content formats. Taken together, these resources support both broker and product promotion across whatever content a partner is already producing. Powered by Impact.com All affiliate activity runs through Impact.com, a widely recognised partnership management platform. Tracking, attribution and payouts are handled through a single established system. Brokers and partners can monitor performance directly, with full visibility over how commissions are recorded and paid out. “We weren’t looking to change the IB model – we were looking to extend it. Partners already have the broker setup. What cTrader Store adds is a product layer that fits into that same journey – more reasons to engage, more points to convert and a second revenue stream running alongside the IB commissions they already earn.“ Aleksey Kozlov, cTrader Store General Manager About cTrader cTrader is a premium trading platform launched in 2010, built on Traders First principles, serving over 11 million traders of all experience levels as well as 300+ brokers and prop firms. With advanced native charting, built-in social trading and free cloud execution for trading bots, cTrader delivers an excellent trading experience with best-in-class trader support. cTrader Store is a central hub for traders, offering thousands of bots, indicators, copy strategies, prop challenges and plugins. For brokers and prop firms, cTrader Store increases visibility among prospective traders through dedicated Brokers, Props and Prop Challenges sections, driving up to 10,000 daily visits. As an Open Trading Platform, cTrader supports brokers and prop firms with 100+ third-party integrations via APIs and plugins.The post cTrader Store Affiliate Programme: Two revenue streams within one extended IB model first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

GSTechnologies has announced a temporary halt to its crypto asset trading services from 15 April as the company moves to align its operations with incoming European regulation. The fintech said the suspension affects services operated through Finferno, the VASP-registered Polish entity that took over GS Fintech UAB’s trading platform at the end of last year. GST noted that while trading can legally continue under that structure until 30 June, it has “determined that the Company’s crypto asset trading activities should be aligned with the requirements of the EU Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (‘MiCA’) as soon as possible.” As a result, Finferno will “temporarily suspend all services relating to the trading of crypto assets” from mid-April. The company said the suspension will stay in place until a MiCA licence has been secured. Finferno’s Terms of Service will also be updated to reflect the pause, taking effect on the same date. GST said users are being informed of the change and that further updates will be issued “in due course, as appropriate.”The post GSTechnologies to Temporarily Suspend Crypto Trading first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Oppenheimer has appointed managing directors Chris DeFalco and John Hyland as Co-Heads of its Equity Capital Markets (ECM) Investment Banking group. The firm stated that the pair will oversee strategy, execution and product development across industry verticals and will sit on the Investment Banking Commitment Committee.  Peter Bennett, previously head of ECM, will lead Oppenheimer’s Corporate Executive Services team, focusing on increasing connectivity between investment banking and wealth management. Robert Lowenthal, President and CEO, said: “Chris and John have each earned the trust of clients and colleagues through years of disciplined execution and thoughtful leadership.” DeFalco and Hyland remarked: “Our focus will be on delivering consistent execution, maintaining direct and ongoing dialogue with our clients, and expanding the breadth of what we can do for them.” DeFalco joined Oppenheimer in 2015 and specialises in Consumer, Healthcare and Technology, with more than 285 equity and equity-linked offerings completed.  Hyland, who joined in 2021, has experience across more than 200 equity offerings and previously held roles at Bank of America and Barclays.The post Oppenheimer Names Chris DeFalco and John Hyland Co-Heads of Equity Capital Markets first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

PayPal has appointed Alyssa Henry, the former chief executive of Block’s Square business, to its board of directors, while long-serving director Gail J. McGovern will step down at the company’s upcoming annual meeting. Henry has more than 30 years of experience scaling payments, commerce and cloud-infrastructure businesses.  She previously led Square’s seller organisation and held senior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services during its expansion into a global cloud-computing platform. PayPal President and CEO Enrique Lores commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alyssa to the PayPal Board,” adding that her background in omnichannel payments and merchant platforms will support the firm’s growth strategy. David Dorman, Chair of the Board, stated: “Alyssa’s track record of driving growth through product innovation and disciplined execution makes her an outstanding addition to our Board.” Henry said PayPal’s “global scale, trusted brands, and powerful two-sided network” position the company to drive the future of digital commerce. With Henry’s appointment, PayPal’s board will comprise 12 directors, 11 of whom are independent.  The company also thanked McGovern for her decade-long service and confirmed that independent director Ann Sarnoff will become chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee following the annual meeting.The post PayPal Appoints Former Square CEO Alyssa Henry to Board first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

Interactive Brokers said Wednesday that it has introduced the ability for clients to transfer existing cryptocurrency holdings into their IBKR-linked crypto accounts.  The firm stated that the move allows the platform’s users to trade digital assets at lower cost while accessing global markets without liquidating their positions. Customers of Interactive Brokers LLC and Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited are able to move Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and other supported tokens from external wallets into accounts custodied via Paxos or Zerohash.  The brokerage said the change integrates digital assets more tightly with its multi-asset trading ecosystem, which includes equities, options, currencies and bonds. The firm highlighted what it describes as substantially lower costs than traditional crypto exchanges, with commissions of 0.12% to 0.18% of trade value and a minimum fee of USD 1.75 per order, with “no added spreads or markups.” Many crypto platforms, it noted, charge fees of up to 2%. Chief Executive Milan Galik commented: “Crypto investors should be able to access competitive crypto pricing and diversified investment opportunities without managing multiple accounts or liquidating their positions.” The update, he added, allows traders to benefit from lower-cost execution and consolidated market access within “the same professional trading environment.”The post Interactive Brokers Enables Direct Crypto Transfers first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.

STS Digital has unveiled what it calls the first global structured products platform for digital assets, targeting banks, family offices, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking risk-managed exposure to cryptocurrencies. The derivatives firm said the platform will extend access across a subset of its 400-token universe, offering yield strategies, capital-protected structures and bespoke solutions for institutional clients. Jeremy Dominh, Head of Structured Products, said: “This launch marks a significant advancement in expanding our institutional access to sophisticated digital asset investment solutions.” The platform is operating under Bermuda’s DABA M-licence and is designed to offer institutional-grade liquidity and execution.  STS Digital also confirmed its first major partnership with Kraken, which recently launched Dual Investment, a yield-focused product that uses the firm’s structuring and derivatives expertise. Maxime Seiler, CEO of STS Digital, said: “This launch marks an important milestone for STS Digital as we expand our offering and deepen our collaboration with Kraken.” Kraken’s Director of Derivatives, Alexia Theodorou, said the collaboration enables “a new way to generate return that’s distinct from traditional crypto approaches like staking or lending.” STS Digital is scaling distribution across traditional finance and the digital-asset ecosystem as institutions look for more refined trading strategies beyond major cryptocurrencies.The post STS Digital Launches Structured Products Platform with Kraken Partnership first appeared on LeapRate | Online Trading Industry News, Broker Intelligence & Fintech Analysis.