The Trading Pit has opened a Seychelles-regulated brokerage called TTP Markets, becoming the latest prop firm to enter the CFD brokerage space amid a wave of similar moves across the industry.The firm is starting with a restricted rollout, onboarding only a limited number of what it calls "hand-picked successful retail and corporate prop traders" from its existing community. According to the press release, the launch doesn't represent a broad commercial push into retail brokerage but rather a test bed for regulatory infrastructure, the firm says it needs for long-term international expansion."Throughout my career in the financial markets, I've seen that sustainable growth comes from building the right foundations early,” Illimar Mattus, founder of The Trading Pit, said. “Establishing TTP Markets allows us to shape our own regulatory path and prepare the business for the next phase of global development."Prop Firms Double Down on Brokerage OperationsThe Trading Pit's move follows a pattern that has accelerated over the past year. FTMO acquired OANDA in December 2025, while The5ers' founders launched TSG, a CySEC-licensed brokerage, around the same time. TTT Markets also entered the CFD brokerage business in January 2026, operating on MT5 and proprietary technology.The Trading Pit's choice of Seychelles places it somewhere between the more established European regulatory frameworks and the lighter-touch offshore jurisdictions. The Seychelles Financial Services Authority, established in 2013, oversees non-bank financial services and requires brokers to maintain local offices and appoint qualified directors.In the meantime, many firms have pursued offshore licenses primarily to secure direct MetaTrader access from MetaQuotes, which tightened its licensing policies for prop firms. FundedNext sought licenses in Dubai and Mauritius while initially operating under a Comoros license. City Traders Imperium also established a Comoros entity to launch in-house MT5 capabilities.Controlled Expansion Tied to Product RolloutThe firm said TTP Markets will expand "as new products and services are rolled out for prop traders," suggesting the brokerage isn't meant to operate as a standalone retail business in the near term. The Trading Pit, which operates simulated trading challenges across futures, CFDs, stocks, and crypto, has previously integrated cTrader for its Prime CFDs challenges with liquidity from Tickmill."TTP Markets gives us the regulatory infrastructure needed to expand in a controlled and responsible way,” Daniela Egli, the firm's CEO, added. “By taking a phased approach and prioritizing governance, we are ensuring that future growth is both scalable and compliant across jurisdictions."Multi-Jurisdictional AmbitionsThe Trading Pit, headquartered in Liechtenstein with offices in Spain and Cyprus, said it plans to "extend regulatory coverage into additional jurisdictions" over time. The firm offers traders profit shares of up to 80% on simulated trading performance and operates in over 160 countries with partnerships across multiple institutional liquidity providers.The brokerage initiative reflects what the company called an "institutional mindset" and a focus on building "a diversified and resilient regulatory base." Whether that translates into broader retail brokerage services or remains primarily a tool for its prop trading operations will become clearer as the firm moves through its phased rollout. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Viktor Nebehaj announced on LinkedIn that he will step down as CEO of Freetrade this summer. He wrote, “After nearly ten years of building, it feels like the right time for me to step back and take a proper break. There’s never a perfect moment, and if I don’t choose one, I’d probably just keep doing this forever.”Last year, IG Group agreed to acquire Freetrade for £160 million. The deal is funded from IG’s existing capital. Freetrade will continue to operate as a standalone business, with Nebehaj remaining as CEO. The acquisition gives IG access to the UK direct investment market and broadens its existing trading and investment offerings.Former Freetrade COO, CMO, GrowthNebehaj has been with Freetrade since its early days, co-founding the company and holding multiple leadership roles. He served as COO for two years and four months, as CMO for three years and seven months, and as Head of Growth for one year and four months.Before joining Freetrade, Nebehaj worked at Notey as Head of Growth for one year and six months in Hong Kong, and at Cliqz as Head of Assessment for one year and three months in Munich, Germany. He also held roles at iProspect as Regional Digital Operations Manager / Head of SEO for nine months in Hong Kong.Freetrade Raised $69 Million CapitalHe spent seven years at Google in Dublin, Ireland, where he worked as an Online Operations Manager for EMEA for three years and two months, and as a Search Quality Analyst for nearly four years.Freetrade is a London-based stock trading app that has raised capital, including a $69 million funding round.Freetrade Faces Investor Backlash After AcquisitionFollowing the acquisition by IG, Freetrade has faced criticism from early investors, as the £160 million cash deal was more than a quarter below its previous fundraising valuation. While the company reported that early investors received 15 times their investment on average, questions over valuation gaps have emerged. Freetrade became profitable in the first half of 2024, reporting a £12.3 million gross profit and a small operating profit. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Plus500 (LSE: PLUS) executives completed a £67.1 million share sale today (Tuesday), triggering a sharp selloff that erased up to 10% of the company's market value before stocks recovered slightly to trade down 6% at 4,430 pence.CEO David Zruia, CFO Elad Even-Chen and CMO Nir Zats sold a combined 1.5 million shares at £44.78 each to Goldman Sachs International as principal, with Panmure Liberum intermediating the transaction. The block represents 2.14% of Plus500's issued share capital.Just last month, Zruia and Even-Chen each received Plus500 shares worth £8.5 million under the company's 2026 deferred bonus scheme. Now they're liquidating positions they've held since the broker's 2013 IPO, their first-ever sales in 13 years.Even-Chen offloaded the largest block at 940,000 shares, reducing his stake from 2.2 shares to 1.3. Zruia sold almost 451,000 shares, cutting his holdings to the same 1.3 million-share position. Zats disposed of 109,000 shares, leaving him with 131,000 shares representing 0.2% of the company.Shares Jumped 20% in 2026The executives' timing becomes more striking when examining what happened to their bonus shares. According to Finance Magnates Intelligence estimates, the company’s shares rose roughly 20% between the grant date and Tuesday's sale.That means Zruia and Even-Chen each saw their £8.5 million bonus awards grow to approximately £10.2 million before the selloff, a gain of £1.7 million each in under a month. Zats watched his £120,000 award climb to around £144,000.These remain paper gains; the bonus shares are subject to vesting restrictions and can't be sold immediately. Still, the numbers show how much value just this portion of their holdings accumulated in a single month, driven by favorable market conditions and Plus500's strong performance.Lockup Doesn't Calm MarketsThe three executives agreed not to sell additional shares for 365 days following the transaction, subject to waiver by Panmure Liberum. That lockup period hasn't reassured investors.The stock has climbed over 200% since 2024 and remains up 22% year-to-date despite Tuesday's decline. Shares opened down 10% before trimming losses, though the chart now shows a sizeable downward gap.The sale occurred just days after Plus500 launched a $100 million share buyback program as part of $187.5 million in total shareholder returns announced with its 2025 results. The company reported record performance, with average customer deposits more than doubling to $26,900 and its non-OTC business crossing $100 million in revenue.Zruia and Even-Chen each earned $4.97 million in total compensation for the last financial year, including $1.09 million in fixed salary and $3.9 million in variable pay. The bonus shares they received in January pushed their total recent compensation higher.Expansion ContinuesPlus500 has been executing an expansion beyond its core CFD business. The company recently launched prediction markets in the US offering Kalshi's event contracts under its Plus500 Futures brand, completed a $20 million acquisition of Mehta Equities in India, and acquired an Indonesian broker.The London-listed company reported in January that half its revenue now comes from customers trading over five years, demonstrating improved customer retention. It posted earnings of $792 million and EBITDA of $348 million for 2025, both ahead of analyst expectations.BlackRock holds approximately 6% of Plus500 shares, making it the largest shareholder, while JPMorgan owns 5.1%. Artemis Investment Management and Capital Group have also taken stakes above 5%.The company held approximately $800 million in cash on its balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, providing capital for both the buyback program and continued geographic expansion. Whether that financial strength will offset insider selling concerns remains unclear as the stock digests Tuesday's decline. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Currency.com has brought on Alexander Kravets as its U.S. chief executive, handing him responsibility for operations in a market where crypto platforms still face a patchwork of state-level licensing requirements.Kravets spent over 25 years building and running regulated trading businesses, including stints leading U.S. divisions at CEX.IO and Symbridge crypto exchanges. At CEX.IO, helped to secure money transmitter licenses in over 30 states. The hire comes as Currency.com works through the state-by-state licensing grind that crypto exchanges face in the U.S. In October 2025, the platform secured its 32nd money transmitter license, marking progress toward full coverage across all 50 states. Getting to that finish line typically takes crypto firms years and millions in application fees, surety bonds, and compliance costs.License Accumulation Remains Slow ProcessCurrency.com still needs licenses in roughly 18 jurisdictions to operate nationwide. Each state sets its own rules, bond requirements, and processing timelines, with some applications dragging out for 12 to 24 months. New York's BitLicense remains among the toughest to obtain, while California's new Digital Financial Assets Law takes effect in July 2026, adding another layer of compliance work.Kravets brings direct experience navigating that maze. Before his CEO roles, he co-founded XTRD (now Axon Trade), an institutional-grade order execution management system for digital asset trading. His technical background spans trading systems, execution infrastructure, and risk management across both traditional finance and crypto markets."Alex brings an exceptional combination of regulatory experience, operational leadership, and technical depth to the table," said Konstantin Anissimov, Currency.com's global CEO. "His track record in building compliant U.S. crypto businesses aligns perfectly with our goals of responsible scaling in the American market."Institutional Focus Drives Expansion PushCurrency.com has been positioning itself for institutional clients, with recent backing from N7 Capital signaling a push into that segment. The platform also partnered with OpenPayd to add multi-currency payment rails and foreign exchange liquidity across 30 additional currencies.Kravets will oversee the buildout of U.S. infrastructure as the company chases more licenses. "The U.S. market requires discipline, transparency, and strong execution," he said. "Currency.com's strength lies in its clear long-term vision, and I'm excited to contribute to its delivery. As the company continues to build institutional-grade infrastructure, my focus will be to ensure U.S. operations are aligned with regulatory expectations and market demand."The broader U.S. crypto regulatory picture remains in flux. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently urged Congress to pass federal crypto legislation, though state licensing requirements will persist regardless of any federal framework. Platforms operating across state lines need both federal registration with FinCEN and individual state money transmitter licenses to stay compliant.Kravets currently runs AK Solutions, an advisory firm focused on real-world assets, digital asset trading, DeFi yields, and derivative strategies. The press release about his appointment as Currency.com's U.S. CEO did not specify whether he will continue actively developing this project. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The cryptocurrency market continues its February consolidation on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with mixed signals across major assets. Bitcoin trades at $68,362, down 0.74%, while Ethereum falls 0.85% to $1981. The market remains 50% below all-time highs, with historic velocity in the January-February decline creating what one analyst calls "genuine distress" across the sector.In this article, I am examining why crypto is falling across major assets, analyzing Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Dogecoin charts based on my over a decade of experience as an analyst and trader.Follow me on X for more crypto market analysis:@ChmielDkBitcoin Price Analysis: $60K-62K Support CriticalBitcoin's (BTC) price is losing about 1% during Tuesday's session, falling to the $68,250 level. According to my analysis, the cryptocurrency is currently using a local support level that coincides with the lows from November 2024. However, in my view, the main support is located at this year's lows in the range of $60,000-62,000.As I see it, Bitcoin needs solid consolidation between this level and the resistance zone of $74,000-76,000. This zone was, according to my analysis, the target range for declines that I mentioned back in November. As you can see, momentum has since pulled the price decidedly lower.For Bitcoin to return to growth, it would need to pull back above at least $80,000 where the 50-day EMA runs, and ideally return above the resistance zone of $82,000-84,000, the November lows broken at the end of January this year. The cryptocurrency will finally catch its breath around the $94,000 level by breaking above the 200-day moving average.As you can see, Bitcoin's chart has moved significantly away from its long-term moving averages. The current drawdown stands at 47.5% from peak to trough, marking one of the worst 7-day declines (−22.2%) in Bitcoin's history, worse than 98.9% of all historical 7-day periods.XRP Price: Bearish Pin Bar Targets $1.26XRP trades at $1.49 on Tuesday, February 17, down about 1% and testing the $1.47 level. According to my analysis, Sunday's chart showed a bearish pin bar with a very long upper wick and short body, a clear sell signal that I wrote about in my previous article.While the downward impulse hasn't fully materialized yet, this doesn't change the fact that I'm still targeting declines toward at least $1.26-1.27, the flash crash lows from October. Ultimately, I'm looking at a level of just under $1.13, representing this year's lows from February 5-6.In a very bearish scenario, I don't rule out a decline of several dozen percent toward just $0.53, where the price stood in November 2024 and where the 100% Fibonacci extension falls. My earlier analysis correctly predicted XRP's $1.25 target as the token struggles below both its 50 EMA ($1.81) and 200 EMA ($2.54).Ethereum Analysis: Trapped Below $2,000 Psychological LevelEthereum (ETH) is losing about 1% today and falling back below the round $2,000 level, trading at $1,997-2,000. According to my analysis, the cryptocurrency has been moving in consolidation since the beginning of February between $2,100 and $1,800, the lowest levels since May of last year.The lower limit of this consolidation is marked by lows from almost a year ago (May 2024), while the upper boundary represents local peaks from that period before Ethereum went on a stronger offensive and in subsequent months climbed toward a summer high near $5,000. Now those levels seem very distant.For Ethereum to even think about removing selling pressure from its shoulders, it would need to rise above the 50 EMA around $2,600 and return above the resistance zone marked by the November-December lows at $2,750. The next important resistance is around $3,000-3,100 in conjunction with the 200 EMA.Dogecoin Price: Third Consecutive Session of LossesDogecoin (DOGE) price is falling for the third consecutive session, losing 1.58% on Tuesday and testing the $0.10 level at $0.1010. According to my analysis, the cryptocurrency rose on Sunday to approximately two-week highs, but the increase stopped at just under $0.12 (reaching $0.111 on February 15.This level represents the upper limit of the current consolidation, marked by the lows from early 2026 in conjunction with the 50-day moving average. If the current local support doesn't hold, Dogecoin opens the way to test this year's lows from just under two weeks ago at just under $0.08 ($0.0885 on February 6). This is simultaneously the lowest value since August 2024.Dogecoin has plummeted 61.95% from one year ago when it traded at $0.2655, reflecting the broader altcoin carnage that has characterized the February 2026 correction.Multi-Asset Comparison: Key Levels to WatchHow Low Can Crypto Go? Key Catalyst Friday"Macro news has remained closely correlated with crypto's risk profile over the past 12 months," Paul Howard, Director at Wincent, noted. As he added about upcoming catalysts, "the more significant catalyst for crypto is likely to be the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, expected Friday, 20 February" The Supreme Court's decision on tariffs imposed by President Trump using emergency powers could inject significant volatility into risk assets. When the court delayed a similar ruling in early January, Bitcoin surged more than $2,000 in under an hour, briefly trading near $92,000, while roughly $39 million in short positions were liquidated."Current expectations suggest macro data will stay soft, reinforcing a risk-off trading environment," Howard continued. However, he noted that "at present, relatively low prices alone are not sufficient to drive renewed investor enthusiasm. As a result, this week's Fed minutes and inflation reports are unlikely to meaningfully influence market direction.”A decisive shift could attract "hot money" back into crypto, particularly from AI and commodities, which have dominated capital flows in recent months [user-provided quote]. However, crypto still has work to do in re-establishing itself as a compelling asset class.FAQ: Crypto Market Questions AnsweredWhy is crypto falling today?The crypto market is consolidating after historic January-February declines, with Bitcoin down 47.5%, Ethereum down 60.7%, and continued distance from long-term moving averages. According to my analysis, Bitcoin needs to hold $60K-62K support, Ethereum struggles below $2,000, XRP shows bearish pin bar patterns, and Dogecoin tests $0.10 support.What are key Bitcoin support levels?According to my technical analysis, Bitcoin's main support is at this year's lows of $60,000-62,000, with local support at current November 2024 levels around $68,000. For bullish reversal, Bitcoin needs to reclaim $80,000 (50 EMA), then $82K-84K (November lows), and finally $94,000 (200 MA).Will crypto continue declining?The market awaits the U.S. Supreme Court tariff ruling on Friday, February 20, which could trigger significant volatility. Paul Howard of Wincent notes that crypto needs a "decisive shift" to attract capital back from AI and commodities. Technical indicators suggest consolidation between key support and resistance zones across all major assets. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

iFOREX Financial Trading Holdings Ltd. has confirmed that its planned initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange has restarted.The company had previously postponed its IPO in June 2025. At the time, iFOREX cited the need to complete a routine compliance inspection in the British Virgin Islands. The firm described the review as a “routine thematic review” and said it expected the inspection to conclude soon, calling the delay “brief” and clearing the way for the IPO.Company Plans London IPO Late FebruaryiFOREX said the IPO process is now at an “advanced stage”. It intends to apply for admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange, with admission expected in late February 2026. The company stated it will make further announcements as appropriate.The announcement clarified that it is not a prospectus or an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, or Japan. iFOREX emphasized that investors should only purchase shares based on information contained in a final prospectus, if and when it is published.Investors Advised Risks Uncertain iFOREX IPOShore Capital is acting as sponsor and sole bookrunner for the IPO. iFOREX’s public relations advisers are Camarco.The company also noted that forward-looking statements in the announcement involve risks and uncertainties. It warned that actual results may differ materially from expectations, and that past performance is not indicative of future outcomes.The firm cautioned that the IPO may not proceed, and potential investors should not base financial decisions solely on the announcement.Other Business UpdatesSeparately, last year iFOREX Europe signed a jersey sponsorship agreement with Ferencvárosi TC, Hungary’s most successful football club and then-current league champions. The Cyprus-based trading platform became the official back-of-shirt sponsor as the club prepared for another European campaign. Ferencváros had qualified for continental competition for six consecutive seasons. Around the same time, iFOREX expanded its product range by adding CFDs on Saudi Arabian and South Korean shares, broadening the broker’s equity offering to additional Asian and Middle Eastern markets. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Nexo has re-entered the United States market three years after its exit, launching a new suite of digital asset services built around the infrastructure support from U.S.-based Bakkt. In a Monday announcement, the firm presented the move as a fresh start in a market it once left, this time emphasizing compliance, risk management, and long-term growth instead of aggressive product rollout.Nexo returns to the United States.The official relaunch is being executed with regulated partners, providing a U.S.-compliant framework for our investment and credit product offerings. ? pic.twitter.com/pt0A4ETRdt— Nexo (@Nexo) February 16, 2026Nexo originally withdrew from the U.S. in 2022 after clashes with state and federal regulators over its Earn Interest Product. It described the negotiations at the time as a "dead end" and the operating environment as "impossible," following multiple enforcement actions, including those from California and New York.Product Lineup Targets Yield and LiquidityThe relaunched U.S. platform now runs through partnerships with regulated entities and uses Bakkt to provide its digital asset trading infrastructure, aligning the offering with institutional risk and compliance standards.Continue reading: Crypto Firm Nexo Launches Forex and Commodities CFDs Through MT5Nexo’s U.S. lineup includes fixed and flexible yield programs, an integrated crypto exchange, and crypto-backed credit lines aimed at users who want to access liquidity without selling their digital assets. The company also supports fiat on- and off-ramps via ACH and wire transfers and adds a loyalty program to keep users within its ecosystem.Inside a Broader Global ExpansionFinance Magnates recently reported that Nexo had expanded its platform by introducing Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on assets such as gold, silver, oil, leading equity indices, and a range of key currency pairs, with leverage available on selected instruments.This expansion was enabled through a partnership with MetaTrader 5, giving the crypto firm users access to advanced trading tools used by institutions.Additionally, Nexo’s Dubai-based entity obtained the approval in the region to provide lending, borrowing, investment, and broker-dealer services for virtual assets. It marked the firm’s first step into Dubai’s growing crypto marketBesides geographical and product expansion, the crypto lender recently made strides in sports sponsorship deals. Audi Revolut F1 Team recently entered into a multi-year partnership with the platform, marking Nexo as the team’s first official digital asset partner. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Nearly two years after tightening its grip on Cyprus Investment Firm Veles International, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has moved to end its oversight measures. The regulator concluded that new evidence showed Dmitry Vitalyevich Bugayenko, the firm’s sole shareholder, no longer posed a risk to the company’s effective management. This decision clears Bugayenko of the earlier accusations that his influence undermined the governance of the CIF.Background of the DecisionCySEC’s latest ruling, announced on Monday, followed a board decision made a week earlier on February 9. The action reverses measures first imposed in 2024 and later amended in June the same year. Notably, those sanctions suspended Bugayenko’s voting rights and temporarily barred him from management activities in the company. Bugayenko is the sole direct shareholder of Veles International and serves as a non‑executive director on its board.CySEC Decision for Influence exercised by Dmitry Vitalyevich Bugayenko to the sound and prudent management of the CIF Veles International Ltd - Termination of measureshttps://t.co/W3FU7bIIMK— CySEC - Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (@CySEC_official) February 16, 2026The move aimed to restore confidence in the broker’s management structure and protect investor interests while CySEC conducted further monitoring.Veles International is a Cyprus‑licensed investment firm, authorized by CySEC since 2006 to provide investment services such as reception, transmission and execution of client orders, along with ancillary services including safekeeping, client credit and related FX services.Related: CySEC Bans Broker Directors for 2 YearsAccording to CySEC, recently uncovered facts changed its assessment of the situation at Veles International. Upon reviewing the updated information, the watchdog determined that Bugayenko’s participation no longer hinders the firm’s governance. As a result, CySEC terminated all measures related to him and confirmed that the company can now operate without those restrictions.CySEC Steps Up Disclosure StandardsThe termination of these measures came as Cyprus tightens its rules on how financial firms share information with the European Union. The latest development aims to make it easier for regulators and investors to access details about how firms operate. As recently announced by the watchdog, large investment firms and asset managers will be required to submit more of their core disclosures to a central EU database over the next few years.CySEC said that it has amended its Financial Conglomerates Directive to connect Cyprus to the European Single Access Point, the EU’s new online platform for financial and sustainability data. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

While intermediaries continue to be the primary fund distribution channel in Singapore, digital platforms are democratising access.According to Crisil Coalition Greenwich research based on interviews with some of the largest fund distributors in Singapore, fund distribution platforms have reported positive net asset growth across equities, fixed income and multi-asset funds for the first time since 2022.Fund distributors are optimistic that these favourable conditions will continue - platforms expect to see positive net inflows across the vast majority of fund types and strategies, and distributors are projecting the strongest demand for investment grade bonds and multi-asset funds. They also expect to see a surge in demand for private assets.Gatekeepers and the Platform-Ready EcosystemAccording to Killian Lonergan, head of distribution intelligence at BBH, private banks dominate flows in Singapore, particularly for offshore funds. “Retail banks and platforms matter for scale but margins are thinner and access is more selective,” he says. “Direct-to-consumer distribution is minimal for foreign fund managers unless they have a strong brand, local onshore presence or ETF-style simplicity.”Lonergan adds that such a gatekeeper-driven ecosystem - where commercial success is less about regulatory approval and more about being ‘platform-ready’ - is often underestimated by managers.“Singapore distributors increasingly behave like asset allocators, not just sales platforms,” he says. “They actively curate product shelves and remove funds that lack momentum, underperform peers or create operational complexity. As a result, shelf life can be as short as 12 months.”An additional nuance to the market is that Singapore acts as a regional booking centre, not just a domestic market. Investors may be Southeast Asian, North Asian or Middle Eastern, but assets are often booked in Singapore.Banks Remain Core, Digital Channels ExpandTimothy Liew, head of investments at OCBC, agrees that banks and independent financial advisory firms remain the primary avenue through which retail investors access funds, mainly due to established client relationships and advisory support.“Online self-service channels have increased accessibility for retail investors by lowering entry barriers, both in terms of minimum investment amounts and convenience, which has attracted a new cohort of younger, more self-directed investors and expanded our investor base,” he says.In 2025, OCBC saw a 90% year-on-year increase in sales volume from funds invested through digital channels.“That said, many customers still prefer advisory-led channels when building more comprehensive or holistic portfolios,” adds Liew.Online distributors encompass a broad spectrum of intermediaries, including fund supermarkets, robo advisors, digital brokerages and other technology-enabled platforms.Mobile Access and Regulatory SupportDirect mobile access to funds provides tangible benefits to investors, including lower minimum investment amounts and transaction fees, 24-hour access and reduced time for execution, observes Elaine Tan, head of asset owners & asset managers client lines for Asia Pacific, Securities Services, BNP Paribas.“These benefits have been amplified by a wave of financial industry innovation and a supportive regulatory evolution focusing on investor protection and transparency,” she says. “If this trend continues, the fund industry will need to roll out inclusive solutions that bridge the digital divide, ensuring less digitally proficient investors enjoy the same access as their tech-savvy counterparts.”As online platforms, mobile apps and robo-advisors from both new digital-first entrants and established intermediaries enhance their own digital and mobile capabilities and continue to mature, Justin Christopher, head of Asia at Calastone, also expects direct and digital channels to account for a growing share of fund flows.“We are seeing both the emergence of new mobile-first platforms and a strong focus across the industry on delivering better investor experiences and broader investment capabilities,” he adds. “As access to products such as private market funds continues to expand, digital and mobile-based models will be well positioned to respond quickly and provide investors with greater choice and access.”Direct-to-Consumer Models Gain TractionOne of the most interesting players in the business-to-consumer space is FSMOne (formerly Fundsupermart.com), which enables retail investors to directly select and purchase from more than 2,400 funds across various asset classes.“Traditional channels such as banks and advisers often provide personalised investment advice, but they may come with higher fees including sales charges and wrap fees,” says Joshua Chim, general manager FSMOne Singapore. “There is a growing retail demand for cost-effective, self-directed investing as a result of rising financial literacy among investors.”The Case for a Hybrid Advisory ModelHuman-led channels provide tailored advice, long-term relationships and curated portfolios, which are particularly valued by affluent and mass affluent investors seeking confidence in their financial decisions.That is the view of Luke Lim, managing director Phillip Securities, who acknowledges that digital platforms have helped shift expectations around access, cost and usability.“However, we have also seen the continued need for trusted advice when navigating life stage planning, risk management and broader financial goals,” he says. “As investor needs evolve, a hybrid ‘high tech, high touch’ approach is emerging as the most sustainable path forward. This means combining strong digital infrastructure with the trusted guidance of technology-enabled financial advisers who understand an individual’s priorities, life goals and emotional comfort with risk.”Digital Pressure on Private Banking ModelsLonergan recognises that digital distribution options have shifted Singapore’s retail investing landscape and that their influence on shaping price transparency expectations, promoting clean share classes and accelerating demand for lower-cost institutional-style products is increasing.This has indirect implications for private banking distribution, where there is a growing disconnect between traditional distributor retrocession models and investor expectations. As a result, managers are feeling the pressure to maintain parallel share class structures, differentiated fee models and more sophisticated operational setups.Singapore is an amazing city and it’s going to be plenty busy in future just serving as the regional finance center for SE Asia - the world’s fastest growing economic area with the worlds largest group of aspiring middle class citizens. So don’t worry about that. However,… https://t.co/kPJBqK9a4x— Mitch Presnick 柏力 (@mitchpresnick) March 2, 2024However, Lonergan argues that their impact has been somewhat overstated.“While digital investment platforms and robo advisors have rapidly gained traction among individual investors, they have not disintermediated traditional advisory channels so much as expanded the front door for retail engagement,” he says, referring to industry analysis suggesting that around 85% of Singapore investors have used digital wealth services and nearly 60% use robo advisory platforms as part of their investment journey.“They have not displaced private banks for meaningful AUM accumulation,” he adds. “Many investors begin on apps but still turn to human advisers for broader planning, risk profiling and long-term allocation decisions.” This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

Spotware at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026: cTrader's Best Trading Platform award and cBridge debutAt iFX EXPO Dubai (11–12 February 2026), Spotware stepped onto the event floor as a multi-product developer. Alongside cTrader and cTrader Store, we officially debuted cBridge, a standalone cost-efficient liquidity bridge. cTrader wins Best Trading Platform awardThe Expo brought industry-wide recognition for our flagship trading platform. Spotware is proud to announce that cTrader has been named Best Trading Platform at UF AWARDS MEA 2026. This prestigious award highlights сTrader’s leadership as a premium trading platform that sets a benchmark for transparency,speed and innovation across the industry, with Traders First™ approach at the core. Trust in cTrader is reflected in its growing community – in 2025, 2 million traders joined cTrader, bringing the total to over 11 million. For brokers and prop firms, cTrader is built to help them scale and enhance competitive standing. Last year, cTrader saw 105% growth in trading volume and 104 new clients were onboarded, underlining its rising demand across both established and entry-level businesses.cBridge debut Our team was excited to officially unveil cBridge – a cost-efficient liquidity bridge designed to remove volume-based fees and hidden charges entirely. This price model enables brokers to cut bridge costs significantly, as trading volume doesn’t become a cost driver. As a fully standalone solution, cBridge provides connectivity to all major trading platforms while applying intuitive routing logic. “Game of Flows: Inside Broker Liquidity Strategies” At iFX EXPO Dubai 2026, Victor Ivanchenko, cBridge General Manager, brought his extensive liquidity and risk management experience to the panel “Game of Flows: Inside Broker Liquidity Strategies”. He shared expert commentary on the decisions brokers face under pressure, from XAU concentration risk during volatility spikes and limits on internalisation capacity to hedge triggers, risk controls and how far liquidity providers can realistically support brokers in unpredictable market conditions.cTrader Store: a global marketplace driving broker and prop firm growthDuring the expo, the Spotware team also walked visitors through cTrader Store, a central hub for traders. In 2025, Store purchases increased sixfold, reinforcing its role as a global marketplace for high-demand tools – bots, indicators, copy strategies, prop challenges and plugins. For brokers and prop firms, cTrader Store significantly increases visibility among prospective traders through dedicated Brokers, Props and Prop Challenges sections, driving up to 10,000 daily visits. Thank you for joining usSpotware warmly thanks everyone who visited the booth, met the team and took the time to explore what’s new. We’ll continue developing innovative solutions that help brokers and prop firms grow and achieve business goals.For those who were not present at iFX EXPO Dubai, the team is available for online meetings to demonstrate how Spotware-powered solutions can help you scale in 2026.About Spotware SystemsSpotware Systems is a fintech company founded in 2010, based in Limassol, Cyprus, with a global team of 200+ professionals. It designs and delivers innovative trading technology and custom solutions for brokers worldwide, supporting long-term growth and scalability. Spotware’s solutions include cTrader, the flagship trading platform, and cBridge, a highly cost-efficient liquidity bridge for all platforms that eliminates volume fees and hidden charges entirely. Spotware’s expertise is consistently recognised with multiple international industry awards, including Best Trading Platform, Best Services for Partners and Best Mobile Trading App. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

South Africa’s watchdog imposed a penalty of R710 000 (approximately $44,000) on online trading platform QuickTrade, citing that the firm failed to comply with several key provisions of Financial Intelligence Centre Act. The move mirrors a series of recent fines imposed on CFD brokers in the region as the regulator tightens its policies.Deficient Risk Management and ComplianceThe Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) found that the CFD broker failed to set out how it would identify, assess, monitor, mitigate and manage money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks to which its business is exposed.The regulator faulted the firm for not adequately addressing how the firm avoids opening business relationships with clients using false or fictitious names.It also did not explain how it would establish and verify client identities, determine whether future transactions fit its knowledge of each client, or apply additional and enhanced due diligence to higher-risk legal entities, trusts and partnerships.Additionally, the FSCA noted failures in how QuickTrade applied customer due diligence. QuickTrade did not consistently establish and verify its clients’ identities as required.Read more: South Africa's Online Trading Firm Afrimarkets Stripped of Licence, Firm Denies WrongdoingIt did not obtain sufficient information on the source of funds for those clients, which limited its ability to assess the legitimacy of transactions and detect potential red flags.Penalty, Remediation and Wider Warning to IndustryThe firm failed to gather adequate information on the nature of its clients’ businesses, as well as their ownership and control structures, undermining its understanding of who ultimately benefits from and controls the accounts. The regulator also highlighted failures in QuickTrade’s cash reporting obligations. Regulatory pressure on South Africa’s online trading sector is rising as Afrimarkets Capital was recently stripped of its financial services provider license after a misconduct probe by the FSCA.The license withdrawal came after months of scrutiny of Afrimarkets’ business practices and represents a clear escalation in the FSCA’s efforts to clamp down on misconduct in the retail trading space.Around the same time, the county announced plans formajor reforms to its over-the-counter derivatives market to curb systemic risks and strengthen supervision of non-bank participants. FSCA indicated that new capital and clearing requirements could be rolled out within the next three years. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Mirae Asset, South Korea’s largest securities firm, has agreed to acquire crypto exchange Korbit for $92 million. This positions the firm in the country’s emerging tokenized securities market. The deal, conducted through a subsidiary to comply with regulatory constraints on direct ownership, reflects the company’s effort to connect traditional brokerage, digital bonds, tokenized securities (STOs), and exchange infrastructure. Mirae Asset aims to “secure digital asset-powered future growth engines.” This aligns with its “Mirae Asset 3.0” strategy and follows its recent issuance of private digital bonds on a blockchain. The Korbit acquisition adds exchange infrastructure to that wider strategy. Infrastructure Over Market Share While Korbit’s market share has declined to around 1% from earlier levels, the exchange remains operationally viable and strategically relevant. The acquisition's timing coincides with regulatory developments in South Korea. The government has passed legislation enabling the issuance of security tokens (STOs), while regulators are discussing plans to allow public companies and professional investors to invest directly in crypto assets starting in 2026. This move could expand institutional participation in the sector. Against this backdrop, Mirae Asset’s move appears aimed at positioning the firm ahead of potential digital asset market shifts. An Industry-Wide Convergence Mirae Asset is not alone in exploring integration between traditional finance and crypto in South Korea. Tech conglomerate Naver has reportedly pursued discussions involving market-leading exchange Upbit. Mirae Asset’s strategy targets operations in both traditional and digital asset markets. Acquiring a crypto exchange offers operational exposure that may gain importance if regulatory easing increases institutional participation or retail activity rebounds. The company’s share price rose by over 15% in the five days following the announcement. The deal highlights a broader trend in South Korea’s financial sector: growing integration between securities firms and digital asset infrastructure as regulatory clarity on tokenization emerges. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Individual Savings Accounts are long-standing financial products in the UK, providing a tax-efficient way for people to save for emergencies, major life events, or long-term goals.Robinhood UK's launch of its stocks and shares offering comes amid growing competition in the UK ISA market. eToro recently introduced a Cash ISA through a partnership with Moneyfarm, while IG has highlighted concerns about Cash ISAs in its “Save Our Stock Market” campaign.Inflation Awareness Reduces Interest in CashRobinhood UK has launched its first Stocks & Shares ISA, offering zero account fees, low FX fees, and a 2% cash bonus on eligible contributions until 5 April 2026. The launch coincides with new research conducted by Robinhood on UK consumers’ attitudes towards ISAs, long-term saving, and investing for themselves and their families.Robinhood’s research, based on a nationally representative online survey of 3,331 UK adults and in-depth interviews conducted in late 2025, highlighted several patterns in saving and investment behavior.One key finding is that interest in Cash ISAs drops when respondents are shown the impact of inflation on cash holdings. More than a third of those initially interested lost interest after seeing the illustration. The survey found that 32% said their top priority is keeping pace with or outgrowing inflation, 30% prioritised growth potential, and 17% prioritised minimising the risk of losing money.The research also found that many Britons see investing as a reward for wealth rather than a way to build it. Respondents reported needing a median of £8,764 in cash before opening a Stocks and Shares ISA, with 19% indicating they would require more than £20,000. This tendency can leave significant sums in low-return accounts even when people are pursuing long-term goals.UK Savers Unfamiliar with Specialized ISAsUnderstanding of non-cash ISA options is lower. Just under half of respondents said they knew at least a little about Stocks and Shares ISAs. Awareness drops for more specialised products: 36% for Lifetime ISAs, 9% for Innovative Finance ISAs, and 2% for Innovate Finance ISAs. The survey suggests this reflects how savings choices are structured rather than a lack of interest in long-term saving.Jordan Sinclair, President of Robinhood UK, said that “too often, investing is seen as a reward for wealth rather than a way to build it.” He added that the launch aims to “challenge this perception and increase awareness of the role investing can play,” while emphasising that the product is not intended to replace saving, but to help UK consumers make clearer choices so their money “works harder for them.”The research included a large sample and subgroup analysis by demographic factors and saving purpose. Ten additional in-depth interviews supported the survey design. Secondary data sources were also referenced throughout the report. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

As of Monday morning, February 16, 2026, XRP price trades at $1.47, down 2.34% from the previous session. However, the XRP price surged more than 8% yesterday reaching an intraday high of around $1.66 before falling back to close at $1.509, leaving the daily chart with big one-candle sell signal.The initial spike was triggered by news that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse was appointed to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) Innovation Advisory Committee. However, the rally couldn't sustain momentum as technical weakness and profit-taking quickly reversed the gains.In this article, I am examining why XRP is falling after its brief surge on regulatory news, analyzing the XRP price chart based on my over a decade of experience as an analyst and trader, and presenting the newest XRP price predictions from major financial institutions.Follow me on X for more XRP market analysis: @ChmielDkXRP Price Catalyst: Garlinghouse Joins CFTC Innovation CommitteeBrad Garlinghouse's appointment to the CFTC's Innovation Advisory Committee was initially seen as a bullish development for XRP's regulatory outlook. This announcement came on the heels of a broader presentation where the CEO had positioned 2026 as the "institutional deployment phase" for XRP, following 2025's validation period with ETF launches and tokenization pilots.The regulatory appointment added credibility to Ripple's institutional push, particularly given the company's emphasis on dual-layer regulatory compliance with both NYDFS trust approval and an OCC federal charter for its RLUSD stablecoin. For XRP advocates, this engagement indicates a shift toward regulatory normalization that could bolster Ripple's standing in US policy discussions.[#highlighted-links#] However, as I highlighted in my January 26 analysis identifying three downside targets, positive news alone cannot overcome entrenched technical weakness when momentum indicators turn bearish and resistance levels remain intact.Technical Analysis: Why the XRP Rally Failed?According to my technical analysis, Sunday's price action created a textbook bearish reversal pattern. The cryptocurrency briefly rose sharply to the $1.67 level but ultimately closed the day with a loss of over 2% at $1.47. As shown on my chart, this created a candle with a very long upper wick and short body, whether we call it a bearish doji, bear engulfing, or falling pin bar, one thing is certain: the demand move was rejected by the bears, and the sharp price pullback suggests significant accumulation of sell orders near current resistance levels.Critical Support and Resistance ZonesResistance levels are currently located at $1.51-1.57, coinciding with local support and resistance zones from November 2024. This area has proven formidable, as Friday's 18% intraday surge was completely erased within 24 hours.As XRP continues to fall, according to my analysis, the first support level is $1.26, the flash crash low from October 10. The next support sits at $1.12, marking this year's lows tested multiple times in January and early February. In an ultra-bearish scenario, I'm targeting barely above $0.53, representing a 100% Fibonacci extension based on the descending trend that has dominated price action since mid-2025.What Must Happen for Bullish Reversal?In my view, for this strong sell signal in the form of Sunday's bearish candle to be invalidated, we would need to see several developments. First and foremost, a return above the current resistance zone, and ideally above the $1.81 level, where the November and December lows were located, also tested in late January and coinciding with the 50-day exponential moving average.The next resistance level is the round $2.00 psychological barrier, then the 200 EMA around $2.15, and finally the January peaks at $2.35. In my opinion, only then will the full selling pressure be lifted from XRP's shoulders, and we can talk about an official return to an uptrend with chances of a bounce toward the July high above $3.60.As I noted in my January 6 analysis when XRP crushed Bitcoin and Ethereum returns, the token remains capable of explosive moves, but only when technical conditions align with fundamental catalysts. Currently, those conditions remain absent.Bitcoin Correlation: The $60,000 Liquidation Cascade RiskXRP's weakness cannot be understood in isolation from Bitcoin's precarious technical position. Bitcoin currently trades around $68,700-$68,900 on February 16, 2026, after nearly breaking below the critical $60,000 support level in early February."$60,000 is the key level to watch, with strong technical significance near the 200-week moving average," Maxime Seiler of STS Digital noted.As he added about liquidation risks, "a break under $60,000 could trigger forced deleveraging and hedging flows, creating a cascade effect that drives price action. In that scenario, we would expect volatility to rise sharply as liquidations accelerate and market participants rush to protect downside exposure."The cryptocurrency market experienced over $2 billion in liquidations during February's early selloff, amplifying volatility as overleveraged positions were force-closed automatically. Bitcoin's drawdown has reached approximately 47.5% from peak to trough, while altcoins like XRP have suffered even steeper declines.XRP Price Predictions 2026-2028: Standard Chartered's Bold ForecastDespite the current technical weakness, Standard Chartered remains aggressively bullish on XRP's medium-term prospects. Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank's head of digital assets research, predicts XRP could reach $8 by the end of 2026, a 430% gain from current levels around $1.47.The forecast factors in XRP's institutional utility for cross-border payments, particularly as banking partners expand their use of Ripple's technology. Standard Chartered notes that programs like Japan's Financial Infrastructure Innovation Program, backed by Mizuho Bank and SMBC Nikko Securities, are fostering startups building on the XRP Ledger, cementing its role in the financial ecosystem.What Happens Next? XRP Near-Term OutlookAccording to my analysis, XRP's immediate trajectory depends on two critical factors: whether it can defend the $1.26 support level (October flash crash low), and whether Bitcoin can hold above $60,000 to prevent a broader liquidation cascade.Bearish scenario: A Bitcoin break below $60,000 combined with XRP's failure to reclaim $1.51 resistance would likely push the token toward $1.12 (2026 lows), with potential for further decline to $0.53 in an extended capitulation event.Neutral scenario: XRP consolidates between $1.26 and $1.57 for several weeks as ETF inflows continue to accumulate, creating a base for eventual breakout once Bitcoin stabilizes and macro conditions improve.Bullish scenario: Bitcoin rallies above $72,000, triggering a short squeeze in XRP above $1.81 resistance. This would open the path toward $2.00 psychological level, then $2.35 (January highs), with Standard Chartered's $8 year-end target coming into play if institutional adoption accelerates as predicted.FAQ: XRP Price Questions AnsweredWhy is XRP price falling today?XRP fell 2.34% to $1.47 on February 16, 2026, unable to sustain Saturday's 8% rally to $1.66 triggered by Brad Garlinghouse's CFTC appointment. According to my technical analysis, a bearish doji pattern with long upper wick signals rejection at $1.51-1.57 resistance, while broader crypto market weakness and Bitcoin's proximity to the critical $60,000 level create persistent downward pressure.How low can XRP go?Based on my technical analysis, XRP has support at $1.26 (October flash crash low), then $1.12 (2026 YTD lows). In an ultra-bearish scenario with Bitcoin breaking $60,000, I'm targeting $0.53 representing a 100% Fibonacci extension. However, $1.4 billion in ETF inflows suggests institutional buyers would likely step in before such extreme levels.What is XRP price prediction for 2026-2028?Standard Chartered's Geoffrey Kendrick predicts $8 by end of 2026 (430% gain from current $1.47), $10-12 in 2027, and $12.50 by 2028. The forecast assumes $4-8 billion total ETF inflows, continued regulatory clarity, and expansion of Ripple's cross-border payment adoption.Will XRP recover after this decline?Recovery requires reclaiming $1.81 (50 EMA, November-December lows), then $2.00 psychological level, and finally $2.35 (January peaks) to invalidate the bearish structure. Bitcoin stabilizing above $70,000 would provide crucial support. Standard Chartered maintains conviction despite current weakness, suggesting institutional players expect eventual recovery. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin warns that prediction markets are drifting toward low-value gambling rather than long-term utility. He argues that excessive reliance on such activity creates what he calls a “fundamentally ‘cursed’” dynamic. “Prediction markets seem to be over-converging to an unhealthy product market fit: embracing short-term cryptocurrency price bets, sports betting, and other similar things that have dopamine value but not any kind of long-term fulfillment or societal information value,” Buterin wrote. He described this slide toward low-value, high-volume betting as "corposlop," a term he uses to describe platforms that focus on mass-market, addictive gambling products instead of substantive, socially beneficial financial tools.Recently I have been starting to worry about the state of prediction markets, in their current form. They have achieved a certain level of success: market volume is high enough to make meaningful bets and have a full-time job as a trader, and they often prove useful as a…— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 14, 2026Notably, in December 2025, he described participation in prediction markets as “healthier” than in traditional markets and argued that concerns around prediction markets were exaggerated and that these markets represented a more truth-seeking alternative to traditional finance. A Pivot Toward Generalized Hedging Buterin proposes that, rather than relying on the current model dominated by short-term betting, prediction markets could evolve into highly personalized hedging tools. By allowing individuals to hold assets like stocks or ETH for growth and then use prediction market positions to achieve stability, prediction markets could potentially replace the need for fiat-backed stablecoins. “We do not need fiat currency at all!” he wrote. “People can hold stocks, ETH, or whatever else to grow wealth, and personalized prediction market shares when they want stability." Buterin suggests prediction markets evolve into generalized hedging utilities, offering insurance-like functions rather than mere speculative entertainment.A Strategic Dilemma for the Industry Buterin's recalibrated position arrives as prediction markets experience rapid growth and increased institutional investment; platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket now command multi-billion dollar valuations, while major players like Jump Trading and Coinbase stake significant claims. His comments point to a structural dilemma for the industry: a choice between competing product equilibria - one driven by short-term engagement and transactional volume, and another by long-term hedging and utility.For existing platforms that thrive on sports and crypto bets, a successful pivot requires realigning incentives rather than abandoning basic models. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX has secured a Payment Institution license in Malta. The authorization falls under the European Union’s payments framework and aligns OKX’s payment services with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation and the Second Payment Services Directive.The PI license follows OKX’s MiCA license, granted by the Malta Financial Services Authority in January last year. The MiCA license allows the company to offer localized services to customers across the European Union through passporting. EU users can access regulated crypto exchange products, including OTC trading, spot trading, bot and copy trading, and more than 240 cryptocurrency tokens across 300 trading pairs.OKX Faces AML Fine Post-MiCAAlso last year, OKX was fined €1.1 million by Malta’s Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit for anti‑money‑laundering failures in 2023. The FIAU said that while OKX had improved its AML policies, its business risk assessment did not fully address risks from cryptocurrency mixers, privacy coins, stablecoins, and decentralized exchanges. The fine indicates that the MiCA license does not exempt the company from past compliance issues. The company also announced its acquisition of a MiFIDII‑licensed entity in the same year. JUST IN: @okx secures a Payment Institution (PI) license in Malta ahead of the EU’s March regulatory deadline.The approval allows OKX to offer stablecoin-related payment services across the EU in compliance with MiCA and PSD2. pic.twitter.com/HWBxX9xzJr— Satoshi Club (@esatoshiclub) February 16, 2026Malta PI License Covers OKX PayOn the new license, OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos said that “securing a Payment Institution license ensures that these products operate on a fully compliant footing.” He added that “Europe has chosen clarity over ambiguity when it comes to digital asset regulation” and that stablecoins can improve cross‑border efficiency and reduce friction in payments, “but only if built within strong regulatory guardrails.”The PI license will cover products including OKX Pay and the OKX Card, which allow users to spend crypto assets and stablecoins. The OKX Card, launched in late January, supports stablecoins such as Circle’s USDC and the Paxos-issued Global Dollar. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February, 16, 2026 – CXM Group has been awarded the prestigious “Best Gold Trading Broker 2026” title at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026, recognizing the broker’s leadership in precious metals trading and its commitment to delivering institutional‑grade conditions to retail and professional clients.As a Diamond Sponsor at this year’s event, CXM showcased its deep gold liquidity, ultra‑tight spreads, and advanced execution infrastructure to thousands of attendees from across the global trading industry. The award highlights CXM’s strength in providing a premium gold trading environment built for all types of traders.“This award reflects the depth of our XAU liquidity, our focus on fast and reliable execution, and our commitment to delivering a robust trading environment that supports our clients in all market conditions,” said Bassel El Harakeh, CEO, CXM (MENA)Winning the “Best Gold Trading Broker 2026” award at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 marks another important milestone in CXM’s growth trajectory in the FX and CFD industry and, more importantly, underscores the company’s leadership in gold trading.About CXM GroupEstablished in 2015, CXM Group is a global leader in the Forex and CFD industry and one of the largest B2B brokers in Asia, serving institutional and retail clients and handling more than 2,000,000 trades daily across 150 countries. CXM provides a wide range of services and offers a diverse selection of financial products spanning various asset classes, including Forex, Metals, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. For more information, visit CXM’s website. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Beeks Financial Cloud Group reported first-half revenue of £14.7 million for the six months ending December 31, a 7% decline from the same period last year, even as the company secured its largest batch of contracts to date.Cloud Provider Beeks Burns Cash to Fund Record Pipeline of Exchange DealsThe AIM-listed cloud provider for financial firms (LSE: BKS) attributed the revenue drop to timing issues with its Proximity Cloud product and an ongoing transition to revenue-share arrangements with exchange clients. Those deals take longer to show up as recognized revenue but promise steadier long-term income streams."The first half of FY26 has seen strong commercial momentum across all offerings, securing multiple large-scale contracts, demonstrating the growing demand for our secure, high-performance cloud infrastructure across the global financial markets," CEO Gordon McArthur said in the statement. Beeks closed several major deals late in the period, including two Exchange Cloud contracts and multiple Private Cloud and Proximity Cloud agreements worth a combined £7 million. About half that amount should convert to revenue in the second half of the fiscal year ending June 2026.Financial SnapshotRecurring Revenue Base Grows as One-Time Sales SlowThe company's annual contracted monthly recurring revenue climbed to £32.8m from £28.5m a year earlier, reflecting 15% growth in its Private Cloud business. That metric tracks the predictable revenue Beeks can expect from ongoing client relationships rather than one-time implementations.The shift mirrors a broader trend in financial technology infrastructure. Beeks posted 26% revenue growth for its full fiscal year 2025, driven largely by exchange contracts. But as those relationships mature, the revenue recognition pattern changes."We have entered the second half of the year with record levels of revenue visibility, underscoring our confidence in full year numbers, and our focus remains on executing against a strong pipeline,” the CEO added.The company now works with seven exchanges globally under various arrangements. In December, it secured a £4 million five-year contract with a large FX broker and signed a deal with a Canadian bank. Earlier that month, Beeks landed its fifth exchange client of 2025 through a revenue-sharing agreement with nuam, a Latin American holding company operating across Chile, Colombia, and Peru.Cash Position Tightens on Infrastructure SpendingNet cash dropped to £3.3 million from £7.0 million in June 2025, a 53% decline driven by upfront investments in infrastructure to support the new contracts. The company tapped debt facilities to fund deployment of its Proximity Cloud, Exchange Cloud, and Private Cloud platforms.Gross cash remained relatively stable at £7.0 million compared to £7.4 million six months earlier. The company said it needed to spend ahead of revenue recognition to get new exchange and proximity hosting sites operational.Exchange Cloud contracts typically require Beeks to build out data center presence near trading venues before revenue starts flowing. Under revenue-share models, the company earns a percentage of client trading activity over time rather than collecting large upfront fees.Last year, the company's first-half profit jumped 31% to £1.8m on revenue of £15.8m, with management saying performance was tracking board expectations. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Arboris Capital Limited, a financial services firm regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, announced the launch of its CapGain platform within the Dubai International Financial Centre. The platform is designed to provide a structured digital environment for Professional Clients and Market Counterparties to access private market opportunities, including private equity, private credit, and infrastructure.Arboris Launches CapGain for Private MarketsThe launch comes as interest in alternative and private market strategies continues to grow. According to the McKinsey Global Private Markets Report 2025, the private markets industry is valued at approximately $22 trillion. Traditionally, accessing these markets has involved manual processes and relied on institutional networks and personal relationships, creating barriers for many investors.Richard Chalhoub, Chairman and Executive Director at Arboris Capital, said: “Regional investors have long sought a more efficient route to access private markets. CapGain is designed to support that participation through a structured process for evaluation and subscription.”Arboris Capital Limited is a DIFC-based firm regulated by the DFSA The firm focuses on mergers, acquisitions, and alternative and private market investment strategies. It offers advising and arranging services across the capital structure, from equity and debt to alternative investments. Arboris Platform Centralises Documentation and ProcessesThe platform consolidates key steps such as opportunity review, due diligence tools, and subscription workflows into a single digital environment. Xavier Remond, Senior Executive Officer at Arboris Capital, said: “A growing share of investment opportunities are emerging in private markets. CapGain is designed to bridge the structural barriers that have historically made private markets difficult to navigate for eligible investors.”CapGain provides selected deal flow, structured data, and investor communication tools. It also centralises documentation to reduce administrative tasks and support efficient decision-making. The platform includes a learning library and masterclasses focused on private markets. Educational materials can be provided in investors’ preferred languages to assist review processes. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Plus500 kicked off a new $100 million share buyback program today (Monday), the latest piece of a broader capital return plan that will see the trading platform distribute $187.5 million to investors this year.Plus500 Launches $100 Million Share Buyback ProgramThe Israel-founded, London-listed company announced the buyback alongside $87.5 million in dividends when it reported its 2025 results on February 9. Plus500 posted revenue of $792.4 million last year, up 3% from 2024, while earnings per share jumped 10% to $3.93. The company closed the year with roughly $800 million in cash on its balance sheet."This significant Share Buyback Program is consistent with Plus500's disciplined capital allocation framework and reflects the Group's robust financial position, cash generative business model and the Board's ongoing confidence in the Group's ability to deliver strong shareholder returns over the medium-term," the company said in a statement.Panmure Liberum will manage the buyback under an irrevocable arrangement that gives the broker discretion over timing and execution. Plus500 can purchase up to 3.8 million shares under existing shareholder authority, though it plans to seek additional authorization at its upcoming annual meeting. The program will run through the release of 2026 full-year results.Buyback Strategy Mirrors RivalsPlus500's latest capital return follows a string of similar programs at the company and its London-listed competitors. The broker launched a $90 million buyback in August 2025 and extended an earlier program by $110 million in August 2024.IG Group, another CFD platform operator, launched a £125 million program in September 2025 through Morgan Stanley. The company later added £50 million to an existing £150 million buyback that started in 2024.Since its 2013 IPO, Plus500 has returned roughly $2.9 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Shares repurchased under the program will sit in treasury without voting rights or dividend entitlements.Client Deposits Surge Despite Fewer CustomersAverage customer deposits jumped 124% to roughly $26,900 per active user in 2025, though active customer numbers slipped 5% to 242,440. The company said the shift reflects its focus on attracting higher-value traders.Average revenue per user climbed 8% to $3,268, while customer acquisition costs fell 13% to $1,267. Roughly half of the company's OTC revenue came from clients who had been trading with Plus500 for more than five years.The company's EBITDA rose 2% to $348.1 million on a reported basis, though currency-adjusted EBITDA grew 8%. Plus500 said it expects 2026 results to beat current analyst expectations, which call for revenue of $749.3 million and EBITDA of $348.4 million. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.