This week, prediction markets offered a lesson in how quietly a market can spread across territories until it is virtually everywhere. They have morphed from a niche experiment into a hybrid of betting, crypto culture, and online speculation almost before anyone could blink. Now, event contracts are part of both the financial system and everyday life: retail brokerage flows, institutional trading desks, sports ecosystems, and data infrastructure. Retail Engine Gains Traction Event contracts have become a growth engine for Robinhood. More than 12 billion contracts were traded on the platform in 2025, including 8.5 billion in Q4 alone. Early January data suggests momentum is continuing into 2026. Notably, crypto trading revenue declined 38% year over year. CEO Vlad Tenev has positioned prediction markets alongside equities, options, and banking products rather than as an experimental add-on. The signal is clear: for large retail brokers, event contracts are emerging as an engagement engine capable of offsetting weaker crypto activity. Wall Street Steps In Institutional players are moving deeper into the space. Proprietary trading firm Jump Trading is set to take small equity stakes in Kalshi and Polymarket in exchange for liquidity provision. The arrangements resemble venture-style deals and highlight the strategic value of market-making in event contracts. Meanwhile, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), owner of the NYSE, launched a Polymarket Signals and Sentiment tool that normalises and distributes prediction-market probabilities to institutional investors. Under the partnership, ICE acts as the exclusive distributor of Polymarket data for capital markets clients. Sports and Esports Go Native On the consumer side, integration into entertainment ecosystems is accelerating. Tournament organiser BLAST announced Polymarket as its official prediction partner for the 2026 season, marking what is believed to be the first major prediction-market sponsorship in esports. Markets will be integrated into broadcast segments and live events across BLAST’s Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments.In traditional sports, analysts estimate that prediction markets captured roughly 80% of year-on-year growth in Super Bowl wagering activity, operating under federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission rather than state gambling regimes. The competitive dynamic is shifting as prediction markets are operating under a different regulatory model. The Competitive Edge: Regulation as Strategy The Super Bowl data underscores a broader theme: regulatory positioning is becoming a competitive weapon. By framing themselves as federally regulated event-contract venues, platforms such as Kalshi have gained access to markets where traditional sportsbooks face state-level restrictions. At the same time, incumbents are launching their own prediction-style products to defend market share. The growth is not just product-driven. It is architecture-driven. Bottom Line This week’s developments point to one overarching trend: prediction markets are no longer a side experiment at the edge of crypto or betting culture. They are becoming embedded across retail brokerage apps, institutional data feeds, proprietary trading desks, and global sports entertainment. From Robinhood’s volume surge to Jump’s liquidity deals, from ICE’s data integration to esports partnerships, prediction markets are evolving into a layer of financial infrastructure. The least predictable outcome is about how quickly the markets built around those events become part of the system itself. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has confirmed that the Investors Compensation Fund has withdrawn the membership of two firms, VMVita Markets Ltd and HTFX EU Ltd. Both had previously been licensed as Cyprus Investment Firms and offered retail trading services, including contracts for difference.The changes come amid a broader regulatory update, as CySEC seeks to adjust the cost of doing regulated investment business in Cyprus. The consultation covers Cyprus Investment Firms, foreign branches, and market operators, introducing higher licence and service fees as well as charges for material change notifications and algorithmic trading. [#highlighted-links#] The update also removes some outdated items, including a crypto‑services approval fee now covered under EU MiCA rules, aligning costs more closely with firms’ size, business model, and turnover.Clients Retain Rights Despite ICF WithdrawalToday’s (Friday) move follows CySEC’s earlier decision to revoke the investment firm licences of both companies. HTFX’s licence withdrawal has already been reported by Finance Magnates, though no further details were provided on the reasons for the cancellations.CySEC clarified that the loss of ICF membership “does not mean loss of rights of covered clients to receive compensation in relation to investment operations carried out until the loss of membership status” if conditions for compensation are met. The regulator added that the change “does not obstruct the initiation of the compensation procedure for covered clients.”The ICF provides limited compensation to eligible clients if a regulated firm cannot return client funds or instruments. It does not cover trading losses, and compensation is capped per eligible client.Cyprus CFD Brokers Face Regulatory ChangesWith the withdrawal of membership, both firms are no longer part of the investor protection scheme for future business. Clients may still seek compensation for eligible past dealings under the fund’s rules.The action comes amid wider regulatory changes in Cyprus, where several CFD and retail brokers have recently seen licence cancellations or have voluntarily left the market. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Silver crashed more than 10% during Thursday's trading session, marking one of the three most violent selloffs since the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly six years ago. The white metal lost approximately $9 in value during that single session, though prices remain within technically safe zones as of Friday, February 13, 2026.According to my technical analysis, the $80 level is once again acting as resistance, these were the highs from late 2025, and the 50-day exponential moving average (50 EMA) currently runs almost horizontally through this zone, reinforcing this resistance level. This level was already tested from above during Friday's session, when silver changed hands at $77 per ounce, which may be a short-term signal of continued correction momentum.In this article, I am examining why silver is falling after its historic crash, analyzing the silver price chart based on over a decade of experience as an analyst and trader, and presenting the newest silver price predictions from major financial institutions for 2026-2027.Follow me on X for more silver market analysis:@ChmielDkSilver Price Today. Recovery Attempt After 10% Single-Day PlungeSilver rose to approximately $78.91 per troy ounce on Friday, up 5.52% from Thursday's $74.78 close, recovering some of the brutal losses. However, the metal remains down 16.69% over the past month, with prices oscillating between $73 and $90 throughout early February."The silver market is currently experiencing one of its most sensitive and complex phases since the beginning of the latest monetary tightening cycle," Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com, noted.[#highlighted-links#] As she added about the current rebound, "this contradictory movement reflects a clear struggle between short-term technical factors supporting a rebound and deeper fundamental pressures weighing on the broader trend."The Thursday crash represented silver's third-hardest single-day decline in six years, following the brutal 33% flash crash on January 30 when prices plummeted from $121 to $76. That earlier selloff was triggered by Reuters reporting about ending US strategic metals support, which sparked algorithmic panic selling and forced mass liquidations across precious metals markets.Silver Technical Analysis: Key Support and Resistance LevelsAs shown on my chart, we now have another crucial support zone forming around the $70 level, defined by local lows from late December, the February 2 minimum, and where the selling pressure halted on February 5. Even if this level breaks, the next significant support zone appears around $55, where the 200-day moving average runs alongside historical highs from October 2025.Critical Price Levels to Watch:Immediate resistance: $80 (50 EMA, late 2025 highs)First support: $70 (late December/early February lows)Major support: $55 (200 EMA, October 2025 highs)Bullish breakout level: $90 (psychological resistance)Path to ATH: $100 psychological level, then $120 (January 29 high)"The pullback in gold and silver reflects a wider cross-asset correction rather than a metals-specific move," Laurence Booth, Global Head of Markets at CMC Markets, said. As he added about the broader picture, "while there has been consolidation from recent highs, the complex remains firmly higher year-to-date."For silver to seriously consider a move toward all-time highs again, we would first need to see a breakout of local resistance and a return above the $90 level, where another significant resistance zone emerges. Not counting the psychological $100 level—which also attracts profit-taking orders, the path toward $120, last tested on January 29, should reopen once these hurdles clear.Why Is Silver Price Falling? Key Market DriversSeveral interconnected factors explain the current silver weakness:Fed policy uncertainty: The Federal Reserve maintained its 3.5-3.75% target range in January, pausing the easing cycle and signaling cautious assessment of incoming dataProfit-taking after extreme rally: Silver surged 65% in January 2026 alone following a 150% gain in 2025, creating massive profit-taking pressureCross-asset correlation: Silver dropped alongside tech stocks and crypto, with OANDA Japan slashing gold/silver trading limits by 70% due to extreme volatilityLiquidity concerns: CME Group increased margin requirements following the January flash crash, reducing speculative positioningAccording to my analysis, even if a more significant correction occurs, the 50 EMA combined with the psychological $4,700 per ounce level for gold provides substantial support for the precious metals complex. I've also identified a zone around the late October and early November lows as another critical support area for related metals positioning."Across precious metals, we anticipate a more sideways bias to develop, with easing volatility potentially encouraging renewed participation in gold," Booth added about near-term expectations.Silver Price Predictions 2026-2027: What Banks ForecastDespite the recent volatility, major financial institutions maintain constructive medium-term views on silver, though with significantly more cautious near-term outlooks than their January forecasts.Institutional Silver Forecasts:HSBC's Colin Steel raised the bank's 2026 average silver forecast from $44.50 to $68.25 per ounce, citing "persistent physical tightness, strong investor demand and a supportive macro backdrop". However, Steel views current prices as "fundamentally overvalued" and expects volatility to persist with "likely upside spikes" as long as near-term tightness endures.Earlier, my January 20 piece on silver's rally highlighted Robert Kiyosaki's $200 forecast and Robert Maloney's $375 target, though these extreme predictions now appear less probable following the correction.The synchronized gold and silver selloff on January 30 marked the worst single-day decline since 2013, with gold crashing 8% and silver plunging 17%. Yet both metals remain significantly higher year-to-date, suggesting the fundamental bull case remains intact despite the volatility.What's Next for Silver? Near-Term OutlookAccording to my technical analysis, silver's immediate trajectory depends on whether the $80 resistance level can be reclaimed and held. Friday's pin bar candlestick formation suggests supply rejected the bulls' move toward all-time highs, though the new week brings another attempt to enter price discovery mode [user-provided analysis].The current bounce appears "more like a temporary rebalancing following an excessive sell-off rather than the start of a sustained bullish trend, especially amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding US monetary policy and global liquidity expectations," as Rania Gule characterized the price action [user-provided quote].Key catalysts to watch:US economic data: Employment reports, inflation figures, and Fed speaker commentaryDollar dynamics: A weaker dollar historically supports precious metals pricingGeopolitical developments: Middle East tensions and trade policy shiftsChinese demand: Central bank buying and industrial consumption trendsRetail participation: Physical demand at current price levelsEven with moderate corrections, HSBC's Colin Steel noted that "moderate deficits, a soft dollar and ongoing geopolitical and policy uncertainty should continue to support silver prices on downswings". This suggests the $55-70 zone represents high-probability accumulation territory for longer-term positioning.As shown on my chart, silver maintains important technical support structures despite the violent selloff. The 50 EMA near $80 and the 200 EMA around $55 provide clear boundaries for the correction range. If silver were to correct 25-30% from recent highs, similar to typical precious metals bull market corrections, the $55-60 zone aligns perfectly with these technical levels and would likely attract substantial institutional buying interest.FAQ: Silver Price Questions AnsweredWhy is silver price falling today?Silver is consolidating after a 10% crash on Thursday and remains below the $80 resistance level (50 EMA). Profit-taking following a 65% January rally, Fed policy uncertainty, and cross-asset correlation with tech stocks are driving the weakness.Will silver continue declining?According to my technical analysis, silver has strong support at $70 (late December lows) and major support at $55 (200 EMA, October highs). HSBC expects a $58-88 trading range for 2026, suggesting current levels may find buyers.What is silver price prediction for 2026-2027?HSBC forecasts $68.25 average for 2026, Citigroup maintains a $150 target within 3-6 months, while more conservative estimates place year-end 2026 at $62 and 2027 average at $57. The wide range reflects extreme uncertainty.Should I sell silver now?This depends on your time horizon and risk tolerance. Silver remains up 11% year-to-date despite the correction. Structural supply deficits and industrial demand provide long-term support, but near-term volatility remains extreme. This article does not constitute investment advice.Is this a buying opportunity for silver?The $70-80 zone may offer tactical entry points for traders, while the $55-60 area (200 EMA) represents higher-probability accumulation for longer-term investors. However, extreme volatility and potential for further declines require careful position sizing and risk management. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Clear Street shelved its initial public offering (IPO) on Thursday, just hours after cutting the deal's size from $1.05 billion to $364 million in a last-ditch attempt to salvage the listing.The New York-based prime broker cited "market conditions" for scrapping Friday's planned Nasdaq debut and said it would reconsider the listing later. The withdrawal marks the second major IPO postponement in a week, following Blackstone-backed Liftoff Mobile's decision to pull its $762 million offering on Feb. 5 amid a software sector rout.Clear Street had already trimmed its ambitions significantly before pulling the plug entirely. The firm cut its offering from 23.8 million shares priced at $40 to $44 each down to 13 million shares at $26 to $28. That would have valued the company at roughly $7.2 billion at the top of the revised range, compared to an initial target of $11.8 billion.Revenue Surges as Valuation Ambitions CollapseThe firm expects net revenue between $1.04 billion and $1.06 billion this year, more than double its 2024 figure of $463.6 million. That growth came largely from Clear Street's expansion beyond its original prime brokerage platform into investment banking and equity research since its 2018 founding.But investors balked at the initial valuation, according to Bloomberg. The firm encountered pushback on its pricing expectations even before Thursday's attempted downsizing.The pricing was scheduled for Thursday evening, with trading set to begin Friday under the ticker "CLRS".Even companies that managed to go public have little reason to celebrate. eToro, trading under the ticker ETOR, has been listed on Wall Street for nearly a year and has fallen about 60 percent over that period.Meanwhile, another publicly traded broker, NAGA Markets, carried out a 10-for-1 reverse stock split at the end of 2025. According to management, the company’s penny-stock status “does not accurately reflect the operational profile.” The shares are currently valued at €3, which would have been €0.30 before the split. The latest results, however, align with the weak share price, showing EBITDA for 2025 at roughly one-third of the level reported in 2024, when it stood at €9 million.Crypto Exposure Compounds AI-Driven SelloffClear Street's role as an underwriter for cryptocurrency-related capital raises likely amplified investor concerns. The firm has served as underwriter for multiple crypto treasury offerings, particularly Strategy's recent fundraising rounds."The recent AI-driven selloff in financial stocks likely dampened investor sentiment, but the sharp decline in crypto markets also had an impact as Clear Street has served as underwriter for multiple crypto treasury capital raises, particularly Strategy's latest offerings," said IPOX Research Associate Lukas Muehlbauer.Broader volatility has rattled the IPO market in recent weeks. Software and IT stocks tumbled earlier this month on fears that AI-first offerings would disrupt existing business models, dragging down shares of Wall Street brokerages on Tuesday.Ripple Effects Across MarketsThe postponement could prompt other companies planning listings to reconsider their timing. Clear Street was coming off what the source material described as a "banner year," making the withdrawal particularly notable.Brazilian fintech Agibank slashed its offering size just a day before its Feb. 11 debut, following weak post-IPO performance by rival PicPay. PicPay's shares have fallen roughly 20% since its January listing, the first IPO by a Brazilian company in more than four years.SBI Holdings took a $50 million minority stake in Clear Street in January, establishing a joint venture focused on prime brokerage services in Japan. Last May, the firm launched an outsourced trading desk led by former UBS executive Morgan Ralph. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

OANDA Japan cut maximum position sizes for gold trading by 70% effective immediately, marking the broker's second emergency intervention in precious metals markets within two weeks as wild price swings strain market infrastructure.The broker reduced maximum open positions for XAU/USD from 100 lots to 30 lots, according to a client notice issued Friday. The move comes as gold whipsawed from $5,600 per ounce on January 29 to $4,400 just four days later, before recovering to around $4,980 today."Currently, we are seeing extremely volatile price movements in the precious metals market that are significantly higher than normal," OANDA Japan stated in the notice. The broker said the restrictions aim "to protect our customers' assets and ensure the safety of their transactions."Liquidity Evaporates as Spreads WidenOANDA Japan flagged "extremely low liquidity" and rapidly widening spreads as primary concerns. The broker warned that margin rates and funding costs for both gold and silver CFDs may be adjusted without advance notice due to deteriorating market conditions."As a result of sudden price fluctuations, the precious metals market has become extremely volatile and liquidity has become extremely low, resulting in a rapid widening of spreads," the firm said.Transaction costs with counterparties have risen sharply as volatility persists. Gold dropped more than 3% during Thursday's session, falling back below $5,000, before climbing 1% Friday to trade near $4,980.Second Precious Metals Intervention in Two WeeksThe gold restrictions follow similar emergency measures OANDA Japan imposed on silver trading on January 29. That intervention slashed maximum silver leverage from 20:1 to 5:1 and cut position limits by 75% as silver climbed toward $120 per ounce.Both moves come after a historic market crash that began January 30 erased an estimated $7.4 trillion in precious metals market value. Gold plunged 9-12% in a single day, while silver suffered its worst daily drop since 1980, falling 26-31%.The Chicago Mercantile Exchange switched to percentage-based margin calculations in January as the rally intensified, while liquidity provider Scope Prime adjusted spreads in response to the CME changes.Brokers Scramble as Retail Interest SurgesTrading activity at broker Axi has been dominated by gold contracts as retail interest more than doubled during the recent price surge. CFD broker ACCM reported record January trading volume of $285 billion, with gold accounting for over 67% of the total.However, some executives have raised concerns about the sustainability of the rally. Scope Markets EU CEO Constantinos Shakallis warned that Wall Street's $6,000 price targets may be luring retail traders into a speculative trap similar to 1980's gold crash.Wells Fargo dramatically upgraded its year-end gold forecast to $6,100-$6,300 earlier this month as China's central bank extended its gold buying spree for a 15th consecutive month.OANDA Japan said it will continue monitoring the situation closely and "strongly recommend that customers actively seek out information through reliable financial news and other sources, and that they manage their funds with sufficient margin for all precious metal transactions." This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

IC Markets Global has been recognised by TradingView as the “Social Champion” at the 2025 TradingView Broker Awards, highlighting the broker’s strong engagement and connection with the global trading community. The Social Champion award recognises brokers that stand out on TradingView through active participation, meaningful interaction, and consistent engagement with traders across the platform’s social ecosystem. Recognition driven by community engagement Unlike traditional broker awards that focus solely on volume or scale, the Social Champion award reflects how brokers show up for traders day-to-day: through educational content, timely market commentary, and genuine interaction within the TradingView community. The award is based on a combination of verified user feedback, engagement metrics, and platform activity, ensuring recognition is grounded in real trader experience. Building a dialogue with traders IC Markets’ presence on TradingView focuses on more than execution and pricing. The broker actively supports traders by: Sharing market insights and trade-relevant commentary Engaging directly with trader discussions and feedback Supporting transparency and education within the community This approach has helped IC Markets Global build a strong, trusted voice within TradingView’s global network of traders. “Being recognised as TradingView’s Social Champion is especially meaningful because it reflects how traders engage with us, not just how they trade,” said Tony Philip, CMO at IC Markets. “We see TradingView as more than a platform, it’s a community. This award reinforces our commitment to staying connected, transparent, and responsive to traders worldwide.”IC Markets Global also thanked its clients and partners, noting that ongoing feedback from the TradingView community continues to shape how the brand communicates, educates, and evolves. About IC Markets Global Founded in 2007, IC Markets Global is a globally recognised CFD broker offering access to FX, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. Known for its institutional-grade infrastructure and trader-focused approach, IC Markets serves clients across multiple regions worldwide. Find out more about IC Markets Global at icmarkets.com/global This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

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

The industry’s most credible awards, the UF AWARDS MEA 2026, announce the MEA region’s best financial service providers, brokers, and fintech brands. Following a marathon Voting Round concluded on February 4, the votes were tallied and the winners revealed at a stylish Award Ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.The Industry’s Most Credible Award SeriesWhy is the UF AWARDS series considered the most credible award series? Because it is based on an open vote. That means anyone can nominate, and every member of the industry, from broker to affiliate and retail trader, can vote. This includes clients, partners, and even employees, real people, with real experience with the nominated brands, to ensure a completely impartial process. The winning brands have shown an on-going commitment to providing their clients with high-quality trading solutions and reliable client support in an extremely competitive industry. This year’s MEA finalists include:BROKER AWARDSATFX: BEST BROKER - MEAFXTM: MOST TRUSTED BROKER - MEAEXNESS: BEST TRADING CONDITIONS - MEACFI: MOST TRANSPARENT BROKER - MEAFXCM: BEST CFD BROKER - MEADERIV: BEST TRADE EXECUTION - MEACPT MARKETS: BEST TRADING EXPERIENCE - MEAWRPRO: BEST EDUCATION TOOLS - MEAPU PRIME: BEST MOBILE TRADING APP - MEACENTFX: BEST ECN/STP BROKER - MEACXM: BEST GOLD TRADING BROKER - MEATRAZE: FASTEST GROWING BROKER - MEATRADINGPRO: BEST SPREADS BROKER - MEATRADEZERO: BEST BROKER FOR SHORT SELLING - MEAHOLA PRIME: FASTEST PAYOUT PROP FIRM - MEAB2B AWARDSX OPEN HUB: MOST TRUSTED LIQUIDITY PROVIDER - MEAARIZET LABS: MOST ADVANCED PROP TRADING TECHNOLOGY - MEAEXINITY CONNECT: MOST RELIABLE LIQUIDITY PROVIDER - MEAEXO CRM & TRADER: BEST EMERGING CRM PROVIDER - MEATECHYSQUAD: BEST IB/AFFILIATE SOLUTION FOR BROKERS - MEATRADE TECH SOLUTIONS: BEST PROP FIRM TECH PROVIDER - MEACENTROID SOLUTIONS: BEST CONNECTIVITY PROVIDER - MEAATFX CONNECT: BEST B2B LIQUIDITY PROVIDER - MEACTRADER: BEST TRADING PLATFORM - MEA5PAY: BEST PAYMENT GATEWAY - MEACENTROID SOLUTIONS: BEST RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROVIDER - MEALaunched in 2021 by Ultimate Fintech, the UF AWARDS were established as a benchmark for excellence within the global financial services industry. They operate as a standalone initiative, with a clear scope and purpose centred exclusively on recognising industry excellence. Recognition That Builds Industry TrustReaching the voting stage already represents a significant victory for nominated companies, offering increased visibility and engagement to hyper-focused audiences. This is because it means they can compete head-to-head with the most prominent and most innovative industry representatives. Being selected as a winner further reinforces a brand’s reputation, positioning it among the region’s most respected and trusted names.The organisers would like to thank all participants in the UF AWARDS MEA 2026 and congratulate the winners for their resilience and relentless pursuit of innovation. As the MEA edition reached its ceremonious close, the industry looks forward to the next edition of the UF AWARDS taking place alongside iFX EXPO LATAM in Mexico City. Will you be among Mexico’s winners? This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Exness Team Pro, the global collective of elite traders and mentors brought together by leading multi-asset broker Exness, is proud to welcome Kenyan powerhouse Alex Muoki Wambua. Alex, better known across the trading community as Deleon, is a self-taught trader who began his journey with 600 USD, has grown to be one of Kenya’s most trusted voices, and an inspiration to thousands of aspiring traders across Africa. His rise wasn’t fueled by shortcuts or hype but by discipline, persistence, and an unshakable belief that education is the foundation of sustainable growth. Alex recalls, “I started trading during lockdown, with no mentor or guarantees. It was all trial and error, but it built resilience. Every mistake became a lesson, and that’s what I now pass on to others.” Today, he leads an active trading community providing daily market insights, mentorship, and live training sessions. His approach combines technical precision, centered on Fibonacci retracements and key market structures, with macroeconomic awareness, helping traders see beyond the charts. Notably, he is driven by one mission: to redefine what growth looks like in trading. He states, “Protect your capital first. The market rewards patience, not impulse. Learn the process before chasing profits.” For Alex, joining the Exness Team Pro is a continuation of his mission to empower traders. “Exness shares my vision of creating the next generation of skilled and confident African traders. This partnership is about impact; about reaching more people, building credibility for African traders, and proving that skill and discipline can change lives. Dildora Djalolova, Exness Head of Social Media, commented, “Alex embodies the spirit of Exness Team Pro: authentic, disciplined, and committed to elevating others. His story reflects the journey so many traders across Africa are building right now, and his voice adds strength and inspiration to our growing African community.” Through the Exness Team Pro initiative, Exness has brought together world-class traders who merge mastery with mentorship, creating a collective of professionals dedicated to raising trading standards worldwide. About Exness: Founded in 2008, Exness is a global multi-asset broker committed to offering better-than-market conditions to traders. Today, Exness is trusted by a global network of active traders. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships, Exness delivers stability, precise execution, and instant withdrawal processing, setting the benchmark for reliability in the online trading industry. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Retail investors increased discipline and diversification in 2025, according to new global survey data from eToro’s Retail Investor Beat. The findings suggest that regular investing, closer portfolio monitoring and broader asset exposure now characterize activity in this segment.Retail Investors Invest Monthly and Monitor PortfoliosThe survey, conducted by Opinium for eToro, covers 11,000 retail investors across 13 countries. It shows that 70% of respondents actively review their portfolios, while 79% invest in markets every month. Among younger cohorts, 87% of Gen Z and 86% of millennials invest monthly, compared with 79% of Gen X and 68% of baby boomers.eToro Global Market Strategist Lale Akoner said retail investors are engaged, deliberate and consistent and no longer match the opportunistic image from 2021. She added that many entered markets during a period of volatility and macro uncertainty, which encouraged them to track global trends and use technology and information to manage risk.Continue reading: Dukascopy Expands MT5 Instruments to More than 400, Adds Metals and Crypto CFDsThe data indicates a second year of rising diversification across asset classes. Between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2025, the share of investors holding commodities rose by 11 percentage points, domestic bonds by 6 points and foreign bonds by 14 points, while exposure to cryptoassets and foreign equities also increased.Portfolios Broaden as Dollar WeakensOver the same period, allocations to domestic equities and cash declined. Akoner said investors are increasingly allocating capital with diversification firmly in mind across a broader opportunity set and use it as a risk‑management tool. The report also links positioning to macro moves, noting that 49% of respondents plan to adjust portfolios as the US dollar weakens and that gold ownership has risen to 48%, up three percentage points since the second quarter of 2025.Meanwhile, recent reports by eToro showed that roughly one-third of stock trading on the platform occurs outside traditional market hours. The shift signals strong demand from clients who want more flexibility to react to news and market moves beyond the standard US session.The milestone came after eToro expanded 24/5 access to all S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 stocks, following an initial July rollout that covered 100 top US equities. Earlier reports showed that eToro held 45 per cent of existing Australian contracts for differences traders, while Capital.com onboarded 14 per cent of new traders, the highest share among brokers. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Swiss-based Dukascopy has increased the number of instruments on MT5 from over 100 to more than 400. The list of new products includes gold and silver, an extended range of forex crosses and crypto CFDs. According to the CFD broker's Thursday announcement, all additional instruments are already available on both live and demo accounts.Read more: Dukascopy Reports CHF 3.3M Profit in H1 2025 as Assets and Deposits RiseThe online bank described the enhancement as part of its plan to offer comprehensive market access and diverse trading opportunities. "We continue to place a high priority on enhancing your trading experience and helping you to achieve your goals by providing you with the necessary resources to trade global markets effectively," Dukascopy mentioned.MT5 Sits Within Multi-Platform OfferingDukascopy supports MT5 alongside MT4 and its proprietary JForex platform. MT5 is a multi‑asset solution that can handle forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, energy and metals, as well as cryptocurrencies. The latest expansion maps more of this universe into the MT5 environment while keeping the same instrument set on both demo and live accounts.Last year, Dukascopy Bank posted a sharp improvement in its financial performance for the first half of last year. The bank generated a standalone profit of CHF 3.32 million in the first half of 2025, a marked increase from CHF 19.8 thousand a year earlier. On a consolidated basis, which factors in its subsidiaries, profit rose to CHF 3.29 million, up from CHF 80.8 thousand in the first half of 2024.Dukascopy Trading Income RisesTrading activities remained the main earnings driver, with standalone trading profit at CHF 11.52 million and consolidated trading profit at CHF 11.71 million, while commission business and services contributed a further CHF 1.70 million to both standalone and consolidated results.Dukascopy’s balance sheet also inched higher over the period. Standalone total assets rose to CHF 244.63 million at the end of June 2025 from CHF 235.09 million at the end of 2024, while consolidated assets increased to CHF 248.35 million from CHF 239.87 million.Last year, Dukascopy expanded its proprietary JForexplatform by adding 303 new trading instruments. This boosted its multi‑asset offering across currency, precious metals, and cryptocurrency markets. The offerings include various cross‑currency pairs and non‑USD combinations linked to cryptocurrencies and precious metals. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

BGC Group closed 2025 with strong revenues, as heightened activity across asset classes and the integration of OTC Global Holdings lifted both quarterly and annual results.The group reported fourth-quarter revenues of $756.4 million, up 32.2 percent from $572.3 million a year earlier. Full-year revenues rose 30 percent to $2.94 billion from $2.26 billion in 2024.Record Q4 and Full-Year PerformanceGAAP income from operations before income taxes fell 8 percent in the quarter to $25 million, reflecting $54.8 million of charges linked to a cost reduction program, with $28.1 million of that impact in cash.GAAP net income for fully diluted shares declined to $13.9 million from $24.2 million, while GAAP fully diluted earnings per share came in at $0.03 versus $0.05 a year earlier.Related: BGC Takes U.S. Dollar Swaps Fully Electronic with New Trading PlatformOn a non-GAAP basis, pre-tax Adjusted Earnings increased 24.5 percent to $161.3 million, with a pre-tax margin of 21.3 percent. Post-tax Adjusted Earnings rose 21.1 percent to $149.6 million, or $0.31 per share, up 24 percent from $0.25 a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA was $190.6 million, down 0.8 percent due to restructuring-related charges. For the full year 2025, GAAP net income for fully diluted shares rose 22.6 percent to $148.7 million, while post-tax Adjusted Earnings reached $587.5 million, up 20.4 percent from 488 million dollars in 2024.OTC Acquisition and Fenics Drive GrowthTotal brokerage revenues increased 34.6 percent in Q4 to $694.6 million, supported by gains across major product lines. Energy, Commodities, and Shipping revenues grew 92 percent to $257.5 million, driven by the OTC acquisition and organic growth; excluding OTC, ECS still rose 10 percent year-over-year. Last month BGC Group announced that its subsidiary, BGC Brokers, had obtained authorization from the UK Financial Conduct Authority to operate as a registered benchmark administrator under the UK Benchmarks Regulation.The approval enables BGC to administer swaps pricing benchmarks covering EUR and GBP interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, and both EU and UK inflation swaps, with reference pages for these products now accessible on Bloomberg and LSEG platforms.Additionally, the group acquired Macro Hive, a global provider of macro market analytics and strategy, in a move that strengthened its presence in the rates and FX markets. The deal also advanced BGC’s efforts to integrate AI technology into its brokerage platform, enhancing its data-driven trading and analysis capabilities. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

European CFD brokers are accelerating plans to add futures and options to their platforms. According to a recent Acuiti survey conducted for CME Group, four out of five firms that do not yet offer listed derivatives are either planning to or actively considering doing so. What looks like product expansion is in fact a structural pivot. Moving from OTC CFDs to exchange-traded futures and options fundamentally changes how brokers generate revenues and what risks they are exposed to. Public disclosures from major European retail brokers underline how heavily earnings remain concentrated in OTC and leveraged products. In FY25, the majority of net trading income at IG, CMC Markets and XTB was still derived from CFDs and other internalised derivatives. Swissquote represents a structural outlier. Unlike most CFD-centric peers, the Swiss-listed broker generates the majority of its trading revenues from securities and exchange-traded activity rather than leveraged OTC flow.Why are CFD brokers under pressure? European regulators have moved well beyond leverage caps and warning labels. Belgium introduced an outright ban on leveraged CFDs and rolling spot FX for retail clients via electronic platforms. Spain’s CNMV prohibited advertising CFDs to retail investors and tightened leverage and margin rules. The UK’s FCA made ESMA’s temporary restrictions permanent, locking in leverage caps, strict margin close-out rules and aggressive risk warnings. Germany’s BaFin has restricted certain CFD structures and signalled broader concern about products that replicate the economic risks of banned instruments. Regulators are no longer focused solely on marketing practices; they are questioning the structure of the OTC model itself. Issues such as opaque pricing, high leverage, and the inherent conflict of interest embedded in B-Book models are repeatedly highlighted. When supervisors point out that the majority of retail CFD accounts lose money, the critique is structural rather than cosmetic. That anxiety is mirrored inside firms. In the Acuiti survey, regulatory compliance ranked as the top operational challenge for 89% of brokers offering CFDs, and 62% said they were very concerned about further regulatory tightening. How does a CFD broker actually make money? The economics of CFDs are closely linked to internalisation and principal risk. In a traditional B-Book setup, the broker is the counterparty to the client. Client losses over time translate into broker profits, subject to hedging costs. As retail trading behaviour tends to be pro-cyclical and negatively convex, this P&L can be substantial during volatile periods. Even where brokers hedge selectively, much of the flow is internalised. Firms capture the bid-ask spread, benefit from asymmetries in execution, and net opposing client positions before deciding whether to hedge externally. Larger brokers typically run hybrid books, dynamically shifting exposure between internal warehousing and external liquidity providers. This flexibility gives management discretion over how much market risk to carry and when. The model is highly sensitive to volatility. Spikes in market turbulence increase volumes, widen spreads and accelerate stop-outs, all of which tend to support revenue. CFDs are therefore structurally high-margin products, precisely because the broker controls pricing and internalisation. That control, however, is exactly what regulators have come to question. XTB’s third-quarter 2025 results illustrate how sensitive internalised models remain to volatility regimes. Despite a sharp increase in client activity and nominal turnover, lower market volatility reduced profitability per lot, leading to a significant drop in net earnings. How is the revenue model different in futures and options? Listed futures and options fundamentally reframe the broker’s role. Instead of acting as principal, the broker operates primarily as an intermediary connected to an exchange and a clearinghouse. Revenue is driven mainly by commissions and exchange fee mark-ups rather than by client trading losses. Margins per contract are typically thinner but more predictable. Brokers do not control spreads in the same way as in OTC products because prices are formed in a central order book,At the same time, listed derivatives open other revenue channels. Interest on client cash balances, margin financing for active accounts, and paid access to market data or advanced trading tools become increasingly important. The broker’s economics shift from warehousing risk to monetising infrastructure, scale and client engagement. Does that mean revenues will fall? In the near term, most firms should expect pressure. The reduction of B-Book P&L removes a high-margin, volatility-amplified revenue stream. Replacing it with commission income typically lowers revenue per active client, particularly in the early stages of transition. Competition in listed derivatives is transparent and fee-driven, limiting pricing power. The medium-term picture, however, is more nuanced. Industry research and broker disclosures suggest that listed derivatives tend to attract a more engaged and better-capitalised segment of retail traders. A 2025 Acuiti report for CME Group noted that active futures and options traders are more consistent in their activity and more willing to pay for data, analytics and professional tools than mass-market CFD clients. While per-trade margins are thinner in exchange-traded products, higher engagement and more stable trading patterns can support improved lifetime value over time. IG’s US division illustrates this divergence. Exchange-traded derivatives revenue grew 21% year-on-year in USD terms, with revenue per customer up 4%, while OTC revenue per customer declined. The data suggests stronger monetisation momentum in listed products relative to principal-based flow. Listed derivatives also reduce regulatory tail risk. Revenue tied to centrally cleared products is less vulnerable to sudden product bans than income derived from high-leverage OTC contracts. That stability becomes increasingly important when firms commit capital to technology, marketing and balance sheet expansion. For many firms, the shift toward listed derivatives is not purely opportunistic. In markets where high-leverage OTC products face increasing restrictions, futures and options offer a way to preserve a retail derivatives franchise within a more durable regulatory framework. What is the biggest obstacle? Technology integration and regulatory permissions are significant, but the primary constraint is client education. For more than a decade, retail traders in Europe were introduced to derivatives primarily through CFDs, which are perpetual, standardised and relatively simple to understand in notional terms. Futures and options demand a more complex mental framework involving contract multipliers, margin variation, expiries and, in the case of options, volatility and time decay. Bridging that gap requires sustained investment in structured education, simulation tools and support infrastructure. In the short term, these costs weigh on margins. In the longer term, they determine whether a broker can cultivate a stable, higher-value client base in listed derivatives. What does the industry look like in five years? The most plausible outcome is a hybrid model. Where regulation allows, CFDs will remain for smaller tickets and niche exposures, while futures and options anchor core index, rates and commodity trading. The revenue mix will gradually shift away from principal risk and toward commissions, financing and services. Margins per trade are likely to compress across the industry, making scale and cross-selling more important. Smaller, pure-CFD operators may struggle to fund the infrastructure required for listed derivatives and could consolidate or pivot to introducing-broker models. Larger, well-capitalised firms with multi-jurisdictional licences and strong technology stacks are positioned to capture share. Over time, the share of group revenue derived from pure B-Book risk-taking is likely to decline. The transition does not necessarily shrink revenues outright. Instead, it changes their composition and reduces their volatility. Firms that adapt early may end up with lower per-trade margins but more diversified and resilient earnings. Those that remain heavily dependent on high-leverage OTC flow face an increasingly binary risk profile in a regulatory environment that shows little sign of softening. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Gold is trading around $5,070 per ounce on Thursday, February 12, 2026, holding comfortably above the critical $5,000 psychological support level after a steady four-session recovery. According to my Fibonacci projections based on trend analysis, gold price could rise to over $6,100 per ounce, and in the most extreme bullish scenario to nearly $7,200, representing potential gains of 40% or more from current levels. This "crystal ball" projection gains credibility from the fact that Wells Fargo's recent forecast of $6,100-$6,300 aligns almost perfectly with my base-case technical target.Follow me on X for more gold market analysis: @ChmielDk.How High Can Gold go? Fibonacci Projects $6,100 Base Target, $7,200 Extreme ScenarioMy Fibonacci analysis, measuring extensions from late October 2024 lows through January 2026 peaks where gold reached $5,608, suggests the current bull market has substantial room to run despite the violent $1,200 correction that occurred in just three days during late January and early February.The methodology is straightforward: after measuring the rally from October 2025 lows to the January 29 all-time high of $5,608, then factoring in the dynamic correction that dropped prices by over $1,200 in just three days to around $4,400, the Fibonacci extensions point to $6,100 as the base-case target for the next major impulse wave.In the most extreme bullish scenario, which would require sustained central bank buying, geopolitical escalation, and dollar weakness, the projections extend to nearly $7,200 per ounce. From current levels around $5,060, this would represent approximately 42% upside potential in the medium term.The remarkable alignment with Wells Fargo's $6,100-$6,300 forecast, announced last week, validates the technical framework. Wells Fargo upgraded from a previous $4,500-$4,700 target, a stunning 35-40% revision, citing "lower short-term interest rates and potential to hedge against accelerating policy surprises".Gold's Steady Four-Day Recovery Above $5,000Indian gold markets tell the story of gold's recent strength: Delhi gold prices extended their winning run for a fourth straight session on Wednesday, February 11, with 24K gold rising ₹82 to ₹15,975 per gram. The precious metal has now recovered over 97% of the losses suffered in the early February sell-off, demonstrating resilient demand.On Thursday, February 12, gold is trading around $5,060-$5,093, maintaining its position above the crucial $5,000 psychological support level. The "steady, non-parabolic nature of the advance suggests the rally has strong underlying support," according to Indian market analysis.Ahead lies only resistance in the form of the recent all-time highs: $5,415 from January 28 and $5,608 from January 29. If gold sustains above $5,000, it opens a clear path to retest and potentially break through these levels, which would then activate the Fibonacci extension targets toward $6,100 and beyond.Gold has gained 10.03% over the past month and is up an extraordinary 74.13% year-over-year, demonstrating the power of the secular bull market that began accelerating in 2024.Gold Technical Analysis: 20% Correction Buffer Before InvalidationIf gold were to correct from current levels and break below the $5,000 support, my technical analysis identifies a series of increasingly important support zones that would need to fail before the bull trend is threatened.$4,650 - 50 EMA: The first line of defense sits around $4,650, where the 50-day exponential moving average currently runs. This level has historically provided dynamic support during corrections.$4,550 - Late 2025 Highs: The next critical zone is $4,550, representing the peaks from the end of last year and the exact area where the early February correction stopped after the violent three-day selloff from $5,608 to $4,400. This level demonstrated its importance by absorbing aggressive selling and triggering the subsequent recovery rally.$4,360 - October Peaks: Further down, $4,360 marks the October 2024 peaks that served as resistance before the final breakout to new highs. This represents approximately 14% downside from current levels.$3,900-$4,000 - Ultimate Support: The ultimate support zone lies at $3,900-$4,000, where November 2025 lows coincide with the 200-day exponential moving average. This represents the critical juncture between bull and bear markets.Here's the crucial insight: gold could correct even 20% from current levels and still maintain within the volatility range suggesting the trend remains bullish. This shows how much gold has run in recent times from its long-term averages, creating substantial downside buffers before threatening the structural uptrend.Wall Street Gold Price Forecasts Consensus Validates Fibonacci FrameworkMy Fibonacci projections of $6,100-$7,200 don't exist in isolation—they're remarkably aligned with the emerging Wall Street consensus that has shifted decisively higher in recent weeks.The clustering of major bank forecasts around $6,000-$6,300 provides fundamental validation for the technical Fibonacci projections. JPMorgan's $6,300 target rests on expectations that central banks will purchase 800 tons in 2026, while Goldman Sachs recently raised its forecast to $5,400 from $4,900.Even more extreme scenarios exist. Saxo Bank projects $10,000 gold in a "complete dollar collapse scenario," while former Congressman Ron Paul predicts $20,000-$100,000 based on his "fiat system dying" thesis. While my Fibonacci $7,200 extreme target sits well below these outlier forecasts, it represents a realistic extension of the current trend structure if all bullish factors align.What Happens Next?Gold around $5,060 on Thursday has completed a four-session winning streak, holding above $5,000 psychological support while consolidating ahead of inflation data that could determine near-term direction. Indian markets report that gold has "recovered over 97% of losses suffered in early February sell-off" with "steady, non-parabolic advance suggesting strong underlying support".The technical picture shows only all-time high resistance at $5,415-$5,600 ahead, suggesting limited barriers to testing and potentially exceeding January's peaks. MCX Gold futures in India are approaching the ₹1.60 lakh psychological barrier, with a break above potentially signaling "resumption of primary uptrend and opening door for challenge of January all-time high".My Fibonacci analysis pointing to $6,100 (base case) and $7,200 (extreme bullish) provides a roadmap for the next phase of the bull market, validated by Wells Fargo's nearly identical $6,100-$6,300 forecast and Wall Street's broader $6,000-$6,300 consensus.FAQ, Gold Price AnalysisHow high can gold go in 2026?According to the Fibonacci projections measured from October 2024 lows to January 2026 highs ($5,608 ATH), gold could reach $6,100 in the base case or nearly $7,200 in an extreme bullish scenario.What is the gold price prediction?Gold trades around $5,060-$5,093 on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after a four-session winning streak holding above $5,000 psychological support. The author's Fibonacci analysis targets $6,100 (base) and $7,200 (extreme), validated by major banks: Wells Fargo $6,100-$6,300, JPMorgan $6,300, UBS $6,200, Deutsche Bank $6,000. Why is gold above $5,000?Gold extended its winning streak for a fourth straight session on Wednesday, with Indian markets showing "steady, non-parabolic advance suggesting strong underlying support" and having "recovered over 97% of early February sell-off losses". Should I buy gold at $5,000?Gold at $5,060 sits just 10% below January 29 ATH of $5,608, with Fibonacci projections showing 20-42% upside potential to $6,100-$7,200. Support exists at $4,650 (50 EMA), $4,550 (early Feb lows where selling stopped), $4,360 (Oct peaks), and $3,900-$4,000 (200 EMA). So the answer is a mixed Yes. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

“Some of the hurdles have been tackling the challenge of the need to move at pace while we have a legacy business,” says Tamas Szabo, the Group CEO of Pepperstone. Those hurdles sat at the heart of the retail broker’s expansion from traditional CFD into physical crypto. This was once a niche transition, but has since started to edge into the mainstream. As of today, IG Group has entered the spot crypto business, while Capital.com and XTB are preparing to follow, and CMC Markets has signalled broader ambition that extends into decentralised finance. Pepperstone, meanwhile, has just launched its physical crypto business for Australian clients. “So, we have built a large standalone crypto team,” Szabo goes on to explain how the broker moved to overcome those constraints. The Internet's Money is Now Attracting Professional Traders According to CryptoQuant, a blockchain analytics and on-chain data platform, trading volume on the spot cryptocurrency market reached US$18.6 trillion last year, a 9% increase year-on-year. Crypto may still be volatile, but it is no longer marginal. For much of the past decade, one firm sat squarely at the centre of this activity. At its peak in 2023, Binance, the world’s largest digital-asset exchange, handled close to 60% of all spot crypto trades, where actual ownership of assets changes hands immediately rather than via derivatives – or on the “spot”.Recently, however, its grip has loosened. CoinDesk data show that by December 2025, Binance’s share of global spot trading volume had fallen to around 25%, its lowest level since early 2021. The missing volume did not migrate in one neat direction. Some flowed to rival exchanges, some to decentralised platforms, and brokers are now positioning themselves to capture a share of it.2025 crypto exchange activity in review.Spot volume reached $18.6T (+9% YoY) while perpetuals surged to $61.7T (+29%), with Binance dominating spot, BTC perps, liquidity, and reserves.Growth is derivative-led, and market power continues to concentrate at the top. pic.twitter.com/Om8udJJ9Qv— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) January 12, 2026"A Long-Term Conviction" for BrokersOne of the earliest mainstream brokers to take crypto seriously was eToro, now one of the world’s largest multi-asset platforms. “From the outset, eToro approached spot crypto with a long-term conviction that crypto is here to stay, adding bitcoin to the platform as early as 2013 when demand was limited, and market sentiment was highly skeptical,” says Adi Lasker Gattegno, the fintech’s Director of Liquidity Management and Crypto Operations.Perspective matters. In 2013, Coinbase, today the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, was a fledgling startup and reported selling just US$1 million worth of bitcoin in a single month, at prices hovering above $22 per coin. That same year, the American novelist Charles Stross used bitcoin in his science-fiction Hugo Award-shortlisted novel Neptune’s Brood as a fictional interstellar currency, precisely because it was obscure enough to sound plausible in a far-future setting. Crypto was, quite literally, science fiction.Crypto’s rise owes much to regulation. In 2018, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) clamped down on CFDs, capping leverage and restricting retail marketing. Some national watchdogs went further, steadily narrowing CFD business. In January 2026, Israel-based broker Plus500 became the latest in the trend, halting onboarding for Spanish CFD clients after the local regulator adopted one of the EU’s toughest interpretations of the rules. Meanwhile, clearer crypto frameworks such as the EU’s MiCA and America’s GENIUS Act lent digital assets a legitimacy CFDs increasingly lack.According to the 2025 Global State of Crypto report by the crypto exchange Gemini Trust, based on a survey of more than 7,200 consumers across the US, UK, France, Italy, Singapore and Australia, nearly one in four respondents said they owned crypto.Supply, inevitably, has followed demand. “Our offering has grown into a holistic offering that caters to both crypto-native users and traditional retail investors within a regulated, multi-asset environment. We now support 150 crypto assets, alongside services such as staking, crypto-focused Smart Portfolios, and CopyTrader,” Gattegno says.Toward the end of 2025, Pepperstone’s Szabo, speaking at the digital asset conference AusCryptoCon in Sydney, announced that the CFD broker would be making the leap to spot crypto in 2026, and today it launched the dedicated crypto exchange. “Internal and external research has shown that CFD traders are heavy crypto investors,” he explains part of the reasoning to FinanceMagnates.com. Having just launched its product, the broker plans a measured entry. The initial focus will be on adoption and client experience, built around a flat 0.1% fee, tight spreads and deep liquidity. “Over time, as we expand the product offering and the market grows, spot crypto is expected to complement our traditional products and become a meaningful part of our overall business,” Szabo adds. Plug-and-Play Vs In-House Tech When considering crypto expansion, brokers must first address one question: whether to build the infrastructure in-house or go with white-label solutions. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.White-label tech infrastructure has always been part of the brokerage industry, and the same is true for crypto exchanges as well. Nowadays, a growing ecosystem of technology providers offers plug-and-play infrastructure designed to sit comfortably alongside existing CFD offerings.Shift Markets is one such provider. Since 2019, it has developed a white-label crypto solution aimed primarily at FX and CFD brokers looking to enter digital assets without reinventing the wheel. “Our focus is less on introducing a new product in isolation, and more on enabling crypto to function as a natural extension of a broker’s existing multi-asset offering,” says Ian McAfee, the firm’s co-founder and CEO. Out of the box, Shift’s platform provides aggregated liquidity, real-time order matching, wallet infrastructure, crypto and stablecoin funding and a full back office.Another is B2BROKER, a global fintech whose core clientele includes banks, crypto firms and, above all, CFD brokers. “We developed a full stack of products to support crypto businesses,” says Arthur Azizov, the company’s founder and CEO. This includes its own brokerage platform, B2TRADER; spot and perpetual futures liquidity, which are coming shortly; the B2CORE back-office and CRM system; and B2BINPAY, its crypto payments and wallet-management platform.Not everyone, however, opts for a third-party route.“Our spot crypto infrastructure is entirely in-house,” says Tamas Szabo, “leveraging 15 years of experience in CFD trading. It provides full oversight of execution quality, deep liquidity and pricing and system security.”It’s worth mentioning that initially, IG also sought third-party infrastructure, partnering with digital trading platform Uphold. Later, though, the broker acquired Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve, aiming to roll out crypto products for the Middle East and APAC region.Deployment Without Reinvention Deployment can be much smoother than what the complexity might suggest. According to both third-party tech providers, most brokers favour software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, which offer the quickest route to market. A minority opt for hybrid cloud deployments using their own teams, while fully on-premise environments are rare.“Some brokers prefer having more control, and some in certain jurisdictions encounter regulatory requirements for controlling more of the environment,” McAfee notes.The onboarding timelines can be brisk, owing much to automation. Azizov says that initial setup can take as little as three hours, followed by around nine days of configuration, branding and security work. From contract signing to go-live, the entire process can be completed in under ten days.In practice, integration with existing brokerage systems is not disruptive, with API-led approaches designed to fit around established technology stacks rather than replace them outright. The limiting factor is rarely the technology itself, but a broker’s own technical readiness and appetite for change.For Pepperstone, spot crypto is integrated into the broker’s wider platform ecosystem, while remaining operationally and regulatorily distinct through separate web and mobile platforms. Deposits, withdrawals, and reconciliations are processed through the same secure systems.Deep Liquidity is Necessary, But Can Be a Challenge “The key focus areas have been ensuring deep liquidity, maintaining platform stability under peak trading, and supporting secure deposit and withdrawal processes,” says Szabo, reflecting on the challenges Pepperstone has faced in moving from CFDs to spot crypto. Indeed, crypto liquidity is not an easy equation to solve, as it is scattered across chains, exchanges and OTC desks, complicating the task of price formation. For Peppestone, it was addressed by leaning on the scale of its derivatives business. “We process over US$6 billion in crypto CFD volume each month, so we are able to support robust liquidity and reliable execution for our clients,” he explains. For those relying on plug-and-play solutions, technology providers address liquidity by aggregating prices from major venues and delivering them to brokers’ platforms, either as external price feeds or embedded directly within a broker’s own crypto exchange.Beyond these aggregation layers, there are also matching engines built specifically for crypto markets. One such provider is Finery Markets, a crypto-focused electronic communication network (ECN) which has also partnered with B2BROKER. According to its founder and CEO, Konstantin Shulga, the firm offers two main integration paths: access to aggregated institutional liquidity via its own ECN, or a Crypto-as-a-Service turnkey solution. Access to the Finery’s institutional liquidity network is provided through a single integration point, combining execution with core back-office functions such as real-time reporting, position management and risk controls within one technical framework.“The choice depends on the broker’s objectives,” he says. The ECN model suits firms seeking best execution and internalisation, while the turnkey option is designed for those wanting a rapid, zero-development launch.“Execution and custodial risks remain strictly decoupled,” Shulga stresses. Brokers are free to work with any qualified custodian, with native integrations available for providers such as BitGo and Fireblocks. To solve latency issues – in crypto markets, milliseconds matter, particularly during bouts of volatility – Amazon Web Services seems to be the preferred option, as both B2BROKER and Finery Markets leverage the US giant’s network. “For optimal performance,” Azizov notes, “we usually recommend financial hubs like London to minimize latency between the platform and our liquidity providers.”Compliance, though, is handled at arm’s length. Finery does not hold client assets, and trading is non-custodial. Because trades are bilateral, the legal contract sits directly between counterparties, allowing brokers to plug in their own KYC, transaction-monitoring tools and controls in line with local regulation.“Brokers Should Never Outsource Their Brand, Client Relationship or Commercial Decision-Making”Spot crypto involves real assets, real wallets and real settlement. When systems are built in-house, responsibility is clear; when functions are outsourced, clarity over who owns what becomes critical.On Shift’s platform, brokers retain operational control over treasury management, liquidity optimisation and day-to-day monitoring. In-house teams are required for reconciliation and performance checks. The platform itself manages orders and tracks assets on a digital ledger, while connecting brokers to specialist providers for custody, liquidity, payments, KYC and AML.B2BROKER offers a more closed-loop ecosystem in which both technical and operational components are tightly integrated. Core trading logic, pre-integrated KYC, payments and back-office systems are bundled together, supported by dedicated account managersAzizov, though, is categorical that certain things should never be outsourced. “Brokers should never outsource their brand, client relationship or commercial decision-making,” Azizov notes. “That ownership must always stay with the broker.”“You Are No Longer Managing Contracts, You Are Managing Real Assets.”For all the progress in tooling, moving from CFDs to spot crypto remains a conceptual leap. “Transitioning to spot trading means a fundamental change in business logic and the brokerage’s operating model,” says Azizov. Treasury management is the clearest example: CFD trading abstracts everything into a base currency and spot crypto does not. Clients can hold, transfer and withdraw real assets – bitcoin, ether, stablecoins – forcing brokers to manage multi-asset balances, on-chain flows and real-time liquidity. “You are no longer managing contracts,” B2BROKER CEO stresses. “You are managing real assets.”McAfee agrees. Offering spot trading requires integration with custodians and the maintenance of balances across all supported cryptos. “This adds additional complexity,” he goes on, “as the broker needs to rebalance their treasury to align with user holdings, as well as maintain balances at liquidity providers – or ensure they can process end-of-day settlements in multiple currencies.” There is also a tendency to conflate spot trading with perpetual futures, which feel more familiar to CFD brokers because they rely on similar leverage, margins and funding rates. With spot trading, though, Azivov notes, clients can only trade what they actually hold, which changes behaviour, exposure and risk management.Regulation adds another layer of complexity, as crypto licensing regimes often differ sharply from those governing CFDs. “Finding the correct regulatory perimeter – and understanding what products can be offered in each market – is one of the most challenging aspects of such a transition,” McAfee stresses.Sophisticated brokers, he adds, tend to ask hard questions early: which assets are supported, how balances are managed, how reconciliations work, and how risk controls operate. Only then do they turn to the regulatory maze.“A common mistake we see is a broker not always fully assessing the quality or viability of a vendor that they chose to integrate to the platform,” McAfee notes. Another is relying on single points of failure, such as one liquidity provider, one payment rail, even one key individual. Contingency planning, Azizov says, is often an afterthought.Many brokers also prioritise speed to market over the unglamorous work of building audit trails, permission structures and monitoring systems. Those details, however, are precisely what regulators scrutinise once a business scales.A Convergence Afoot? As more brokers add spot crypto, it points to a deeper shift that goes beyond technology stacks or liquidity plumbing: Does being a pure-play retail CFD broker still hold?At the same time, crypto exchanges have been edging into traditional broker territory, often by acquisition rather than invention. Crypto.com, Coinbase and Kraken are among those that, in recent years, have bought established EU firms holding MiFID licences – ready-made passports into regulated markets. The real question, then, is not merely whether being a pure-play CFD broker remains a sustainable model, but whether crypto and traditional derivatives are now approaching a point of convergence – technologically, commercially and, increasingly, in the eyes of clients themselves.“While the boundaries between brokers and exchanges are evolving,” says Szabo,“ client priorities remain focused on cost, execution quality, trust and importantly great UX and ease of use. Our Australian-made, low-cost, high-liquidity model provides clarity and reliability, which we believe will continue to differentiate Pepperstone in the market.” This article was written by Adonis Adoni, Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Scope Prime, the institutional liquidity arm of Rostro Financial Group, integrated MetaQuotes' Ultency matching engine into its infrastructure, giving MT5-based brokers faster access to its multi-asset liquidity pool.According to the company, the integration removes the need for third-party bridges when connecting to Scope Prime's network of bank, non-bank, and ECN liquidity sources across more than 40,000 instruments. Ultency was introduced at the Finance Magnates London Summit in December as MetaQuotes' answer to independent liquidity bridge providers that have historically controlled the infrastructure layer between MT5 terminals and liquidity sources."We have always been committed to reducing latency in our order-matching infrastructure and supporting brokers operating MT5-based trading environments. Ultency offers native integration within the MT5 platform, better connecting us as liquidity provider with all our clients," Hesham Hasanin, Group Head of Trade Solution at Rostro, commented.. Access to Multi-Asset Liquidity Gets FasterUltency hosts execution hubs in LD4 and NY4 data centers, positioning infrastructure closer to major financial markets. The platform supports multiple order types and provides brokers with transparent infrastructure pricing, according to MetaQuotes.For Scope Prime, the integration means institutional clients can connect without "the need for multiple third-party vendors or complex middleware setups," Hasanin said.[#highlighted-links#] The company recently expanded beyond CFD liquidity into futures and options, adding CME, Eurex, ICE, and CBOT exchange access earlier this month. It also adjusted gold spreads in January following CME margin requirement changes driven by precious metals volatility.Targeting Institutional Clients Without MiddlewareHasanin positioned the Ultency integration as targeting "fast-growing segments of the institutional market, including startup brokers, proprietary trading firms and other larger brokerages." He described it as "a scalable, resilient foundation for future growth" that runs alongside existing FIX API or GUI connections while offering "a faster, more cost-efficient route" to aggregated liquidity.Other liquidity providers have moved quickly to adopt Ultency since its December launch. LMAX Group integrated the matching engine in early February, and GMG Prime announced its own Ultency integration in January.MetaQuotes positioned Ultency as eliminating third-party bridge fees, though the platform shifted to a volume-based pricing model that left some brokers questioning whether real cost savings materialized without disclosure of previous fee structures.Competitive Landscape Remains CrowdedUltency faces established competition in the liquidity aggregation and matching engine space. oneZero Hub offers its MatchMaker matching engine with algorithmic pricing modules, particularly strong among institutional clients, providing full-scale capabilities for brokers to operate exchange or ECN models with globally distributed technology.PrimeXM XCore connects to over 120 liquidity sources with multi-tiered aggregation and ultra-low latency execution, though it targets larger brokerages at higher price points. Centroid Bridge, based in Dubai, provides multi-asset aggregation with smart order routing for enterprise-level brokers in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, supporting multi-platform environments beyond MT4/MT5.Mid-tier brokers often opt for FXCubic, which offers multi-LP aggregation and A/B-book routing at lower costs, while Match-Trade Technologies provides ultra-fast matching with ECN liquidity from top-tier banks. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

NAGA Group (XETRA: NG4), which has merged with the former CAPEX Group, ended 2025 with group revenue of EUR 62.4 million, compared with EUR 63.2 million in the previous financial year. However, the FX-adjusted figure rose 3.5 per cent to EUR 65.4 million.Its EBITDA for the year came in at EUR 3.3 million, compared with EUR 9 million a year earlier. The FX-adjusted figure was EUR 4.7 million. It highlighted “structural headwinds” behind the weak numbers.A “Structurally Challenging” Year for the IndustryAccording to the company, 2025 was “structurally challenging” for the entire trading industry. “Historically low levels” of market volatility throughout much of the year impacted its trading activity and revenue generation.“One-sided market movements compressed spreads and reduced copy trading activity, as fewer opportunities arose for the diversified trading strategies that typically drive platform engagement,” NAGA noted, stressing that the market conditions were beyond its control.[#highlighted-links#] Meanwhile, the company increased its client acquisition efforts, which was directly reflected in its marketing spending. Its marketing expenses for the year rose 15.6 per cent, resulting in 37.5 per cent more new funded clients at 15.9 per cent lower cost per acquisition.By the end of 2025, the platform had over 2.5 million users, with more than 80,000 funded clients globally.Can It Adhere to Its Outlook?The company’s outlook, however, appears bullish. It expects group revenue between EUR 68 million and EUR 75 million, while EBITDA is expected to range between EUR 10 million and EUR 15 million.“In 2026, we are pushing to an AI-first approach across marketing, operations, business growth, and execution,” said Octavian Patrascu, CEO of The NAGA Group.Interestingly, two other brokers, FXCM and eToro, cited the use of AI in their operations to justify large layoffs. However, it appeared to be AI-washing, with struggling eToro shares and Tradu, the sister brand of FXCM, recently shutting its CFD offerings. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 enters its final day today (Thursday), concluding three days of meetings, panel discussions and networking at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition floor opens at 10:30, marking the final round of scheduled engagements for participants across the online trading and fintech sectors.Brokerage, Fintech Networking Continues in DubaiThe 2026 edition began yesterday with the opening of the exhibition floor, following a Welcome Party on Tuesday evening at Bla Bla Dubai Beach Club. Brokers, fintech firms, liquidity providers and service providers gathered ahead of the main conference agenda, which has included keynote speeches, panel sessions and business meetings throughout the week.Running from 10–12 February, the expo brings together representatives from retail brokerage, payments, crypto and institutional trading, with the final day providing attendees an opportunity to conclude meetings and discussions initiated earlier in the event.Finding Strength When Everything DisappearsThe session “The Rising Phoenix: Finding Resilience When Everything is Taken” features Murtuza Kazmi, CEO of My Forex Funds, in conversation with Bojan Ninkovic, Head of Strategy & Digital at UF Agency by Ultimate Group. Kazmi shares a personal account of navigating the sudden collapse of his global firm, discussing the psychological challenges, responsibilities toward displaced employees, and strategies for rebuilding amid adversity. The session focuses on resilience and character, offering insights for professionals facing unexpected setbacks and illustrating how personal strength can guide recovery even when resources and stability are lost.Tokenization Trends: Opportunities and Risks TodayThe session “Tokenization Today: Is It the Right Moment to Invest?” features Afshin Setoudeh, CMO of TRAZE; Amna Usman Chaudhry, Financial Economist and Frontier Tech Strategist; Amir Tabch, Executive Director and CEO of OFZA; and Anton Golub, Founding Member of RWA Labs. The panel explores the growing application of tokenization across real estate, digital assets, and art, examining opportunities, challenges, and regulatory considerations for investors. Speakers provide insights on market timing, liquidity, valuation, and compliance, offering guidance for institutions and individuals considering entry into fractionalized, blockchain-enabled investment markets.Crypto Trends and Strategies with GaladariThe session “Game Plans & Trend Lines: Crypto Talks with Galadari” features Mohammad Mahmood Galadari, CEO of Galadari Accelerator Inc, in conversation with Duska Nedeljkovic, Head of Conferences at Ultimate Group. Galadari shares his insights on the UAE’s Web3 and crypto landscape, discussing market trends, trading strategies, and the factors that differentiate short-term hype from sustainable opportunities. The fireside chat highlights his experience in shaping the MENA digital asset ecosystem and offers traders, investors, and crypto enthusiasts practical perspectives on navigating the region’s evolving crypto markets.From Garage Floor to Web3 InfluenceIn the session “From the Garage Floor to Global Influence”, Andres Meneses, co-founder of Versus On Chain, shares his journey from starting with minimal resources to becoming a prominent figure in the Web3 and blockchain space. The talk explores the challenges he faced, including financial setbacks, legal disputes, and failed partnerships, and how he rebuilt through ventures such as OrbytX, VS On Chain, and The OGs podcast. Meneses highlights the role of resilience, strategic decision-making, and community building in achieving sustained influence and impact within the global Web3 ecosystem.Dubai, we’re here! ?️?The CoinsDo team has arrived for iFX EXPO 2026. We’re looking forward to three days of networking, innovation, and shaping the future of the crypto ecosystem.Come say hi @ Booth#198 ?#CoinsDo #Dubai #iFXEXPO #Web3 #CryptoEvents pic.twitter.com/R8JA0qs4wN— CoinsDo (@CoinsDogroup) February 12, 2026VARA 2025: Broker Compliance ChangesThe session “License to Comply: Regulatory Currents in Motion” brings together Ludmila Yamalova, Founder and Managing Partner of Yamalova & Plewka FZCO; Paul Herman Boots, Senior Director and Head of Sector Development at VARA; Abdullatif Manlla, Head of Compliance at Equiti Securities Currencies Broker; and Samir Safar-Aly, Head and Director of FinTech & Financial Services Regulations at PwC Legal Middle East. They discuss the evolving regulatory landscape in the MENA region, including VARA’s 2025 updates on leverage limits, collateral rules, and licensing requirements for VASP brokers. The session highlights how firms are adapting compliance models in real time, managing client asset protections, and aligning with both local and global regulatory standards.Trading Principles Behind Long-Term Market SuccessIn the session “Learnings from Interviews with World’s Best Traders”, Riz Iqbal, founder of Words of Rizdom and Chart Fanatics, distills insights from in-depth conversations with top-performing traders. The discussion explores the principles that underpin long-term trading success, including risk management, navigating drawdowns, market priorities, and mental frameworks. Attendees gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on the strategies and approaches that contribute to sustained profitability and resilient trading careers.Turning Gold Volatility into Bullion OpportunitiesThe session “The Alchemist’s Ledger: Turning Volatility into Bullion Opportunities” brings together Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO of Media at Finance Magnates and investingLive; John Murillo, Chief Business Officer at B2BROKER; Firdaus Ali, Head of Business Intelligence at TradingPro; Abhijit Shah, Board Member and CEO of Emirates Gold; and Louis Josef Hems, Commercial Director at DGCX. They discuss trends in gold and silver markets, the impact of global uncertainty and central bank activity on bullion demand, how MENA brokers manage retail and institutional flows, and strategies for execution, hedging, and integrating bullion into multi-asset portfolios.We’re at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 – and we’d love to see you there!Meet the Spotware team at Booth #84! As Spotware is no longer a single-product developer, we're excited to premiere cBridge – a cost-efficient liquidity bridge built to eliminate volume fees and hidden charges.… pic.twitter.com/9bVhVCzwhW— cTrader (@cTrader) February 11, 2026InvestingLive Hosts Trade Execution Mastery WorkshopThe Advanced Workshop: Trade Execution Mastery [Part 1], hosted by Greg Michalowski, Director of Client Education and Technical Analysis at InvestingLive, offers veteran traders practical guidance on trade execution and risk management. The 90-minute session covers maintaining focus during live markets, improving entries and exits, managing risk, and reviewing trades according to structured rules. Participants explore key technical levels, timeframe selection, and trade management techniques. Attendees who complete both sessions on 12 February receive an Advanced Workshop Certificate recognizing their training and participation.Digital Assets Integration Expands Across UAEThe UAE has emerged as a regional hub for digital assets, developing a full-stack ecosystem that extends beyond trading into everyday payments and institutional finance. In a session titled “How the UAE Became Crypto's Capital by Turning Digital Assets Into Everyday Money: Digital Assets Outlook in 2026”, speakers explore how platforms like Crypto.com are enabling crypto payments at Emarat stations and Emirates airline, partnering with local financial institutions, and supporting government-backed stablecoin initiatives. The discussion also examines how professional capital, including tokenized funds and real-time settlement networks, is shaping the market’s infrastructure and long-term adoption prospects. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The dedicated spot crypto exchange of contracts for differences (CFDs) broker Pepperstone went live today (Thursday), but only for users in Australia, as FinanceMagnates.com had the first look at the new website.The launch came after Pepperstone’s CEO, Tamas Szabo, publicly announced his company’s plan to launch the crypto exchange last November while speaking at the AusCryptoCon convention.Tapping Crypto TradersAt launch, the Pepperstone Crypto website lists five cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, along with two stablecoins, USDC and USDT. All pairs are listed against the Australian dollar. It will add more cryptocurrencies in the future.It's also offering crypto trades at a flat fee of 0.1 per cent.“The key focus areas have been ensuring deep liquidity, maintaining platform stability during peak trading, and supporting secure deposit and withdrawal processes,” Szabo told FinanceMagnates.com. “The team has worked carefully to address these considerations, allowing the launch to proceed as planned.”[#highlighted-links#] Pepperstone has already been offering crypto CFDs for years. Although the brand remains the same, it is keeping its legacy CFDs and spot crypto offerings separate.“Leveraging the scale of our broader CFD business, which processes over USD 6 billion in crypto CFD volume each month, we are able to support robust liquidity and reliable execution for our clients,” Szabo added.The company has also built its crypto infrastructure in-house. Despite being resource-heavy, in-house infrastructure “provides full oversight of execution quality, deep liquidity, pricing and system security.”CFD Brokers’ New Target: Launching Crypto ExchangesMeanwhile, Pepperstone is not the only CFD broker to move towards crypto offerings. In the United Kingdom, IG Group last year partnered with Uphold to offer spot crypto and later became the first UK-listed firm to obtain its own cryptoasset licence from the FCA. It then acquired an Australia- and Singapore-regulated crypto exchange and is now expecting to launch “crypto propositions” in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.CMC Markets is also planning to add decentralised finance (DeFi) products to its platform, which was part of its broader plan to become a “super app.” It also established an office in Bermuda with a licence to conduct digital asset business, creating an offshore hub to expand its crypto services to international clients.Other players in the industry that are also exploring crypto product launches include XTB and Capital.com. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Stablecoins promise cheaper, faster money transfers into Africa, but new data shows that the real cost of turning digital dollars into local cash often remains high and depends heavily on who controls each corridor. A January review of 66 African stablecoin routes by payments firm Borderless.xyz shows that users on the continent face the widest conversion spreads in the world, even as other regions see much tighter pricing.Across nearly 94,000 rate observations, Africa posted a median spread of 299 basis points, or about 3%, on stablecoin-to-fiat conversions, compared with roughly 1.3% in Latin America and just 0.07% in Asia. In practice, that means costs ranged from about 1.5% in South Africa to nearly 19.5% in Botswana, a 13-fold gap on one continent.Source: Borderless.xyzMost Expensive Stablecoin RegionThese spreads reflect the difference between a provider’s buy and sell rate for a stablecoin-fiat pair, similar to a bid-ask spread in traditional markets, and represent the execution cost that users pay when they convert into local currency.In South Africa, a relatively liquid FX market with several providers, the median spread was only 152 basis points, roughly in line with some Latin American corridors. Botswana’s corridor sat at 1,944 basis points, or 19.4%, while Congo’s exceeded 13%, both shaped by single-provider dominance and limited market depth.You may also like: Kenya's Legislators Pass Crypto Bill to Boost Investments and OversightMid-range corridors that carry much of Africa’s stablecoin activity also remain expensive. Nigeria’s naira, Kenya’s shilling and Ghana’s cedi all clustered near the 300 basis point mark, even though multiple providers operate in each market. The core picture that emerges is that competition, not technology, sets what users pay. Where several providers compete in a corridor, spreads generally sit between about 150 and 410 basis points; where one provider operates alone, costs often jump above 1,300 basis points, or more than 13%. Competition, Not Blockchain, Drives the Real CostIn Zambia, the difference between the best and worst provider reached 650 basis points, enough to swing the cost of a single transfer by 6.5%, while in Tanzania the range was about 310 basis points.Borderless.xyz also compared stablecoin mid-rates with traditional interbank FX to measure a “TradFi premium”. Globally, stablecoin rates were only about 5 basis points more expensive than bank FX on average, and slightly cheaper for major currencies, but in Africa the median premium reached 119 basis points, or about 1.2% above interbank, with wide differences by country. Botswana’s corridor showed stablecoins pricing cheaper than banks, while Congo’s extreme premium reflected a single provider quoting one static rate and parallel-market dynamics.The data suggests that while stablecoins can beat those headline fees and speed up settlement, elevated spreads in many African corridors continue to erode their advantage, especially where one provider still sets the terms of trade. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.