Yesterday, Secretary of the Treasury Scott K.H. Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa of Japan. Secretary Bessent welcomed Japan’s fast and positive engagement with the United States following recent meetings with President Donald J. Trump and other members of the United States government, and noted the productive conversation held last week with Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato. During their frank and constructive discussions on fair and reciprocal trade, Secretary Bessent highlighted to Minister Akazawa both tariffs and non-tariff measures, the importance of economic security as national security, and other issues of concern. Secretary Bessent reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Japan and agreed to the immediate start of working-level consultations to build upon today’s discussions, as well as to additional ministerial-level meetings in the near future. 

This week in global finance and fintech: new leadership at INFINOX, expanded crypto access from Morgan Stanley to Bunq, record-breaking results from brokers like Robinhood and XTB, and fresh regulatory crackdowns from the SEC. Here’s your roundup of the biggest moves and headlines INFINOX Capital Appoints Lee Holmes as CEO INFINOX Capital Ltd, regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, has announced the appointment of Lee Holmes as Chief Executive Officer. His appointment marks a new leadership phase supported by the outgoing management team. Read More Bunq Launches In-App Crypto Trading Powered by Kraken Dutch digital bank Bunq has introduced a crypto trading feature for users in six countries, allowing direct access to digital assets through its mobile app. Read More PrimeXBT Launches Stock Trading Through MetaTrader 5 PrimeXBT has announced the launch of stock Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on its MetaTrader 5 platform, expanding its range of trading products beyond crypto, forex, commodities, and indices. Read More Robinhood Profit More Than Doubles on Crypto and Options Frenzy Robinhood reported solid first-quarter earnings on Wednesday, as volatile markets fueled a surge in trading activity across crypto, equities, and options. Read More Morgan Stanley to Add Crypto Trading to E*Trade by 2026 Morgan Stanley is reportedly preparing to offer cryptocurrency trading through its E*Trade platform by 2026. Read More SEC Charges Three Texans with Defrauding Investors In $91 Million Ponzi Scheme The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced charges against Kenneth W. Alexander II, Robert D. Welsh, and Caedrynn E. Conner, all residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 200 investors out of at least $91 million. Read More IM Academy Faces Charges Over $1.2 Billion Training Scam The entity, collectively referred to as “IML,” operated as IYOVIA, IM Mastery Academy, iMarketsLive, and IM Academy. It promoted training in cryptocurrencies, binary options, forex, and stock trading. Read More Interactive Brokers Reports Volumes Up by 63% YoY Interactive Brokers Group has released its brokerage metrics and financial data for April 2025, reporting increases in client trading activity, equity levels, and account growth, while also publishing detailed execution cost statistics for U.S. Reg.-NMS stock trades. Read More XTB Reports Record Revenue and Client Growth in Q1 2025 Despite Lower Profit XTB has published its preliminary financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2025, showing record operating income and customer growth, while net profit declined year-on-year due to rising costs tied to the company’s global expansion and intensified marketing efforts. Read More Crypto Digest Crypto made headlines this week with Tether’s U.S. expansion plans, Ripple’s rejected Circle bid, and the SEC clearing PayPal’s stablecoin. Add in big broker earnings, enforcement drama, and global growth moves, and it’s clear: the digital finance world isn’t slowing down. SEC Closes Inquiry Into PayPal’s Stablecoin Without Enforcement The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ended its investigation into PayPal’s dollar-backed stablecoin PYUSD without taking enforcement action. Read More MoonPay Establishes US HQ in New York City MoonPay, a global leader in crypto payments, has announced the opening of its new U.S. headquarters in New York City, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its operations within the country. Read More Circle Receives In-Principle Regulatory Approval from Abu Dhabi’s Regulator Circle Internet Group has received In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market to operate as a money services provider. Read More Ripple Reportedly Offered Up to $5 Billion to Acquire Circle Ripple made an acquisition offer valued between $4 billion and $5 billion to stablecoin issuer Circle, but the proposal was rejected as too low. Read More Tether to Launch U.S. Version of USDT Stablecoin Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, is planning to roll out a new product for the U.S. market by the end of 2025. Read More Mango Markets Fraudster Faces Prison in Unrelated Child Porn Case Avraham Eisenberg, known for orchestrating the $100 million exploit of Mango Markets in 2022, has been sentenced to over four years in prison on child pornography charges, a case separate from his high-profile crypto fraud. Read More

Despite being pushed out of the South Korean market earlier this year, crypto exchange KuCoin isn’t ready to give up on the region. The platform's newly appointed CEO, BC Wong, has made it clear that a return is not only possible but planned, though only after a broader global compliance effort takes shape, Cointelegraph reported.Regulators Target Unregistered Crypto PlatformsIn March and April, South Korean authorities tightened their grip on crypto trading by ordering Google and Apple to block unregistered exchanges. KuCoin was among the casualties, effectively shutting out its services from local users. However, the company has not formally exited the South Korean market. Instead, it is waiting for the right time and legal standing to return.Wong raised concerns that some regulators may use compliance frameworks not just to protect consumers, but to shield local exchanges from global competition. The latest development suggests that KuCoin sees more than just a legal barrier; it sees a competitive strategy playing out in the guise of regulation.European Entry Also Comes With FrictionIn Europe, KuCoin has also faced challenges, despite the promise of uniform rules under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Oliver Stauber, the exchange’s EU CEO, noted that while MiCA was designed to simplify cross-border operations, reality doesn’t always match theory.Stauber added that some local authorities in the EU claim certain licenses are wrongly assessed, throwing up barriers that were supposed to have been eliminated by the regulation’s passporting mechanism.In 2022, the South Korean authorities cracked down on overseas cryptocurrency exchanges, alleging that 16 such platforms operate in the country without authorization.Among the affected firms were KuCoin and MEXC, which, according to the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit, have allegedly violated the peninsula’s Financial Information Act. The regulators mentioned that the firms offered cryptocurrency exchange services in the region but did not meet any requirements or obligations.Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin appointed BC Wong as its new Chief Executive Officer earlier this year and launched trading for the Official Trump (TRUMP) token on its spot trading platform. BC Wong, previously serving as Chief Legal Officer, steps into the CEO role, bringing extensive cryptocurrency industry experience and legal expertise. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

There is major news for the blockchain and cloud mining sectors as JA Mining has declared XRP as a payment and transaction processing tool. Integrating Ripple’s digital assets seeks to greatly reduce transaction costs and speed up cross-border payments for users all around. Why XRP? Native to the Ripple network, XRP has long been regarded for its cheap transaction fees, scalability, and speed. XRP transactions settle in just 3-5 seconds and cost a fraction of a penny, unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which often suffer network congestion and high gas fees. JA Mining wants to use exactly this efficiency. When sharing profits or handling user deposits, cloud mining services often suffer delays and hefty costs. JA Mining hopes to remove those obstacles with XRP, therefore giving miners of all stripes a more seamless and reasonably priced experience. Improving Accessibility and Global Reach With great acceptance in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America regions where traditional financial institutions are either underdeveloped or too costly, JA Mining’s user base spans many continents.  JA Mining can now provide these customers faster access to their mining rewards and deposit systems by using XRP’s cross-border capabilities, therefore avoiding the friction of traditional banks or high-fee middlemen. This action also increases access to the platform and many of the consumers in these areas depend on digital wallets and mobile-first solutions. Being wallet and mobile-friendly, XRP fits quite nicely in their daily financial schedule. Reducing Operational Costs JA Mining is not only considering its consumers but also streamlining its own procedures. Conventions in payment gates and fiat conversion systems cost money which reduces firm earnings.  Through the blockchain ledger, XRP lets transactions avoid many of these expenses while keeping security and openness. XRP’s scalability also allows the business to manage an increasing volume of transactions without experiencing performance problems or latency—a typical concern with other networks like Ethereum amid heavy traffic. What This Means For The Cloud Mining Sector The strategic shift JA Mining makes to XRP points to a larger trend: crypto projects are looking to blockchain solutions created specifically for transactions more and more. Although Bitcoin is still the most often used cryptocurrency, tokens such as XRP are shown to be more suitable for financial operations. Other cloud mining systems may be pushed to rethink their infrastructure by this change. Should JA Mining show that XRP adoption lowers overhead costs and raises user satisfaction, rivals could be compelled to use XRP as well or face losing market share. XRP Prepares For More Growth XRP’s integration by JA Mining is more than simply a tech update; it’s a step toward more fair, quick, and reasonably priced cloud mining for a worldwide clientele. Moving like this will be crucial for platforms trying to be ahead of the curve and satisfy the needs of a fast-changing crypto economy as the sector develops. This shift promises a better user experience regardless of your level of interest in cryptocurrencies or casual mining; it may also define future directions in cloud mining.

DTT is an Arabic language market focused Retail FX and CFDs broker, based mainly out of Lebanon and Dubai. The post FCA restricts Direct Trading Technologies appeared first on FX News Group.

In a bombshell move in the global financial underworld, the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has officially branded Cambodia-based Huione Group as a “primary money laundering concern” and is moving to sever its access to the U.S. financial system. The allegations are staggering: Huione is accused of laundering billions in dirty money for North Korean cybercriminals and Southeast Asian scam cartels, acting as the digital laundromat of choice for the world’s most dangerous cyber syndicates. The Marketplace for Crime: Pig Butchering, Romance Scams, and North Korean Heists According to FinCEN, Huione Group has transformed itself into the “marketplace of choice” for a rogues’ gallery of cybercriminals, including North Korea’s notorious Lazarus Group and transnational crime syndicates running “pig butchering” scams-elaborate crypto investment frauds that bleed victims dry through fake online romances and social media manipulation. The U.S. Treasury’s own words are chilling: “Huione Group has established itself as the marketplace of choice for malicious cyber actors like the DPRK and criminal syndicates, who have stolen billions of dollars from everyday Americans.” $4 Billion in Illicit Cash-And Counting FinCEN’s investigation uncovered that between August 2021 and January 2025 alone, Huione Group laundered at least $4 billion in illicit proceeds. This includes $37 million directly traced to North Korean cyber heists, $36 million from crypto investment scams, and a jaw-dropping $300 million from other cyber scams. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg-blockchain analytics firm Elliptic estimates Huione’s platforms have facilitated more than $11 billion in scam transactions across Southeast Asia. A Criminal Conglomerate: Payment Platforms, Crypto, and a “Unfreezable” Stablecoin Huione’s empire is sprawling and sophisticated. Its subsidiaries include Huione Pay PLC (a payment services company), Huione Crypto (a virtual asset service provider), and Haowang Guarantee (an online marketplace for illicit goods and services)2714. The group even launched its own stablecoin, the US Dollar Huione (USDH), which FinCEN warns is designed to be “unfreezable” and tailor-made for laundering criminal proceeds714. No AML, No KYC, No Shame What makes Huione’s operation especially brazen is its utter disregard for anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols. FinCEN found that none of the group’s core businesses had published AML/KYC policies, despite overwhelming evidence that criminal organizations were using their platforms. Huione itself even admitted its KYC capabilities were “seriously insufficient” after failing to spot funds linked to a North Korean cyber heist flowing through its system. U.S. Treasury Strikes Back: Cutting the Lifeline The U.S. government isn’t just wagging its finger-it’s wielding a sledgehammer. If FinCEN’s proposed rule is finalized, U.S. financial institutions will be forbidden from opening or maintaining accounts for Huione Group or its affiliates, effectively cutting the group off from the global banking system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared, “Today’s proposed action will sever Huione Group’s access to correspondent banking, degrading these groups’ ability to launder their ill-gotten gains.” The Fallout: A Warning Shot to the Crypto Underworld This FinCEN action is a clarion call to every digital scammer and money launderer hiding behind crypto wallets and shell companies: the era of impunity is ending. With billions in stolen funds and a web of criminal connections spanning from Phnom Penh to Pyongyang, Huione Group stands exposed as a global clearinghouse for cybercrime. The message is clear-no matter how sophisticated the scheme, the long arm of financial enforcement is coming for you.. Stay tuned as FinTelegram continues to follow the fallout from this unprecedented crackdown on one of the world’s most notorious money laundering hubs. Share Information with FinTelegram CategoriesFinCEN Money LaunderingTagsHuioneHuione GroupHuione PayLazarus Group

Matt Howell has been appointed as T. Rowe Price’s global head of trading strategy after being promoted from his previous role as the firm’s global head of derivatives and multi-asset trading solutions.  London-based Howell has been at T. Rowe Price for more than 14 years, starting his career with the firm as a trader.  Since then, he has seen internal promotions and became head of derivatives and multi-asset trading solutions in June 2017, before taking on his new position covering trading strategy in May 2025.  Speaking to The TRADE about his new appointment, Howell said: “I am really looking forward to further developing our capabilities to support our strategic initiatives over the coming months and years.” He also brings extensive industry experience to the new role, and has covered a variety of assets, from equities, fixed income and derivatives.  Read more – T.Rowe Price’s Matt Howell on best execution in equity derivatives Prior to his time at T. Rowe Price, he worked in trader positions at Caxton Associates, Tudor Investment Corporation and AllianceBernstein. The post T. Rowe Price names new global head of trading strategy appeared first on The TRADE.

Leading a CFD brokerage means it comes with intense competition and slim margins, so finding ways to outmanoeuvre and outperform rivals is crucial. Surprisingly, the key to gaining an edge isn’t a flashy marketing gimmick, it’s liquidity. The bedrock of seamless trade execution, liquidity can be the game-changer many overlook. But it’s not too late to capitalize. Leverate’s liquidity stack ensures you’re not just participating in the market; you’re leading it. Why Liquidity Is a Deal-Maker (or Breaker) Imagine that a trader is poised to place a significant CFD order on your platform. They click. Then… lag. Slippage. Requote. Frustrated, they abandon the trade and your platform. High-quality liquidity ensures rapid trade execution, minimal slippage, and tight spreads. It’s the difference between a one-time user and a loyal, high-volume client. In essence, superior liquidity isn’t just beneficial; it’s a catalyst for conversions. When traders trust that your platform delivers when it matters most, they remain loyal. That’s the foundation for scaling your brokerage. The Importance of Liquidity in CFD Trading Liquidity is paramount in CFD trading. Without sufficient liquidity, traders may face challenges in executing trades promptly, leading to increased costs and potential losses. As Investopedia notes: “Liquidity risks arise when insufficient trades cause contracts to become illiquid, and gapping results in suboptimal trade execution.” Ensuring high liquidity is essential for maintaining trader confidence and ensuring efficient market operations. What Makes Leverate’s Liquidity Stack Stand Out? While numerous liquidity providers exist, Leverate offers a distinct advantage. Designed for brokers, Leverate’s liquidity stack doesn’t merely integrate with your platform, it adapts to your brokerage’s unique needs. Whether serving scalpers, swing traders, or institutional clients, Leverate provides a multi-tiered liquidity solution that’s both flexible and robust. Key features include: Real-time aggregation of Tier-1 liquidity providers Smart order routing to secure the best available price consistently Deep market access ensuring large-volume trades maintain execution speed Customizable risk settings to keep you prepared for market fluctuations Think of it this way: instead of just handing you a fishing rod, Leverate provides the entire lake, abundant and ready. Real Talk: How Leverate’s Liquidity Solution Impacts Your Bottom Line Let’s connect the dots between liquidity and your conversion rates. Liquidity isn’t just about numbers on a screen, it’s the engine behind the experience your traders feel in every click, every fill, every outcome. Faster Execution = Satisfied Traders No one wants to feel like they’re trading in slow motion. During volatile market conditions, especially around major economic announcements, milliseconds matter. A high-liquidity environment ensures trades are executed instantly, reducing latency and boosting trader confidence. For scalpers and day traders, in particular, speed can be the difference between profit and loss. A fast execution engine, powered by reliable liquidity, shows traders your platform is engineered for serious market participation, not just casual investing. Lower Slippage = Predictable Outcomes Slippage, when a trade is executed at a different price than expected, can erode trust quickly, especially if it consistently favors the broker. Strong liquidity minimizes slippage by ensuring there are always counterparties available at or near the requested price, even in fast-moving markets. Traders want to feel in control. When outcomes are predictable, strategy becomes viable and that’s when they stick around and scale up their activity. Tighter Spreads = More Cost-Efficient Trading Liquidity directly impacts the spread between the bid and ask price. The deeper the liquidity pool, the tighter the spread. And tighter spreads mean lower transaction costs for your traders. For high-frequency traders or those with large volumes, even a fraction of a pip can add up to substantial savings. It’s not just an operational advantage, it’s a marketing edge. Being able to advertise ultra-tight spreads can set your brokerage apart in a crowded field. Fewer Requotes = Frictionless User Experience Requotes, asking traders to accept a new price after their original request, are a major friction point and a red flag for many experienced clients. They often signal poor liquidity or weak infrastructure. A rich liquidity environment drastically reduces requotes by ensuring pricing is always live, available, and stable enough to support execution. And fewer frustrations = fewer support tickets, better reviews, and stronger referrals. The Takeaway: Execution Quality Is the Ultimate KPI Each of these factors, speed, slippage, spreads, and requotes, carries weight in a trader’s decision to stick with your platform or move on. Collectively, they shape user perception and trading satisfaction. In fact, as trading volumes increase and user sophistication grows, execution quality becomes the north star KPI. Traders will forgive a clunky UI or a less-than-perfect app, but they won’t tolerate poor trade execution. Better liquidity doesn’t just lead to happier traders, it leads to higher deposits, more trades, stronger referrals, and better lifetime value. In short, it’s not just a backend upgrade, it’s a business growth engine. Conversion Isn’t a Marketing Problem, It’s an Infrastructure Opportunity Many brokers invest heavily in advertising to boost conversions. But what if the issue isn’t at the top of the funnel? What if it’s rooted in execution? Subpar fill rates and trade delays erode trust, something no advertisement can mend. Conversely, a robust liquidity stack ensures that the traders you attract remain engaged, deposit more, and become brand advocates. They’ll commend how “your platform just works.” Leverate: The Only Stack You’ll Ever Need Leverate offers more than just a liquidity tool, it provides a comprehensive ecosystem. From CRM integration to risk analytics, our full liquidity stack seamlessly connects with our brokerage suite. This integration means fewer vendors, expedited setup, and enhanced data-driven decisions. Need to adjust exposure mid-session? Done. Want to isolate high-risk symbols in real-time? Easy. Planning to expand into crypto, commodities, or indices? We’ve got you covered. It’s liquidity, yes, but it’s also leverage.  Ready to Level Up? If you’re weary of stagnant conversions or losing traders due to execution issues, perhaps it’s time to shift focus from tweaking landing pages to upgrading your foundation. Leverate’s liquidity stack isn’t just a plugin, it’s a conversion catalyst. Want to see it in action? Contact us to get started. Book a free demo The post Boost Trader Confidence and Conversions with Leverate’s Liquidity Stack for Brokers appeared first on Leverate.