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Why Is XRP Going Up? XRP Price Today Tests Monthly Highs on ETF News, With Projections of 55% Rally
XRP, the
native cryptocurrency of the Ripple network, is capturing market attention as
its price surges, hitting a monthly high of $2.36 today (Monday), April 28,
2025. With a 5% daily gain and a 46% increase over the past three weeks, XRP is
riding a wave of bullish momentum. What’s
behind this rally? From the approval of XRP futures ETFs to whale accumulation
and technical breakouts, multiple factors are driving XRP’s price upward. This
article dives into the key reasons for XRP’s rise, blending recent market
developments, expert insights, XRP price prediction for 2025 and technical
analysis.XRP Price Rises 5% TodayDuring
today’s trading session, XRP tested the $2.36 level. It is currently trading at
$2.31, up 2.7%, still near its monthly highs. The support zone around
$1.80—February and April lows—provided a strong rebound, and the return above
the 50-day EMA suggests XRP has significant room for further gains."The
Ripple ecosystem seems to go from strength to strength notably with the
acquisition of Hidden Road against the backdrop of US centric coins. As we have
stated several times this year, the growth of XRP reflects this and I expect
this continues especially as payments and settlements become a more important
use case for cryptocurrencies," Paul Howard, the Senior Director at Wincent, commented.According
to CoinMarketCap, XRP’s market capitalization has increased by 6% to $135
billion, with daily trading volume surging 170% to over $5.3 billion. Why is
XRP experiencing such dynamic market activity?Why Is XRP Going Up Today?
Key Drivers of XRP’s Price SurgeSeveral
fundamental and technical factors are fueling XRP’s recent gains. Here’s
a breakdown of the primary catalysts:XRP Futures ETFs Approval: The U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) has
greenlit three XRP futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by ProShares,
set to launch on April 30, 2025. These funds, as reported by CoinDesk,
include the ProShares Ultra XRP ETF (2x leverage), Short XRP ETF, and
Ultra Short XRP ETF (-2x leverage), offering investors indirect exposure
to XRP’s price movements.Whale Accumulation: Large holders, or “whales,”
are actively accumulating XRP, even during recent price corrections,
signaling long-term confidence.Technical Breakout: XRP has broken out of a
bullish falling wedge pattern, with analysts projecting a potential 55%
rally to $3.63.Regulatory Clarity: The resolution of Ripple’s
SEC lawsuit in March 2025 has removed significant uncertainty, boosting
investor sentiment.Institutional Interest: Strategic moves by Ripple and
growing institutional adoption are enhancing XRP’s utility in global
finance.Ok. Now we see a decoupling of XRP from BTC and rest of crypto.Even XLM is not in sync anymore.Likely due to SEC approving first ETF.Wait until all are approved and trading kicks in. The lock up of XRP will be massive. pic.twitter.com/TWHO88rRYZ— Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) April 27, 2025XRP Futures ETFs Ignite
Market OptimismThe
anticipation of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs has been a major driver of XRP’s
price increase. These ETFs, approved by the SEC, will track XRP-based futures
and launch on April 30, 2025. This follows the success of Teucrium’s 2x XRP
ETF, which saw over $5 million in trading volume on its debut earlier this
month. The CME Group’s addition of XRP futures to its U.S. derivatives
exchange, starting next month alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, further
signals growing institutional interest.However,
market analyst John Squire, tempers expectations, stating, “The real catalyst
will come when a Spot XRP ETF gets approved.” Spot XRP ETF applications,
including Grayscale’s with a critical May 22, 2025, deadline, are still under
SEC review.\]"The ETF
announcements for XRP are widely accepted as a way for Institutional and retail
to get exposure. Wincent's role as a liquidity provider through our OTC trading
and market making means we are able to provide spot at very competitive rates
to those XRP ETF institutions that can in turn pass on the low cost of access
to the early ETF adopters. I expect we will see spot demand for XRP once these
additional ETFs launch and help to bring more balance to BTC heavy portfolios
given the differing use case of the two assets," Howard added.? The SEC just approved an $XRP ETF ?But it’s not what many people think.It’s not a Spot ETF.It’s a Futures ETF.The difference?A Spot ETF buys and holds real XRP, creating real demand. A Futures ETF only bets on XRP’s price without touching a single real token.What… pic.twitter.com/EaqCWuOtM4— John Squire (@TheCryptoSquire) April 27, 2025The
resolution of Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC in March 2025, which ended
with a reduced $50 million fine, has cleared regulatory hurdles, paving the way
for these ETF developments.Table: Upcoming XRP
Futures ETFs by ProSharesYou may also like: XRP in the Spotlight: Brazil Greenlights Spot ETF, US Next?Whale Accumulation Signals
Strong ConfidenceXRP’s price
is also supported by significant whale activity. According to Glassnode data
cited by Cointelegraph, the number of XRP addresses holding at least 10,000
tokens has risen steadily, even during a 30% correction from January’s high of
$3.40.Santiment
data reinforces this trend, showing that addresses holding 10 million to 100
million XRP have increased since April 1, 2025, with accounts holding over 1
billion XRP now controlling 39.4% of the total supply, up from 37.7% in late
March.This accumulation suggests:Reduced Selling Pressure: Whales are holding rather
than selling, stabilizing the market.Long-Term Optimism: Large investors view XRP’s
current price as an attractive entry point.Market Resilience: Even during pullbacks, whale
buying provides a strong price floor.Declining
XRP balances on exchanges further indicate that selling pressure is limited,
creating a solid foundation for continued price growth.XRP Price Technical Analysis:
Bullish MomentumFrom a
technical perspective, XRP’s chart is showing strong bullish signals. According
to my technical analysis, we see a falling wedge breakout, with XRP moving
above the pattern’s upper trendline on rising trading volumes. The price
holding above the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) supports a potential
target of $3.63, a 55% gain from current levels.XRP Technical Indicators SnapshotCurrent Price: $2.36 (as of April 28, 2025)Key
Support: $1.90, $1.55Key Resistance: $3.63 (falling wedge target)50-Day EMA: Acting as dynamic supportRSI: Neutral, indicating room for further
upsideOthers also liked: How High Can XRP Go? Experts Predict 500% XRP Price Jump by 2028Ripple’s Regulatory
Clarity and Strategic MovesThe
conclusion of Ripple’s SEC lawsuit in March 2025, with a reduced $50 million
fine, has been a pivotal moment for XRP. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described
it as a “resounding victory” in an X post, signaling a new era for the company.
This regulatory clarity has boosted investor confidence and facilitated ETF
approvals.Ripple’s
strategic initiatives are also enhancing XRP’s appeal:Partnership Rumors: X posts mention potential
collaborations, such as SWIFT integrating XRP for cross-border payments or
the Federal Reserve exploring Ripple’s network for U.S. banks.Hidden Road Acquisition: Ripple’s acquisition of
Hidden Road, a prime broker handling $3 trillion annually, and plans to migrate
post-trade operations to the XRP Ledger, underscore its growing role in
global finance.XRP Price Predictions from
Experts and AnalystsAnalysts
and influencers are optimistic about XRP’s future, driven by ETF developments,
regulatory clarity, and technical strength. Below are notable predictions from
credible sources, excluding automated forecast platforms:John Squire, Market Analyst: Squire projects XRP could
reach $3.63 in the near term, driven by the falling wedge breakout and
potential spot ETF approval.EGRAG, Crypto Analyst: In an X post, EGRAG forecasts
XRP hitting $27 by 2026, citing a 600–1,000% rally post-ETF approval,
similar to Bitcoin’s ETF-driven surge.Sistine Research: This investment community
predicts XRP could reach $33–$50 by 2030, with a cup-and-handle pattern
potentially pushing it to $77–$100.Armando Pantoja, Community
Pundit:
Pantoja argues XRP should already be above $100, given its potential in
cross-border payments.Duefe, Market Analyst: Duefe suggests holding 1,000
XRP until 2029, predicting $500 per token post the 2028 Bitcoin halving.Table: XRP Price Predictions (2025–2030)Moreover, Standard Chartered predicts XRP will hit $8.00 by 2026, continuing its rise into 2027 and 2028.XRP News FAQ: Common
Questions About XRP’s Price SurgeWhy is XRP increasing?XRP’s price
is rising due to the SEC’s approval of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs, set to
launch on April 30, 2025, whale accumulation, a technical falling wedge
breakout, and regulatory clarity following Ripple’s resolved SEC lawsuit.
Institutional interest, including CME Group’s XRP futures and Ripple’s
strategic partnerships, also contributes.Will XRP reach $5?Reaching $5
is plausible in the near term, especially if a spot XRP ETF is approved by May
2025. John Squire’s $3.63 target is within reach based on technical patterns,
and a push to $5 could follow with sustained bullish momentum. However, market
volatility and macroeconomic factors could impact this trajectory.Is XRP going to skyrocket?While
“skyrocket” implies exponential gains, XRP’s outlook is bullish due to ETF
developments, whale buying, and technical strength. Analysts like EGRAG predict
a $27 target by 2026, but such gains depend on spot ETF approvals, broader
adoption, and favorable market conditions. Investors should remain cautious of
volatility.How high can XRP go
realistically?Realistic
targets for 2025 range from $3.63 (John Squire) to $5–$10, driven by ETF
approvals and institutional adoption. Longer-term predictions, like Sistine
Research’s $33–$50 by 2030, are feasible if Ripple secures major partnerships
and XRP’s utility in cross-border payments grows. Extreme forecasts like $500
are speculative and less likely without unprecedented adoption.What’s Next for XRP?XRP’s rally
is driven by a potent mix of ETF approvals, whale accumulation, technical
breakouts, and Ripple’s regulatory and strategic advancements. The upcoming
launch of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs on April 30, 2025, and the May 22
deadline for Grayscale’s spot XRP ETF application are critical milestones to
watch. Macro factors, such as U.S. Federal Reserve policies and global trade
dynamics, could also influence XRP’s path, as noted by FXEmpire.With
short-term targets like $3.63 in sight and long-term predictions reaching $27
or higher, XRP remains a cryptocurrency to monitor closely. Investors should
stay informed on regulatory developments and market trends while approaching
XRP’s volatile market with caution.
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
EU Finance at a Crossroads: Will You Help on CySEC's Call for Input on Trading, ESMA and AMLA Roles?
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has
brought attention to the European Commission's targeted consultation on the
integration of EU capital markets. Published on 15 April 2025, the consultation
invites financial institutions and other market participants to provide
feedback. The purpose of this consultation is to identify obstacles to
financial market integration across the EU, in line with the Savings and
Investments Union (SIU) strategy, which was introduced on 19 March 2025.Consultation Focuses on Simplification, Trading,
Post-TradeThe consultation covers a range of topics. The first section
focuses on simplification and burden reduction, aiming to address issues
related to simplifying the regulatory framework and reducing burdens across
trading, post-trade, and asset management activities.The second section, trading, seeks feedback on measures to
improve liquidity consolidation across trading venues, enhance access to market
infrastructures, and ensure better execution quality.In the third section, post-trading, the European Commission
is looking for concrete examples of barriers to cross-border settlement, issues
related to new technologies and market practices, and challenges arising from
unharmonised or inefficient market practices.You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: CySEC
Informs Firms as EU Commission Targets T+1 Securities Settlement by 2027.CySEC Seeks Feedback on Supervision, BarriersThe fourth section addresses horizontal barriers to trading
and post-trading infrastructures. The European Commission is interested in
feedback regarding barriers identified in the 2017 European Post-Trade Forum
report, as well as operational synergies, the issuance of financial
instruments, and innovations like the DLT Pilot Regime and asset tokenisation.Announcement - The European Commission consults on proposed transformative amendments to the regulation and supervision of the financial services sectorhttps://t.co/Mgl6kNMgui— CySEC - Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (@CySEC_official) April 25, 2025The fifth section on asset management and funds explores
obstacles to accessing the EU single market for asset management and investment
funds. It also seeks input on the effectiveness of existing authorisation and
passport systems and the potential for simplifying these processes.The sixth section proposes a centralisation of supervision.
The European Commission suggests transferring the supervision of certain
entities, such as central counterparties, central securities depositories,
trading venues, asset managers, and crypto asset service providers, to European
Supervisory Authorities (ESAs).EU Consultation on ESAs Governance and FundingFinally, the consultation includes horizontal questions on
the supervisory framework. This section seeks feedback on the governance models
of the ESAs, including the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA),
the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational
Pensions Authority (EIOPA), and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA). It
also discusses new supervisory convergence tools and the potential for an
enhanced role of ESAs, as well as their funding.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
X Open Hub Expands Institutional Crypto OTC Liquidity Pool
Warsaw-listed, multiregulated liquidity provider X Open Hub announced the upgrade of its OTC crypto liquidity solution for CFD brokers, banks, and prop firms looking to venture into the cryptocurrency trading space.Taking place in early April, according to a news release published on the X Open Hub blog, this improvement comes as part of the company’s commitment to delivering superior execution, deeper order books, transparency, and optimal order matching across a wide range of digital assets.Tailored to the specific needs of institutional players, the enhanced crypto liquidity suite provides a lucrative and cost-effective solution for various challenges that financial institutions face on a day-to-day basis. With a deeper crypto pool, X Open Hub is now in a better position to deliver high-performance trading conditions on cryptocurrencies.Institutional-grade crypto liquidityThe rising popularity of digital assets among investors has urged institutional players to rethink their offerings. The institutional landscape, however, requires more time to respond to new consumer behaviours and preferences. Price transparency, fragmented liquidity, and risk management remain a challenge for many financial institutions.As the crypto market matures, financial service providers require stable infrastructure and deep liquidity pools to execute high-volume orders efficiently and at a competitive cost. Speaking about the latest development, Michał Copiuk, CEO at X Open Hub, commented:“Our latest upgrade gives financial institutions the flexibility they need to upscale their crypto operations, even under volatile market conditions. With a now deeper and more diversified liquidity pool, we can empower brokers to offer lower spreads and execute large volume orders much quicker, while minimising risk.”Unmatched benefitsX Open Hub’s crypto liquidity solution comes with multiple benefits that give both institutional and retail crypto market participants a competitive edge. These include:● Tighter spreads: With X Open Hub’s crypto liquidity solution, brokers can now reduce their crypto spreads to anywhere between 20% and 60% on some of the most actively traded crypto CFDs. This translates to lower institutional and retail costs and better pricing.● Improved execution and minimal slippage: Beyond optimal pricing, thanks to its proprietary aggregation engine, X Open Hub also ensures faster order execution and minimal slippage while supporting aggressive trading strategies. This opens a new horizon for brokers, allowing them to tap into a new vertical: high-frequency crypto traders. ● Diversification across crypto derivatives: Additionally, the expanded crypto CFD suite enables brokers to diversify and hedge digital asset exposure more efficiently and easily than ever. ● Higher trading limits: The improved conditions facilitate the execution of larger trades with enhanced market depth, catering to the evolving needs of professional trading desks.These strategic upgrades position X Open Hub as a trusted partner for institutions seeking to refine their trading strategies and pursue broader market opportunities in the digital asset space.Filling the crypto liquidity gapFragmented liquidity is one of the most pressing challenges in the crypto sector. Going beyond major assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, it leaves many institutional players grappling with high slippage, poor execution, and wide spreads. This is where X Open Hub comes into play.By aggregating siloed crypto liquidity pools on a single venue, the liquidity provider saves financial institutions the hassle of navigating multiple crypto platforms to access optimal pricing and market depth. This eliminates the price dislocations and inefficiencies associated with liquidity fragmentation, empowering trading platform operators to deliver narrow and relatively stable spreads even in times of high crypto volatility.To ensure deep aggregated liquidity on a broad range of digital assets, X Open Hub partnered with top-tier crypto liquidity providers, which allows it to continue to offer consistent pricing and minimal slippage for institutional-grade trades.Regulatory compliance and transparency are instrumental to its liquidity provision. X Open Hub adheres to rigorous compliance standards, being regulated and licensed by the FCA, DFSA, KNF, CySEC, FSC, FSCA, FSA, SCA and Bappebti. As a multiregulated liquidity provider, X Open Hub ensures the trust and market integrity that institutional players need.Moreover, the advanced risk management system built into the platform supports seamless execution on aggregated liquidity and safeguards institutional interests.Setting the standard for institutional crypto liquidityWith a history of more than a decade in providing multi-asset liquidity, X Open Hub has earned a leading position in the field of B2B financial solutions. As its track record extends to digital assets, the company remains committed to upholding the highest standard of compliance, innovation, and a client-first approach.The X Open Hub asset range currently spans over 5,000 instruments, which, according to its chief executive, “is a key differentiator.” This, coupled with the company’s tailored solutions, swift onboarding, and dedicated support, makes X Open Hub a provider of choice for crypto liquidity.Acknowledged for its advanced functionalities and features, the X Open Hub liquidity platform provides access to transparent pricing and reporting with enhanced price discovery and risk control. Easy to integrate, it is also highly customisable, according to each institutional client’s requirements. Earlier this year, the company was awarded the “Best CFD Liquidity Provider - MEA” at the UF AWARDS MEA 2025. This accolade is a testament to the firm’s commitment to innovation, ranking among the highest recognitions that a B2B provider can achieve.Looking for faster, smoother crypto execution? Reach out to X Open Hub and request a free demo.
This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.
B2PRIME Group Appoints Ex-State Street VP to Lead Institutional Business Development
B2PRIME Group, a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients, has announced the appointment of Fernando Wladdimiro as its new Institutional Business Development Manager. He joins the company from State Street, where he held the role of Vice President – eFX Sales & Relationship Management.Fernando joins B2PRIME after more than 7 years at State Street, where he held the role of Vice President. At State Street’s GlobalLink division, Fernando played a dual role as both sales lead and relationship manager, overseeing a full spectrum of responsibilities—from developing sales strategies and managing complex implementations to onboarding high-value clients and driving significant account growth.His appointment comes as B2PRIME continues to expand its institutional offering and global reach. The company, a regulated Prime of Prime liquidity provider, is focused on delivering Tier-1 liquidity solutions across a wide range of asset classes, including Forex, Crypto CFDs, Indices, and Commodities.“Joining B2PRIME is a natural and exciting next step in my career,” said Fernando Wladdimiro. “The company’s focus on institutional excellence, its powerful liquidity offering, and the leadership’s commitment to technology innovation make it a unique player in the Prime of Prime space. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that not only understands the market but is shaping its future.”Eugenia Mykuliak, Founder & Executive Director at B2PRIME Group, commented on the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Fernando to our team. His experience and achievements speak volumes. Strengthening our institutional business development is crucial as we continue to grow our footprint globally. Fernando’s deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics aligns perfectly with our vision.”Fernando’s arrival supports B2PRIME’s goal of enhancing its institutional client services and building long-term partnerships based on reliability, performance, and innovation. And as demand for sophisticated liquidity solutions continues to grow, B2PRIME is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of institutional clients worldwide.About B2PRIME GroupB2PRIME Group (https://b2prime.com/) is a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients. Regulated by leading authorities—including CySEC, SFSA, FSCA, and FSC Mauritius—the company offers deep liquidity across multiple asset classes. Committed to the highest compliance standards, B2PRIME delivers institutional-grade trading solutions with a focus on reliability, transparency, and operational excellence.
This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.
Trying to Prop Up Like the Big UK Brother? TPA’s Logo Looks Ridiculously Similar to FCA
None of the financial market regulators is regulating the prop trading industry. However, a self-regulatory association has emerged, whose logo looks very similar to that of the UK regulator, except it is The Prop Association (TPA) and not the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).Trying to Copy the Regulator?The resemblance of the logo design is such that the self-regulatory organisation might be confused as a clone of the UK regulator. However, its authenticity received a boost as Blueberry Funded, the prop arm of forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) broker Blueberry Markets, joined it as an inaugural Founding Member Firm.“We’ve chosen to join the Prop Association because we believe the industry is at a critical inflection point,” said Blueberry Group’s founder and CEO, Dean Hyde. “With increasing uncertainty around future regulation and diminishing trust among traders due to bad actors, it’s essential to proactively support a unified body that can represent firms and provide clarity, structure, and accountability.”Marcus Fetherston, Blueberry Funded’s General Manager, also joined The Prop Association as the first executive appointee.According to the TPA website, Blueberry Funded is its only prop firm member so far.You may also like: “The UK Might Be the First to Bring Prop Trading Regulations”Resolving DisputesTPA was launched last October, offering services like external dispute resolution and platform certification services, among others. It aims to offer dispute resolution services to prop firms, traders, and even tech providers. Its primary goal is to bring transparency to an industry that “has long faced challenges related to opaque practices, inconsistent standards, and a lack of accountability.”"The association’s role as an external dispute resolution provider gives traders a fair and transparent avenue to have their concerns heard — something that’s been sorely lacking," Hyde added.The self-regulatory model of TPA for dispute resolution is not unique to the retail trading industry. The Financial Commission offers similar services to forex and CFDs brokers, and has dozens of members.Meanwhile, regulators are also evaluating the prospects of the prop trading industry, the participants of which cannot be legally categorised as financial services providers. FinanceMagnates.com reported earlier that the pan-European regulator, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), ran an initial check on prop trading firms and also discussed possible regulations for the industry. The Czech National Bank also pointed out that some of the prop trading platforms might be “subject to the MiFID regulatory framework.”Meanwhile, several regulators have warned against the practice of prop trading, while some even compared the services to “video games.”
This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.
Lee Returned to INFINOX to Become CEO After Two Years as Sales Head at Hantec and Exinity
INFINOX
Capital's appointment of Lee Holmes as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) comes at a critical juncture for the
FCA-regulated broker, which has experienced a visible revenue decline despite
returning to profitability in fiscal year 2024. Although the company reported in its latest update that it had rebuilt gross income numbers by 400% and increased gross deposits and trading volume, the CEO emphasized that he wants to change the "direction of the company." INFINOX Appoints Lee
Holmes As The New CEOThe
appointment marks a
return to INFINOX for Holmes, who previously served in an executive
management role at the company from
May 2022 to April 2023. It also appears strategically aligned with current INFINOX's needs. His
extensive background in institutional sales and liquidity management positions
him well to accelerate the company's IXO Prime business focus.Before
rejoining INFINOX in September 2024, Holmes served as Senior Manager for
Liquidity Sales at Exinity and previously held the
role of Head of Institutional Sales at Hantec Markets. His career also
includes significant experience at
ATFX UK and FXCM, where he worked in institutional and introducing broker
sales roles.“I’m really
happy to take the step up and help guide INFINOX into a new era,” said Holmes.
“It’s a privilege to be part of such a fantastic team — one with the most
potential I’ve seen. While I’m grateful to have had the support of the previous
leadership, I’m here to change the direction of the company.”INFINOX has
been undergoing substantial leadership changes beyond Holmes' appointment. Jana
Zdravecka joined as Executive Director earlier last year, while the company's
financial filings indicate Robert Berkeley has departed. The leadership
transition appears to be part of a broader restructuring following new
shareholders assuming management control of the wider INFINOX group.“With new
management in place, I’m confident we can elevate INFINOX in the best way
possible,” added the new CEO.Strategic Initiatives
Already UnderwayThe broker
has already taken steps to raise its profile, securing a sponsorship deal with
BWT Alpine F1 Team and Alpine Endurance Team as part of its 15th anniversary
celebration. According to company statements, this has helped elevate the
brand's positioning and establish new relationships with stakeholders across
the industry.While
INFINOX's directors described the FY2024 results as "satisfactory"
and expressed confidence in improved future performance, Holmes' leadership
will be crucial in determining whether the company can rebuild its revenue
while maintaining the profitability achieved through cost-cutting.AUM Visibly Lower in Fiscal 2024According
to the company's financial results for the year ending March 31, 2024, INFINOX
reported a
75% drop in revenue to £3.7 million from £14.6 million in the previous
year. This substantial decrease coincided with the company's strategic decision
to pivot away from retail business to focus on its institutional IXO Prime
offering.Client
assets under management (AUM) also shrank threefold, falling from £15.5 million to
£5.4 million. Despite these changes, INFINOX managed to rebuild its financials.
The broker reported a net profit of nearly £900,000 for fiscal year 2024,
compared to a £5.2 million loss in the previous year.This
recovery was achieved through aggressive cost-cutting measures:Administrative
expenses were slashed by 70%, falling from £7.92 million to £2.43 millionCost of
sales plummeted from £12.16 million to just £376,684Gross
profit increased to £3.31 million from £2.47 millionThe
company's strategic shift has significantly altered its business model.
INFINOX's financial report indicates that since October 2023, it has moved to a
volume-based income approach, receiving commissions from liquidity providers
based on client trading volumes.
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
From WhatsApp Fines to Audit Delays: How a “Single Pane of Glass” Prevents Costly Mistakes
Many compliance teams today juggle separate systems to
track Slack, email, mobile chats, and more. As workplaces go digital-first,
communication speeds up—while supervision becomes fragmented and riskier.Regulators like the SEC, FINRA, and the CFTC have made it
clear that all business-related communications must be captured, supervised,
and auditable, no matter the channel. Yet, many organizations struggle with
siloed monitoring approaches that slow down compliance efforts and leave
vulnerabilities unchecked.The answer is a single, unified view of employee
communications in one system that captures everything. What I like to call a
Single Pane of Glass approach.What is a Single Pane of Glass?A Single Pane of Glass approach unifies communications
data from multiple channels into one real-time dashboard. It offers full
transparency, letting compliance teams monitor email, chat, social media, and
mobile in one place. This provides a clearer, more efficient way to oversee all
employee interactions and meet regulatory demands.This unified approach helps compliance
teams:Provide real-time monitoring across
multiple channels.Automatically flag noncompliant
language and behavior across all sources.Streamline audits and reporting for regulatory
examinations.Align compliance, IT,
and risk teams to work together with a shared source of truth.A centralized system helps teams spot issues quickly, cut
down false positives, and respond better to risks. But a true Single Pane of
Glass isn’t a cluttered dashboard—if key insights are hard to find, the value
of a unified view is lost.?SEC COLLECTS PRIVATE MESSAGES IN ESCALATED WHATSAPP PROBE— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) September 25, 2023Why Fragmented Monitoring Falls ShortRegulators have made it clear: poor supervision of
digital communications leads to hefty fines. Since 2022, banks like JPMorgan
and Citigroup have faced billions in penalties for employees using unauthorized
apps like WhatsApp. Fragmented systems made real-time tracking difficult, and
beyond fines, firms struggle daily with wasted time, delayed investigations,
and audit blind spots.Here’s what’s at stake:Regulatory non-compliance: Disconnected
systems make it harder to capture, search, and audit all relevant
communications.Operational inefficiencies: It’s not
uncommon for compliance teams to spend up to 12 hours a week navigating between
different monitoring systems, as reported by Smarsh. That kind of manual effort
adds up—and pulls focus away from higher-value tasks.Exposures to fines and reputational damage: Missed
violations due to fragmented oversight can lead to financial penalties and
unwanted attention.Without a unified system, firms are left reacting to
issues after they occur, often under intense scrutiny.The Banking Market: Growth & Risk Due to Compliance in 2025Read the full blog: https://t.co/Uhzf7TGS4I#BankingMarket #ComplianceRisk #FinancialGrowth #RegulatoryChallenges #Banking2025 #FintechRegulation #finance #fintech #FinancialIT— Financial IT (@financialit_net) March 3, 2025What to Look for in an Effective Unified Supervision
PlatformNot all Single Pane of Glass solutions are created equal.
To be effective, a platform needs to deliver more than just aggregation. It
should be purpose-built for capturing complex communications channels, flexible
enough to adapt, and easy to use across teams.Key features to prioritize:Comprehensive Channel Coverage – Email,
instant messaging, social media, collaboration tools (Teams, Slack, Zoom), SMS,
and more.Automated Surveillance – Automate
keyword tracking, sentiment analysis, and anomaly detection to proactively flag
risks and regulatory violations.Audit & Reporting Tools – Easy access
to communication history in the event of regulatory requests and internal
reviews.Scalability & Integration – A solution
that integrates with the existing compliance infrastructure and evolves with
regulatory developments.Choosing a platform where you can leverage these
capabilities can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance risk mitigation.How to Start Implementing a Single Pane of Glass StrategyTransitioning to a unified supervision approach requires
careful planning, but it’s worthwhile. With the right planning, this move will
deliver long-term value across compliance, risk, IT and overall business
performance. Here’s how firms can get started:1.
Assess Current Gaps – Identify
where compliance monitoring is fragmented, incomplete and where risks exist.2.
Define Key Compliance Goals – Ensure
alignment with relevant requirements, from the SEC to FINRA, the FCA, ASIC etc,
depending on your location.3.
Select the Right Technology Partner – Look for
platforms that integrate easily, offer strong customer support, and specialize
in regulated industries.4.
Secure Cross-Functional Buy-In – Engage IT,
compliance, and risk teams to ensure a smooth rollout and long-term adoption.5.
Monitor & Adapt – Continuously
refine supervision policies as regulations and communications trends evolve.The Future of Communications Supervision is UnifiedWith tighter oversight on digital communications, now is
the time for compliance leaders to act. A Single Pane of Glass offers a more
efficient way to manage risk by unifying oversight. This shift allows teams to
focus on strategy, not just reacting, and helps future-proof compliance
efforts.
This article was written by David Clee at www.financemagnates.com.
Tesla Share Price Prediction Suggests 34% Surge as Elon Musk’s TSLA Sees Biggest Rally in 6 Months
Tesla stock
(NASDAQ: TSLA) just
had its best week since November, soaring 18% in a remarkable turnaround that
has investors taking notice. The rally was capped by a nearly 10% surge on
Friday after the Department of Transportation released an Automated Vehicle
Framework intended to loosen restrictions on self-driving cars. This
represents Tesla's strongest weekly performance since the stock jumped nearly
30% following
Donald Trump's re-election in November 2024. After experiencing a
challenging start to 2025, with shares dropping over 36% since January and
nearly 50% from their all-time high in December 2024, Tesla's stock is showing
strong signs of recovery. This
comprehensive analysis explores the multifaceted reasons behind Tesla's recent
stock surge and examines whether this represents a temporary rally or a genuine
turning point for the electric vehicle giant. We also review the most up to
date Tesla share price predictions for 2025 and beyond.Why Tesla Stock Is Going Up? TSLA Shares Close Best Week Since
NovemberTesla's
stock has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent weeks, reversing a
months-long downtrend. The stock is currently in the midst of a four-day
winning streak, climbing 24.11% during this period. This represents the best stretch
since November 2024, when shares rose 39.2% following the presidential
election.Friday’s
9.8% gain and close at $284.95 pushed Tesla’s stock to its highest level in a
month, testing the upper boundary of a key technical consolidation range.Here's a
detailed breakdown of Tesla's recent stock performance:The stock's
current price represents its highest close since March 25, 2025, signaling a
potential reversal of the downward trend that has dominated much of early 2025.Key Catalysts Behind
Tesla's Stock Jump. Why Tesla Is Surging?1. Favorable Regulatory
Environment for Self-Driving TechnologyThe
Department of Transportation's new Automated Vehicle Framework has emerged as a
significant catalyst for Tesla's stock appreciation. This framework aims to
relax regulatory standards for autonomous vehicles, creating a more favorable
environment for Tesla's self-driving ambitions.The new
regulations will enable automakers like Tesla to test self-driving technologies
with a greater number of vehicles that don't comply with all federal safety
standards through a streamlined exemption process. This process will involve an
"iterative review" that assesses the overall safety of the vehicle,
potentially expediting the approval of vehicles lacking traditional safety
features like steering wheels and brake pedals.Tesla
stands to benefit substantially from these changes, as the company can reduce
reporting requirements for its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
functionalities. Additionally, the regulatory shift may facilitate easier
safety approval for Tesla's upcoming robotaxi, a two-seater vehicle designed
without a steering wheel or brakes.2. Elon Musk's Renewed
Focus on TeslaInvestor
confidence has been bolstered by Elon
Musk's recent announcement that he will scale back his involvement with the
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal initiative under the
Trump administration. Starting in May 2025, Musk plans to dedicate more time to
Tesla's operations, addressing concerns that his political engagements were
distracting him from the company's core business.This
strategic reallocation of Musk's time comes after Tesla's challenging Q1
2025 financial results, where profits plunged 71% to $409 million and revenue
fell 9% to $19.3 billion. Analysts at major financial institutions had
criticized Musk's political involvements as a distraction, with Barclays even
downgrading Tesla to "sell" and reducing its price target to $275 in
April 2025.The
market's positive reaction to Musk's announcement, with shares surging 6.5% on
April 22, 2025, reflects investor optimism that his renewed focus could
stabilize Tesla's trajectory and address operational challenges.3. Upcoming Product
Launches and Innovation PipelineTesla's CFO
Vaibhav Taneja has teased "several new products throughout 2025,"
including a more affordable model scheduled for launch in the first half of the
year. This more affordable Tesla, sometimes referred to as the "Model
2," is
expected to be a smaller version of the Model Y built on Tesla's
next-generation platform.The
company's ambitious product roadmap extends beyond new vehicle models to
include:The Robotaxi service, scheduled
for pilot launch in Austin in June 2025Expansion of the Robotaxi
network to other U.S. cities by the end of 2025Potential introduction of a
Tesla van and HVAC systemContinued development of the
Optimus robot, with 5,000 units planned for 2025Analysts
predict Tesla could deliver between 300,000 and 700,000 units of its more
affordable model by the end of 2025, potentially providing a significant boost
to the company's delivery numbers and revenue.Tesla's Financial
Performance and Market PositionQ1 2025 Financial ResultsTesla's Q1
2025 financial results presented a mixed picture, with several challenges but
also signs of resilience:Total revenue: $19.335 billion
(9% decrease year-over-year)Automotive revenue: $13.967
billion (20% decrease year-over-year)GAAP gross margin: 16.3% (down
from 17.4% in Q1 2024)Operating profit margin: 2.1%
(down from 5.5%)Net profit: $409 million (71%
decrease year-over-year)Non-GAAP earnings per share:
$0.27The company
attributed some production challenges to the changeover of Model Y lines across
all four factories, which led to several weeks of lost production in Q1.
Despite these challenges, Tesla maintained strong cash flow generation, which
investors view as a positive indicator of the company's financial health.Vehicle Production and
DeliveriesTesla's Q1
2025 production and delivery figures reflect both challenges and operational
resilience:While these
figures represent a 13% decrease in deliveries year-over-year and fell short of
analyst expectations (360,000-370,000 vehicles), the company emphasized that
the ramp of the New Model Y "continues to go well" following the
production line changeovers.Competitive LandscapeTesla faces
intensifying competition in the global EV market, particularly from Chinese
manufacturers like BYD. In Europe, Tesla's sales have reportedly dropped by
45%, while competitors like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have
strengthened their EV offerings.In China,
Tesla's second-largest market, sales of Shanghai-made vehicles dropped 49% in
February 2025 to 30,688 units, the lowest since July 2022. Meanwhile, BYD sold
over 318,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in the same month, bolstered by a
161% year-over-year increase.Despite
these challenges, Tesla maintains a 43.5% market share in the U.S. EV market,
demonstrating its continued leadership position in its home market.Tesla Shares Price
Prediction and Technical AnalysisDespite
recent challenges, many analysts maintain optimistic long-term outlooks for
Tesla stock. On Friday, April 25, 2025, Barclays reiterated its Equalweight
rating on Tesla stock with a steady price target of $275.00, as the stock
trades near $285. This comes after the firm had previously cut its price target
from $325 to $275 on April 17, 2025, citing weak fundamentals and challenges in
achieving 2025 unit volume growth.According
to the consensus of Wall Street analysts, the one-year median price target for
shares of TSLA is $296.66, which implies 22.40% upside potential from its
current price. Of the 39 analysts covering Tesla, 16 rate it a "Buy,"
11 a "Hold," and 12 a "Sell."24/7 Wall
Street has a more bullish 12-month Tesla price target of $360, representing
upside potential of 48.53%. These figures are based on projected revenue growth
from $112.091 billion in 2025 to $297.430 billion in 2030, alongside normalized
EPS growth from $2.85 in 2025 to $11.61 in 2030.Looking
further ahead, StockScan.io projects that Tesla Inc stock could reach an
average price of $590.95 in 2025, with a high prediction of $800.70 and a low
estimate of $381.20. This indicates a potential upside of over 107% from
current levels. Their month-by-month forecast shows steady growth throughout
2025, with the stock potentially reaching $786.21 by December 2025.TradersUnion
maintains a more conservative outlook, with a price range for 2025 of $284.20
to $322.36, still representing a potential upside from current levels.How High Can Tesla Shares
Go?My
technical analysis indicates that Tesla shares are currently testing the upper
boundary of a consolidation range formed at multi-month lows since early March.
This level aligns with the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) and the
nearly flat 200-day EMA. In my view, the key level for both bulls and bears is
around $290, expanding into a broader zone near $280.The lower
boundary of the consolidation range is marked by the March lows around $220,
which were also tested twice in the interim. As long as Tesla shares remain
within this range, I would expect swing trading to dominate, with a potential
move back toward the lower end of the band.If Tesla
manages to break higher, there is some room for further gains: $325 (support
levels from early February and late November) and $380 (early 2025 lows). The
latter target is roughly 34% above the current price and would become my
medium-term target if the $290 level is decisively breached.You may
also like: TSLA
Price Sees Biggest Drop Since 2020 as Elon Musk Focuses on PoliticsFuture Growth Drivers for
Tesla Stock1. Robotaxi Network
DevelopmentTesla's
Robotaxi ambitions represent a potentially transformative business opportunity.
The company plans to begin driverless operations in Austin in June 2025,
initially using new Model Ys before introducing the Cybercab in 2026.The
long-term vision includes expanding the service to other U.S. cities by the end
of 2025, with plans to ramp up operations to have millions of vehicles
operating autonomously within the network by the end of 2026. While substantial
revenue generation won't be immediate, Tesla anticipates that the Robotaxi
network will start to "meaningfully move the financial needle" in the
second half of 2026.2. Energy Storage Business
GrowthTesla's
energy segment, comprising batteries and solar products, contributed 10% of
total revenue in 2024 with impressive 67% year-over-year growth. The company
deployed 10.4 GWh of energy storage products in Q1 2025, continuing to expand
this increasingly important business segment.As global
demand for renewable energy solutions grows, Tesla's energy business represents
a significant diversification from its automotive operations and a potential
source of more stable, recurring revenue.3. Infrastructure
ExpansionTesla
continues to expand its Supercharger network, though at a slower pace than in
previous years. As of Q1 2025, the company had 7,131 DC fast-charging stations
(14% more than a year ago) and 67,316 connectors (17% more than a year ago)
installed globally.While the
pace of new station deployment has slowed, with Q1 2025 showing the lowest
number of new stalls and stations added since Q1 2021, the network's throughput
increased by 26% year-over-year to 1.4 TWh of energy. The number of charging
sessions also increased by 27% year-over-year to 42 million, demonstrating
growing utilization of the existing infrastructure.Tesla Shares Investment
Considerations and OutlookPotential RisksInvestors
should consider several risks when evaluating Tesla's stock:Intensified competition,
especially from BYD and traditional automakersPotential market saturation in
premium EV segmentsExecution risks for new
products and manufacturing expansionRegulatory
challenges in various marketsValuation concerns relative to
traditional automotive metricsBullish FactorsDespite
these risks, several factors support a bullish outlook for Tesla:Leadership in EV technology and
autonomous driving developmentStrong brand recognition and
customer loyaltyDiversified business model
spanning automotive, energy, and potentially robotaxi servicesFavorable regulatory
environment for self-driving technologyRenewed focus from CEO Elon
Musk on core operationsConclusion: Is Tesla's
Stock Rally Sustainable?Tesla's
recent stock surge appears to be driven by a combination of favorable
regulatory developments, renewed leadership focus, and optimism about the
company's product roadmap. While the company faces significant challenges,
including intensifying competition and recent financial underperformance, the
market seems to be pricing in Tesla's long-term growth potential rather than
its current struggles.For
investors, the key question is whether this rally represents a temporary bounce
or the beginning of a sustained recovery. The answer likely depends on Tesla's
ability to execute on its ambitious plans for more affordable vehicles,
robotaxi services, and continued innovation in autonomous driving technology.With
analyst price targets suggesting significant upside potential and several
catalysts on the horizon, Tesla's stock may continue its upward trajectory if
the company can demonstrate progress on its strategic initiatives and return to
growth in vehicle deliveries and financial performance.As always,
investors should carefully weigh Tesla's substantial growth opportunities
against the risks and challenges it faces in an increasingly competitive and
complex market environment.Tesla Stock News, FAQWhy are Tesla stocks going
up?Tesla
stocks are rising due to a combination of favorable regulatory changes, renewed
confidence in CEO Elon Musk’s leadership, and optimism about the company’s
future in autonomous vehicles and robotics. The Department of Transportation’s
newly released Automated Vehicle Framework has loosened restrictions on
self-driving cars, directly benefiting Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi plans. Why is Tesla up 10 today?Tesla’s
stock jumped nearly 10% today following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
announcement of a new Automated Vehicle Framework that aims to relax
regulations on self-driving vehicles. This regulatory shift is seen as a major
win for Tesla, as it could accelerate the rollout of its Full Self-Driving
features and the highly anticipated robotaxi service. The news came on the
heels of Elon Musk’s commitment to focus more on Tesla’s operations and less on
external government roles, which has further boosted investor sentiment. What if I invested $1000
in Tesla 10 years ago?If you had
invested $1,000 in Tesla stock 10 years ago, when the average closing price in
2015 was about $15.34 per share, your investment would have grown dramatically.
With Tesla’s stock now trading around $284.95, your initial $1,000 would be
worth approximately $18,575 today.Is Warren Buffett buying
Tesla stock?Warren
Buffett is not buying Tesla stock, nor is he likely to do so. Despite
persistent rumors-including a widely circulated April Fools’ joke in
2025-Buffett has consistently avoided investing in Tesla. His investment
philosophy favors companies with stable, predictable earnings, strong
competitive moats, and management styles he finds reliable and consistent.
Tesla’s high valuation, volatile returns, and Elon Musk’s unconventional
leadership approach fall outside Buffett’s typical “circle of competence.”
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
XRP in the Spotlight: Brazil Greenlights Spot ETF, US Next?
Brazil greenlights XRP spot ETF while U.S. optimism builds. With legal drama, ETF hype, and market momentum, XRP traders stay on high alert as the token outpaces the market.Brazil Says “Sim” to XRP: The First Spot ETF LandsMove over Bitcoin and Ethereum — XRP is taking center stage in Brazil.
On April 25, Hashdex announced the launch of XRPH11, which it described as “the
world’s first XRP ETF” and “another crypto milestone on the Brazilian
stock exchange”. Latin America’s first-ever XRP spot ETF is now live on the B3
stock exchange. That’s right — Brazilians can now get their XRP fix without the
hassle of wallets, private keys, or explaining to grandma what a blockchain is.? XRPH11 - The world's first XRP ETF. Another crypto milestone on the Brazilian stock exchange! ??Hashdex just launched XRPH11, giving investors secure and regulated access to $XRP — one of the leading #crypto assets focused on fast, low-cost international payments. pic.twitter.com/kpokQP5NM4— Hashdex (@hashdex) April 25, 2025According to the company, this is the ninth crypto ETF launched by
Hashdex in Brazil and its 33rd product offered globally.⚡️XRPH11 is Hashdex’s 9th crypto ETF in Brazil and our 33rd product globally.We continue expanding access to the #crypto economy, offering investors trusted, regulated, and efficient ways to participate in the future of #finance.— Hashdex (@hashdex) April 25, 2025Coming to the US?Crypto-betting platform Polymarket now puts the odds of a US XRP spot ETF
approval by December
2025 at 78%, up from 68% on April 22. Still, it's a step down from the
optimistic 87% peak seen back in May.?BREAKING: WisdomTree files for a spot $XRP ETF, backed by Bank of New York Mellon. Institutional adoption is coming. The game is changing. pic.twitter.com/yBX9br1NIp— Armando Pantoja (@_TallGuyTycoon) December 2, 2024XRP ETFs have been a hot topic for some time.Fueling this cautious optimism — or dampening it, depending on your
view — is the SEC’s ongoing silence regarding its appeal against the ruling on
Ripple’s Programmatic Sales of XRP. While traders are holding their breath, a
withdrawal of the appeal could be just around the corner. If that happens,
expect speculation around an SEC greenlight — and XRP demand — to spike. Hashdex themselves are already offering bitcoin and ether ETFs in the US.Gain regulated exposure to the crypto ecosystem with the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF - $NCIQ. A multi-asset, rules-based, product that gives investors exposure to #bitcoin and #ether without the complexities of self-custody. Learn More: https://t.co/sTrXZNNMTp… pic.twitter.com/CSDAUZULc8— Hashdex (@hashdex) March 5, 2025For context, both the SEC and Ripple filed a joint motion on April 10
asking the court to pause the appeal process, signaling a potential settlement
in the works. This settlement ties back to Judge
Analisa Torres' Final Judgment, which slapped Ripple with a $125 million
penalty and barred XRP sales to institutional investors.XRP Market Outlook: All Eyes on Legal Moves and ETF BuzzXRP closed Sunday with a 2.79% rally, adding to Saturday’s modest 0.42%
gain to settle at $2.2527. While the broader crypto market took a 0.91% dip,
dragging total market cap down to $2.9 trillion, XRP was swimming against the
tide to outperform its peers.Looking ahead, XRP’s next moves hinge on a trifecta of catalysts: a
possible Ripple-SEC settlement, growing ETF optimism, and those ever-present macroeconomic
wildcards — think Federal Reserve rate decisions and the latest twists in US-China
trade relations.On the charts, $2.10 is shaping up as near-term support, while a
decisive push past $2.50 could clear the runway for a flight toward $3, with
ambitious eyes still set on the all-time high of $3.5505. Buckle up — XRP’s
trajectory could get interesting fast.XRP’s Moment — A Gamble, a Rally, and a Waiting GameWith Brazil giving XRP the regulatory nod and the U.S. potentially
warming up (slowly, as usual), XRP is firmly back in the spotlight. The
combination of legal chess moves, ETF hype, and macroeconomic curveballs makes
XRP one of the most unpredictable — and exciting — tokens to watch right now.Will the SEC finally play nice? Will US investors get their own slice
of the XRP ETF pie? Or will crypto’s favorite legal saga drag on for another
season?One thing’s certain: XRP isn’t fading into the background anytime soon.
For traders, investors, and thrill-seekers alike, the message is clear — stay
alert, stay flexible, and maybe keep a helmet handy. This ride’s far from over.
This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.
Forex Broker Nearly Collapsed Due to Dollar Crash, Competitor Acquires It for 4% of Value
Foreign
exchange (FX) broker Argentex has agreed to be acquired by rival IFX Payments
in a deal valuing the troubled company at approximately £3 million, following a
severe liquidity crunch triggered by recent turmoil in global currency markets.Broker Argentex Rescued by
IFX Payments After Dollar CrashArgentex Group
Plc, a London-listed provider of currency risk management and alternative
banking services, was forced to suspend trading of its shares on April 22 after
a
sharp decline in the U.S. dollar led to significant margin calls and a
rapid deterioration in its liquidity position. The company, which had built up
substantial U.S. dollar exposures for clients without securing sufficient
collateral, was left exposed when the dollar fell to a three-year low against
major currencies.To
stabilize operations, Argentex secured a £6.5 million bridging loan from IFX
Payments, which is also in discussions to provide further liquidity support.
The acquisition, recommended unanimously by the Argentex board, will see
shareholders receive 2.49 pence per share. Holders representing over 58% of
Argentex’s share capital have already pledged to support the deal.“We are
very pleased to announce the proposed acquisition of Argentex, which will
enhance our regulated capabilities, diversify our product portfolio,
particularly in FX risk management and institutional offering, and further
expand our geographical reach and network,” Will Marwick, CEO at IFX Payments
said.Zero-Collateral Bet
BackfiresThe
company’s liquidity crisis was exacerbated by its use of “zero-zero” margin
arrangements, allowing some clients to trade without posting collateral. When
the dollar’s value dropped abruptly-driven
by new U.S. tariffs and critical remarks from President Donald Trump-Argentex
faced margin calls from its own banking partners but did not have corresponding
collateral from clients, leading to a cash shortfall.Argentex’s
CEO, Jim Ormonde, resigned immediately ahead of the deal announcement. Chief
Operating Officer Tim Rudman has been named interim CEO as the company
transitions through the acquisition process.It's a week of big news for IFX Payments ? We are pleased to announce we have reached an agreement in principle to acquire Argentex Group PLC. More information can be found on the link below ? https://t.co/3H6H0xw99Q pic.twitter.com/0DdFTaJa36— IFX Payments (@ifxpayments) April 25, 2025H2 2025The transaction
is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the
second half of 2025. IFX Payments, a cross-border payments and fintech firm,
aims to use the acquisition to expand its regulated FX capabilities and
institutional client base.Argentex’s
board stated that the immediate cash value offered by the deal was preferable
to the limited returns shareholders might receive if the company entered
insolvency. The company had previously declined two other non-binding offers,
including one from Lumon Acquisitions.The
acquisition comes amid heightened scrutiny from regulators. The Financial
Conduct Authority (FCA) has
recently stepped up oversight of liquidity risk management and contingency
planning among wholesale trading firms, following a series of market
disruptions.
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
Plus500 Sees 16% Drop in New Customers as Revenue and EBITDA Decline Year-Over-Year in Q1 2025
Plus500 reported a 13% quarter-over-quarter
revenue increase in Q1 2025, prompting the company to raise its full-year
outlook above current market expectation.However, compared
to the same period a year earlier, revenue was down by 5%. The pace of
acquiring new customers and the number of active traders also declined.Plus500 Q1 Revenue Climbs
to $205.8 Million, Exceeding EstimatesThe publicly
listed fintech (LSE: PLUS) generated $205.8 million in revenue for the quarter
ended March 31, up from $182.8 million in Q4 2024, though down 5% from the
$215.6 million reported in the same period last year. EBITDA rose 23% from the
previous quarter to $93.8 million, representing a 46% margin."Plus500
has made a strong start to the year achieving strategic progress across several
important pillars of growth," said David Zruia, Chief Executive Officer.
"With the excellent start we have made in 2025, the Board anticipates that
the FY 2025 results will be ahead of current market expectations."The company
reported particularly strong momentum in its diversification efforts, with
non-OTC business contributing approximately 12% of total revenue in Q1, up from
10% for full-year 2024. Management expects annualized revenue from non-OTC
operations to reach approximately $100 million in fiscal 2025.Table
1: Plus500 Key Financial Metrics (Q1 2025 vs Prior Periods)Plus500's
US futures business also saw substantial growth, with customer segregated funds
reaching approximately $630 million as of March 31, representing an 80%
increase since December 31, 2024.Mehta Equities in IndiaThe company
recently announced the conditional acquisition of Mehta Equities in India,
marking its entry into what it describes as "the largest retail futures
trading market globally." According to Plus500, India's futures market saw
over 150 billion contracts traded in 2024, representing more than 75% of global
transaction volumes."Our
futures business continued to expand with the recent acquisition of Mehta
Equities in India, which will enable us to deliver valuable synergies with our
US futures business as we continue to establish our global futures
offering," Zruia said.The company
maintained a strong financial position with cash balances exceeding $885
million at quarter-end, despite allocating approximately $52 million to share
repurchases during the period. Plus500 bought back 1,512,359 shares at an
average price of £27.41 in Q1.Fewer New and Active
ClientsOther
operational metrics showed mixed results. New customer acquisitions fell 26%
from the previous quarter to 26,897, while active customers decreased 4% to
130,514. However, average revenue per user increased 18% to $1,577, and the
company reduced its average user acquisition cost by 11% to $1,205.Table
2: Plus500 Operational Metrics (Q1 2025 vs Prior Periods)Customer
deposits surged to $1.6 billion for the quarter, double the $0.8 billion
recorded in Q4 2024. The average deposit per active customer jumped 106% to
approximately $12,450, which the company attributes to "the high level of
confidence that customers have in Plus500 and the Group's continued success in
attracting higher value customers."In addition
to its Indian expansion, Plus500 obtained a new regulatory license in the UAE
from the Securities and Commodities Authority in January, allowing it to
enhance its local product offerings. The company also launched a multi-asset
offering for the Japanese retail market comprising new OTC products based on
indices, equities, and ETFs.
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
Acetop UK Posts 160% Jump in Trading Volumes to $12B, Driven by Record Spot Gold Prices
Acetop
Financial Limited, a London-based provider of online over-the-counter (OTC)
leveraged derivatives, reported a 160% increase in total trading volumes in
2024, propelled primarily by heightened activity in spot gold.Acetop Reports Sharp Surge
in Trading VolumesThe company
disclosed that notional trading volumes soared to approximately $12.1 billion
in 2024, more than doubling from $4.65 billion in the prior year. According to
the annual report, the majority of this growth was attributed to significant
client interest in spot gold.“The
majority of this volume was driven through outsourced liquidity, predominantly
matched with our institutional partners,” the company commeted in the report.Gold was undoubtedly one of investors' favorites in 2024, rising by nearly 30%. In 2025, it has continued its rally, almost repeating its performance in the first few months of the year by adding 25% and testing the $3,500 per ounce level.The UK firm,
authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offers
clients access to OTC leveraged derivatives including contracts for difference
(CFDs) and spread betting via the Metatrader platform. In addition to spot
gold, Acetop supports trading in foreign exchange, indices, and commodities.Profitability AchievedAcetop
Financial also reported notable improvements in its financial performance for
2024. Revenue and other income increased
to £923,000, up from £757,000 in 2023, reflecting consistent growth in both
trading activities and service contracts. Most revenue was derived from service
fees (£720,000), complemented by a net gain from trading financial products
(£203,000)."In
2024, we built upon the outstanding financial performance of the previous year,
successfully returning to profitability. Our revenue continued its upward
trajectory,” added Acetop.The company
returned to profitability with a net profit of £234,000, reversing the prior
year’s net loss of £13,000. Administrative expenses decreased slightly, while
net assets rose to £1.85 million, up from £1.61 million a year earlier. Total
assets stood at £2.96 million.Stable Client Base and
OutlookAcetop’s UK
office continues to serve both domestic and international clients, with a
steady intake of new accounts in 2024. The company highlighted its ongoing
efforts to maintain a robust technology infrastructure and risk management
framework, citing these as key to meeting the needs of retail, professional,
and corporate customers.Looking
ahead, Acetop said it is positioned to continue its trajectory of growth,
citing adaptability in responding to market changes and a commitment to
expanding its range of products.
This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.
Exclusive: FxPro’s COO Yiannos Xenophontos Departs, Joins Equiti
Yiannos Xenophontos has left FxPro after over 14 years to join the Dubai offices of Equiti as the Group Head of Trading, FinanceMagnates.com has learned. At FxPro, he was most recently the Group Chief Operating Officer and Head of Dealing on Own Account.A Seasoned Industry ExecutiveXenophontos joined FxPro in mid-2010 as a Forex Dealer at the broker’s execution department. He later climbed the corporate ladder to become the Assistant Chief Dealer and then the Group Chief Dealer for Trading Operations. In his latest role there, he directed its daily operations and strategic initiatives.He brings over two decades of experience to Equiti, as before FxPro, he had stints at Mizuho and Dresdner Kleinwort Investment Bank.Equiti’s Push for ExpansionThe appointment of Xenophontos came only months after Equiti onboarded Navin Dsouza as the new Chief Operating Officer for Digital Assets and Gold.Equiti's primary market is the Middle East. The broker operates from its headquarters in Dubai and also has a presence in Jordan. Furthermore, the broker holds licences from regulators in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Seychelles, Armenia, and Cyprus.Meanwhile, the UK unit of Equiti witnessed a revenue gain in 2023, but its total comprehensive income turned out to be over 30% lower than the previous year. The unit ended the year with a net profit of $1.1 million on revenue of over $31 million.Equiti is also focused on expanding its product offerings. Earlier this year, it introduced stock CFDs for companies listed on major Middle Eastern exchanges, expanding its product range to include securities from the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). Moreover, the group is preparing to launch the Equiti Global Balanced Fund under its wealth management division and has received preliminary approval from the UAE's regulator, signalling progress towards its rollout.
This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.
Aussie Crypto Provider to Offer Derivatives with Prime Brokerage FalconX Partnership
Australia-licensed MHC Digital Group has inked a partnership deal with the crypto prime broker FalconX to provide digital asset derivatives to the Australian wholesale market. Announced today (Monday), MHC's trading platform, MHC Markets, will introduce “a comprehensive suite of digital asset derivatives, options, and structured products” through the partnership.Targeting the Aussie InstitutionsOperating with an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, MHC Digital Group was founded by Australian venture capitalist Mark Carnegie, who serves as the Executive Chairman. The company was established in 2020 and is headquartered in Australia. The MHC Markets unit, launched in Q4 2024, focuses on offering crypto liquidity and trading.In February 2022, MHC Digital Finance, a subsidiary of MHC Digital Group, was acquired by Intraco Singapore . However, this acquisition was later terminated.“Partnering with MHC, with its deep understanding of Australian investors and proven track record in digital assets, is a significant milestone in FalconX’s expansion across APAC,” said Matt Long, General Manager, APAC and Middle East at FalconX.“MHC’s market expertise and innovative approach, combined with our derivatives capabilities, will allow MHC to provide Australian wholesale investors with a wide suite of digital asset products within Australia’s sophisticated capital markets.”Rising Demand for Crypto Prime BrokersWhen it comes to crypto prime brokerages, FalconX is one of the top providers. It was valued at $8 billion when it raised $150 million in 2022 from investors, including Tiger Global, GIC, and B Capital. The company, founded in 2018, has raised a total of $430 million across multiple funding rounds. It launched a dedicated forex desk in London, offering access to 20 FX pairs.Earlier this year, FalconX acquired Arbelos Markets, a crypto derivatives startup launched in 2023. Recently, Ripple acquired Hidden Road, another crypto prime broker, for $1.25 billion.The partnership between MHC and FalconX comes at a time when demand for cryptocurrencies is rising in Australia. The institutional interest in the asset class is also evident with the launch of Bitcoin futures investments in late 2024 by AMP Capital.“Our combined expertise creates a powerful offering for Australian wholesale investors who have a proven history of utilising derivatives in traditional asset classes,” said Edward Carroll, Head of MHC Markets.
This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.
CME, Sterling Trading Tech, ClearBank, and More: Executive Moves of the Week
This week brought notable shifts in leadership, as corporate reorganizations led to some exits and fresh appointments. Among the changes: CME Group brought in Vijay Albuquerque as the new Chief Risk Officer, Sterling Trading Tech brought in Julie Armstrong as Chief Commercial Officer.Elsewhere, ClearBank brought in a new Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for the UK as the SEC confimed Paul Atkins as the new Chair. CME Group appoints new Chief Risk OfficerCME Group appointed Vijay Albuquerque as Chief Risk Officer for its Clearing & Post-Trade Services Division. Albuquerque joined CME Group after more than two decades at Citigroup, where he most recently served as managing director and head of counterparty risk and portfolio risk analytics for the bank's markets and banking businesses.Albuquerque brings extensive risk management experience to the role. At Citigroup, he oversaw the firm-wide stress testing platform across derivatives, financing, and lending products, while managing counterparty exposure and funds credit underwriting.Learn more about CME Group's latest appointment of Vijay Albuquerque as CRO.CME's former exec joins Sterling Trading At the same time, Sterling Trading Tech brought Julie Armstrong as Chief Commercial Officer (CMO), a newly created position aimed at accelerating the company's global growth. The appointment followed the recent hiring of former Fidessa executive Chris Contrino as Sales Director.In her new role, Armstrong will reportedly support commercial efforts focused on driving further growth, expanding into new client segments, and increasing both product reach and geographic presence.Disclose more about Sterling Trading Tech's onboarding of Julie Armstrong as Chief Commercial Officer.ClearBank has a new UK Chief Risk and Compliance OfficerIn the UK, Joe McCaughran has announced his departure from IG Group to join ClearBank as the UK Chief Risk and Compliance Officer.McCaughran spent over 14 years at IG Group, most recently serving as Group Chief Risk Officer. In his new role, he will be part of ClearBank's Executive Committee. The appointment comes as ClearBank continues to expand its presence in the UK banking services sector.Discover more about ClearBank's appointment of Joe McCaughran as the new UK Chief Risk and Compliance Officer.SEC confirms its new bossAlso, this week, the US securities regulator confirmed its new boss. Paul Atkins was sworn in as the 34th Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.Atkins took over from Mark Uyeda, who had been running the regulator in an acting capacity after Gary Gensler's resignation.Show more about the leadership changes at the SEC.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
Weekly Brief: Why Ripple’s Hidden Road Acquisition is a "Natural Fit", Instant Funding Eyes CFDs
Retail brokers are missing out on stablecoins Topping our weekly news roundup is a highlight of how brokers would be missing out on the stablecoin adoption race. While this fast-growing digital asset class could offer brokers faster funding, yield, and growth, most still hesitate over outdated fears and tech barriers.Why have fewer retail brokerages centered stablecoins as the core of their offerings? Notably, stablecoins are gaining traction. Tether recently reported that over 109 million on-chain wallets hold USDT, with 54 million wallets holding over $0.01. The remaining stablecoins (like USDC, DAI, and FDUSD) account for another 13.8 million wallets with significant balances.Ripple's acquisition of Hidden RoadMichael Higgins, International CEO of Hidden Road, shed more light on the recent $1.25 billion acquisition by Ripple, highlighting the strong demand for the company's services and why the acquisition was timely. “We are fortunate to have 20 times more demand for balance sheet than supply at Hidden Road,” Michael Higgins, International CEO of Hidden Road, told FinanceMagnates.com following the $1.25 billion acquisition by Ripple. “By partnering with Ripple,” he added, “we can immediately solve the supply and demand issue for Hidden Road’s existing clients, expand our capacity to service our pipeline, and continue to scale.”? Here is the full speech of @MonicaLongSF about @Ripple acquiring Hidden Road for $1.25B?How RLUSD will be used ?!Will XRP be involved in this deal ?Is volume on the XRPL going to explode ?Check and repost the video guys ? pic.twitter.com/knOQ1WP7aM— Arthur (@XrpArthur) April 8, 2025NAGA buys TRADE.com UK Still with business acquisitions and mergers, the UK division of broker TRADE.com sold its business to the publicly listed NAGA Group. The £1.24 million ($1.65 million) deal marked NAGA Group’s return to the UK.Before the acquisition, TRADE.COM was in financial decline, with a nearly threefold decrease in revenue, rising administrative costs, and £346 thousand net loss.In Australia, Axi, a contracts for differences (CFDs) broker in the retail space, lost its bid to acquire the Australian trading platform SelfWealth. SelfWealth is now set to be bought by Singapore-based investment platform Syfe in an AUD 65 million all-cash transaction.Financemagnates.com earlier reported that Axi offered 23 cents per share to acquire SelfWealth, which would have made the deal worth AUD 52 million.XTB expands beyond CFDs in FranceMeanwhile, the publicly listed Polish fintech XTB added French PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) accounts to its investment platform, marking another step in the company's strategy to attract long-term investors across European markets.The move follows similar launches of tax-advantaged accounts in Poland and the United Kingdom last year, as the company works to strengthen its position among more passive retail investors.Is reducing spreads strategic?According to easyMarkets CEO, Nikos Antoniades, although reducing spreads may impact revenue, it is actually strategic.“As a market maker, spreads are a key part of our revenue model,” easyMarkets CEO Nikos Antoniades told financemagnates.com following his decision to reduce spreads by up to 25 per cent across instruments as part of its latest platform update. He pointed out that “in the short term, reducing spreads will have a direct impact on revenue. But we see it as a strategic investment in our clients.”Instant Funding starts its own CFD brokerageIn a move showing the expansion of prop trading into other sectors, including cryptocurrency and brokerage space, prop firm Instant Funding announced plans to launch its cryptocurrency platform, IF Crypto, next month.The company is also revealing “IF Pro” as the name of its forthcoming brokerage service. The company now joins the group of challenge-based retail trading companies that recently obtained licenses to operate contracts-for-difference (CFD) businesses in the rather exotic location of Saint Lucia.In the US, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public comments on allowing round-the-clock derivatives trading and input on perpetual futures offerings. Perpetual futures are contracts without any expiry.Revolut adds 15 million users in a yearElsewhere, digital banking giant Revolut reported a 149% jump in profit before tax to $1.4 billion (£1.1 billion) for 2024, marking its fourth consecutive year of profitability as the company continues its aggressive global expansion.The London-based fintech saw its customer base grow by 38% to 52.5 million users worldwide, while total customer balances increased 66% to $38 billion (£30 billion). Group revenue surged 72% to $4 billion (£3.1 billion) compared to $2.2 billion in 2023, with net profit reaching $1 billion (£790 million).Elon Musk to scale back DOGE roleFaced with a 71% drop in Tesla's Q1 profits, Musk announced reduced involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to refocus on Tesla's operations.Elon Musk has announced a significant reduction in his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal initiative aimed at streamlining government operations.https://t.co/9ANjNT4QGt pic.twitter.com/6y5nDVVMI1— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) April 24, 2025Will Trump run in 2028? In a move that’s surely meant to inspire equal parts terror and confusion, Donald Trump’s online store recently began selling “Trump 2028” merch, fueling rumors that the former president is testing the waters for yet another run.Reimbursement delays are draining UK employeesLastly, a recent Airwallex report reveals how outdated reimbursement processes are creating financial stress, lowering morale, and driving talent away, while modern solutions could end the cycle.For many UK employees, managing work-related expenses isn’t just a minor administrative task, it’s a hidden financial strain that steadily chips away at their personal finances and emotional well-being. A recent report by Airwallex exposes just how widespread and damaging this issue has become in today’s workforce.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
North Korean Hackers Use Fake U.S. Companies to Spread Malware in Crypto Industry: Report
North Korean hackers reportedly established seemingly
legitimate companies on U.S. soil to infiltrate the crypto sector, targeting
unsuspecting developers through fake job offers. With legal registrations, corporate fronts, and social
engineering, the attackers concealed their true identities behind American
business facades to deliver malware until the FBI stepped in, according to security firm Silent Push, as quoted by the Japanese Times.Corporate Fronts, Empty Lots, Real ThreatsAccording to security firm Silent Push, two companies,
Blocknovas and Softglide, were registered in New Mexico and New York using
fabricated addresses and identities. These shell firms served as lures for
crypto developers seeking job opportunities. Blocknovas, the more active of the two, listed a South
Carolina address that turned out to be an empty lot. Softglide’s paperwork
linked back to a Buffalo-based tax office.The fake firms formed part of an advanced campaign by
a subgroup of the Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored cyber unit linked to North
Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau. The hackers used fake job postings and LinkedIn-style
profiles to engage developers in interviews. During these interactions, the
victims were prompted to download files disguised as application materials or
onboarding documents. The malware could steal data, provide backdoor access
to systems, and lay the groundwork for follow-up attacks using spyware or
ransomware. Silent Push confirmed that at least three known North Korean
malware types were used in the campaign.FBI Moves InFederal agents seized the Blocknovas domain, citing
its use in distributing malware. A notice now posted on the site confirms that
the action was part of broader law enforcement efforts against North Korean
cyber actors.The FBI did not comment directly on the companies
involved but emphasized its ongoing focus on exposing and punishing DPRK-backed
cybercrime. The scheme violates both U.S. and United Nations
sanctions. North Korea is barred from engaging in commercial activities
designed to aid its government or military. OFAC, the Treasury’s enforcement
body, prohibits North Korean-linked entities from operating within the United
States.This campaign is part of a broader strategy by North
Korea to exploit the crypto ecosystem. The country’s cyber units have stolen billions in
digital assets and dispatched thousands of IT professionals overseas to
generate funds, efforts widely believed to support Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons
program.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
Argentex Set for Acquisition as IFX Payments Targets UK FX and EMEA Markets
IFX Payments has reached an agreement in principle to
acquire Argentex Group PLC. The deal brings together two companies active in
the UK payments and foreign exchange (FX) markets.Argentex is a publicly listed company. It offers foreign
exchange services and is authorised as an electronic money institution. The
company serves institutions, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals.IFX Payments Announces Argentex Acquisition Deal“We are very pleased to announce the proposed acquisition of
Argentex, which will enhance our regulated capabilities, diversify our product
portfolio, particularly in FX risk management and institutional offering, and
further expand our geographical reach and network,” Will Marwick, CEO at IFX
Payments said.Argentex was founded in 2012. It joined the London Stock
Exchange’s AIM market in 2019, raising £14 million at the time. Its market
capitalisation reached £120 million. By 2022, the firm had processed over
US$200 billion in FX transactions across more than 140 currencies. Argentex
also has offices in Amsterdam, Australia, and Dubai.“We look forward to the Argentex team joining us and working
together towards our shared ambitions in the rapidly growing global payments
and currency risk management solutions sectors,” Marwick added. It's a week of big news for IFX Payments ? We are pleased to announce we have reached an agreement in principle to acquire Argentex Group PLC. More information can be found on the link below ? https://t.co/3H6H0xw99Q pic.twitter.com/0DdFTaJa36— IFX Payments (@ifxpayments) April 25, 2025You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: Argentex
Expands Global Reach with AFSL for Currency Risk Management.Gaining Institutional ReachIFX Payments is an alternative banking partner. It is
seeking to expand its presence in EMEA. The proposed acquisition forms part of
its strategy to grow its services for corporates and financial institutions.If the acquisition is completed, IFX will gain additional
regulatory coverage and access to a broader institutional client base. The deal
would also enable IFX to offer structured FX products and fund-related
services. Argentex clients will be able to use IFX’s ibanq platform and other
technical features.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
XRP Trades in Range; Ripple President Confirms It Will Not Go Public in 2025
After years of speculation, Ripple has confirmed that it
will not go public in 2025. The company behind XRP has opted for a different
path. In an interview with CNBC, Ripple’s President, Monica Long, explained
that an IPO is not part of the company’s plans. She noted that Ripple is
financially strong, holding billions in cash.Meanwhile, the XRPUSD H1 chart indicates that the price is
stuck within a horizontal range. Traders should wait for a breakout to
determine the next direction.The IPO Talk Has Been Around for YearsLong stated that companies typically go public to raise
capital or increase visibility, but Ripple does not need either at this stage,
as reported by Coinpedia. CEO Brad Garlinghouse supported this view, confirming
that Ripple does not seek outside funding or plan to become a publicly traded
company in the near future.??RIPPLE’S MONICA LONG JUST LIT UP CNBC WITH MASSIVE UPDATES.We have extracted every key quote you need to see from her interview — broken down for you: ??On XRP:? “XRP serves a couple different roles… within the blockchain, the XRP Ledger, it’s the native asset, so you… pic.twitter.com/QGkcPHM6fB— All Things XRP (@XRP_investing) April 25, 2025The possibility of Ripple going public has been discussed
for several years. In 2022, Garlinghouse indicated that an IPO would be
considered once Ripple’s legal issues with the SEC were resolved. Following the
legal resolution in late 2023, Garlinghouse reiterated that going public is not
a priority for Ripple.Trades Within Narrow Intraday RangeThe XRPUSD H1 chart shows that the cryptocurrency faced
rejection near 2.22000 and found support around 2.16700. At the time of
writing, the price is moving back toward the lower boundary of the range.
However, without a clear breakout above resistance or below support, intraday
traders may find it difficult to identify setups with favourable risk-to-reward
ratios.You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: Ripple
Secures First DFSA Blockchain Payments License in Dubai Push.Ripple’s Valuation Has ShiftedEarlier this year, Ripple repurchased shares at a valuation
of $11.3 billion, down from $15 billion in 2022. The share buyback raised $285
million, increasing Ripple’s total funding to $318.5 million.Ripple’s investors include high-profile names such as
Andreessen Horowitz, Google Ventures, and Founders Fund, signalling ongoing
confidence in the company.?NEWS: Ripple CEO firmly dismisses any plans for an IPO in 2025, calling it a "definitive no.""Most companies that go public do that to raise capital. We haven't needed to raise capital."Is $XRP enough to carry Ripple?? pic.twitter.com/8vsRUnqhj3— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) April 19, 2025Ripple Grows Global Presence via PartnershipsRipple recently announced the
acquisition of Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. The deal is among the largest
in the digital asset sector. With this move, Ripple becomes the first crypto
firm to own and operate a global, multi-asset prime broker. Hidden Road
provides services in clearing, prime brokerage, and financing across asset
classes, including foreign exchange, digital assets, derivatives, swaps, and
fixed income.Today, Ripple announced it is acquiring Hidden Road for $1.25B– becoming the first crypto company to own and operate a global, multi-asset prime broker. Together, Ripple and Hidden Road are bringing the promise of digital assets to institutional customers at scale, bridging…— Ripple (@Ripple) April 8, 2025Ripple has also expanded its network through new
partnerships. The
company is working with Revolut and Zero Hash to strengthen its position in
the stablecoin space alongside USDT and USDC. In Portugal, it has partnered
with Unicâmbio to enable real-time payments between Portugal and Brazil using
digital assets.In South Korea, BDACS
will use Ripple Custody to store XRP and RLUSD. Ripple expects Japanese
banks to begin using the XRP Ledger for cross-border transactions by 2025. The
company is also collaborating with Chainlink to integrate RLUSD into
Ethereum-based DeFi platforms.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
CFI Scores Basketball Sponsorship Deal for EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi
CFI has signed on as the Official Online Trading
Partner for the culminating event of the 2024–25 EuroLeague basketball season,
featuring the top four European club teams competing for the championship
title, set to be held in Abu Dhabi.Partnering with Europe's Basketball Competition“We are delighted to welcome CFI as a new partner
for our signature event, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four,”
commented Gawain Davies, Chief Commercial Officer of Euroleague Basketball. “Partnering with CFI, the leading online trading
platform in the MENA region, perfectly aligns with our ambition to grow the
EuroLeague brand and business across the Middle East,” he added. “The Final Four in Abu
Dhabi presents a unique opportunity to showcase the true spirit of EuroLeague
Basketball to new audiences and markets.”Big Announcement! ✨?We're thrilled to share that CFI has been named the Official Online Trading Partner of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four! ?This collaboration, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), marks a… pic.twitter.com/ccy7BCtXJq— CFI Group English (@cfigroup_en) April 24, 2025According to the company, the collaboration marks a
key moment for CFI as it joins forces with Euroleague Basketball and the
Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The agreement positions CFI alongside one of Europe's
most prestigious basketball competitions, the EuroLeague Final Four, which brings
together the continent's top basketball teams for a competition. Hisham Mansour, the Co-Founder and Managing Director
of CFI Financial Group, added: “This partnership reflects our values and
aligns with our strategy to connect with the communities where our audiences
live and engage, through moments that inspire, unite, and create lasting
impact.”More Collaborations with the Sporting WorldBeyond branding, CFI reportedly plans to engage
audiences with exclusive access and activations, aiming to reflect its core
values through memorable moments during the Final Four.Last month, CFI also entered into a collaboration with the Kuwait Basketball Association (KBA) for the 2025 Kuwait Basketball Season.
The collaboration followed another partnership with the MI Cape Town cricket
team as the Official Online Trading Partner.“We're proud to partner with the Kuwait
Basketball Association in a way that reflects CFI's broader commitment to
performance, visibility, and meaningful community engagement,” commented
Hisham Mansour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CFI Financial Group, about the deal.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
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