In a landmark move celebrating ambition, discipline, and collective triumph, ATFX, the leading global online trading CFDs broker, has officially partnered with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) as a regional sponsor. Anchored in ATFX’s theme “Road to Goals,” the partnership celebrates preparation, precision, and resilience through the fusion of sport and finance.Strategic Alignment between ATFX and AFAProfessional football teams and successful traders share the same foundations, with both rooted in strategy, discipline, and informed decision-making. With the World Cup approaching, ATFX proudly stands alongside AFA in this shared pursuit of excellence. Backed by three World Cup titles and legends such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, alongside key players like Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernández, AFA’s legacy aligns closely with ATFX’s mission to empower traders worldwide. Together, both organisations support long-term success.Education at the CoreEducation lies at the heart of ATFX’s mission. By linking football strategy with trading principles, the partnership makes financial education more engaging and accessible. Just as players adapt under pressure, traders learn to navigate market volatility. ATFX positions education as the assist that helps individuals overcome challenges and move closer to their goals. “We selected the Argentine Football Association as a partner because they embody the pinnacle of strategic discipline and global influence,” stated Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX. “This collaboration fuels our commitment to global growth and community empowerment through education. By bridging football strategy and market navigation, ATFX ensures users never pursue their financial goals alone.”“This new sponsorship with ATFX is a key step in the continued global growth of the AFA brand,” added Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA. “Since 2021, AFA has established commercial offices worldwide, identifying strategic opportunities and building deep connections within global communities. Our expansion into markets across Asia and the Americas has been a core pillar of our strategic vision since 2018; announcing ATFX as a global sponsor today further validates that successful path. Our mission is to continue delivering exceptional value to our partners while consolidating our presence in key regions. We are pleased that ATFX has chosen the Argentine National Team and our players as their brand ambassadors during this exciting journey toward 2026. Together, AFA and ATFX will develop unique marketing campaigns to enhance the synergy and global reach of both brands. We have full confidence that this partnership will be a resounding success.”A Partnership Built on Shared AmbitionThis collaboration marks a milestone in bridging finance and sport to inspire global achievement. Both organizations are committed to building new pathways for progress and resilience. Follow ATFX for the latest updates on this journey, both on and off the field.About ATFXATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Australia's ASIC, Cyprus' CySEC, the UAE's SCA, Hong Kong's SFC, South Africa's FSCA, Mauritius' FSC, Seychelles' FSA, and Cambodia's SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website.About AFAFounded in 1893, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is the governing body of football in Argentina and one of the oldest football federations in the world. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, AFA oversees all aspects of the sport, including the organization of domestic leagues such as the Primera División, Primera Nacional, and lower divisions, as well as national cup competitions like the Copa Argentina and Supercopa Argentina.For more information, kindly refer to afa.com.ar. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

CME Group posted record annual trading volumes of 28.1 million contracts in 2025, with foreign exchange options emerging as a bright spot amid flat overall FX activity. The exchange's forex options segment grew 19% to 53,000 contracts per day, while total foreign exchange average daily volume held steady at 980,000 contracts for the year.Forex Growth Concentrated in Options MarketThe derivatives exchange saw divergent trends across its forex business. While total FX volumes remained flat year-over-year, falling slightly from 1 million contracts reported a year earlier, options activity accelerated as market participants sought hedging tools during a period marked by currency volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.Julie Winkler, Senior Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at CME Group, attributed the international trading surge to "persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty" that pushed clients to rely on the exchange's liquidity and benchmark products.CME operates forex trading through multiple platforms, including its CME Globex futures system and the EBS spot foreign exchange platform. The company's forex infrastructure faced a major test in late November 2025 when a cooling system failure at CyrusOne data centers knocked out price updates on the EBS platform and forced brokers to rely on internal pricing models for several hours.Regional Performance Varies Across MarketsCME's international volumes, which exclude U.S.-based trading, reached a record 8.4 million contracts daily in 2025, up 8% from the prior year. Latin America led regional forex growth at 42% for foreign exchange products, though the region's overall trading volumes remained flat at 173,000 contracts per day. The 19% forex expansion in Latin America during 2024 had signaled growing regional interest in currency derivatives.Europe, Middle East and Africa recorded 6.1 million contracts daily, while Asia Pacific hit 1.9 million contracts. Canada reached 180,000 contracts per day, up 10% annually.Crypto and Metals Lead Growth CategoriesCryptocurrency products jumped 139% to 278,000 contracts daily, representing $12 billion in notional value. Metals trading surged 34% to 988,000 contracts as Micro Gold and Micro Silver futures hit record volumes. Interest rate products, the exchange's largest category, grew 4% to 14.2 million contracts daily, driven by U.S. Treasury and SOFR complex trading.The exchange reported customer collateral balances of $135 billion in cash and $163 billion in non-cash collateral for the three months ending November 2025. CME's partnership with sports betting platform FanDuel, announced in late 2025, expanded the exchange's presence in prediction markets alongside its traditional derivatives offerings. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The Amsterdam-based One Trading has received an extension to its license, enabling it to offer 24/7 perpetual futures on equities, in what the company described as the first in regulated finance.The approval from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) will enable investors trade equity derivatives with continuous price discovery outside exchange hours. One Trading plans to launch the platform by the end of the first quarter this year. The AFM’s decision allows One Trading to run a fully regulated central limit order book operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The model eliminates the long-standing barriers of market opening and closing times, giving traders access to real-time pricing around the clock.Last year, One Trading expanded its crypto perpetual futures offering to retail traders in Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. The expansion was based on the firm’s prior institutional launch, which introduced the first EU-regulated crypto perpetual futures under MiFID II guidelines. Dutch Regulator Breaks New GroundCommenting about the move, Joshua Barraclough, the Founder and CEO of One Trading, said: “This is the moment equity markets become truly global, continuous and always-on. For the first time in financial history, regulated equity derivatives can trade 24/7 with live price discovery, central-limit-order-book transparency and institutional-grade margining.”“By combining MiFID II and MiCAR in a single trading venue, we have created a new category of regulated market infrastructure — one that unifies spot, custody, perpetual derivatives, clearing and settlement into a single always-on financial system.”The platform will reportedly debut with US single-stock perpetual futures and equity index perpetual futures. These products have no expiry dates, offering continuous pricing and real-time settlement instead of traditional seasonal future expirations.Additionally, users will gain access to cross-margining, portfolio margining, and integrated clearing and custody. Eligible retail and institutional investors will also be able to take both long and short positions.Keep reading: This Dutch Exchange Debuts First EU-Regulated Crypto Perpetuals, Targets Retail Traders NextPerpetual futures on equities are derivative contracts that let traders speculate on or hedge the price of a stock or equity index without owning it, and unlike standard futures they have no expiration date, so positions can be held indefinitely as long as margin requirements are met.The price is kept close to the underlying equity’s spot price using a periodic “funding rate” mechanism, where longs and shorts pay each other, small fees depending on whether the contract trades above or below spot, and they are typically traded with leverage, which amplifies both potential gains and losses. Always-On Market ModelOne Trading’s structure unites multiple components that have historically operated separately. Spot trading, derivatives, and settlement will be integrated in one system, with shared collateral across asset classes. This design could streamline trading operations and improve capital use efficiency.Interestingly, perpetual futures have become a core component of crypto trading and decentralized finance (DeFi), with decentralized exchanges processing around US$1.2 trillion in perpetual futures volume per month by the end of 2025, according to recent reports.This came as the spot crypto markets saw comparatively slower activity. In an environment without a major altcoin rally, traders increasingly turned to perpetual futures to seek returns.​At the same time, perpetual futures became more integrated with DeFi infrastructure, including lending protocols, liquidity pools, and on-chain risk management systems. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

With over 481,000 registered users, the platform introduces a new “Zero-Prompt” architecture that monitors markets 24/7, replacing manual chat interfaces with proactive, personalized intelligence.Edgen (https://www.edgen.tech/) today announced the public release of its Personal AI CIO, a market intelligence system designed to move financial AI beyond the constraints of the chatbot. Unlike current Large Language Models (LLMs) that sit idle waiting for user prompts, Edgen’s AI CIO functions as an autonomous, always-on analytical layer.For the 481,000+ investors already registered on the platform, this release signals a shift from asking questions to receiving answers. The system continuously analyzes equities and digital assets through a coordinated network of 17 specialist agents, pushing critical and actionable insights to users before they even think to ask.The Death of the PromptThe current generation of financial AI requires users to be "prompt engineers", forcing them to know exactly what to ask to get value. Edgen eliminates this friction.Upon onboarding via brokerage syncing, wallet connection, or manual entry, Edgen’s AI CIO builds a comprehensive profile of the user's holdings and risk tolerance. From that moment, the system runs autonomously. It delivers a Daily Portfolio Briefing that hierarchizes market developments by relevance, and Smart Alerts that intelligently highlight material movements, technical signals, and macro shifts.“We believe the future of AI isn’t a chatbot you have to talk to; it’s an intelligence that works while you eat and sleep,” said Sean Tao, CEO and Co-Founder of Edgen. “Most investors don’t have the time to interrogate a bot about every stock in their portfolio. Our AI CIO reverses the workflow: it watches the market 24/7 and only taps you on the shoulder when there is something you actually need to see.”Under the Hood: A Network of AgentsThe system is powered by a proprietary multi-agent architecture. Rather than a single generalist model, Edgen utilizes 17 specialized personas such as “Agent Technicals,” “Agent Tokenomics,” and “Agent Macro” that interact with one another.These agents ground their reasoning in a real-time financial knowledge graph, ensuring consistent coverage across thousands of stocks and cryptocurrencies. This allows Edgen to identify complex correlations such as how a Fed rate decision impacts a specific DeFi protocol that standard chatbots often miss.“Markets move quickly, and most investors are asked to track too much,” said Sean Tao. “Our AI private research desk organizes that complexity into a stable, structured system. It reflects how professional investment teams operate, with defined roles, coordinated processes, and actionability of output.”Key capabilities available at launch:Zero-Prompt Analysis: No typing required. Insights are curated automatically based on portfolio composition and user behavior.Unified Asset Intelligence: The first system to apply the same rigorous analytical standards to both Wall Street equities and Web3 digital assets in a single view.The "AI CIO" Interface: A personified, intuitive interface that consolidates complex multi-agent outputs into a simple, crisp daily summary.The Roadmap: From Intelligence to ActionToday’s launch is the foundation of Edgen’s broader vision to democratize the "Family Office" experience. While the current system focuses on high-level intelligence, the company is actively developing “Level 2” Agentic capabilities, moving the system from observation to execution.Future updates will introduce agents capable of deeper scenario planning, automated risk-hedging suggestions, and seamless execution pathways.“We are building toward a future where Edgen doesn’t just watch the road, but helps you drive,” added Sean. “Our commitment is to evolve the AI CIO from a sophisticated analyst into a proactive partner, eventually providing every individual with the automated wealth management infrastructure previously reserved for ultra-high-net-worth institutions.”AvailabilityEdgen’s AI CIO is available today at edgen.tech with portfolio syncing, daily briefings, and personalized smart alerts for its rapidly growing user base of over 481,000 investors.About EdgenEdgen is the first personalized AI platform designed to act as a Chief Investment Officer for the everyday investor. By unifying stocks and crypto within a single "always-on" intelligence layer, Edgen consolidates hundreds of tools and data sources into structured, actionable insights.Backed by leading investors including Framework Ventures and North Island Ventures, Edgen’s team combines former Wall Street quantitative traders and core Web3 protocol developers to build the cognitive infrastructure for the future of open finance. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

STARTRADER has secured a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), adding the retail trading broker to the league's expanding list of official partners as the NBA begins its 80th season.The agreement puts STARTRADER branding in NBA arenas, on broadcast-visible placements, and across select league media platforms. The Dubai-based firm will also participate in joint social impact initiatives with the league."This collaboration reflects the direction STARTRADER is taking as a global brand," said Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER. "Aligning with the NBA reinforces the trust placed in our brand and supports our vision of operating on an international stage alongside institutions that share a commitment to long-term growth."It is worth noting, however, that STARTRADER enters a crowded field of financial companies seeking NBA exposure. Financial Sector Targets Basketball AudienceCryptocurrency exchange Coinbase secured a sponsorship with the Los Angeles Clippers in November 2024, putting its branding on the team's Intuit Dome through in-arena signage. Trading platform Robinhood inked a jersey sponsorship with the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2024, featuring its brand across baseline court ads and broadcasts.More recently, proprietary trading firm Hola Prime tapped five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns as its first sports ambassador in May 2025. Broker TMGM announced a multi-year partnership with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2025, securing courtside and digital signage at Barclays Center for the current season.The NBA ended the 2024-25 season with 51 marketing partners, including seven new deals.You may also like: “Official Fintech Partner”: FX Firms Found Value in Sports Beyond Just BrandingMiddle East Push ContinuesDavid Watts, the NBA's head of Middle East strategy and development, described the region as a priority for the league. "We look forward to working closely with STARTRADER as we continue to grow basketball and the NBA's presence across the Middle East," Watts said. "The region is a key priority for the league, and this cooperation reflects our ambition to work with brands that share our commitment to engaging fans using the latest technological innovations."This trend is also evident in the brokerage industry. At the beginning of last year, STARTREADER joined a growing group of brokers focusing on the Middle East and the UAE. The region provides companies in the CFD and retail trading sector with higher volumes compared with other parts of the world.The company unveiled a refreshed brand identity at the start of 2026 under the positioning "Built on Trust, Driven by Growth". This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

CFI Financial Group has appointed veteran FX technologist Michael O’Sullivan as Senior Technology Advisor, adding depth to its technology leadership as it refines how it runs a multi-region trading infrastructure. The Dubai-headquartered broker brings in O’Sullivan after a string of senior roles across the retail FX and CFDs sector.O’Sullivan joins the firm in a newly created advisory position that reports into the chief executive and executive leadership team. In this role, he supports efforts to strengthen technology operations across the different regions where the group offers its trading services. New Senior Role at CFI​Based in London, O’Sullivan brings around 20 years of experience in technology roles within the retail FX and CFDs industry. He joined CFI in October, according to his professional profile, after serving as Chief Technology Officer at Hantec Markets, where he also oversaw technology for the group’s retail proprietary trading arm Hantec Trader.O’Sullivan also worked as the CTO at INFINOX from early 2021 and helped deliver that firm’s multi-asset trading platform, following earlier stints at ATFX and CMC Markets. At ATFX UK, he was the Head of Project Management, while at CMC Markets he dedicated 15 years to Head of Partnerships role.Other recent executive moves: Karen King Joins BMLL as Order Book Provider Eyes Asian ExpansionThe appointment of O’Sullivan follows CFI’s recent move to bring in former INFINOX executive Vivek Mehta as Chief Technology Officer, signaling a broader build-out of its senior technology team.Regional Outreach Alongside Tech UpgradesLast July, Hantec Markets reshuffled three senior management roles with one internal promotion and two external appointments, promoting Norayr Djerrahian to Chief Commercial Officer while hiring Tim Hughes as Chief Strategy Officer and Mehta as Chief Technology Officer, with Hughes and Mehta joining in early July and Hughes replacing Djerrahian in the CSO role.And towards the end of last year, CFI Financial Group promoted Charbel Saleh to Global Head of Business Operations, after he served as Business Development Project Partner since last year.The group also opened its Bahrain office around the same time and appointed Yaseen Alsamerrai to lead the operation, adding another location to the online broker’s Middle East network. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Ripple is dialing down expectations of a near-term Wall Street debut as it leans on a fresh war chest and a burst of deal-making to drive its next phase of growth. The company signals that it prefers to build out a broader enterprise crypto platform behind closed doors rather than submit to the scrutiny and short-term pressure of public markets.Ripple Pushes Back on IPO RouteRipple's President Monica Long said the company has no current plans to pursue an initial public offering and intends to remain private. She framed the decision as a strategic choice, arguing that Ripple does not need the liquidity or investor access that a listing would provide because its finances already support expansion.The comments follow a $500 million fundraising that Ripple closed in November 2025 at a reported $40 billion valuation. Fortress Investment Group, Citadel Securities and several crypto-focused funds took part in the round, showing that large institutions still see room for upside in Ripple’s private-market story.Long described the structure of the deal as “very positive, very favorable for Ripple” when asked about investor protections. The package reportedly included rights for investors to sell shares back to the company at a guaranteed price and return, along with preferential treatment in scenarios such as bankruptcy or a sale.RIPPLE $XRP PRESIDENT MONICA LONG ON IPO: "WE STILL PLAN TO REMAIN PRIVATE." pic.twitter.com/lNZvAM7ua7— The Wolf Of All Streets (@scottmelker) January 7, 2026Investor Protections Draw ScrutinyLong did not say whether those protections were crucial to securing heavyweight backers at the $40 billion price. That omission leaves open how much risk investors were willing to take without contractual downside cover and how that balance shaped the final valuation.Such terms, which can include put rights and liquidation preferences, typically insulate investors from extreme outcomes and can influence future capital-raising options. In Ripple’s case, the company portrays the round as aligning its interests with those of new shareholders while keeping room to execute its private playbook.2025 Deals Reshape the BusinessRipple used 2025 to overhaul its footprint with a string of acquisitions totaling nearly $4 billion. The company bought global multi-asset prime broker Hidden Road, stablecoin payments platform Rail, treasury management system provider GTreasury and digital asset wallet and custody firm Palisade.Related: How Ripple Pulled Off the Year’s Biggest Crypto Raise While XRP Tumbled 40%These purchases aim to turn Ripple into a broad supplier of enterprise digital asset infrastructure rather than a single-product company. As of last November, Ripple Payments had processed more than $95 billion in cumulative volume, underlining the scale of its cross-border and enterprise flows. Ripple Prime, which builds on the Hidden Road acquisition, has started to offer collateralized lending and institutional XRP products as it targets more sophisticated trading clients. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

ATFX, a regulated broker focused on FX and CFDs, has become the new Regional Sponsor of the Argentine National Team, the Argentine Football Association announced on Wednesday.The Argentine National Team, governed by the AFA, has won the FIFA World Cup three times, including its most recent victory in 2022 with Lionel Messi as captain. The team competes in major tournaments such as Copa América and maintains sponsorship agreements to support operations and fan engagement.Several Brokers Partner with AFAATFX’s sponsorship marks its expansion into sports marketing in the region. The broker operates both a retail platform, ATFX, and an institutional liquidity service, ATFX Connect, under unified governance. The Group has offices in 24 locations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.??? The AFA presents @ATFXglobal as the new Regional Sponsor of the Argentine National Team.Welcome to the family of the World Champions! ? pic.twitter.com/JeZtVLf3Yl— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) January 7, 2026Other forex brokers are also engaging with the AFA. Last week, PU Prime launched a global campaign called “Champion in You,” highlighting the skills and discipline required for trading. The campaign, aligned with its partnership with the AFA, draws parallels between professional sport and trading, focusing on preparation, emotional control, and discipline. Through this three-phase initiative, PU Prime presents trading in a more human, grounded way.Last year, the AFA renewed its sponsorship with FX broker XTrend for a third year, extending its role as official fintech partner in Europe. That deal began in 2023 and aimed to support brand and audience engagement.Sports Teams Seek Efficient Forex ServicesThere is a gap in forex services for sports clubs, as cross-border transactions can be costly. English Premier League clubs paid over £22 million in FX fees during the last transfer window. Payments firms such as Airwallex, Corpay, and Wise are partnering with clubs to handle international currency transfers more efficiently. These agreements often include exclusive FX services and, in some cases, branding or sponsorship arrangements. The deals combine FX services with marketing rights, offering clubs operational and financial transparency previously affected by legacy FX brokers. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Dow Jones has signed an exclusive agreement to use real-time prediction market data from Polymarket across The Wall Street Journal and its other consumer platforms, bringing market-implied probabilities into the daily news experience for millions of readers.Dow Jones and Polymarket entered an exclusive partnership that will make Polymarket’s live prediction market prices available on Dow Jones consumer properties, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MarketWatch and Investor’s Business Daily. According to the official announcement, the arrangement covers a broad range of topics, from economics and politics to cultural events, and aims to show how traders assign probabilities to future outcomes.We're honored to be named the Exclusive Prediction Market Partner of the Wall Street Journal & the Dow Jones.The World's Largest Prediction Market™ ? the most trusted voices in finance pic.twitter.com/S6o7qkCUS6— Polymarket (@Polymarket) January 7, 2026The companies presented the integration as a way to expand the data signals available to readers beyond conventional indicators such as price moves and analyst forecasts. Polymarket will act as the sole provider of prediction market data for these titles under the partnership.How Prediction Data Will AppearDow Jones will display Polymarket data in dedicated modules on its digital platforms, including homepages and market-focused sections where readers track indices, stocks and macro news. These modules will surface prediction prices on key events and will also appear, in selected cases, in print formats.As part of the rollout, Dow Jones plans to introduce a new earnings calendar that highlights market-implied expectations for corporate results using Polymarket prices. The group expects to add further data-led features over time as editors and product teams experiment with how to present probability information in a way that is useful and easy to interpret for a general business audience.Keep reading: Why Prediction Markets Are Keeping Users When DeFi Cannot“The Dow Jones group, including The Wall Street Journal, are setting a new standard for accessible, data-driven information to inform their readers,” commented Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket.“As Polymarket continues to expand, our prediction market data is increasingly relied upon for reliable, transparent, and accurate information. This partnership combines journalistic insight with real-time market probabilities to create a truly comprehensive news experience for readers.”Background on PolymarketElsewhere, Polymarket and Parcl recently collaborated to bring real estate into the onchain prediction market space, allowing traders to speculate on the movement of housing prices without directly dealing with physical assets or mortgage exposure. The deal combined Polymarket’s event-driven trading system with Parcl’s daily home price indices. Through the partnership, Polymarket will launch a new series of housing prediction markets, while Parcl provides the independent pricing data and settlement values derived from major U.S. housing markets. This integration aims to streamline contract settlement and make real estate price speculation faster, more accessible, and fully onchain.Polymarket operates what it describes as the world’s largest prediction market, where traders buy and sell contracts tied to the outcomes of future events and receive payouts when they are correct. Activity spans politics, current affairs, pop culture and other themes, with billions of dollars in predictions placed so far. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Lloyds has completed its first digital assets transaction using Tokenised Deposits. The bank said this was the first time in the UK that tokenised deposits had been issued on a public blockchain. It also said this was the first global use of sterling deposits in this format.The transaction was carried out on the Canton Network. This is a public blockchain designed for regulated financial markets. Lloyds Bank PLC issued the Tokenised Deposits on the network. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets then used the deposits to purchase a Tokenised Gilt issued by Archax.Archax Transaction Shows Blockchain-Bank ConnectivityFollowing the purchase, Archax transferred the underlying funds back into its standard account at Lloyds. The movement of funds showed how transactions can flow between blockchain-based systems and existing banking infrastructure. Lloyds said the process demonstrated interoperability between the two environments.Surath Sengupta, Head of Transaction Banking Products at Lloyds, said the transaction offered “a glimpse into the future of finance.” He said tokenisation brings “real-world assets onto blockchain infrastructure” and allows transactions with greater speed and flexibility. He added that Tokenised Deposits “can continue to earn interest and remain protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.”Lloyds Pilot Shows Digital Gilt PotentialAccording to the bank, tokenisation allows real-world assets to be represented in digital form. These assets can then be transferred and settled more quickly than through traditional systems. Lloyds said the use of a public blockchain differs from private ledgers by allowing wider participation, while still maintaining confidentiality for regulated activity.The transaction took place as the UK government continues to explore the potential issuance of digital securities. Lloyds said the pilot showed how established instruments, such as Gilts, could operate within a digital framework without changing their underlying structure.Tokenised Assets Deliver “Transparency and Instant Settlement”The bank said tokenised deposits allow businesses to transact on blockchain networks while retaining features of conventional deposits. These include real-time settlement, the use of smart contracts to automate certain processes, and a permanent transaction record to support transparency and compliance.@LloydsBank and @ArchaxEx complete UK’s first public blockchain transaction using Tokenised Deposits... https://t.co/9Gg0FH4dEC pic.twitter.com/JSAbMninPk— Archax (@ArchaxEx) January 7, 2026As part of the pilot, Lloyds operated its own validator node on the Canton Network. The bank said this allowed it to verify transactions directly and apply the same standards used for managing cash deposits.Lloyds said the transaction builds on earlier work with Archax. Last year, the two firms used units of a Tokenised Money Market Fund as collateral in a separate transaction.Graham Rodford, CEO and co-founder of Archax, said the transaction showed how tokenised real-world assets can deliver “real-world benefits for institutions.” He referred to “instant settlement and enhanced transparency” as key outcomes. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Police reportedly detained Chen Zhi, the founder and chairman of Prince Group, before deporting him to China for investigation by Chinese authorities. According to Bloomberg, Zhi left Cambodia under escort to face questioning over alleged financial crimes and scam operations.​Sanctions, Bitcoin Seizure and Fraud AllegationsIn October, the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment that accused Chen Zhi of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a global cryptocurrency scheme built on forced‑labour scam compounds in Cambodia.US authorities said they seized about 127,000 bitcoin, valued at roughly $15 billion at the time, in what they described as the largest forfeiture action in the department’s history.​The same operation prompted the US Treasury and the UK government to sanction Prince Group and associated individuals and entities as a transnational criminal organization.You may also like: Spain “Dismantled” €460 Million Crypto Fraud Ring, Arrested 5Officials alleged that networks under Chen’s control used shell companies, unhosted wallets and a tangle of corporate structures to launder proceeds from “pig butchering” investment scams, online fraud and other crimes.​Alleged Scam Compounds and Forced LabourInvestigators and rights groups accuse Zhi and Prince Group of running or backing large scam compounds in Cambodia that relied on trafficked workers. These facilities allegedly detained people under coercive conditions and forced them to operate phone and online fraud schemes that targeted victims around the world.​What’s most interesting is wallet addresses listed in the US government $14B (127K BTC) seizure previously were named in a Milky Sad report ~2 years ago for having vulnerable private keys and now the USG says they have custody of them. https://t.co/sHNwMXhLKH pic.twitter.com/icLWKU33kC— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) October 14, 2025Court filings and analytical reports describe “phone farms” and industrial‑scale cyberfraud operations that blended crypto trading pitches, fake investments and romance scams. Analysts say the network grew into one of Asia’s most significant criminal enterprises, with operations and financial links stretching into Southeast Asia, Europe and beyond.​Taiwanese media LTN said Prince Group helped provide more than half of a US$260 million grant to Cambodia in 2018, raising questions about how business, politics and security interests intersected around the conglomerate.​​Suspected Links to Chinese Intelligence and Global ReachLocal media accounts also note that Chen reportedly bought properties in multiple jurisdictions, including units in London located near the US embassy, and used a web of companies to expand his footprint. Financial watchdogs in Singapore, Thailand and other markets have reportedly moved to scrutinize or freeze assets linked to firms associated with the group.​Chen’s removal from Cambodia to China signals a shift in how authorities handle alleged scam bosses who once operated from loosely regulated hubs. For years, critics argued that law‑enforcement agencies moved too slowly even as the suspected network grew and victims multiplied across continents.​The investigation in China now adds another layer to ongoing legal actions in the US, UK and other jurisdictions over Bitcoin forfeiture, property seizures and sanctions enforcement. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Charting platforms like TradingView serve over 100 million users worldwide and function as a browser- and mobile-accessible tool for technical analysis. In 2025, the platform processed interactions across multiple asset classes, with its Pine Script language enabling custom indicators and community-shared strategies.Regulatory and market developments continue to influence platform integrations. Exchanges and liquidity providers integrate charting tools to connect analysis interfaces with execution systems, as seen in recent partnerships among brokers and data providers.Charting platforms as industry infrastructureTradingView provides charting with multiple timeframes, over 20 chart types, 110 drawing tools, and more than 400 built-in indicators such as MACD, RSI, and Bollinger Bands. The platform supports up to eight simultaneous charts, hotkeys, cloud-saved settings, economic calendars, and screeners based on technical and fundamental data.Institutional platforms integrate these features to enable trade placement from charts and account switching. One example is B2PRIME Group,a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients regulated by CySEC, SFSA, FSCA, FSC Mauritius, and DFSA (Dubai).B2PRIME has integrated its B2TRADER execution platform with TradingView and operates as a Platinum Partner. This setup allows clients to place trades from TradingView charts, switch between B2TRADER accounts via the Trading Panel, and leverage advanced technical analysis alongside institutional-grade execution.Operational context of integrationsPublic data indicates TradingView's community has created over 100,000 custom indicators. For integrated platforms like B2TRADER, this provides access to charting, social trading features, real-time discussions, and strategy sharing. With over 20 chart types, 110+ drawing tools, hotkeys for faster workflows, and cloud-saved settings, clients can benefit from a consistent experience across desktop and mobile devices.Institutions use such integrations to link analysis workflows with liquidity access across asset classes. B2PRIME's setup processes trades through its infrastructure, which connects to multiple liquidity sources.Market dynamics in platform connectivityIntegrations between charting tools and execution platforms occur amid growth in technical analysis usage. Platforms like TradingView function as a standard for market visualization, while execution providers add connectivity to reduce steps between chart review and order placement. For example, TradingView allows traders to open up to eight charts simultaneously, supporting multiple timeframes and assets. B2PRIME's TradingView integration provides one instance of how providers incorporate third-party charting into their stacks. These developments reflect ongoing adaptations in trading infrastructure, where modular tools support workflows for professional users.This article is neither produced by nor contributed to by any editorial team member of Finance Magnates, nor does it necessarily reflect the views of the editors from Finance Magnates. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Tradeweb Markets Inc., a global operator of electronic marketplaces for bonds, rates, credit, equities, and money markets, reported total trading volume for December of $63 trillion. Average daily volume for the month reached $2.8 trillion, up 28% compared with December 2024.Institutional Flows Hint at Retail MarketsWhile retail investors do not trade directly on Tradeweb, the platform’s record activity offers insights into broader market trends. Much of the growth came from U.S. and European government bonds, swaps, and mortgage trading. U.S. government bond activity increased 5.7% year-over-year, while European government bonds rose 46.5%. Mortgage trading climbed 10%, driven by real-money accounts and institutional participation.Credit, Equities, Money Markets Show GrowthCredit markets were also active. Municipal bonds increased 10% YoY, and U.S. high-grade and high-yield credit saw strong adoption of electronic protocols. Equities showed growth in U.S. ETFs, which rose 9% YoY, while international ETFs remained largely unchanged. Money markets, particularly repo trading, grew 16% as institutions adjusted portfolios at year-end.These trends illustrate where institutional flows are concentrated and how they can affect markets accessible to retail investors, including bond ETFs, municipal bonds, and other interest-rate sensitive assets. Tradeweb CEO Billy Hult said the quarter ended with “solid average daily volume momentum” and highlighted “broad client engagement across global markets.”Electronic Trading Growth Influences Market SentimentTradeweb’s strong first-quarter performance last year set the stage for December’s record activity, reflecting a clear trend of rising institutional engagement. Q1 ADV reached $2.5 trillion, with revenue up nearly 25% YoY, supported by broad-based growth across rates, credit, mortgages, and swaps. Rising adoption of electronic trading protocols and robust participation from institutional and wholesale clients underpinned this momentum. For retail investors, the expanding liquidity and activity in these markets can influence accessible instruments such as bond and ETF products, providing insight into market sentiment, yield movements, and potential volatility. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Prediction market platform Polymarket has introduced a dynamic taker-fee model for its 15-minute crypto markets. This change aims to neutralise latency-based arbitrage strategies that had emerged under the platform’s previous zero-fee structure. The update applies only to takers executing against existing liquidity on these short-term markets. Most other Polymarket markets remain fee-free, including deposits, withdrawals, and trading in longer-dated contracts. How the Arbitrage Worked Under the earlier model, the lack of fees on 15-minute crypto markets created a narrow but repeatable opportunity for automated strategies. Bots monitored small delays between Polymarket’s internal pricing and spot prices on major crypto exchanges. They entered trades when odds hovered near 50/50 and exiting moments later once prices converged. On-chain data suggest that at least one wallet executed thousands of such trades in a single month with an extremely high success rate, capturing small but consistent gains without taking meaningful directional risk.You will ????? find better ??? ???? on Polymarket!This user isn’t a trader.It’s a bot that turned $313 into $414k in one month.??? ???????He's running one simple strategy.No narratives.No adjustments.Same loop thousands of times.???? ??… pic.twitter.com/zJoh7uzYfj— Dexter's Lab (@DextersSolab) January 5, 2026 Fee Design as a Market-Structure Tool With the new framework, Polymarket has enabled dynamic taker fees on 15-minute crypto markets specifically to fund its Maker Rebates Program. The fees are redistributed daily to liquidity providers, incentivising deeper order books and tighter spreads. Crucially, the taker fee is highest when odds are closest to 50% — precisely where latency-driven strategies were most active. At that level, fees can reach approximately 3.15% on a 50-cent contract, exceeding the typical arbitrage margin and making the strategy unprofitable at scale.A Step Toward Market Maturity The change reflects a broader shift in Polymarket’s market design. While latency-sensitive traders generated trading volume, they profited from infrastructure lag rather than genuine forecasting or liquidity provision. By redirecting incentives through targeted fees and rebates, the platform is prioritising market quality over raw volume. Trading venues often have to make similar trade-offs, moving from early-stage growth toward longer-term sustainability. The update signals a continued maturation of Polymarket’s infrastructure, closing early inefficiencies without abandoning fee-free access across the broader platform. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

ZX Capital Markets (ZXCM), a relatively new contracts for difference (CFD) broker founded in 2023, revealed that roughly 70 per cent of its $100 billion trading volume last year came from gold. Demand for silver trading with the broker also jumped by 300 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025.Gold and Silver’s Gains Attracted TradersGold posted a roughly 60 to 65 per cent gain in 2025, while silver rose around 140 to 150 per cent, making it one of the best-performing major commodities last year.Data from Finance Magnates Intelligence shows that CFDs on metals accounted for more than 60 per cent of global broker volumes in the first half of 2025. The vast majority, nearly 80 per cent, came from gold contracts, while another 18 per cent came from silver. Only a small share came from other metals and commodities.Read more: Gold Trading Rises to 90% of Total Volumes, but Liquidity Is Not a Concern for CFD BrokersFounded and headed by industry veteran Hadi Zaarour, ZXCM also offers crypto CFDs. According to the broker, crypto trading mostly occurs outside normal trading hours, and the most traded symbol was BTC.Before launching ZXCM, Zaarour spent years at several CFD companies, including Scope Markets and XGlobal Markets.Targeting the Growing MarketsThe broker onboarded around 3,000 clients last year, with a funding rate of 90 per cent. It also stated that it has a diversified client base with flows from Asia, the MENA region and Latin America, all emerging and profitable markets.The broker’s focus this year will be to expand in Asia and Latin America, and it has already started onboarding many clients in those regions.Currently, ZXCM is operating with a Seychelles licence and a St. Lucia registration. However, it has applied for a licence in Cyprus and expects to receive it this year. The broker has also established entities in the UK and Lebanon.Interestingly, ZXCM is seeking a Cyprus licence, while many brokers on the island are diversifying their regulatory presence elsewhere, particularly in the UAE.FinanceMagnates.com earlier reported that Squared Financial, which ran its operations mainly from Cyprus, gave up its licence from the island’s regulator. BDSwiss followed a similar approach; however, it first dropped offers to retail clients before fully handing back its Cyprus licence in 2024.Several other major Cyprus-based brands, including Exness, FXTM, IronFX and RoboMarkets, have also stopped onboarding retail CFD traders under their Cyprus licence and are focusing mainly on offshore markets. While some still hold their Cyprus licence, others have given it up. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

XRP climbed 25% in the first week of January, reaching approximately $2.40 on Tuesday before pulling back to test key support levels today (Wednesday), 7 January 2026. The token outperformed Bitcoin, which gained 6%, and Ethereum, which rose 10% over the same period.CNBC's Power Lunch host Brian Sullivan noted that "the hottest crypto trade of the year is not Bitcoin, it is not Ethereum, it is XRP.” The altcoin has now established itself as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.Why is XRP going up today, and how high could its price go in 2026? I answer these questions and provide a technical analysis of the XRP/USDT chart in this article.XRP Price Today. ETF Demand Diverges from Spot MarketFour spot XRP exchange-traded funds drew nearly $100 million in the first days of 2026, with cumulative inflows now sitting at $1.37 billion since launch. The products have yet to record a single day of net outflows since debuting in late 2025.CNBC's Mackenzie Sigalos pointed out an unusual pattern in the flow data. "During the doldrums of Q4, you actually saw a lot of people piling into those XRP ETFs, which is the exact opposite of what happens with the spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, where people really move in tandem with the price of the coin," she said during the broadcast.WATCH: CNBC SAYS "THE HOTTEST CRYPTO TRADE OF THE YEAR IS NOT BITCOIN, IT IS NOT ETHER, IT IS $XRP." pic.twitter.com/moYcx3OtG0— The Wolf Of All Streets (@scottmelker) January 6, 2026Investors appeared to treat XRP as "a less crowded trade" compared to Bitcoin or Ethereum, buying during Q4 2025 price weakness and positioning for percentage gains that materialized in early January. On Dec. 31, XRP ETFs recorded $5.58 million in net inflows while Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw outflows of $357.7 million and $224.8 million, respectively.Recently, the popular retail CFD broker Interactive Brokers added XRP to its trading offering, alongside Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin.XRP’s Technical Picture Shows Mixed SignalsAccording to my technical analysis, XRP tested its 200-day exponential moving average twice this week before falling back below $2.30 on Wednesday. The token briefly traded above $2.40 during Tuesday's session but closed down nearly 2% at $2.30 as gains were erased before the daily close.On Wednesday, Jan. 7, XRP declined an additional 2.5% to test the 2.24 area. That level represents the upper boundary of a consolidation range that held from mid-October through November. A sustained break below the 200 EMA would signal a return to sideways price action within that earlier range.Chart analyst "The Great Mattsby" noted that the XRP/BTC ratio is approaching a breakout above the monthly Ichimoku cloud for the first time since 2018, which historically signals potential outperformance against Bitcoin. However, spot price action remains sensitive to liquidity pockets and stop-driven moves despite the improving relative strength setup.Bullish engagement is coming back. Been a while since I had a crypto post get this much attentionhttps://t.co/8B97CJv3Bt— The Great Mattsby (@matthughes13) January 6, 2026As outlined in my previous analysis, key support zones sit at $1.91 to $1.80, corresponding to late 2025 lows and mid-2025 levels, with deeper support at $1.25. On the upside, resistance appears near $3.00, followed by September peaks around $3.20 and last year's July highs above 3.60 Why XRP Price Is Surging?Exchange Balances Hit Multi-Year LowsXRP reserves on Binance dropped to their lowest levels in two years, according to CryptoQuant data. High exchange balances typically indicate preparation for selling, while declining reserves suggest tokens are moving to private wallets for longer-term holding.Network activity also picked up. XRP Ledger transactions increased more than 50% over the past two weeks, nearing 1 million daily transactions for the first time since 2022. The increase reflects growing usage in cross-border payment settlements and decentralized exchange activity.Japan Partnerships Add Institutional LayerRipple announced collaborations with Mizuho Bank, SMBC Nikko, and Securitize Japan to accelerate XRP Ledger adoption across Japan's financial infrastructure. Mizuho Bank brings institutional scale to cross-border payments and liquidity management use cases, while SMBC Nikko, the investment banking arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, connects blockchain infrastructure with capital markets expertise.Securitize Japan adds a tokenization capability, enabling the issuance and management of regulated digital securities on the XRP Ledger. The partnerships position Japan as a cornerstone of Ripple's expansion across Asia.In December, Ripple received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to charter Ripple National Trust Bank. The approval follows passage of the GENIUS Act, which President Trump signed in July 2025 to establish federal stablecoin regulations.Ripple President Monica Long told Bloomberg on Tuesday that the company's November fundraise at a $40 billion valuation was "very positive and favorable for Ripple," but there are no immediate plans for an initial public offering.XRP Price Prediction: How High Will XRP Go in 2026?Standard Chartered remains the most bullish major institution on XRP, with Geoffrey Kendrick projecting the token could reach $8.00 by the end of 2026. This represents a potential 247% increase from current levels and assumes ETF inflows reach $10 billion throughout the year.Kendrick’s methodology centers on supply dynamics. If XRP ETFs maintain their current pace and attract $10 billion in total inflows by late 2026, this capital would need to purchase approximately 4–5 billion tokens at average prices around $2.20. Combined with the existing 45% decline in exchange balances, from 3.95 billion to 2.6 billion tokens, this would create substantial supply-side pressure.As detailed in my earlier XRP price prediction analysis, the path to $8.00 faces several hurdles. Technical analysis suggests XRP may need to test support near $1.25 before establishing a foundation for sustained gains. Consensus forecasts across multiple platforms show a range of $2.71 to $8.60 for 2026, with an average prediction around $3.90.Scenarios for XRP in 2026:Conservative case ($3.00): Modest ETF success with limited utility gains beyond current adoptionBase case ($3.90–$5.12): Steady ETF inflows and moderate cross-border payment growthBullish case ($8.00): $10 billion in ETF inflows with institutional support and regulatory clarityOptions-based analysis from Jeff Anderson, Head of Asia at STS Digital, provides market-implied probabilities rather than directional forecasts. XRP shows a 25% probability of finishing above $2.40 and a 10% probability of exceeding $3.90 by Dec. 31, 2026, according to current volatility and skew data.XRP Price Analysis, FAQHow high can XRP realistically go?Short-term technical levels point to resistance near $3.00, with further upside potential toward $3.20 and $3.60 if momentum sustains. Longer-term forecasts from analysts range widely, from conservative targets around $2.60 to bullish scenarios reaching $8.00 or higher, depending on ETF adoption rates and institutional demand patterns.Will XRP reach $10?Reaching $10 would require sustained institutional capital inflows and significant expansion of real-world payment adoption beyond current levels. Some analysts have projected potential for double-digit prices contingent on multi-billion-dollar annual ETF inflows and cross-border payment integration at scale. However, such scenarios depend on variables including regulatory clarity, macroeconomic conditions, and broader crypto market sentiment that remain difficult to forecast.What is the XRP price prediction for 2026?Price forecasts for 2026 vary widely among analysts. Conservative models project average prices between $2.30 and $2.50, with potential peaks near $2.60. More optimistic scenarios cite continued ETF demand and institutional adoption as drivers for targets between $3.00 and $8.00. AI-based predictions show similar divergence, with average estimates around $1.92 and upper-bound scenarios above $2.00.Why is XRP going up today?XRP’s early January gains reflect a combination of continuous ETF inflows, declining exchange reserves, and increased network transaction activity. Investors who bought during Q4 2025 weakness positioned for outperformance as less-crowded positioning relative to Bitcoin and Ethereum played out. Partnerships with Japanese financial institutions and federal approval for Ripple’s trust bank charter have added institutional credibility.Why is XRP getting so much hype?Media attention increased after CNBC labeled XRP “the hottest crypto trade of 2026” based on its 25% first-week performance. The token’s ETF products have attracted $1.37 billion in cumulative inflows without recording a single outflow day, a pattern that diverges from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF flows. Social sentiment indicators show bullish positioning from both retail and institutional accounts, while on-chain metrics, including network transactions and declining exchange balances, signal growing usage. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitget has opened its TradFi trading suite to all users after completing a private beta. The beta ran from December and attracted strong interest. It focused on trading in gold, forex, and global macro assets.During the beta, more than 80,000 users joined a waitlist to access non-crypto products. Trading activity exceeded internal expectations. XAU/USD recorded more than $100 million in single-day trading volume, making it one of the most active instruments during the test period.Users Access TradFi Without Separate PlatformFollowing the beta, Bitget made several adjustments before the public launch. The TradFi suite now offers 79 instruments across metals, forex, indices, and commodities. All trades are settled in USDT. Users can access these products through existing Bitget accounts without opening a separate platform.Bitget said the interface is designed for users familiar with crypto trading. The company aims to allow access to traditional markets while keeping the same account structure and workflow. The offering supports macro-based trading strategies alongside digital assets.TradFi Launch Expands Beyond Crypto ServicesThe launch forms part of Bitget’s Universal Exchange, or UEX, strategy. The company is combining crypto and traditional asset classes within a single trading environment. It said liquidity, spreads, and leverage settings were adjusted during the beta using user feedback.? TradFi is now live for all on Bitget! Trade gold, forex & more in one place.We want your feedback—share it for a chance to win $10 (50 winners, $500 total).Your voice matters! ? https://t.co/DHXf3SUYgKhttps://t.co/1sbb7n9D9J pic.twitter.com/8MTkeQDexn— Bitget_DACH (@Bitget_DACH) January 5, 2026Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, said traders want “the flexibility to choose between assets in a unified ecosystem” and “the freedom to move between crypto and traditional markets as conditions change.” She added that the public launch is intended to provide access “in one place, without friction.”With the public release of TradFi trading, Bitget is expanding beyond crypto-only services. The move reflects a broader trend among exchanges to offer multiple asset classes through a single platform. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Do you know who the top brokers and fintech companies in the Middle Eastern and African region are? Then you should nominate them for one of the industry’s most credible awards: The UF AWARDS MEA 2026. Time is quickly running out, though, and the nomination round is closing on January 23rd. The UF AWARDS are a global series of awards that focus on the biggest, most innovative, and market-leading brokers, financial institutions, and fintech companies. If your brand fits that description, then don’t miss the opportunity to nominate them. Voted on by the publicThe reason the UF AWARDS are considered the most credible is due to their voting process. UF AWARD winners are not decided on by a small group of individuals or special interest groups. The awards are decided by a public vote that includes traders, industry professionals, clients, and partners. This ensures the utmost impartiality and practically eliminates the risk of vested interests skewing the outcome. Prove your favorite brand leads the competitionThe financial services and fintech industry is densely represented, an often challenging and noisy space. This is why brands and companies that manage to stand apart from their peers should be recognised for those hard-won achievements.The UF AWARDS help promote the people, brands, and companies that propel the industry forward through innovation, the best conditions, and advanced technology. It reinforces trust and credibility among potential clients and increases winners' profiles and regional footprint. It also proves that your nominated brand can stand neck to neck with some of the most well-established, B2B and B2C organisations. Multiple award categoriesResponding to the plethora of nominees, specializing in a diverse range of products and services, the UF AWARDS recognizes excellence across multiple fields. This includes awards, of course, for Best Broker and Best Trading Platform, but also Best All-in-One Brokerage Solution for top-tier Fintech firms and Best Institutional Broker for leading institutional financial service providers. Visit the UF AWARDS MEA 2026 site for a complete list of B2B and B2C award categories. Any member of the public can nominate a brand for any of the categories. Participants can also be nominated for multiple categories if they excel in more than one. How to Register NominationsThe last day to submit nominations is January 23rd, and time is running out. Here’s how:Register on the UF AWARDS MEA 2026 website.Log in after you register, choose the category from the dropdown that best represents your nomination: B2B or Broker Awards.Finally, click on the Award or Awards that best describes the nominee you wish to recommend.The voting round will be open from January 26th until February 4th. Once the votes the public submitted are tallied, the award winners will be announced on the 11th of February. Click the link for more information regarding the UF AWARDS MEA 2026 and past winners. Best of luck to all the participants, and we look forward to seeing all the extraordinary nominees from the Middle East and Africa rapidly driving the industry forward. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Exness Expands To Cape Town: Interview With CMO Alfonso CardaldaFinance Magnates’ Andrea Badiola Mateos sat down with Alfonso Cardalda, Chief Marketing Officer at Exness, during the grand opening of the company’s new office in Cape Town. This conversation builds on our earlier interview with Paul Margarites, highlighting Exness’ growing footprint across Africa. While Margarites discussed the broader expansion strategy, Alfonso addressed the marketing approach, local engagement, and the continued centrality of product quality in everything they do in South Africa.? Watch the complete interview Putting traders firstCardalda shared that at Exness, everything starts with the trader. The company focuses heavily on delivering a great product. This means stability, valuable features, and fair trading conditions. Retaining customers is just as important as getting new ones, and they do this by offering what traders actually need.In South Africa, traders are getting more advanced. There's a strong interest in learning and using innovative trading strategies. That’s why Exness is choosing its partners carefully. They’re not chasing big numbers; they’re focused on working with the right people.Marketing with meaningWhen asked about the marketing strategy in South Africa, Alfonso broke it down into a few key points:Clear message: Everything starts with having the right message. Traders need to understand what makes Exness different.Proper channels: It's not about using just one platform. Exness uses social media, PR, influencers, and more.Strong brand: The brand is built on values like trust and transparency. This comes from the leadership and runs through all communication."Marketing isn't about one channel. It's about combining the right message, the right product, and the right platforms."Exness does not just talk; it ensures that every aspect of its message reflects who it is and what it offers.? Watch the full interview Local faces, real connectionsA key part of Exness’s strategy in Africa is working with local and international influencers who serve as the brand's voice. These aren’t just marketing tools. They are people traders can talk to, ask questions, and get help from.In some African countries, local influencers work best. In others, people connect more with international voices. Exness adapts based on the country. That’s what makes their model work so well across different places.Expansion with controlGrowth is not easy, and Alfonso didn’t shy away from this. He said that expanding while keeping control is one of the biggest challenges for companies. At Exness, every new office or market entry is backed by careful planning. They don’t waste money. They study each move before making it.He also mentioned that many smaller brokers struggle because they don’t plan or manage costs well. That’s why Exness invests significant effort in analysis, cost control, and smart execution.Customer retention: not just a buzzwordRetaining traders means more than sending emails or running ads. At Exness, it’s about the product. Alfonso said if the product is strong, people stay. And if someone leaves, they often return and stay longer.To retain its traders, Exness runs targeted campaigns. These aren’t just emails. They include new product updates, influencer content, and other types of outreach that actually work.The Cape Town office shows its deep commitment to Africa, and there’s no doubt they’re here to stay.Looking to the futureExness is expanding its presence across Africa, and this interview with Alfonso Cardala offers valuable insights into the brand's philosophy: focused, measured, and always centred on the trader. With smart marketing strategies, strong product offerings, and local partnerships, Exness is establishing a benchmark for how financial services can grow with both ambition and responsibility.Watch the full interview nowto hear more from Alfonso Cardalda, CMO at Exness, on how the brand is moving forward in South Africa and beyond. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

BMLL Technologies hired Karen King as its new Head of Sales for Asia Pacific, giving the market data company a senior executive to push into a region where it recently added nine new exchange feeds.BMLL Taps Karen King to Lead Asia Pacific ExpansionKing will work from Hong Kong to build BMLL's client roster across the region and shape how the company approaches growth in Asian markets, according to the press release sent to FinanceMagnates.com. The appointment comes roughly two months after Nordic Capital acquired BMLL in a deal that included existing minority shareholder Optiver.The timing also reflects BMLL's recent buildout across Asia. Over the past 14 months, the company added data from Shanghai, Bombay, ASX 24 futures and others. Those additions let traders and exchanges compare order book behavior across venues globally, something BMLL CEO Paul Humphrey says creates demand for deeper analytics."Following Nordic Capital's investment in BMLL, we are focused on accelerating the company's next phase of growth," Humphrey said. "Asia Pacific is a key part of that wider strategy as we aim to better serve our customers across the region."This wasn’t the only executive move this week. Former B2C2 sales executive Zeke Vince joined Robinhood as Global Head of Business Development for institutional crypto.Two Decades of Data Sales ExperienceKing spent more than 20 years in financial services and data solutions, most recently as Managing Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence after that company merged with IHS Markit. She originally joined through IHS Markit's acquisition of Data Explorers, where she worked with buy-side and sell-side clients across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.Earlier in her career, King worked in Prime Brokerage at Goldman Sachs in London, covering Southeast Asian clients. That background gives her experience on both the trading floor and the data vendor side of the business."BMLL has seen increasing demand from market participants looking to optimize trading strategies, improve execution outcomes and gain deeper insight into market behavior," King said.The company introduced its first execution analytics dataset built with direct client input in October, addressing coding challenges that trading firms face when analyzing order flow. In July, BMLL partnered with Ultumus to cut ETF spreads by 16% in initial tests by combining reference data with market analytics.Broader Push Into DerivativesBMLL provides what it calls Level 3 data covering global equities, ETFs, futures and US equity options. The company harmonizes this data across venues so researchers can apply statistical techniques without building their own infrastructure to clean and standardize raw feeds.Humphrey framed King's appointment as part of a larger emphasis on derivatives coverage worldwide. The Nordic Capital deal, completed in October 2025, followed a $21 million investment led by Optiver in October 2024. Before that, BMLL raised $26 million in Series B funding during 2022-2023 and $36 million across earlier seed and Series A rounds. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.