ATFX continues to expand its global footprint through strategic engagements across London, Miami and Dubai, highlighting its commitment to international collaboration and industry innovation. Through sponsorships, conference participation and exclusive networking initiatives, ATFX and ATFX Connect are reinforcing their position within the global financial markets.Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner 2026 In London, ATFX sponsored the Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner 2026, held on 6 February at The Dorchester in Mayfair. Recognised as the flagship annual celebration of UK–China relations, the event brought together senior business leaders, policymakers and trade representatives. The evening featured cultural performances and high-level engagement between executives and government figures, reinforcing ATFX’s commitment to international partnerships and global collaborations.TradeTech FX USAIn Miami, ATFX Connect demonstrated its institutional expertise at TradeTech FX USA, the United States’ largest buy-side FX conference. Drew Niv, Chief Strategy Officer of ATFX, joined a main-stage panel discussion on liquidity and venue selection, addressing liquidity fragmentation, increasing transparency demands and the evolution of direct market connectivity in a competitive FX landscape. The event convened leading asset managers, hedge funds and corporates, reinforcing ATFX Connect’s institutional positioning and its commitment to delivering advanced liquidity, execution and connectivity solutions.iFX Expo Dubai 2026At iFX Expo Dubai 2026, one of the world’s largest B2B online trading expos, ATFX was recognised with the Best Broker–MEA 2026 award, while ATFX Connect received Best B2B Liquidity Provider. Building on this recognition, ATFX executives joined high-level discussions on brokerage dynamics, liquidity and macroeconomic trends. Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director of ATFX Connect Global, spoke on broker liquidity, while Mohammed Shanti of ATFX MENA discussed how geopolitical tensions are impacting commodity markets and pricing risks into gold, oil and industrial metals.Smash & Network | ATFX Connect x Centroid Padel TournamentFurther strengthening institutional relationships, ATFX Connect co-hosted the event on 13 February 2026 at the Park Hyatt Dubai. The event brought together brokers and institutional clients for padel and networking, providing a dynamic environment to build connections while fostering professional collaboration. The tournament highlighted the strategic partnership between ATFX Connect and Centroid Solutions, reflecting their collaboration to support brokers and institutional clients worldwide.These initiatives showcase ATFX’s cohesive global vision, driving cross-border collaboration, pioneering institutional insights, and forging strategic partnerships that anticipate the evolving needs of international markets.About ATFXATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Australia's ASIC, Cyprus' CySEC, the UAE's SCA, Hong Kong's SFC, South Africa's FSCA, Mauritius' FSC, Seychelles' FSA, and Cambodia's SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Wise has named Scott Hill as an independent non-executive director, bringing aboard a veteran of global exchange and technology finance as the London-based payments company looks to grow its footprint in U.S. capital markets.Hill is best known for his 14-year run as chief financial officer at Intercontinental Exchange, the Atlanta-based group that owns the New York Stock Exchange. He held that role from 2007 to 2021, a period during which ICE grew from a niche energy trading venue into one of the most influential exchange operators in the world. He currently sits on the boards of legal technology company CS Disco, where he also briefly served as CEO between September 2023 and May 2024, and of Cardlytics, where he chairs the audit committee.A $43 Trillion Market in the CrosshairsWise CEO and co-founder Kristo Käärmann made no secret of the commercial rationale behind the hire. The company is chasing what it describes as a $43 trillion annual opportunity in cross-border payments, and Hill's deep ties to U.S. public markets and institutional finance could prove useful as the company works to raise its profile among American investors."Scott brings significant public company, finance and U.S. markets expertise as we are making money work without borders for millions more people and businesses globally," Käärmann said."I've been impressed with what Scott has helped build in his time at Intercontinental Exchange. His addition strengthens our Board as we push to capture a greater share of the $43 trillion annual market opportunity for cross-border payments."The appointment comes at a moment of notable momentum for Wise. The company moved £47.4 billion in cross-border transactions during its third fiscal quarter ended December 2025, a 26% year-on-year increase, while active customers reached 10.9 million. Client balances climbed 34% to £27.5 billion over the same period.Board Looks to Leverage Exchange ExperienceHill's arrival follows a broader pattern of fintechs recruiting executives with traditional finance and exchange credentials to add credibility with institutional investors and regulators. His tenure at ICE, a firm that has itself been testing the boundaries between traditional finance and emerging data markets, including a recent collaboration with prediction market Polymarket - gives him a perspective that few candidates could offer.Board Chair David Wells described the fit as deliberate. "Scott's decades of experience as an operator and as a board member and board chair at some of the world's leading tech companies make him well qualified to join Wise in our next phase of growth," Wells said. "This deep experience, combined with his tenure as CFO of a global exchange, makes him the perfect candidate to join the Board as we continue to pursue our vision of building money without borders and progress towards moving trillions."Senior Hires Reshape Fintech BoardsThe move is part of a broader wave of executive reshuffling across the fintech and trading sectors. NinjaTrader recently appointed ex-IG and tastytrade executive Christopher Tripp as its international general manager, while prediction market platform Kalshi brought in derivatives veteran Andy Ross from Standard Chartered and LSEG as it pushes further into institutional finance.Before his ICE role, Hill spent over 16 years at IBM in international finance positions across the United States, France, and Japan. Wise, listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WISE, has been expanding its geographic reach beyond its European and North American base. Last year, it received a conditional license to offer transfers in South Africa, marking its entry into the African market. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

ComplyMAP Group today announces that, effective 2nd March 2026, all companies within the Group (Complyport, MAP S.Platis, MAP FinTech, GentiumUK and Spinebiz) will operate under a single, global brand: Complyport. This strategic move marks a defining milestone in the Group’s evolution into a fully integrated, global compliance, governance, risk and RegTech powerhouse. Complyport now operates through five strategic jurisdictions: the United Kingdom (global headquarters), the European Union, the UAE, Mauritius, and India, delivering seamless, cross-border regulatory, governance, risk, and technology-enabled compliance services through one cohesive global platform. This reflects the Group’s long-term vision: to transform compliance from a regulatory obligation into a strategic, scalable, and technology-enabled advantage for regulated firms worldwide.One Global Brand. One Integrated Platform. One Vision. The transition to our Complyport brand brings together decades of regulatory leadership, advisory excellence, and advanced RegTech capability into one client-facing identity. All regulatory technology, AI-driven compliance solutions, and advisory services are now delivered globally directly under Complyport, providing clients with clarity, consistency and depth across every jurisdiction. This is the culmination of a multi-year integration strategy focused on elevation, not consolidation, aligning people, culture, governance, technology, and expertise into one global operating model. “By bringing our global operations under our UK brand, Complyport, we are creating a single, trusted multijurisdictional platform that combines regulatory intelligence, advanced technology, and human expertise to help firms stay ahead of regulatory complexity, not buried beneath it.” said Dr. Stelios Platis, Executive Chair of ComplyMAP Group End-to-End Services Across the Full Regulatory Lifecycle Operating as Complyport, the Group delivers fully integrated support across the entire regulatory, operational and risk lifecycle, across multiple jurisdictions, including: Authorisations and ApplicationsRegulatory Technology (RegTech) solutions AI-powered Compliance Advisory Services Compliance and GRC Consulting Prudential Support & Risk Management Cyber Risk and Operational Resilience ICT Infrastructure Support & ICT Managed Services Expert Witness Services Audits, Health Checks and Regulatory Forensics Outsourcing and Specialist Resourcing KYC & Client Lifecycle Managed Services Comprehensive Financial Crime Support Skilled Person (s.166) Full-Scope Support Global Regulatory Reporting Compliance Monitoring & Surveillance Integrated Technology & Onboarding Integrated Digital Transformation & IT Infrastructure Comprehensive Regulatory Reporting & Compliance Specialist Security & Investigative ExpertiseThis integrated model enables Complyport to support regulated firms, via a suite of RegTech solutions and bespoke advice and support, from authorisation and governance, through ongoing compliance, reporting, and operational resilience, to regulatory remediation, investigations, and supervisory interventions, all within a single global framework. Global Reach with Local Precision Complyport’s operating model is built on a simple but powerful principle: global consistency, delivered through deep local expertise.Specialist teams in each jurisdiction work within an integrated global governance, methodology and technology framework, ensuring consistent quality, anticipatory regulatory insight and scalable delivery across borders. Close engagement with regulators, policymakers and international bodies enables Complyport to anticipate regulatory change and guide clients proactively. The result is one platform, one standard, one compass, capable of supporting firms operating across multiple regulatory regimes with confidence and clarity. A Global Platform Built for the Future of GRC and RegTech Complyport has been built as a globally integrated RegTech platform where advanced technology and human regulatory expertise are intentionally combined in equal measure. The platform brings together AI-driven systems, automation and data architecture with experienced compliance and risk professionals, ensuring that regulatory judgment, interpretation and execution are embedded directly into how the technology operates. Rather than separating advisory services from technology delivery, Complyport is designed around their continuous interaction. Human expertise shapes regulatory logic, controls and workflows within the platform, while technology enables those insights to be applied consistently, at scale and across jurisdictions. This balanced model ensures regulatory decisions remain accountable, explainable and grounded in real supervisory expectations, while benefiting from the speed, consistency and reach of advanced RegTech solutions. Operating through shared global infrastructure, standardised controls and jurisdiction-specific regulatory intelligence, the platform delivers consistent outcomes across borders while maintaining the precision required by local regulators. This architecture allows firms to scale internationally, respond rapidly to regulatory change and manage risk with clarity and control. By combining technology, data and embedded regulatory intelligence, Complyport enables compliance to operate as a strategic, scalable , and future-ready capability. The platform positions Complyport as a long-term RegTech partner to regulated institutions navigating heightened scrutiny, digital transformation and cross-border complexity. About Complyport Complyport is a global compliance, governance, risk advisory and RegTech firm supporting regulated entities across financial services and beyond. With well over two decades of experience, more than 1,500 successful regulatory authorisations , and a growing international footprint, Complyport delivers practical, technology-enabled solutions across complex regulatory environments. Complyport operates across the UK (global headquarters), EU, UAE, Mauritius and India, providing integrated regulatory advisory, RegTech, cyber, prudential, financial crime and managed services through one integrated global platform. Complyport is the client-facing brand of ComplyMAP Group, the Group’s holding and acquisition entity. For further information or to explore how Complyport can support your organisation: ? info@complyport.com ? www.complyport.com This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Dealing , a new global investing platform, has officially launched with a clear mission to reshape how investors access, understand, and participate in global financial markets. Built as an investment-first platform, Dealing is designed for long-term investors who prioritise diversification, discipline, sustainable wealth creation, and exposure.Starting today, Dealing will offer opportunities to invest in more than 30,000 financial assets across 10+ global markets from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Canada and Australia operating under 30+ licenses and registrations. Through a single unified account, investors can participate across stocks, ETFs, derivatives, and other global instruments, enabling meaningful diversification across markets.The platform’s core focus is to provide a fully transparent, secure, simple, and compliant investing experience across mobile and web. It is built on an education-led approach that empowers investors to make informed decisions with the right mindset, free from pressure, urgency, or impulsive actions. At a time when global equity participation remains structurally limited, Dealing unlocks borderless access, enabling investors to participate across markets worldwide and access wealth-creation opportunities that extend beyond the ordinary, beyond borders, and beyond the obvious.The global investing platform is first consumer-facing platform under the broader umbrella offered by Dealing Investment Banking Services headquartered in Mauritius. Dealing Investment Banking Services offers corporate finance advisory, product structuring and distribution, wealth management and investment advisory, market making / liquidity facilitation and brokerage and execution services through the global investing platform. Tajinder Virk, Co-Founder and CEO, Finvasia Group and Dealing said at the launch, “Dealing was born from a simple insight: global investing isn’t a lack of opportunity, it’s the complexity and fragmentation that hold most investors back. Even today, around 90% of global stocks remain out of reach for individual investors. Dealing was created to remove these barriers, uniting global markets, opportunities, and assets into a single, transparent experience so investors can participate confidently and focus on long-term wealth creation. The global investing platform is a part of Dealing Investment Banking Services and it is going to revolutionize how investment banking is done. This is our first step of bringing investment bank to the masses.”Backed by the Finvasia Group, Dealing Investment Banking Services operates within a robust global regulatory and compliance framework, including an FSC Mauritius Investment Banking License, CySEC regulation, and authorisation under the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), alongside other international registrations. The platform’s fully-owned technology stack and direct regulatory licensing provide rare end-to-end control over infrastructure, compliance, execution, and data security, reducing reliance on intermediaries while enhancing transparency and investor protection. The group has been serving investors across 120+ countries. The launch of Dealing was marked at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026, one of the world’s leading global fintech and trading industry forums, reflecting the platform’s global ambition and institutional-grade foundations. Following its launch, Dealing will initially focus on expanding its presence across GCC markets, with plans to progressively scale into Europe, Africa (including South Africa), and other key global regions. As global markets evolve, Dealing will continue to add more assets, more markets, and broader opportunities. As investors increasingly seek international exposure across developed, emerging, and fast-growing markets, Dealing prioritises education over speculation, alignment over activity, and long-term wealth creation over short-term noise. With its launch, Dealing sets out to redefine what global investing should look like in the modern era: accessible, responsible, and built around the investor. Accessing Dealing: Investors can start building their globally diversified portfolios by creating an account at Dealing.comAbout Dealing Global Investing Platform: Dealing is a global investing platform designed to make multi-market investing simple, transparent, and accessible through a seamless mobile and web experience. Backed by the Finvasia Group, Dealing offers access to global stocks, ETFs, derivatives, and alternative instruments through a single account, supported by direct regulatory licensing and a fully owned technology stack. For more information, visit: https://dealing.com/en-NL.Dealing Global Investing Platform is a part of broader umbrella of Dealing Investment Banking Services backed by Finvasia Group. About Dealing Investment Banking Services: Backed by Finvasia, Dealing Investment Banking Services headquartered in Mauritius is structured to support a broad spectrum of investment banking and capital markets activities, delivered through appropriately licensed entities and within jurisdictional frameworks. It is built on strong foundations: a global regulated footprint anchored by its Mauritius investment banking licence, supported by additional authorisations and registrations across key regions including the UAE and Europe, and designed with a compliance-first approach. Through its subsidiaries and sister concerns, Dealing operates across a broad international footprint with registrations and/or regulation across 30+ jurisdictions, supported by physical presence across key regions (including the UAE and Europe). The Global Investing Platform is our first consumer product—but Dealing's capabilities extend across the entire investment banking spectrum.Dealing Investment Banking Services offers corporate finance advisory, product structuring and distribution, wealth management and investment advisory, market making / liquidity facilitation and Brokerage and execution services through the global investing platform. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Two years after acquiring an Indonesian broker and positioning the country as its gateway to Asia, XTB has quietly shifted its tone. The company is still there, but chief executive Omar Arnaout is now describing Indonesia as a market that needs to earn its place, not one that's already secured it.Speaking to Polish YouTube channel Comparic, Arnaout put a timeline on it. "Indonesia must over the next six months prove itself to join this group of countries, namely Europe, the United Arab Emirates, South America," he said, adding that the framing "may sound very brutal."It is a notable change from the language XTB was using not long ago. When the company acquired Indonesian broker Eagle Capital Futures in early 2024, executives described the country as a gateway to Asia and pointed to its vast retail investor base as a long-term opportunity. By December 2024, XTB had secured full regulatory approval from Indonesian authorities and announced plans to launch operations in 2025. The rollout happened, but the results so far haven't matched the ambition.Low Deposits and No Brand Recognition Slow the StartArnaout identified two problems holding Indonesia back. The first is that deposits are very low, a combination of lower average wealth and the natural caution of clients who don't yet trust a brand they've never heard of. The second is simply that XTB is starting from nothing in terms of visibility. "If I didn't know the company, I honestly wouldn't invest very large funds myself," he acknowledged.The company has tried to fix the awareness problem quickly. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of XTB's global brand ambassadors, is already appearing on buses in Jakarta. Arnaout said he saw the ads himself during a visit. Despite that push, XTB's early client numbers in Indonesia are characterized by high account volumes but thin capital behind them, a pattern that's commercially difficult to work with.There is one bright spot. Indonesia produced XTB's fastest-ever first thousand accounts, reached within months of launching. "That happened in a matter of months from opening, which is a shock for us," Arnaout said. The question is whether that initial curiosity translates into something more durable.Germany and UAE Take Priority as Resources Run ShortThe more revealing part of Arnaout's comments was when he said where resources are actually going. Despite employing over 1,500 people, he described XTB as having limited capacity in its technology division, and when forced to choose, the answer is clear. "I honestly prefer to prioritize Germany and the United Arab Emirates over a country with a question mark," he said. "So Indonesia is currently in a trial period, we're getting to know each other, maybe we'll like each other, maybe we won't."That framing matters because UAE has already passed its test. XTB received its Dubai Financial Services Authority license back in 2021 and has since built a meaningful presence in the Gulf, even though Arnaout described it as one of the most competitive markets he has ever seen. UAE earned its seat at the table. Indonesia is still auditioning.The comparison to Brazil is hard to ignore. XTB obtained a securities license in Chile in February 2025 as part of a broader Latin American push, but within months was openly considering an exit from Brazil after running into protectionist regulatory barriers. Indonesia isn't Brazil, but the willingness to walk away from a market when the numbers don't add up is now a documented part of how XTB operates.Product Rollout Tied to the Decision PointXTB is staggering its product offering in Indonesia deliberately, and the timeline gives some indication of when the verdict on the market will come. Right now, Indonesian clients only have access to US equities and ETFs. Arnaout said vanilla options are planned for the second quarter of 2026, with CFD instruments following in the second or third quarter.That CFD launch is likely when the real assessment happens. "I think that by then we will be approaching the decision point on whether we want to invest in Indonesia," Arnaout said, "or whether we decide that, okay, it was nice, maybe it didn't work out the way we expected, and we should continue to focus on places where we are."The decision fits into a broader context of XTB managing growth carefully across multiple fronts. The company added 864,000 new accounts in 2025 and is targeting at least 1.2 million new clients in 2026, with Europe remaining the primary focus. Arnaout has said publicly that his goal is to make XTB the default investment app for European retail investors, and that mission is competing directly for the same engineering and marketing resources that Indonesia needs.Asia's Regulatory Landscape Limits the OptionsPart of what makes the Indonesia situation complicated is that XTB doesn't have many alternatives in Asia. Arnaout acknowledged that Singapore, the other major regulated market in the region, is probably too competitive and too mature for XTB to enter meaningfully at this stage. "If we were to enter such a market, I think we are already at least five to ten years too late," he said.That leaves Indonesia as the only viable Asian option, at least for now. But being the only option doesn't automatically make it the right one.Meanwhile, European competitors are dealing with their own pressures. Germany's neobrokers face a deadline to replace revenue models built on payment for order flow, the practice that made zero-commission trading commercially viable. That regulatory shift could accelerate consolidation in XTB's core market just as the company is deciding how much of its attention to give to markets thousands of miles away. XTB's focus on cutting CFD revenue dominance from 95% to 70% through spot crypto and equities makes the European market even more important to get right. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The safety and security of the UAE, especially Dubai, have attracted dozens of contracts for differences (CFD) brokers and other service providers. Clear laws and a tax-friendly status have also helped. However, the Iranian missile strikes over the weekend broke the sense of security around the desert city.Missiles reportedly struck, and explosions were heard near prime Dubai business centres that house many CFD brokers.Read more: CFD Brokers, Prop Firms Increase Margins to Protect Themselves against Middle East TurmoilBrokers Are Concentrated in Downtown DubaiBrokers register their presence in Dubai through two routes: either as a freezone company or as a mainland company. CFD brokers operate under both structures there.IG Group, CMC Markets, Pepperstone and Saxo Bank are among the firms operating as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)-regulated freezone entities. Their offices are concentrated in Dubai’s downtown area. Plus500 also maintains two Dubai offices, one in the freezone and the other just a few minutes’ walk away.Capital.com’s MENA headquarters, which operates as a mainland company, is also in the same vicinity. About a kilometre from there is the office of CFI, one of the region’s largest CFD brokers.Although Iran at first claimed to be targeting only US military bases in the region, reports later emerged of missile strikes and explosions in non-military public areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.According to Gulf News, the targeted areas in Dubai include Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. The BBC also reported explosion sounds, smoke and flames at the Fairmont The Palm hotel and in the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach area.[#highlighted-links#] Many unconfirmed reports also claimed that loud explosions were heard in the downtown area.Notably, the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace. UAE authorities also confirmed that their defence systems intercepted 137 missiles and 209 drones as of press time. Many of the explosion sounds may have been from those interceptions.Authorities have confirmed that sounds heard in various areas of Dubai are the result of air defence interception operations. Relevant teams continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to ensure public safety. The public is urged to rely solely on official…— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 1, 2026Dubai is home to many CFD brokers and other service providers in the retail trading industry. Some are headquartered there, while the majority are international companies that have opened regional offices to tap into the local market and talent.The offices of Equiti and Forex.com are on the other side of the city, in proximity to Palm Jumeirah, but still kilometres away from the confirmed strike area.Unfortunately, I had to leave Dubai for Europe a week ago — so I’m not only missing the free fireworks from Iran, but also exposing myself to greater risk. Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying. Can’t wait to be back.— Pavel Durov (@durov) March 1, 2026"Dubai is a city built on resilience, and in moments like this, you see why," Elizabeth Rayment, founder of Dubai-based marketing agency, Your Mind Media, noted on a social media post. "Dubai remains what it has always been at its core: a global crossroads of ambition, adaptability, and forward momentum. And sometimes, the world only truly understands a city when it sees how it performs under pressure."Local Capital Markets Are ClosedMeanwhile, trading on Dubai financial markets has been suspended on Monday and Tuesday. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) also confirmed closure for the two days after an order by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), the local regulator.“In implementation of its supervisory and regulatory role over the UAE capital markets, and pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations, the UAE Capital Market Authority announces that the UAE capital markets, including the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), will be closed effective Monday, 2 March 2026, and until further notice,” the CMA stated in a notice.The regulator also oversees dozens of mainland CFD brokers that have obtained an operational licence in the country for their local operations. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Saxo Bank has a new owner and a new chief executive. J. Safra Sarasin Group formally closed its purchase of roughly 71% of the Danish online broker today (Monday), ending a months-long regulatory approval process and handing control of one of Europe's best-known retail trading platforms to a Swiss family-owned banking dynasty.The deal, valued at around €1.1 billion when it was first announced in March 2025, transfers the shares previously held by Chinese carmaker-backed Geely Financials Denmark, Finnish insurer Mandatum Group, and a handful of smaller investors. Kim Fournais, who built Saxo from a two-person startup in Copenhagen in 1992 into a fintech bank with over 1.7 million clients, retains a 28% stake. He steps down as CEO and will chair the board instead.A New Saxo Bank CEO with Deep Safra RootsTaking the helm is Daniel Belfer, 50, a Brazilian-born, Geneva-based banker who has spent 26 of his nearly 30-year career inside the J. Safra Sarasin organization. He most recently served as CEO of Bank J. Safra Sarasin and holds a CFA charter. Belfer started out at BancBoston Robertson Stephens in Boston before joining the Safra Group in 2000 and will relocate to Copenhagen to take up his new post."Stepping into the role of CEO of Saxo Bank is a real privilege," Belfer said, "and I am looking forward to working together with the Board, the rest of the management team and all employees to strengthen Saxo's foundation while accelerating our ambition - bringing together Saxo Bank's digital, client-first innovation with J. Safra Sarasin's legacy of stability, prudent risk management, and enduring client relationships."With Belfer moving to Saxo, Elie Sassoon - a 49-year Safra Group veteran who previously ran the bank's private banking division - has been named his replacement as CEO of Bank J. Safra Sarasin.Leadership Overhaul Goes Beyond the Top JobThe ownership change comes with a broader reshuffling of Saxo's management structure. Henrik Juel Villberg, who has been at Saxo for more than two decades and currently serves as Deputy COO and Head of Group Client Journeys, will be elevated to Deputy CEO and join the Board of Management. Julio Carloto, who runs COO Asia operations for J. Safra Sarasin out of Singapore, moves to become Saxo's new Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, also joining the Board of Management alongside CFO Mads Dorf Petersen.As part of these changes, Saxo Bank Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer Søren Kyhl has announced he will leave the firm after more than ten years in senior management. In a LinkedIn post, Kyhl wrote that the time had come for him to move on. He did not provide details on the timing of his departure or his next role.The compliance-focused appointment of Carloto may carry particular significance. Saxo has faced a string of regulatory headaches in recent months, including a nearly $50 million fine from Danish authorities in January over the handling of white-label clients, one of its largest penalties in years. The bank was also fined HK$4 million in Hong Kong for offering crypto products aimed at professional investors to retail clients.Fournais Passes the Torch After 33 YearsFor Fournais, the transition closes a chapter that began when he co-founded Saxo as a forex trading firm before the internet existed as a commercial platform. The bank launched one of Europe's first online trading systems in 1998 and has since expanded to more than 2,400 employees across London, Singapore, Amsterdam, Zurich, Dubai, and Tokyo. Client assets have recently crossed DKK 1 trillion."I am incredibly proud of what we have built together since I founded Saxo Bank in 1992," Fournais said, "and I feel great comfort knowing that Saxo Bank has found its ideal long-term shareholder... I am pleased to pass on the torch as CEO to Daniel Belfer, whose expertise and leadership will guide Saxo Bank into this exciting new chapter."Jacob J. Safra, chairman of the acquiring group, framed the deal as a push into digital financial services. "Together, we will build on Saxo Bank's pioneering spirit with the strength and long-term perspective of J. Safra Sarasin to redefine the client experience in financial services," he said.$460 Billion in Combined Client AssetsThe combined entity will oversee more than $460 billion in client assets. J. Safra Sarasin itself manages over $460 billion and employs around 5,000 people across more than 35 locations. Its parent, the broader J. Safra Group, controls $590 billion in assets under management and operates through more than 230 locations globally, including Banco Safra in São Paulo and Safra National Bank of New York. The group also owns real estate assets such as Manhattan's 660 Madison Avenue and London's Gherkin building.Both Swiss regulator FINMA and Denmark's FSA signed off on the deal before it could close, a process that took roughly a year from announcement to completion. The transaction puts Saxo under the umbrella of a private banking group founded in 1841 - a sharp cultural contrast to the tech-first ethos Fournais cultivated over three decades.The deal adds to a recent wave of consolidation in the online trading space. Last year, prop trading firm FTMO acquired OANDA from private equity group CVC, a deal seen as reinforcing FTMO's regulatory standing as scrutiny of the prop trading sector grows.Saxo's own leadership transitions have been frequent of late. Earlier this week, the bank's head of risk governance, Laura Deleuran, departed after 11 years to join Jyske Bank, the latest in a string of senior exits that included Thomas Dam, Saxo's second-ever employee, who left after 32 years with the firm. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Top Trading Platforms for Brokers in 2026The top trading platforms for brokers in 2026 include MetaTrader 5, cTrader by Spotware, DXtrade and Match-Trader. These platforms are widely used by FX/CFD and multi-asset brokers, as well as prop firms, because they combine familiar user interfaces with modern tools for execution, risk management and automation.For any brokerage, the trading platform is the main point of contact with clients. It shapes how traders view your brand, how easily they can place and manage orders, and how reliably your execution and risk workflows operate behind the scenes. A suitable platform needs to support the assets you offer, integrate cleanly with your liquidity providers and back office, and deliver a smooth web, desktop and mobile experience.In this guide, we look at some of the best trading platforms for brokers in 2026, explain what to consider when choosing between them, and summarise where solutions like MT5, cTrader, DXtrade and Match-Trader tend to fit best in a broker’s overall technology stack.How to Choose the Right Trading Platform for Your BrokerageChoosing a trading platform is not only about design or popularity. It has to match your business model, target clients, asset list and internal resources. The wrong choice can limit growth, increase support issues, or make integrations much harder later.Platform type and assetsStart with what you actually plan to offer. If you focus on classic FX/CFDs, most mainstream platforms will work. If you want multi-asset trading (indices, commodities, stocks, crypto, or prop-style challenges), you need a platform that supports these products out of the box or through standard extensions.Execution and connectivityYour platform must connect cleanly to your liquidity providers, bridges and risk systems. Check support for FIX API, LP gateways and routing rules, and whether it can handle A-book, B-book or hybrid setups without complex workarounds.User experience (web, desktop, mobile)Traders expect fast, clean interfaces and reliable mobile apps. Compare charting tools, order types, watchlists, Depth of Market (where relevant) and overall responsiveness. A familiar or intuitive UX can reduce support tickets and improve retention.Algo trading and APIsIf your clients use EAs, bots or custom tools, the platform should support automated trading, scripting and open APIs. Some traders will choose or avoid a broker based purely on whether their existing algos can run on your platform.Risk, reporting and back officeLook at the dealer and risk dashboards, exposure reports, client management and compliance tools. Good back-office features make it easier to monitor risk, generate regulatory reports and manage day-to-day operations without extra systems.White label options and launch speedIf you are a new broker or prop firm, check whether the platform is available as a hosted or white label solution. This can reduce time-to-market and internal IT requirements, especially in the first phase of the business.Pricing and ongoing costsFinally, compare licence fees, per-account or volume-based charges, hosting and support costs. Make sure the commercial model works at your current scale but can also support your growth over the next few years.Best Trading Platforms for Brokers in 2026There is no single “best” platform for every brokerage, but a small group of trading systems are widely used in 2026 because of their stability, features and broker tooling. The most commonly considered options include cTrader by Spotware, DXtrade, MetaTrader 5 and Match-Trader, each with a different focus in terms of asset coverage, user experience and back-office capabilities.Below is an overview of these core platforms and how they typically fit into a broker’s stack.cTrader by SpotwarecTrader is a trading platform developed by Spotware and widely used by FX/CFD brokers and prop firms that want a modern alternative to legacy systems. Built with a strong focus on transparency and trust, cTrader maintains one of the highest platform scores on Trustpilot (4.7) and has accumulated more than 1,000 positive reviews, highlighting consistently positive trader feedback. Designed as a multi-asset solution, the platform supports forex, indices, commodities, crypto and stock CFDs across web, desktop and mobile applications. It offers native charts, multiple order types, Depth of Market views and fast execution. cTrader Algo enables traders to build and run trading robots (cBots) and custom indicators, while cTrader Copy provides the ability of cross-broker social trading.Why 300+ brokers and prop firms benefit from cTradercTrader is often chosen by firms that prioritise transparent execution and reliable platform operations. Its flexible architecture and extensive integration options make it a practical choice for companies looking to scale efficiently. A broad set of APIs enables seamless connectivity to more than 100 established FX/CFD solutions. Additionally, the infrastructure has been enhanced with free cloud execution, removing the need for VPS entirely and helping ensure uninterrupted operation for algo traders.Powerful features for tradersTraders gain access to a wide set of tools and features: advanced SL/TP, trailing stops and smart stop-out logic, alongside Depth of Market views and fast execution. Native charting, upgraded drawing tools, improved risk-reward tool, integrated market-sentiment and signal feeds and cross-device plugin compatibility strengthen analytical workflows. cTrader ID allows users to manage multiple accounts under one login. Supported by strong anti-fraud protections, cTrader remains a trusted choice for traders seeking a reliable, modern platform.cTrader AdvantagesTraders First™:Familiar to 11M+ traders, cTrader has a large and established global user community that values its intuitive interface and consistent trading experience. This aligns with Spotware’s Traders First™ approach, where trader interests guide product decisions and everyday operations, ensuring solutions that respond to market needs and support long-term trader success.Open Trading Platform™:cTrader allows users and brokers to build their applications on top of it and integrate with competing services. Guided by the Open Trading Platform™ principles, it stands for openness and extensibility. cTrader is already integrated with over 100 popular FX/CFD solutions, such as CRMs, liquidity providers, analytics and reporting systems, and the list continues to grow, while also supporting an official TradingView integration.cTrader Store:The cTrader Store has grown into a dynamic global marketplace for trading bots, indicators, + copy strategies, plugins and Open API apps, supported by secure transactions, built-in licensing and instant onboarding via cTID. It attracts thousands of daily visits with a demand for automation tools, while offering IBs, brokers and developersan affiliate system with double revenue streams. cTrader Leads:cTrader provides brokers and prop firms with access to high-intent leads generated through the Brokers & Prop Firms listings and the Prop Challenges section in the cTrader Store. With a daily audience of over 10,000 traders, the Store provides built-in exposure that enables brokers and prop firms to attract potential clients organically and at no extra cost, providing an additional channel for acquisition.cTrader Copy:cTrader Copy is a fully integrated social trading platform that enables traders to copy strategies or provide their own for others to follow. It offers a clear fee model, clear strategy statistics and an intuitive copying mechanism. Through cTID, users can access the Copy section, compare strategies, review performance data and allocate funds in a few clicks. Best in Class Customer Experience:Spotware provides excellent real-time support, direct access to a Support Manager and a dedicated Customer Success Manager for brokers’ and props’ needs, complemented by guided onboarding, integration assistance and continuous ecosystem updates. Long-Standing Track Record:Solid experience with 16 years in the industry, an expanding network of 300+ brokers and prop firms and an active cTrader community bringing together traders, IBs and developers. The platform continues strengthening its position through new partnerships and consistent recognition at major industry events.DXtradeDXtrade is Devexperts’ flagship white-label, multi-asset trading platform for brokers, banks, and prop firms looking for greater flexibility than is offered by traditional off-the-shelf systems. DXtrade supports stocks, options, futures, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, FX, CFDs, and margin and spot crypto. The platform delivers a responsive, browser-based trading experience for web and mobile, as well as dedicated mobile apps that let traders monitor positions and execute orders across devices.DXtrade includes advanced charting, a variety of order types, and watchlists, helping traders manage multi-asset portfolios from a single, consistent interface. The platform is customizable, meaning the visual layer can be adapted to match a broker’s branding and UX preferences, offering differentiated client experiences without rebuilding the platform from scratch.The platform also supports custom layouts, widgets, and trading workflows for different client segments, as well as custom risk rules, margin settings, and back-office dealing logic. This includes the ability to configure separate environments for retail, professional, or prop clients, each with tailored leverage levels, stop-out rules, and order-handling logic. DXtrade also supports internalization and A/B book models that can be aligned with specific business needs, dealer intervention where needed, and real-time exposure monitoring, all via a rich back-office toolkit.Uniquely, DXtrade offers open APIs, empowering brokers to customize further: building on top of their core trading software, tailoring it to their specifications, and integrating software they wish to include as part of their offerings.DXtrade offers granular reporting and analytics, helping operations, risk, and compliance teams track performance, P&L, client behavior and order-routing outcomes. Integration options with liquidity providers, CRMs, KYC tools, and payment processors allow firms to build a connected infrastructure around the platform rather than working within rigid, pre-defined limits.The platform’s integrated AI-powered customer engagement and data analytics tools offer a powerful range of features designed to drive revenue retention, including in-platform calls with screen sharing for operators, churn analysis and automated interventions, and personalized assistance.DXtrade comes with market data out of the box, powered by dxFeed. As a leading market data provider and calculation agent for the global capital markets, the company delivers high-quality financial data and services to brokerages, prop traders, exchanges, professional traders, and academic institutions. dxFeed is focused on enhancing AI- and IaaS-driven solutions, while reinforcing its commitment to reliable service provision, compliance and best support.DXtrade is typically chosen by firms that prioritize multi-asset coverage, configurable risk tools, and a modern trading experience, as well as those looking to tailor the platform to their operating model. It appeals to companies that want to differentiate their front end, streamline internal workflows, and avoid the constraints of more standardized legacy solutions.For growth-focused brokers, DXtrade can help support a wider product set and more complex account structures, while prop firms can benefit from its flexibility in defining evaluation rules, scaling plans, and trading restrictions. As a result, DXtrade is often viewed as a strategic platform choice for firms that see technology as a competitive advantage and prefer a solution that can evolve alongside their business and regulatory requirements.MetaTrader 5 (MT5)MetaTrader 5 is the multi-asset successor to MT4 and remains one of the most widely deployed trading platforms among forex and CFD brokers. It supports trading in FX, stocks, indices, commodities and other CFDs, and comes with a large built-in library of indicators, drawing tools and timeframes. Traders can access multiple chart types, depth of market (DOM), one-click trading and flexible order types, including market, pending and stop orders with multiple execution modes. MT5 also incorporates an integrated economic calendar, market news and price alerts, allowing traders to monitor macro events and react quickly to market changes without leaving the platform.For brokers, MT5 offers server-side tools for managing accounts and risk, plus support for Expert Advisors (EAs) and algorithmic trading via the MQL5 language and strategy tester. Its architecture supports both netting and hedging modes, making it suitable for brokers with different dealing and risk-management models. The platform is available on desktop, web and mobile, and benefits from a large ecosystem of third-party plugins, VPS providers and educational resources. Through various APIs and gateways, MT5 can be connected to multiple liquidity providers, bridges, risk-management systems and CRMs, allowing brokers to build a scalable, multi-server infrastructure that can handle high trading volumes and complex routing.MT5 is typically chosen by brokers that want a widely recognised, multi-asset platform with strong brand familiarity among retail traders and a mature ecosystem around it. Its established marketplace for EAs, indicators and copy-trading signals helps brokers attract and retain traders who value automation and strategy sharing. At the same time, the availability of white-label and hosting solutions makes MT5 practical for newer brokers and prop firms that want to enter the market quickly while relying on a proven platform that is already well understood by most active traders.Match-TraderMatch-Trader is a proprietary trading platform developed by Match-Trade Technologies and aimed at brokers that want an all-in-one environment combining trading, client area and basic broker tools. It is available on web and mobile, with a modern interface designed for retail FX and CFD clients. The platform provides a unified experience where clients can register, verify their accounts, deposit funds and trade from the same environment, without needing separate portals. Standard features include multi-chart layouts, popular technical indicators, watchlists and one-click trading, allowing traders to manage their positions efficiently. Match-Trader’s interface can be branded and configured to reflect a broker’s visual identity, helping maintain a consistent client journey from marketing site to live trading.The platform supports trading in forex and a range of CFD instruments, with standard charting, order types and risk controls. Brokers can define leverage levels, margin requirements and stop-out rules, as well as set up basic risk parameters to manage exposure at group or account level. On the broker side, Match-Trader can be integrated with CRM, payment providers and KYC tools from the same vendor ecosystem, which helps streamline onboarding, deposits and ongoing client management.This single-vendor approach reduces the complexity of connecting multiple third-party systems and can simplify day-to-day operations for customer support, back office and dealing teams. Reporting modules and built-in analytics give brokers visibility into trading volumes, client activity and key performance metrics, supporting data-driven decisions around marketing and risk.Match-Trader is typically selected by brokers that want a single-vendor stack and a quick route to market, often as an alternative to MetaTrader-based setups, while still offering traders a contemporary web and mobile experience. It is particularly relevant for newer or small-to-mid-sized brokers that prioritise speed of launch, predictable costs and straightforward vendor support over deep custom development. At the same time, Match-Trader’s integrated ecosystem allows these firms to expand gradually by adding more payment options, partnerships and features from within the same technology family. As a result, it appeals to companies that value operational simplicity and a cohesive environment where core components – trading platform, client area and basic broker tools – are designed to work together from day one.Comparison Table: Top Trading Platforms for Brokers in 2026Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Trading Platform in 2026The trading platform you choose in 2026 will shape how clients experience your brokerage, how you connect to liquidity, and how efficiently your team can manage risk and operations. MetaTrader 5, cTrader, DXtrade and Match-Trader all cover the core needs of FX and CFD brokers, but they do so with different strengths, pricing models and levels of flexibility.MT5 offers the safest, most familiar choice for brokers that want a mainstream, multi-asset platform with a huge installed base. cTrader by Spotware appeals to brokers and prop firms that want a modern, trader-focused environment with strong automation and copy-trading tools. DXtrade suits teams that need deep customisation and multi-asset control, especially around risk and web UX. Match-Trader fits brokers looking for an all-in-one, single-vendor stack and a fast launch.Rather than searching for a single “best trading platform for brokers,” it is more effective to define your client profile, asset offering, risk approach and internal tech capacity, then shortlist two or three platforms that align with those needs. From there, running demos, testing integrations and comparing commercial terms will give you the clearest view of which platform can support your brokerage.FAQWhat is a trading platform for brokers?A trading platform for brokers is the software that connects clients to financial markets, allowing them to place and manage orders in instruments such as forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto CFDs. It also links to the broker’s liquidity providers, risk systems and back office.What are the most commonly used trading platforms for brokers in 2026?In 2026, many forex and CFD brokers still rely on MetaTrader 5, while others use cTrader by Spotware, DXtrade or Match-Trader as modern alternatives or complements. The right choice depends on assets, target clients and how much customisation the broker needs.Is MetaTrader 4 still relevant, or should brokers move to MT5?MetaTrader 4 is still present at many brokers due to legacy client bases and integrations, but most new deployments and multi-asset setups now focus on MT5. MT5 offers broader asset coverage and a more up-to-date architecture, making it a safer choice for long-term planning.Why do some brokers choose cTrader instead of MetaTrader?Brokers and prop firms often choose cTrader when they want a more modern interface, built-in Depth of Market, advanced charting, and strong support for automation and copy trading. It is also seen as a way to differentiate from competitors that only offer MetaTrader.When does DXtrade or Match-Trader make more sense than MT5 or cTrader?DXtrade tends to suit brokers that need very flexible web layouts, custom risk logic and broad multi-asset support, while Match-Trader is attractive for brokers that want an all-in-one solution with trading, CRM and payments from a single vendor. These platforms can be a better fit when custom workflows or a single-vendor stack are more important than a huge existing trader ecosystem. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

February 2026 is already sending a clear message: this year won’t be about small tweaks. It’s shaping up to be a year where the way firms are licensed, monitored, and digitally supervised starts to change.In the February edition of the Finance Magnates Intelligence Compliance Report, we focus on two updates that look “technical” on the surfacem but can affect budgets, timelines, and how firms run day to day.Instead of giving you the full breakdown here, we’ll ask the questions most compliance, legal, and ops teams are already facing.CySEC fees: Are your Cyprus plans about to cost more?CySEC has proposed changes to its licensing and fee structure for Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs), including a shift linked to the upcoming MiCA regime.Key questions firms are asking:Which fees are expected to rise, and what could that mean for annual costs?What happens to crypto-related fees under the new structure?When could the changes take effect, and what should firms do now?What does this signal about Cyprus as a base for brokers in 2026?You’ll find the figures, timing, and practical takeaways in the free report.ESMA Digital Strategy 2026–2028: Is supervision moving into your systems?ESMA’s new digital strategy may read like an internal plan, but it points to something bigger: more shared EU supervision built around data, reporting, and connected tools.Questions worth asking now:What does “infrastructure-level” supervision actually mean for brokers and platforms?How could reporting automation change what regulators expect from firms?Where does AI fit into ESMA’s approach, and what might that mean for governance?What should regtech vendors watch as the EU moves toward more connected oversight?The FREE Compliance February report breaks this down in plain terms and explains what it could mean for your team.Plus: fast updates and risk signalsAs always, the February report also includes:Spotlight OnRegulatory HighlightsFraud WatchIf you want to access all the details, the numbers, the timing, and what to plan for, download now the FREE February 2026 Compliance Report. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

UTSPAY is a Forex Rebate platform created to help traders earn more from every trade. After registering with UTSPAY and opening or linking an MT4 or MT5 account from a supported broker, rebates are calculated automatically on trading activity and credited directly to the user's wallet. The platform provides real time tracking a clear and transparent dashboard and fast withdrawals. This makes it suitable for both new and experienced traders. The service is available across Asia, including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Laos. Why Choose UTSPAY for Forex Rebate? 1. Higher Cashback and Fast Payouts UTSPAY provides one of the highest rebate rates in the market, with cashback credited daily. 2. Transparent Dashboard and Real-Time Tracking Every rebate is displayed clearly on the trader’s dashboard, offering real-time visibility and full control. 3. Secure and Trusted by Thousands With its strong reputation and secure system, UTSPAY has earned the trust of thousands of forex traders across Asia who rely on it to manage and track their rebate effectively.4. Strong Broker Partnerships and Co-Marketing UTSPAY collaborates with over forty global forex brokers, including major names such as Exness, XM, IC Markets, Pepperstone, FBS, HFM, and IUX. This broad network allows traders to choose from some of the most reputable and competitive brokers in the industry. What is Cashback Forex? Cashback Forex is a rebate system that returns a portion of the spread or commission paid on every executed trade. No matter if the trade closes in profit or loss, a rebate is credited automatically and helps lower the traders overall cost per lot. For active traders this becomes a steady source of added value that continues to grow with each trading month. Why should forex traders use cashback programs for trading forex? 1. Lower trading costs - Rebates reduce the fees paid to brokers and improve net trading efficiency. 2. Earnings on every lot - Cashback is paid based on volume and does not depend on market direction. 3. Improved long term results - High volume traders benefit from accumulated rebates that build over time. 4. No change to trading style - Traders keep their existing broker, platform, and strategy while earning additional income from each lot. UTSPAY Promotions: Extra Rewards That Help Traders Earn More from Every StepApart from earning forex rebate on every trade, UTSPAY also provides several promotions that give traders an even stronger start. $30 Sign-Up Bonus ● New users receive a $30 welcome bonus when they register and connect their trading account. This helps traders begin their journey with additional capital support from day one. Referral Program ● Users can earn 30% referral cashback whenever their invited friends trade. Friends keep one hundred percent of their own rebates while referrers gain extra earnings from community activity. This creates a win-win system that rewards both sides. These promotions highlight UTSPAYs commitment to delivering long term value and supporting traders throughout their growth. Start Earning Cashback Forex Today Forex trading always involves costs. Managing these costs effectively can make a meaningful difference in long term results. UTSPAY offers a simple and practical solution through an automated cashback system that is clear, efficient and easy to use. With real time tracking daily payouts and trusted broker partnerships UTSPAY gives traders the tools they need to trade with more confidence and earn more from every lot. For more information, please contact support@utspay.com or visit UTSPAY Official Website at UTSPAY.com This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

The world woke up to a dramatically different geopolitical landscape on Monday, March 2, 2026. Gold surged nearly 2% to test $5,400 per ounce, its highest level since January 30, while Brent crude spiked as much as 13% to $82 per barrel at the open, a 14-month high, as the United States and Israel's coordinated military strikes on Iran triggered the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world's daily oil supply passes. The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of the offensive, combined with Iran's retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf, sent investors flooding into safe-haven assets in one of the most dramatic Monday market openings in years. In this article, I examine why gold price is going up alongside with oil, analyzing XAU/USD and WTI technical charts.Follow me on X for more gold and oil market analysis: @ChmielDkWhat Happened: Khamenei Killed, Hormuz ShutThe strikes began on Saturday, February 28, when President Donald Trump announced in a video posted on Truth Social that the United States had launched coordinated military operations against Iran alongside Israel. The scale was extraordinary:The Israeli Air Force struck over 500 military targets in western and central Iran using approximately 200 fighter jets, the largest combat sortie in its historyThe US military deployed B-2 stealth bombers to strike fortified ballistic missile facilitiesOver 1,200 bombs were deployed in the first 24 hoursUS and European officials stated three core demands: permanent end to uranium enrichment, strict limits on Iran's ballistic missile programme, and a complete halt to support for proxy groupsThe consequences were immediate and historic. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the opening day of the offensive. Iran retaliated with dozens of drones and ballistic missiles targeting US military bases across Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Iranian ballistic missiles struck Dubai, with footage showing an impact at a five-star hotel on Palm Jumeirah, a city that has become one of the world's most important hubs for CFD brokers and financial trading firms.By Sunday the conflict had escalated on multiple fronts. Hezbollah declared an "official declaration of war", launching projectiles from Lebanon toward Haifa and Upper Galilee, while the Yemen-based Houthis announced the resumption of Red Sea attacks. Iran's response in the Strait of Hormuz may prove the most consequential act for global markets: Tehran warned all vessels that no ships would be permitted to transit the waterway, and tanker tracking data showed traffic through the strait's main shipping lanes halted completely on March 1.At least 100 oil tankers stopped near UAE and Oman coastlinesTwo ships were attacked in the straitThe Houthis' Red Sea resumption effectively shut a second critical maritime corridor simultaneouslyCFD brokers and prop firms raised margin requirements and leverage limits even before markets opened, bracing for the volatility that followed.Why Gold Price Is Surging? XAU/USD Tests $5,400The flow of investors toward safe havens in the face of what happened over the weekend is, according to my analysis, a completely natural market reaction. Gold opened Monday nearly 2% higher, reaching $5,368-$5,390 per ounce, its highest level since January 30, 2026, with US gold futures surging 2.58% to $5,382.60. In Indian markets MCX gold jumped 3.5%, while silver surged simultaneously, with spot silver rising 1.68% to $95.35 per ounce, testing late January levels. By the time of writing, silver's gains were reduced to +0.3% at $94, while gold held its advance more firmly near $5,362.From the perspective of my technical analysis, gold is now just a short distance from a very important resistance zone. $5,430 is where price closed at the end of January on the weekly chart, and I would expect a stronger accumulation of sell orders there. However, current geopolitical tensions may meaningfully shift the balance of forces, and this is not a normal technical setup.The bigger picture from my analysis is compelling: from the February lows, gold has now recovered over 20%, and at current levels around $5,362 we are already just a few percentage points from the all-time highs at $5,600. If $5,430 breaks decisively, the path to retesting the January 28 high at $5,415 and the January 29 record at $5,600 opens fully. The longer-term Fibonacci projections pointing to $6,100-$7,200, which I outlined earlier this year, would then become the primary reference targets. On the downside, according to my analysis gold has strong supports: the $5,000 psychological level and then $4,850, where the 50 EMA creates a double support floor.Dilin Wu, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, captures the near-term uncertainty precisely: "XAUUSD opened approximately 1.4% higher on Monday following the sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East, but buying pressure proved limited thereafter. With the path of the regional conflict remaining highly uncertain, short-term gold volatility has increased significantly."Why Oil Is Surging 13%? Strait of Hormuz Is the StoryThe oil market's reaction was even more dramatic. At Monday's open, Brent crude surged 13% to $82 per barrel, a 14-month high, while WTI jumped up to 12% from Friday's close, which had itself been the highest since August 2025. By the time of writing, a significant portion of that move has been digested: WTI is now around $70-72 per barrel (+6.5%), and Brent is holding around +4% in early trading. We remain, however, above last summer's peaks, which now serve as an important support level.Jeff Mower and S&P Global CERA analysts identified the core mechanism: "Oil tanker traffic transiting the main shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz was halted on March 1. Even if production and terminals remain intact, higher risk premiums, ship owner caution, and delayed shipping fixtures can reduce delivered barrels, supporting higher risk premiums on March 2 opening until maritime threats de-escalate."The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of the world's daily oil trade and 20% of global LNG. Its closure, even partial or temporary, represents a supply shock with no quick fix. Key institutional forecasts for oil this week:Oil Technical Analysis: Golden Cross ApproachingBeyond the immediate war premium, my technical analysis of oil was already flagging a significant structural signal before this weekend.According to my analysis, the 50 EMA is now approaching the 200 EMA from below, close to completing what technicians call a "golden cross", historically one of the strongest buy signals in any market. The last time these two averages crossed on the oil chart was July 2024, but in the opposite direction. That death cross generated a powerful sell signal that pushed WTI from approximately $80 per barrel all the way down to $55. Now, my analysis shows the same mechanism appearing to reverse direction.If the golden cross completes, it would provide technical confirmation of a new long-term uptrend in crude, layered on top of the geopolitical supply shock already in play. That said, I want to be explicit: more important than any technical signal will be geopolitics from here. FAQWhy is gold going up today, March 2, 2026?Gold surged nearly 2% to $5,368-$5,390 per ounce on Monday, its highest since January 30, after the US and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran on Saturday, February 28. The death of Supreme Leader Khamenei, Iran's retaliatory strikes across Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Hezbollah's declaration of war triggered a classic safe-haven flight. Why is oil surging?Brent crude jumped 13% to $82 per barrel, a 14-month high, and WTI spiked up to 12% at Monday's open following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global daily oil supply passes. Oil tanker traffic halted completely on March 1, with over 100 tankers stopped near UAE and Oman.How high can gold go if the Iran war escalates?From Monday's $5,362-$5,390 level, according to my technical analysis the immediate target is a break above $5,430 resistance, which would open the path to retesting the $5,415 January 28 high and the $5,600 all-time high. A City Index analyst forecasts gold reaching $5,500 and potentially a new record above $5,600. My longer-term Fibonacci projections point to $6,100-$7,200. Key downside supports remain at $5,000 (psychological) and $4,850 (50 EMA confluence).What is the Strait of Hormuz and why does it matter for oil prices?The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman handling approximately 20% of the world's daily oil trade and 20% of global LNG shipments. Iran's coastline forms the strait's northern edge, giving it the ability to threaten or block transit. With 100+ tankers halted and two ships already attacked, the disruption is real and immediate. Wood Mackenzie warns of $100 oil if closure persists, Goldman Sachs has calculated an $18/barrel real-time risk premium already priced in, and CNBC analysts have raised the possibility of a 1970s-style energy shock if the closure continues. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The EU single market, with approximately 450 million consumers, offers significant potential. This makes it particularly attractive for scalable business models in brokerage, payments, and digital assets. However, companies seeking to access this market rarely operate purely digitally. Conferences, investor meetings, licensing discussions, and office setup require physical presence. That, in turn, means entering the European legal framework—often from third countries outside the EU.At this point, a growth strategy becomes a regulatory question: Under which immigration status does entry take place, and what activities are permitted under that status? This is where the different Schengen visa types come into play, defining how long and for what purpose fintech professionals may remain within the European legal area.Schengen Visa Types and Their Regulatory ImplicationsConferences, investor meetings, licensing applications, and office setup—cross-border mobility is a core component of any European fintech strategy. For brokers, payment providers, crypto platforms, and RegTech firms, physical presence in the EU often goes beyond networking; it forms part of market entry strategies, licensing processes, and operational expansion.As regulatory density within the EU increases, the focus extends beyond market authorization to include the immigration status of decision-makers, sales executives, and compliance officers. In licensing procedures, supervisory authorities are increasingly assessing whether there is genuine management and control presence on the ground. They also evaluate whether such presence aligns with applicable labor and immigration laws.Frequent business travel, temporary project assignments, or repeated participation in industry events can quickly approach the limits of permissible short stays under a Schengen visa—or under the visa-free 90/180-day rule. For globally operating fintech companies with flexible remote structures, this creates a direct intersection between immigration law, employment law, and regulatory substance requirements.Against this backdrop, distinguishing between a short-term stay under a Schengen visa (Type C) and a longer-term, authorization-based presence under a national visa (Type D) is not merely an administrative detail—it is a strategic consideration.Type C – Short StayThere are three primary Schengen Visa Types: A, C, and D. Type C is valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is issued for tourism, business travel, conferences, and meetings. For many fintech executives, Type C effectively serves as the “default” status for EU-related business travel.However, the 90/180-day rule can quickly become relevant in cases of frequent conference attendance (crypto, FX, payments) or recurring roadshows. The reason is simple: multiple short visits may accumulate within a few months and begin to resemble a de facto long-term presence.The consequence is not merely administrative. For regulated financial firms, this creates both immigration and regulatory risk. Exceeding permitted stay limits may result in entry restrictions or sanctions and can be viewed negatively in licensing procedures or fit-and-proper assessments.There is also a substantive distinction to consider. While meetings, conferences, and investor discussions are generally covered under short-stay status, active operational involvement—such as contract negotiations with signing authority or ongoing project execution—may constitute employment activity requiring separate authorization.Practical takeaway: For fintech firms, Type C should not be treated as a simple travel document, but as part of a structured mobility and compliance strategy that systematically monitors duration of stay, purpose of travel, and regulatory implications.Type D – Long-Stay VisaA Type D visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days in a Schengen state. It is typically relevant for permanent management presence, office establishment, operational activity, local employment, and licensing processes.For fintech firms, it often becomes necessary when setting up an EU subsidiary, applying for a financial services license, appointing locally present directors, or building compliance and risk teams on the ground.In many jurisdictions, a Type D visa is also a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit, residence authorization, tax registration, and social security enrollment. For regulated financial institutions, this carries significant operational importance, as national supervisory authorities increasingly assess whether decision-making authority is genuinely exercised within the relevant jurisdiction.Substance requirements—often referred to as “substantive presence”—and the physical availability of management play a central role in this assessment. A formal appointment of directors or compliance officers may not be sufficient if their actual immigration status and operational presence in the respective member state cannot be clearly demonstrated.ETIAS 2026: Increased Oversight for Visa-Exempt TravelersWhile Type C and Type D define the formal categories within the Schengen visa system, the next regulatory shift also affects business travelers who previously did not require a visa. With the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), scheduled for implementation in 2026, many visa-exempt third-country nationals will be required to obtain mandatory electronic travel authorization prior to entry.ETIAS does not replace a visa, nor does it create a new residence permit. Rather, it functions as a pre-travel security and registration screening mechanism before entry into the Schengen area. For fintech professionals, this means that even short-term business trips under the 90/180-day rule will be digitally registered and subject to advance review.As a result, the regulatory framework extends beyond traditional visa categories toward a more digitized and data-driven model of mobility oversight—one that is particularly relevant for globally operating financial firms.In the future, travelers will be able to apply for Schengen visas online through a portal called the European Union Visa Application Platform (EU VAP for short). EU VAP is currently being developed, but it’s a major overhaul to how Schengen visas are applied for today. Because of that, it’s going to take some time before it’s available to the public.Conclusion: Mobility Becomes a Governance IssueVisas are no longer a mere HR detail—they are a compliance matter. Immigration status can directly influence regulatory reviews, licensing procedures, and fit-and-proper assessments. The challenge lies in the fact that repeated short stays may begin to resemble a de facto permanent presence. In such cases, authorities may assess whether the activities performed are still covered under short-stay status (Type C) or whether they effectively constitute employment requiring separate authorization.This can result in additional scrutiny during licensing processes, delays in approvals, or—in more serious cases—immigration-related enforcement actions. For regulated financial firms, the risk extends beyond administrative complications to reputational and supervisory exposure.Firms planning EU expansion, conference strategies, or remote work structures must therefore treat mobility as part of their governance architecture. Understanding Schengen visa types in 2026 is not merely about entry conditions—it is about proactively managing regulatory risk. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Brokers have braced themselves for a volatile market today (Monday) due to the impact of the latest Middle East turmoil. The first course of action: increase margins and limit the leverage offered.Brokers and Prop Firms Proactively Decide on Margin IncreasesContracts for differences (CFDs) brokers and prop firms have already started sending notices to traders, informing them of higher margin requirements and leverage limits from Monday’s trading session.Read more: Dubai Hit by Iranian Retaliation as Gulf Tensions EscalateTMGM, an Australian-headquartered broker with a massive presence in China, has “temporarily increased” the minimum margin levels for withdrawals and internal transfers from 200 per cent to 500 per cent.The5ers, a prop firm, also reduced its leverage on oil, metals and indices to 1:5. The firm usually offers up to 1:33 leverage on oil and metals and 1:25 on indices.@the5erstrading as well!! pic.twitter.com/csKNTjgAoY— trader_nanni (@NanniTrader) March 1, 2026Region-Wide Turmoil with Global EffectsThe strike by the US and Israel on Iran has now created region-wide turmoil, as Iran responded by striking US bases in other Middle Eastern countries. The possible Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade flows, raises concerns about a sudden supply drop in the global oil market.As Asian markets opened today (Monday) morning, Brent crude jumped about 5 per cent and US crude climbed about 4 per cent per barrel. Metals also rose, with gold gaining about 1 per cent at the start of the trading week.Meanwhile, Asian stock markets fell sharply at the open, with Japan’s Nikkei down 1.4 per cent and MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan falling 1.2 per cent. Dow and S&P 500 futures also dropped by about one percentage point.Brokers and prop firms, especially those heavily exposed to B-book models, are trying to protect themselves from this increased volatility by raising margin requirements. Many were even reeling from a massive gap in their P&L after the one-sided rally in gold earlier this year and were said to have been saved by a one-day drop in the yellow metal.It is likely that more CFD brokers and prop firms will follow with increased margin requirements today (Monday) as the day progresses, especially before the opening of the US markets. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

ATFunded CEO leavesTopping this week’s executive moves, ATFunded CEO Joshua Dentrinos exited his position at the proprietary trading arm of global brokerage ATFX. Dentrinos was appointed to lead ATFunded in July last year, around the same time the firm disclosed that only about 6% of its traders successfully earn funded accounts.Announcing his departure, Dentrinos said he plans to take a short break to focus on personal matters before unveiling a new project he has been developing.Learn more about the exit of ATFunded CEO from his leadership role at the prop firm.LSEG, Standard Chartered exec joins KalshiAs prediction markets edge closer to Wall Street’s mainstream, Kalshi appointed Andy Ross, former head of prime brokerage at Standard Chartered, to lead its institutional business. The move aligns with Kalshi’s strategy to expand beyond its retail base and strengthen its presence among hedge funds, asset managers, and other major financial institutions.Ross brings more than 25 years of experience in London’s financial markets. Prior to joining Standard Chartered, where he served as global head of prime brokerage, Ross was CEO of CurveGlobal, an interest rate derivatives platform launched by London Stock Exchange Group alongside Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Barclays.Disclose more about Kalshi's appointment of Andy Ross to lead institutional business.MarketAxess names William Quan CTOMeanwhile, MarketAxess appointed William Quan as its new Chief Technology Officer. He will oversee the company’s global technology operations and lead initiatives to expand the use of AI, data analytics, and modernization across its electronic trading platform.Quan will report to Chief Operating Officer Dean Berry and will sit on the company’s Executive Committee. In his role, he will be responsible for developing technology systems and embedding artificial intelligence into MarketAxess’ products and internal workflows.Highlight more about MarketAxess' appointment of William Quan as the new Chief Technology Officer.Zarvista Capital Markets appoints new CEOAnother top level appointment came from Zarvista. At the offshore broker, Mohammed El Alaoui Essosse took over as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jamsheer Thazhe Veettil, who held the position for more than five years.Essosse steps into the CEO role after serving as Head of Business Development and Director of Africa at Zarvista Capital Markets in Dubai since 2023. Prior to joining Zarvista, he worked as Senior Business Development Manager at online trading broker AUS Global.Show more about the leadership changes at offshore broker Zarvista Capital.Blueberry hires new MENA partnership headLastly, Australia-based online trading platform Blueberry appointed Ghaith Alghatas as Head of Partners for the MENA region. He is based in Cyprus and joins the broker on a full-time basis.Before joining Blueberry, Alghatas worked at Pepperstone as a Senior Partners Manager in Limassol. He previously held roles at IC Markets as Partner Manager in Cyprus and later as Team Leader of the Partners department, where he oversaw performance monitoring and supervised partner-related operations.Display more about Blueberry hiring of Ghaith Alghatas as Head of Partners for the MENA region. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Following joint Israeli-US air strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, described by President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks targeting several cities across the Gulf.Authorities in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Jordan, said their air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles.In Dubai, five large explosions were heard late in the afternoon, according to Reuters. Footage circulating on social media appears to show an impact at a five-star hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai following the Iranian ballistic missile attack.A supermarket employee in Dubai’s Nshama Town Square told Reuters that some suppliers had warned they would not immediately restock certain goods. “This is not normal,” the worker said. “The water is already running out.”Dubai has emerged as a major hub for CFD brokers in recent times, due in part to faster licensing approval times. XM, Exinity, VT Markets, Eightcap, EC Markets, Pepperstone, Taurex, and many others have a Category 5 licence, which is similar to an introducing broker licence in some other parts of the world. This article was written by Adonis Adoni at www.financemagnates.com.

ESMA clips perpetual futures with CFD limitsEurope’s top securities regulator warned that perpetual futures and similar perpetual contracts popular in crypto trading are very likely covered by existing EU rules on contracts for differences (CFDs), no matter how firms brand them.The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) said investment firms must assess whether these products fall within the scope of the bloc’s CFD product intervention regime.If they do, firms must apply the full CFD rulebook, including leverage limits, standardized risk warnings, margin close-out rules, negative balance protection.Can this latest directive kill crypto perpetuals contracts in the region altogether? European providers currently offer up to 10x leverage on perps, but if these products are classified as CFDs, the maximum leverage would drop to 2x.Retail CFDs could rival US stocks by 2028Meanwhile, retail traders are quietly taking a much bigger slice of the global FX pie. FMintel’s new analysis of more than 50 retail brokers worldwide finds that retail CFD trading now makes up about 14% of daily global FX turnover, up from just 2.7% five years ago.The study builds on the Bank for International Settlements’ 2025 Triennial Survey, which put average daily over-the-counter FX turnover at 9.6 trillion dollars in April 2025, a 28% jump from 7.5 trillion dollars in 2022.iFOREX debut on LSE main marketIn London, a new name has joined the small group of listed retail CFD brokers. iFOREX, which is based in the British Virgin Islands, began trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market on Wednesday under the ticker IFRX. Its shares rose 6% to 207 pence in their market debut, signaling a warm welcome from investors.The listing completes a process that began in May 2025 but was temporarily paused as the broker worked through regulatory compliance issues raised by authorities in the British Virgin Islands. With those concerns now resolved, iFOREX has secured approval for the admission of its full share capital, allowing around 22.2 million ordinary shares to trade freely in London.IG set to join FTSE 100Still in the UK, IG is expected to enter the FTSE 100 index, based on changes FTSE Russell published ahead of its March 2026 quarterly review. The preliminary list is based on market data as of February 20, with the formal review to use closing prices on March 3 and confirmed changes to be announced after the market closes on March 4.If the move is confirmed, IG Group will shift from the FTSE 250 into the FTSE 100 as part of the regular rebalance. Index-tracking funds and ETFs tied to the FTSE 100 would then add the stock, while vehicles benchmarked to the FTSE 250 would remove it, typically triggering trading as passive investors adjust their portfolios.In Africa, the story looks different for the London-listed broker. IG closed its South Africa office and laid off its remaining local staff, after previously employing around 90 people there. The move follows the broker’s decision to stop offering services under its South African unit, while allowing clients to transfer their accounts to offshore entities.The broker had used the South Africa operation mainly as a marketing hub, making the closure a final step in its exit from the local market. IG also surrendered its South African ODP license, which is required to offer CFD trading in the country.74% of Capital.com gold closed within an hourCapital.com reported that 73.8% of gold trades executed on its platform in 2025 were closed within one hour, and 95.9% were completed within 24 hours. The broker noted that this concentration aligned with intraday trading behavior observed during a period of heightened market volatility. The broker ended 2025 with a total trading volume of $3.42 trillion, a 92.1% increase from the $1.78 trillion recorded the previous year. Trading activity remained heavily concentrated in the Middle East, which accounted for about half of the platform’s annual volume. Europe, the broker’s second-largest market, also saw a 73% surge in volumes.Deriv seeks banking licence in SVGAt the same time, Deriv is seeking a banking license from the Financial Services Authority in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Public records show the broker formed a separate entity on the island in June 2023, with its banking license application now listed as “pending approval.” SVG’s regulator does not grant traditional brokerage licenses but allows firms to offer leveraged trading once they are incorporated locally. However, the authority recently required all forex and CFD companies based in SVG to verify their overseas licenses, effectively making external regulation a condition for operation from the jurisdiction.XTB CEO targets spot crypto to lower CFD dominanceAlso, eying diversification, Omar Arnaout, the CEO of Polish retail brokerage XTB, believes spot cryptocurrency trading could significantly rebalance the firm’s revenue mix within the next two to three years, provided regulatory barriers in Poland are eased.Arnaout noted that about 95% of XTB’s income currently comes from CFD products, a concentration he said is increasingly frustrating. Arnaout’s goal is to reduce that share to around 70% by expanding into spot crypto and equity trading.ASEAN's pivot from growth to dividendsASEAN companies are drawing investors’ attention with rising dividend payouts. Equities are shifting from a pure growth narrative to a more income-oriented story as companies across the region deliver strong dividend payouts. The London Stock Exchange Group’s Miko Huang noted that the FTSE ASEAN Index, which tracks large- and mid-cap firms from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines has recorded a 10-year average dividend yield of 3.57%.The region’s appeal for dividend-focused investors has strengthened as cash flow per share and dividend payout ratios have remained resilient in recent years.Prediction markets take center stageOnline brokerages have long evolved through successive waves of innovation, from spot forex to CFDs, the rise of retail equity trading, and the expansion into digital assets. Each transition was initially met with scepticism before becoming an industry standard, shaping how brokers retained and competed for market share. The latest shift appears to centre on prediction markets, which are moving beyond their reputation for political and sports forecasting. Industry observers note a growing institutional interest, with prediction markets increasingly viewed as potential macroeconomic instruments rather than niche products, signalling their gradual integration into the broader trading ecosystem.The link between spreads and marketThe bid-offer spread has long served as a key indicator of market risk, compensating liquidity providers for holding inventory, managing uncertainty, and bridging information gaps between buyers and sellers. Whether set through dealer negotiations, brokered transactions, or electronic trading, the spread traditionally widened during periods of volatility and narrowed as conditions stabilized, acting as a visible measure of market stress.That relationship has weakened in recent years. Across asset classes and trading models, competitive pressure has compressed spreads to levels detached from underlying risk. What began as a push toward greater efficiency has, in many cases, produced distortion, with spreads no longer performing their original role as reliable shock absorbers for market uncertainty.Wise reportedly curbs Coinbase transfersLastly, a LinkedIn post circulating online claims that Wise has started blocking payroll transfers from Coinbase to employees’ Wise accounts in the UK. According to the post, the move has disrupted some workers’ access to their wages and was described as “anti-competitive.”Wise’s public Acceptable Use Policy prohibits customers from using its platform to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies directly. It also states that the company may block or return payments linked to crypto-related businesses based on its compliance checks and risk assessments. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Institutional crypto spot trading is increasingly distributed across OTC desks, derivatives venues, and hybrid execution models, while growth in centralized exchange order books remains relatively subdued. Institutional crypto spot over-the-counter (OTC) trading rose 109% year-over-year in 2025, according to a report by Finery Markets. Over the same period, the report estimates that spot volumes on the top 20 centralized exchanges (CEXs) grew by around 9%. Independent data broadly supports slower growth in CEX spot markets, though figures vary. CoinGecko’s 2025 annual data shows that top-10 CEX spot volume increased 7.6% year-over-year to $18.7 trillion. However, derivatives activity on CEXs expanded more significantly, with perpetual futures volume rising 47.4% to $86.2 trillion.Binance has also reported double-digit growth in institutional and VIP trading activity, suggesting that institutional flow on large exchanges remains substantial, particularly in derivatives. The contrast indicates that while spot order book growth has been limited, institutional activity has not necessarily exited centralized venues altogether. Instead, market structure appears to be evolving across multiple channels, including OTC, derivatives, and hybrid execution models. Spot vs. Derivatives and Liquidity Concentration The Finery report focuses specifically on spot OTC activity. Other market participants, including Wintermute, have noted that OTC liquidity in 2025 was concentrated in large-cap assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside increased use of options for risk management. Broader data from The Block and other analytics providers indicates that institutional participation has remained focused on blue-chip assets, with shorter altcoin cycles and limited depth outside the top tokens. This suggests that OTC growth may reflect concentration in large-cap block trading rather than a broad-based expansion across the full asset universe. Hybrid Market Structure Growth in OTC activity is occurring alongside expansion in other segments. CoinGecko reports that decentralized exchange (DEX) perpetual volume rose 346% year-over-year to $6.7 trillion, increasing the DEX-to-CEX perpetual ratio to 7.8%. This indicates that some institutional participants are incorporating on-chain venues into execution strategies rather than shifting exclusively to OTC networks. Overall, available data suggests that crypto market structure in 2025 is becoming more diversified. Spot OTC activity has expanded rapidly within certain institutional channels, while CEX derivatives, DEX venues, and hybrid models continue to attract significant volume. The trend points to fragmentation and specialization in execution rather than a single-direction migration away from centralized exchanges. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

The European Securities and Markets Authority has released its annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments in the European Union. These calculations will inform market transparency requirements over the coming year.The release follows ESMA efforts to reshape how derivatives trades are reported and displayed, which affects CFD brokers that hedge through EU venues. The authority published final MiFIR standards introducing fixed transparency thresholds, new post-trade reporting fields, and revised timing rules. The package also lays the groundwork for a pan‑EU OTC derivatives “consolidated tape” in 2027. Brokers will need to adapt systems for trade reporting, identifiers, and deferral logic, even if retail CFDs remain unchanged.Equity Rules Lead to Derivatives ConsolidationThe assessments cover liquidity, the identification of the most relevant market, average transaction values, standard market sizes, and the average number of daily transactions. The results are intended to guide pre-trade and post-trade thresholds and determine tick-size regimes.Market participants are encouraged to monitor the calculations regularly. This includes estimates for newly traded instruments and updated figures after the first weeks of trading. The full list of instruments and related data is available through ESMA’s FITRS and the Register web interface.ESMA also reminded firms that the revised rules on transparency for equity and equity-like instruments will take effect from 2 March 2026. The calculations published this year will remain applicable until the next annual update.Looking ahead, ESMA is also moving to consolidate post-trade derivatives data across the EU, another measure aimed at improving transparency and market efficiency.CFD Brokers Eye ESMA Data FeedESMA has opened applications for a Consolidated Tape Provider to aggregate post-trade data for over-the-counter derivatives across the EU. The service will package data from trading venues and other contributors into a single electronic feed. While aimed at all market participants, CFD brokers will be key users as they comply with upcoming transparency rules. The winning provider will operate under ESMA supervision for five years, with final selection expected by July 2026. The feed is intended to support market efficiency and align with ESMA’s 2027 derivatives transparency reforms. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission is considering the possibility of allowing cryptocurrency payments at licensed online casinos, in line with the Financial Conduct Authority’s proposed rules for cryptoasset firms. The FCA consultation, which marks the final stage of its sector proposals, sets requirements covering governance, operational resilience, financial crime controls, and Consumer Duty obligations. These rules will apply to any firm offering regulated crypto services, including those in the gambling sector.Firms seeking to carry out regulated cryptoasset activities will need full authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act. Existing FSMA-authorised firms must vary their permissions, while those only registered under anti-money laundering or payment regulations must apply for full authorisation. Applications are expected to open in September, ahead of the regime’s planned October 2026 launch.Gambling Commission Considers Crypto Payments UKTim Miller, executive director for research and policy at the Gambling Commission, said the regulator is examining “the potential path forward” for using “cryptoasset as a consumer payment option for licensed and regulated gambling in Great Britain.” He made the remarks at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual general meeting in London.Under the planned regime, companies providing regulated crypto services will require FCA authorisation under the FSMA 2000.Crypto “Could Reduce Illegal Gambling” SearchesMiller said the commission has asked the Industry Forum, a group representing gambling sector professionals, to identify possible approaches for accepting crypto payments. He did not specify a deadline for the work.One of the few areas where crypto infrastructure has actually matured.Prediction and betting markets - including opinion trading platforms like Polymarket - surfaced early because they needed fast settlement, global access, and verifiable outcomes.The UK Gambling Commission… pic.twitter.com/96Ls3qHd5q— Brian Rose, Founder & Host of London Real (@LondonRealTV) February 27, 2026The regulator also cited potential consumer protection benefits. Miller said: “Our illegal markets research also gives us evidence that crypto is one of the two biggest searches that lead British gamblers to illegal sites.”He added that enabling crypto payments would not automatically bring all operators under UK regulation, as some may not meet customer suitability requirements. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Saxo Bank’s Head of Risk Governance, Framework and Reporting, Laura Deleuran, has left the broker after 11 years to join Jyske Bank. “Today marks the end of my 11 years with Saxo Bank. I'm tremendously grateful to my fantastic team and all my colleagues in Group Non-Financial Risk Management and across the bank for the great experiences, which have allowed me to grow professionally and personally,” Deleuran announced on Friday.Over a Decade in Risk GovernanceDeleuran joined Saxo Bank in 2014 and held several senior risk management positions. She most recently served as Director, Head of Risk Governance, Framework and Reporting, a position she had held since mid-2022.Before that, she worked as Associate Director, Head of Non-Financial Risk Governance, and earlier as Group Senior Risk Manager for Operational Risk.Keep reading: Prop Firm ATFunded CEO Joshua Dentrinos DepartsDeleuran will start her new position at Jyske Bank next week. While her title has not been disclosed, her responsibilities are expected to focus on strengthening risk governance and frameworks at the Danish lender.New Role at Jyske Bank“At the same time, I'm excited to start a new chapter at Jyske Bank on Monday, and I'm looking forward to working with new colleagues and leveraging my experience in my new role,” she said. In another move at the broker, Saxo Bank recently marked the final working day of Thomas Dam, its second employee, who left the firm last month after dedicating 32 years. Over his long tenure, he rose to Director for Nordic VIPs and ultra-high-net-worth clients, having joined when Saxo was still a small team in the early 1990s. Saxo Bank recently published client data comparing the performance of investors trading a single product with those using multiple products over a five-year period from 2021 to 2025. The data, compiled from aggregated client accounts, revealed that investors who traded across different instruments generally achieved higher average returns.According to Saxo, the results highlight the benefits of diversification. The firm noted that clients engaging in multiple product types were more likely to outperform single-product traders, emphasizing that spreading risk remains a key element of successful investing. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.