Cryptocurrency markets are trading under pressure Wednesday as Bitcoin holds near $87,700, down a marginal 0.2%, while Ethereum, XRP and Dogecoin face modest losses amid regulatory uncertainty and consolidation fatigue. The entire crypto market is stuck in a holding pattern ahead of the holiday period, with 75% of the top 100 coins now trading below key moving averages.In this article, I answer the question of why cryptocurrencies are falling and analyze the BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, XRP/USDT, and DOGE/USDT charts, drawing on more than ten years of experience as a trader and analyst.Why Is Crypto Falling Today?Global risk-off sentiment and fading liquidity are dragging crypto lower as investors await clarity on central bank policy and regulatory frameworks. The selloff coincided with news that the US Senate Banking Committee has delayed work on the long-awaited crypto market structure bill, pushing all hearings to early 2026.“The decline also coincided with news that the U.S. Senate Banking Committee had delayed work on the long-awaited bill addressing the structure of the cryptocurrency market, postponing any hearings until early 2026,” explains Michał Stajniak, an analyst at XTB. Although XTB is primarily known as a CFD broker, it is currently working on introducing spot cryptocurrency trading.The committee failed to finalize a bipartisan agreement before the end of the year. The office of Chairman Tim Scott emphasized that negotiations with Democrats are still ongoing, but issues related to financial stability, market integrity, and ethical standards continue to slow progress.Adding complexity, 2026 begins with a tight legislative calendar focused on government funding, followed by November midterm elections that could push crypto legislation even further back.Why Bitcoin Price Is Going Down? BTC/USDT Technical AnalysisBitcoin (BTC) on Wednesday costs $87,700 and is losing a negligible 0.2%, continuing to hold within the same consolidation range it entered in mid-November. According to my technical analysis, the resistance sits in the $92,000–94,000 range, reinforced by 100% Fibonacci retracement and the 50-day exponential moving average, while the lower boundary extends from $85,600 to $84,000, providing a temporary rest stop for bulls.Why temporary? Because as I have written in many earlier analyses, I am currently targeting a move down to this year's lows around the $74,000 level. There are many reasons for this, including a death cross drawn on the daily Bitcoin chart a month ago. What can we expect in the coming days before the holidays? I don't anticipate anything spectacular, rather a continuation of this sideways trend followed by further downside, and only a reset and washout near this year's lows will allow for a stronger rally and re-accumulation at lower prices, with a medium-term return to all-time highs and higher.Ethereum Price Still Under Death Cross SignalThe chart of the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, Ethereum (ETH), looks very similar to Bitcoin's chart. We also see a local range here and a lack of conviction from buyers and sellers about which direction to move. At the moment, ETH is losing for a fourth consecutive session, though the declines are modest at 0.5% today, and the cryptocurrency is changing hands at $2,950.The main resistance zone is located between $3,350 and $3,435, supported by a grid of moving averages, while support is the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement and November-December lows around the $2,700 level. Here too I maintain a bearish stance due to the ongoing downtrend, and I do not rule out a move toward $2,200, the June low, and ultimately even $1,400, the April minimum.XRP Price Is Also DroppingFor one XRP you currently pay $1.92, and the quotes are standing for another session at the height of a local support level marked by November lows, last tested also in June. Once again, as on the two previous charts, we see roughly a month-long consolidation whose upper boundary is the current range between $2.20 and $2.30, additionally supported by the 50-day moving average.The arrangement of moving averages is practically the same, with a death cross drawn in November and a dominant downtrend. A breakout of the local support would open the way to the April lows near $1.61, and further to $1.25 where price was last located during the October flash crash and earlier over a year ago in late November 2024.Why Is Dogecoin So Volatile?For dessert I saved the precursor of the meme coin market, namely Dogecoin (DOGE), which has already permanently broken the support zone I set earlier in the year around 0.14 and 0.15 dollars, as well as its deepening from the beginning of this month. As a result, the price is still being held in check by the April 7, 2025 lows. If this level is also broken, we will be heading below 0.10 dollars, targeting the October flash crash minimums around 0.09 dollars, levels last observed in September 2024.Dogecoin trades near $0.13 Wednesday, illustrating high-beta, sentiment-driven behavior where thin liquidity and fading risk appetite drive exaggerated percentage moves.How Low Can Crypto Go?"Most are surprised by the lack of follow-through despite so many positive catalysts," said Pratik Kala, a portfolio manager at hedge fund Apollo Crypto. This sentiment reflects broader market frustration with the inability of Bitcoin and altcoins to break higher despite constructive regulatory developments and ETF approvals.If current support breaks, the next major zone for Bitcoin lies near the $74,000 area I have outlined. For Ethereum, a deeper correction toward $2,200 or even $1,400 cannot be ruled out if macro conditions worsen. For XRP and Dogecoin, downside can be amplified due to thinner liquidity and higher volatility, with targets at $1.61 and $0.09 respectively.Crypto Price Analysis, FAQWhy is Bitcoin falling?Bitcoin is falling because it remains trapped in a month-long consolidation range with resistance at $92,000-$94,000 and weakening momentum signaled by a death cross formation on the daily chart. According to my technical analysis, BTC is targeting a move down to this year's lows around $74,000 as the sideways pattern resolves to the downside.Why is Ethereum crashing?Ethereum is not crashing but declining modestly for a fourth consecutive session, down 0.5% to $2,950, as it mirrors Bitcoin's sideways consolidation pattern. The bearish technical setup includes resistance at $3,350-$3,435 and support at $2,700, with my analysis targeting potential moves toward $2,200 or even $1,400 if the downtrend continues.Why is XRP price dropping?XRP is dropping because it's testing local support at November lows near $1.90 after failing to break resistance at $2.20-$2.30, while regulatory delays add uncertainty. My technical analysis shows a death cross formation and dominant downtrend that could push XRP toward $1.61 and ultimately $1.25 if current support breaks.Why is Dogecoin going down?Dogecoin is going down because it has already broken key support zones at $0.14-$0.15 and is now testing April lows as a high-beta meme coin amplifies broader market weakness. Trading near $0.13, DOGE faces potential further decline toward $0.09 if sentiment remains negative and liquidity continues to thin.Will crypto recover?Crypto can recover if equity markets stabilize, central banks provide clearer easing guidance, and forced liquidations subside, allowing spot buyers and long-term holders to return. According to my analysis, a washout near this year's lows would create healthier conditions for re-accumulation and a medium-term return to all-time highs. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Polymarket is outperforming most decentralized finance (DeFi) projects in keeping users active, with the data explaining this trend highlighting on an important challenge facing the broader industry.A recent analysis by Dune and Keyrock examined user retention across 275 crypto platforms, including wallets, DeFi protocols, and exchanges. The results show that Polymarket maintained stronger month-to-month user activity than 85% of them. In a sector where trading activity often evaporates once volatility fades, this level of consistency stands out.For prediction markets like Polymarket, retention grows organically through a structure tied to real-world events—political elections, sports outcomes, or economic indicators, that constantly reset the trading narrative.Real-World Triggers Keep Users Coming BackUnlike standard crypto platforms, prediction markets thrive on the news cycle itself. Each headline, from an election poll shift to an inflation report, creates new opportunities for participation.Additionally, the report observed that exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini, wallet provider Phantom, and clearing firm Bitnomial have each announced moves into the prediction market space over the last quarter. Coinbase plans to integrate tokenized equities and event markets, while Gemini recently launched a nationwide prediction market product aimed at becoming an all-in-one app for digital finance.Read more: The Winklevoss Twins Just Launched Gemini Predictions in the USMeanwhile, Bitnomial secured regulatory clearance from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to operate and clear prediction markets, an approval that could signal broader institutional recognition for the sector.The numbers reveal the scale of this momentum. Since early 2024, monthly notional volume across prediction markets has leapt from under $100 million to more than $13 billion—a 130-fold increase. Active users grew from just 4,000 to over 600,000, with transactions surging to 43 million.Polymarket’s mix of trading categories also shows a clear evolution. In 2025, the platform’s volume was split across sports (39%), politics (34%), and crypto (18%), contrasting sharply with Kalshi’s sports-heavy profile, where 85% of volume remains tied to athletic events.Accuracy Adds to the AppealPrediction markets are not only expanding, they are also proving accurate. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi reportedly achieve Brier scores near 0.09, outperforming expert polls and even sophisticated economic models. Polymarket’s event outcomes align correctly about 90–95% of the time, and accuracy continues improving with deeper liquidity. Such precision has turned them into informal measure of macroeconomic and political sentiment. Key data suggests these markets anticipate shifts faster than traditional forecasts, Kalshi’s inflation contracts, for instance, react 4.3 times less erratically than the Cleveland FedNow model. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Hantec Trader, the global prop trading brand backed by Hantec Group, has announced a new partnership with Investonaire Academy, a financial education organisation in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development. This collaboration aligns with the government’s ongoing initiative to train 100,000 Nigerian youths annually in financial literacy, forex awareness, and practical money-management skills.The importance of this national effort has been highlighted in recent media coverage, with the Honourable Minister of Youth Development noting that “financial literacy is key to survival in the present-day world.” The initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with real-world knowledge they can use to build confidence, self-reliance, and long-term economic stability. (Gazette NG; Independent Nigeria). The program has also received high-level governmental support, with Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who oversees Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in attendance and lending his support to the initiative.Through this partnership, Investonaire Academy will lead nationwide engagement and community outreach, ensuring that young people across different regions gain access to the program. As part of the collaboration, Hantec Trader will complement these efforts by providing structured training, foundational market education, and evaluation support that helps participants understand financial markets in a practical and approachable way.This combined strategy creates a meaningful bridge between education, empowerment, and opportunity. With Nigeria’s youth population recognised as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing in the world, the initiative offers young people a valuable chance to build the financial skills they need to thrive."Nigeria’s youth have an incredible drive to learn, grow, and succeed. By joining hands with Investonaire Academy, we’re helping young people access the kind of financial education that can genuinely change lives. This partnership is about giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their financial future. We’re proud to support a national initiative that puts education and empowerment at its core." - Bashaar Gokal, Director of Operations, Hantec Trader"Our mission has always been to empower young Nigerians with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a fast-changing economy. Partnering with Hantec Trader allows us to deliver high-quality financial education at scale and give youth a structured path to develop real financial capability. Together with the Ministry, we are creating opportunities that will positively impact communities for years to come."— Sebastien Sicre - COO of Investonaire AcademyBacked by over 35 years of Group’s global financial heritage, Hantec Trader has long supported initiatives that promote financial inclusion and accessible learning in emerging markets. This new partnership with Investonaire Academy reflects a shared commitment to nurturing a more informed and financially capable next generation.Together, Hantec Trader, Investonaire Academy, and the Ministry of Youth Development are working toward a single goal: empowering young Nigerians with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to create a brighter future for themselves, for their families, and for Nigeria. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Retail forex deposits across major US platforms declined 1.1% in October 2025, dropping to $499.9 million from September's $505.6 million as the industry extended its losing streak into a second consecutive month. The decline reflected continued headwinds facing currency traders despite varied performance among individual brokers.Divergent Results Among Major FX PlayersGAIN Capital maintained its position as the largest platform with $215.4 million in October, down 1.0% from September's $217.6 million. The company shed $2.2 million during the month as clients pulled back from currency positions. Year-over-year, GAIN Capital showed resilience with deposits up 5.0% from October 2024's $204.6 million, making it one of the few platforms posting annual growth.Interactive Brokers recorded the steepest monthly decline among major platforms, plunging 10.5% to $30.9 million from September's $34.2 million. The $3.2 million outflow represented the broker's sharpest single-month drop in recent periods. Despite the October setback, Interactive Brokers posted a 11.4% year-over-year gain from October 2024's $25.6 million, suggesting longer-term client acquisition success.tastyfx Defies Industry Weaknesstastyfx emerged as October's standout performer, jumping 5.3% to $46.2 million from $43.7 million in September. The $2.4 million monthly gain bucked the broader industry trend as the platform attracted new forex flows. The strong monthly performance couldn't offset longer-term weakness, with tastyfx deposits down 19.2% from October 2024's $42.8 million.Trading.com posted modest gains with a 3.1% monthly increase to $2.5 million from $2.5 million, adding $78,720 in new deposits. The platform showed impressive year-over-year momentum with deposits up 28.0% from October 2024's $1.9 million, marking the strongest annual growth rate among tracked brokers.Market Leaders Face PressureCharles Schwab reported $59.9 million in October forex obligations, down 0.7% from September's $60.3 million. The institutional broker shed $395,164 during the month as retail currency trading remained subdued. Schwab's deposits fell 8.1% year-over-year from October 2024's $64.4 million, reflecting persistent challenges in attracting retail forex clients.OANDA saw deposits decline 1.7% to $144.9 million from September's $147.3 million, losing $2.4 million in client funds. The platform faced steeper annual headwinds with deposits down 20.2% from October 2024's $170.4 million, marking one of the largest year-over-year declines in the industry.FTMO has just completed its acquisition of OANDA after ten months. At the same time, Paweł Łatocha, a former IG Group risk executive, has joined the broker’s management board in Poland. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Sam Irwin announced on LinkedIn today (Wednesday) that he is joining Crypto.com as Director of VIP Relationship Management. His appointment comes as Crypto.com expands into regulated financial products. The company recently hired former IG Group CEO Kevin Algeo as Senior Vice President of Capital Markets after acquiring Cyprus-based A.N. Allnew Investments Ltd, a CySEC-regulated broker with a MiFID license. Algeo will oversee multi-regional capital markets initiatives and the rollout of CFDs and other derivative products.Career at IG GroupIrwin spent about 18 years at IG Group, where he held several senior roles. His most recent position was Head of Client Management, UK, where he was a UK Executive Committee member responsible for commercial strategy and delivery in a £300 million-plus revenue division. He led a team managing the Group’s most valuable clients, oversaw multiple product releases, implemented AI-powered Salesforce solutions, and introduced new pricing frameworks and targeted interventions that boosted account activity.Global Sales OversightBefore that, he was Head of Sales Performance, Global, overseeing sales operations across 15 markets. He introduced KPI frameworks and reporting tools, a digital onboarding platform, and forecasting models that improved efficiency and reduced costs. He also chaired the Remuneration Risk Committee to align incentives with long-term value.Previous RolesEarlier roles included Head of Sales, UK & Ireland, and Head of New Business, UK, as well as several other positions starting from Graduate Sales Trader. Prior to joining IG, Irwin worked at Sporting Solutions as a Telephone Dealer for six months.IG Expands Spot Crypto Trading OfferingIrwin’s move follows a trend of former IG employees joining crypto firms. IG is expanding into spot cryptocurrency trading for retail investors, adding to its existing crypto CFDs offering. The platform will support more than 30 tokens, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, through a partnership with US- and UK-regulated Uphold, which will provide pricing, custody, and transaction services. Crypto.com has recently hired multiple former IG employees to develop its own CFDs operations. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Global trading broker Hantec Markets, in partnership with Investonaire Academy, today launched the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Youth’s flagship Financial Literacy and Investment Programme — a national initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with essential money-management skills, investment knowledge and digital competencies for sustainable wealth creation. Financial Literacy & Investment Programme at SpotlightA free, government-backed programme targeting over 100,000 young Nigerians annually with accessible financial education.Covers budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, investing and income-building strategies tailored to Nigeria’s economic realities.Delivered through a modern Learning Management System (LMS) enabling interactive lessons, assessments, and progress tracking.Participants who demonstrate competency gain pathways to funding, trading evaluations, and entrepreneurial support, enabling real economic impact.Driven by the Ministry of Youth, Investonaire Academy, and Hantec Markets, bringing together government scale and private-sector expertise to build long-term financial capability.The programme aims to empower individuals across Nigeria by delivering practical training, assessments and mentorship that translate learning into lasting economic opportunities. Investonaire Academy, in partnership with Hantec, will provide training and evaluation support, and — importantly — will help match acquired skills with access to capital so that young people can build sustainable income streams for themselves and their families.This collaboration represents a meaningful widening of Hantec Markets’ scope on a diplomatic level. Built on three decades of international markets experience, Hantec is leveraging its global capability to support a national effort to raise financial capability and entrepreneurship among youth across Nigeria.Hantec Markets is a global provider of leveraged trading across currencies, bullion, equities and commodities — delivering fast and reliable market access, and institutional-grade liquidity.“Strengthening financial literacy is fundamental to long-term economic development,” said Mike Fowope, Managing Director at Hantec Africa Limited.“By combining rigorous training, practical evaluation and access to capital, this programme fortifies Nigeria’s financial-literacy acumen and creates pathways for young people to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Hantec Markets is proud to support this step change in youth empowerment.”Meanwhile the team at Investonaire Academy firmly believes that this allegiance is the beginning of a much-needed progressive action for the oncoming generation of youth in Nigeria."Investonaire, with Hantec Markets and the Ministry, is delivering scalable financial education that equips Nigerian youth with practical skills and clear pathways to financial capability, creating long-term community impact.", says Investonaire AcademyCOO, Sebastien Sicre.Building a Better FutureThe event, hosted by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the occasion involved The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside Mr. Bashir Nurmohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Hantec Markets, among other key dignitaries and development partners.The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning scouted this event with great interest, as Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was in attendance and in support of the forward-thinking initiative.This national financial-literacy training programme targeting over 100,000 young people will be delivered via a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) built to enhance financial intelligence, investment capacity and entrepreneurial readiness. By combining education, evaluation and capital access, the initiative seeks to create durable economic pathways for Nigeria’s young population. Hantec Markets’ involvement demonstrates the private sector’s ability to work alongside government and development partners to scale skills, create jobs and support sustainable income generation.About Hantec MarketsHantec Markets provides easy and integrated trading across currencies, bullion, equities, commodities and more. Its product includes intuitive mobile and desktop platforms for direct access to markets, copy trading, and more. Hantec Markets is a subsidiary of the Hantec Group. The brand is regulated across the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, and Mauritius, with 30 years of group experience. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

CFD brokers across Europe are scrambling to add futures and options to their platforms as regulatory pressure mounts on over-the-counter derivatives. 4 in 5 of firms not currently offering listed products are either planning to or actively considering the move, according to the newest survey by Acuiti for CME Group.Is the CFD Industry Facing a Major Pivot Toward Other Instruments?The potential pivot comes as CFD providers face mounting existential threats. The anxiety shows in the numbers. Among CFD brokers surveyed by Acuiti, 62 percent said they were “very concerned” about future regulatory changes impacting retail access to CFD markets, with only 8 percent expressing no concern. For brokers currently offering CFDs, regulatory compliance ranked as the top operational challenge, cited by 89 percent of firms compared to 70 percent of non-CFD providers.And the uncertainty is certainly not exaggerated.Belgium has implemented an outright ban on CFDs, Spain's CNMV has prohibited advertising the products to retail clients, and the UK has introduced marketing restrictions. Germany's BaFin announced new regulations in October targeting turbo certificates, including bans on customer bonuses and rebates.“CFDs are complex and high-risk products and therefore not generally suitable for retail investors,” Spain's CNMV stated when introducing its advertising ban.Business Model Under PressureThe regulatory squeeze is forcing brokers to reconsider their fundamental business models. CFDs operate on a B-Book structure where brokers act as counterparty to client trades, creating inherent conflicts of interest. Listed derivatives eliminate this issue through exchange trading and central clearing, bypassing counterparty risk concerns that regulators increasingly view as problematic.Out of firms already offering futures and options, 67 percent described them as “very important” to their retail strategy over the next two years, with only 10 percent saying they weren't important. Client demand and additional revenue potential topped the list of drivers for expansion, though diversification and competitive pressure also featured prominently.European retail broker revenues have grown from 2.3 billion euro in 2021 to 3.4 billion euro in 2025 across five listed firms including IG Group, CMC Markets, flatexDegiro, Swissquote, and XTB. But this growth occurred during a period when CFDs remained largely accessible. The question facing the industry is whether firms can maintain momentum while pivoting away from products that helped build their businesses.“Adoption of futures and options by retail traders in Europe looks set to accelerate,” Acuiti comments in the report. “Restrictions on offering OTC instruments to retail clients are growing, the sophistication of retail investors across the continent is increasing and new competition is coming from US retail brokers, who specialize in futures and options.”U.S. Brokers Pose an Additional ThreatThe urgency is compounded by American competition. Robinhood is actively expanding into Europe with tokenized stocks and crypto products, while Kraken's 1.5 billion dollar acquisition of NinjaTrader was explicitly designed to leverage Kraken's FCA and MiFID licenses for European market access.US retail brokers built their businesses on futures and options rather than CFDs, giving them natural expertise in products that European firms are only now rushing to add. Among European brokers surveyed, 39 percent viewed US market entry as a “significant challenge,” with another 44 percent calling it a “slight challenge.” Only 17 percent dismissed the competitive threat entirely.The timing creates a strategic bind. European brokers spent years educating retail clients on CFD trading, building customer bases comfortable with leveraged products. Now they need to re-educate those same clients on futures and options – products they may have previously positioned as too complex for retail investors.Client education ranked as the top barrier to offering or expanding futures and options, cited by brokers as a more significant obstacle than regulatory uncertainty, operational complexity, or technology integration. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

IG Group (LON: IGG) recently revealed its financials and other key metrics for the three months ending 30 November 2025. Although the main focus of the quarterly update was the 29 per cent year-on-year growth in trading revenue to £270.7 million, the broker also shared several other key updates.An Extended Share Buyback ProgrammeThe London-listed broker has extended its ongoing share buyback programme by adding a further £75 million. The £125 million buyback initiative was launched last July and has now been increased to a total of £200 million.The buyback programme is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.IG also said it had already repurchased 7.6 million shares as of 12 December under the ongoing programme, at a cost of £84 million.Read more: IG Reports £271M in Net Trading Revenue as UK and Ireland Stock Volumes Nearly DoubleRaises Crypto Focus with MiCA LicenceThe broker, known for its CFD and spread betting offerings, has outlined its plans in crypto over recent months. Last month, it secured a MiCA licence, which will allow it to offer crypto products across the European Union.As FinanceMagnates.com reported earlier, IG obtained a cryptoasset licence from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority last September. It also agreed to acquire Independent Reserve, a cryptocurrency exchange licensed in Singapore and Australia. The deal is expected to close in early 2026.IG said the crypto licences in the UK and EU will enable it “to significantly expand its spot crypto offerings in calendar year 2026.” It also has “new propositions planned for APAC, the Middle East and Europe.”First Trades Up 64%One of the metrics shared by IG is first trades, which refers to the number of new customers who place their first order on the platform.For the latest three months, IG said new customer acquisition accelerated, with first trades up 64 per cent year on year and 18 per cent quarter on quarter. The increase, according to the company, was driven by new products and higher marketing spend.In absolute terms, 28.2k customers executed their first trades on IG, excluding Freetrade.The number of active customers on the platform also increased by 8 per cent to 289k.US the Fastest-Growing MarketIG strengthened its presence in the United States in 2021 after acquiring tastytrade for $1 billion. The London-based broker said the US remains its “fastest-growing market.”tastytrade delivered total net trading revenue of $65.3 million in the three months, representing a 51 per cent increase year on year and a 19 per cent increase quarter on quarter.Total trading revenue from the US stood at £53.1 million, of which £3.9 million came from OTC derivatives, while the majority, £43.9 million, came from exchange-traded derivatives.Outlook Is StrongIG is changing its financial year. It will move away from the year ending 31 May and adopt a year ending 31 December, in line with the calendar year. This change may make year-on-year comparisons less clear in the short term.The company expects to close the 12 months ending December with total revenue of approximately £1.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5 per cent, including consolidated figures from Freetrade. Group net trading revenue is forecast at around £980 million, up about 8 per cent.However, interest income is expected to fall by more than 15 per cent to just under £120 million.“Following strong strategic progress, IG now expects organic total revenue growth (excluding Freetrade and Independent Reserve) around the mid-point of this range in calendar year 2026, from a base of approximately £1,075 million in calendar year 2025,” the company said. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Trade Republic closed a €1.2 billion secondary transaction valuing the company at €12.5 billion, cementing its position as Germany's most valuable startup. Existing investors, led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, bought shares from early backers, while new long-term investors, including Wellington Management, Singapore's GIC, and Fidelity Management & Research Company, joined the shareholder base.Trade Republic’s Valuation Jumps From €5 Billion in Three YearsThe deal doesn't inject fresh capital into the company, which has been profitable for three consecutive years. Trade Republic had revenue of €340 million in the year to September 2024. The Berlin-based neobroker reported earlier this month it generated €34.8 million in profit after securing its full ECB banking license, with equity climbing to €566.5 million.The secondary round more than doubles Trade Republic's 2022 valuation of roughly €5 billion. Other existing investors participating in the share purchase include Sequoia, Accel, TCV, and Thrive Capital, alongside new investors Khosla Ventures, Lingotto Innovation, and Aglaé, the technology investment arm of France's Arnault family.Trade Republic has doubled its customer base to more than 10 million users in the past 18 months, with clients now managing €150 billion in assets across the platform. Co-founder Christian Hecker said 70% of Trade Republic customers are first-time investors, adding that the "cultural shift to retail investing in Europe is only starting".“We launched in 2019 with a mission to help close Europe’s pension gap,” he added. Expansion Follows Banking License and Product RolloutThe company obtained a full banking license from the European Central Bank in 2023, allowing it to expand beyond its original brokerage model. Trade Republic now offers current accounts with local IBANs, passes ECB interest rates directly to customers, and has distributed €2.5 billion in interest payments since January 2023.This year the neobroker localized its offering in France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria, while launching in Poland in September. The company also introduced child savings accounts and expanded into new asset classes, recently giving retail investors access to private markets, fixed income, and a crypto wallet.Pension Gap Drives Retail Investing SurgeHecker pointed to Europe's widening pension gap as a driver for private wealth accumulation. "This is more important than ever as the public pension system is under growing pressure to fulfill its promises," he said. Recent surveys show 41% of Europeans still don't contribute to supplementary pension schemes, while state pensions across the EU are expected to decline from 46.2% of retirement income in 2019 to around 37.5% by 2070.Germany and other European governments have started implementing pension reforms to encourage private stock ownership, a trend Trade Republic expects to accelerate. The company, which launched in 2019, operates across 18 European countries and holds a full banking license supervised by Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the Deutsche Bundesbank. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

ATFX Group is proud to announce that it has received two major distinctions at the FinanceFeeds Awards 2025, reflecting the Group’s strong performance across both retail and institutional markets. ATFX won the “Broker of the Year” award, while ATFX Connect, the Group’s institutional division, earned the title of “Outstanding FX Liquidity Provider.”Strength Across Retail Markets: ATFX Named Broker of the YearATFX’s recognition as “Broker of the Year” highlights the strength of its retail division, driven by transparent service, robust execution, and the continuous enhancement of the client trading experience. In 2025, ATFX maintained solid momentum globally, supported by strong trading activity and expanding market reach across Europe, MENA, APAC, Africa, and Latin America. ATFX achieved a cumulative trading volume exceeding USD 2.3479 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025, demonstrating its significant scale and growing client engagement worldwide. The award reflects ATFX’s continued investment in advanced trading technology, trader education, and reliable customer support. These core pillars have strengthened its position as a trusted leader in the retail trading industry.Institutional Excellence: ATFX Connect Recognized for Liquidity QualityATFX Connect’s achievement as “Outstanding FX Liquidity Provider” emphasizes the rising influence of the Group’s institutional service. The division is recognized for providing authentic Prime of Prime services, ensuring efficient and deep liquidity sourced from Tier 1 banks and non-bank providers.ATFX Connect has strengthened its capabilities through enhanced liquidity partnerships and ongoing service improvements. These efforts enable the division to offer institutions flexible, efficient, and transparent liquidity solutions.Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX Group, remarked on winning the awards, “Receiving these two honours is an important recognition of the effort our global team puts in every day, both on the retail and institutional side. Our goal has always been to deliver a trading experience that is transparent, innovative, and built on trust. These achievements reflect the confidence that our clients place in us and our continued commitment to raising the standard across both retail and institutional markets.”A Milestone Year for ATFX GroupThese two prestigious awards demonstrate ATFX Group’s growing leadership and strong commitment across both retail and institutional markets. As the Group continues to innovate, maintain regulatory excellence, and deliver outstanding service quality, it is well positioned for sustained global growth and success.ATFX Group sincerely thanks its clients, partners, and dedicated teams worldwide for their ongoing trust and support, which fuel its achievements and future ambitions.About ATFXATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Australia's ASIC, Cyprus' CySEC, the UAE's SCA, Hong Kong's SFC, South Africa's FSCA, Mauritius' FSC, Seychelles' FSA, and Cambodia's SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Perhaps It Is Time to Look at UK Equities AgainIf you have been following this column since it started earlier this year, you will have noticed our coverage of various initiatives to boost UK equity investment.Both the UK government and the financial regulator have put forward various proposals to encourage more people to invest in their domestic stock market. These have ranged from the imposition of a temporary or permanent reduction in the stamp duty (tax) paid on transactions in shares of newly listed UK companies and introducing a minimum UK shareholding in tax-free individual savings accounts, to the FCA’s move to ease the reporting burden on UK-regulated firms.But could the answer lie in simply recognising the value offered by UK equities? The strength of the FTSE 100 this year has raised concerns over concentration, similar to those voiced on the other side of the Atlantic, but some analysts believe this has overshadowed a strong cohort of firms trading at favourable valuations.For example, Jeremy Smith, portfolio manager for the CT UK equity income fund at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, acknowledges that the index at the top level looks elevated but suggests valuations are low.UK stocks have always traded at a discount to their counterparts on the S&P, on account of the latter being seen as more of a growth index. However, the relative gap in valuations is currently higher than it has been at any point since the 1980s.Almost every FTSE leader surveyed by Deutsche Numis in September believed the UK was an attractive market for launching an IPO or raising capital, and that its appeal had increased significantly over the previous 12 months.One of the key findings of a recent Capital.com survey was that potential investors felt they had the time to educate themselves about trading, which is an indication of the possible benefits of creating a more informed investor base.Perhaps this process should start by making these individuals more aware of the potential value of the companies they could invest in, and not assume UK stocks offer less value. As the saying goes, ‘assume makes an ass of you and me’.Will the World Feel the Effects of Seismic Events in Japan?Precious metals analyst Matt Oliver posted an interesting thread on LinkedIn recently in which he suggested that Japan has just triggered a massive shift in global finance that few market observers seem to be talking about.His thesis is that since Japan’s 10-year yield hit its highest level since 2008, it is paying an additional $27 billion in interest every year, and that the unwinding of the yen carry trade puts over $1.2 trillion of leveraged global bets at risk.JUST IN ?: Japan's 20-Year Bond Yield hits 2.947%, the highest level since 1998 ?? pic.twitter.com/QVmHTV399w— Barchart (@Barchart) December 8, 2025The story here is simple. For three decades, the global system relied on Japan keeping money cheap, stable and endlessly available. That promise has quietly expired. Capital that once supported Western debt markets is returning home, yet the pricing of everything from mortgages to equities still assumes the old order is intact.As Japan adjusts its policies, the unwinding process is revealing the extent of yen-based liquidity and the levels of synthetic leverage that have built up over many years of low interest rates, all based on the belief that Japan would never return to normal conditions.The most frightening aspect of this narrative is not the interest bill from the Japanese government, but rather the abrupt repricing of global risk that occurs when the largest liquidity provider changes direction.The influx of capital returning to Japan significantly alters the discount rate for all global assets. If the fundamental cost of money shifts this rapidly, the ‘everything rally’ story will encounter a harsh reality check.Read more: Japan Plans 20% Crypto Tax, Reclassifies Digital Assets as Financial ProductsWhen the largest marginal buyer in the world turns into a net seller, the global yields gap does not simply adjust; instead, every asset that is valued based on those yields must reconsider its valuation.When asked what types of investments could provide a hedge against this downturn, Oliver refers to sectors the market will start rewarding as global yields reprice higher, and mentions precious metals, certain miners and cash flow-heavy sectors.Vanguard ‘Toying’ with Crypto Despite Internal ConcernsThe word "vanguard" is defined as a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas. But despite making crypto ETFs available on its platform, the investment manager of that name is unlikely to become a cheerleader for this particular asset class any time soon.When a firm announces the availability of a new product on its platform, the announcement is usually accompanied by a press release liberally sprinkled with words such as ‘proud’ and ‘excited’. References to furry, soft-bodied dolls with sharp teeth, large eyes and pointy ears are usually absent.So when Vanguard’s global head of quantitative equity told Bloomberg’s ETFs in Depth conference in New York that it was difficult to think about Bitcoin as ‘anything more than a digital Labubu’, it was taken as an indication that its previous unease has yet to fade.JUST IN: Bloomberg News says Vanguard is considering offering its clients #Bitcoin and crypto products."It's hard to ignore the astounding success" pic.twitter.com/eenSxGs286— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) October 1, 2025John Ameriks qualified this statement somewhat by adding that the cryptocurrency could have value in specific circumstances, such as high fiat currency inflation or political instability. But he also observed that it lacked the key qualities the firm looks for in a long-term investment – namely income, compounding and cash flow characteristics.These comments should come as little surprise to any seasoned market observer. Even as its biggest rivals embraced crypto, Vanguard held out on the basis that the price swings were incompatible with responsible portfolio construction.So this move will doubtless be seen as another victory for decentralised finance, although Vanguard can perhaps take a moral victory from the fact that it is merely allowing its clients to access products issued by its rivals, rather than introducing proprietary funds.How long this lasts remains to be seen, though – there will be those at Vanguard who have noted the success of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust and will be asking whether it is time to fully get on board with crypto. This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

Ford retreats from large EVs toward hybrids and energy-storage systems for AI data centers and infrastructure in a major strategic overhaul.The EV Retreat BeginsFord has signaled a dramatic shift in its electrification strategy, stepping away from big, fully electric vehicles (EVs) that have struggled to find buyers. Though once positioned as a challenger to Tesla and the vanguard of the electric pickup revolution, Ford is pivoting hard. The company will take a $19.5 billion hit as it scales back its EV investments, canceling several planned electric models and rethinking its approach to electrified mobility.A centerpiece of this retreat is the decision to discontinue big battery-electric vehicles such as the F-150 Lightning in their current form and other large EV plans that have failed to meet sales expectations or financial viability.BREAKING: Ford announces it will repurpose its battery manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. https://t.co/CSJctqxvHs pic.twitter.com/OqI8QIpgnJ— Paul Miles (@PaulMiles840) December 15, 2025Ford CEO Jim Farley and other executives have framed this as a customer-driven shift, noting that demand for large EVs has collapsed while interest in hybrids and extended-range options has grown. Farley said on Monday that the decision reflected a sharp contraction in the US EV market and a shift in buyer behavior. “The EV market in the US went from 12% of the industry to only five, and that really, in the end, was the big decider for us,” he said.Repurposing Battery Factories for AI-Related Energy StorageHere’s where things get interesting. Instead of letting idle EV battery capacity go to waste, Ford is repurposing key battery plants to build energy-storage systems aimed at supporting artificial intelligence (AI)-related data centers and the electrical grid.The company’s Glendale, Kentucky battery facility originally dedicated to electric vehicle production will be transformed into a hub for large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) that can serve commercial AI data centers and infrastructure customers. Ford plans to deploy at least 20 gigawatt-hours of storage capacity by the end of 2027, leveraging existing industrial expertise and underutilized battery manufacturing capacity.Ford is getting into the battery storage business.Instead of using batteries for large EVs, Ford will repurpose that capacity to power data centers and support the electric grid.Shipping is scheduled to start in 2027, with 20GWh planned to be produced annually.#Energy #Ford… pic.twitter.com/q3PPKOX5Jc— Link Technologies (@LinkTechnlogies) December 16, 2025This move positions Ford to tap into a demand wave driven by rapid growth in AI and cloud computing. As data centers proliferate and energy needs surge due to the surge in the use of AI, operators are increasingly adopting battery storage to cut costs, improve reliability, and buffer electricity demand spikes. There’s also a nod to residential applications: Ford will use other facilities to make smaller energy-storage units for homes, rounding out a broader portfolio of storage solutions.A New Powertrain Mix: Hybrids, EREVs, and Affordable EVsFord’s retreat from heavy EV bets does not equate to abandoning electrification entirely. Rather, it’s being pitched as a strategic realignment toward electrified vehicles that make more financial sense for both the company and typical buyers. Under the updated plan, Ford will focus on a diverse array of powertrains:Hybrids: Vehicles combining internal combustion engines with electric motors to improve fuel economy and lower costs.Extended-range EVs (EREVs): Electric vehicles with onboard generators (often gasoline engines) that recharge batteries on the go, reducing range anxiety.Smaller, affordable BEVs: New EVs built on Ford’s Universal EV Platform aimed at price-sensitive segments, including a midsize electric truck for 2027. By 2030, Ford expects roughly 50 percent of its global sales mix to consist of hybrids, EREVs, and fully electric vehicles, compared with just 17 percent today. Why This MattersMarket Reality CheckFord’s pivot reflects a broader reality: sales of large, expensive EVs have softened significantly as US federal incentives expire, material costs remain high, and consumer preferences shift toward more flexible options.By scaling back and taking a substantial hit where necessary, Ford is acknowledging that the EV market’s early hype hasn’t aligned with the economic reality of mainstream buyers. Hybrids and EREVs, while perhaps less headline-grabbing, appeal to customers who want better fuel economy without the compromises or cost premiums of large BEVs.Interesting move by Ford > Ford launches BESS unit, targets data center sector as key offtaker. Will repurpose electric vehicle batteries for use within the #DataCenter sector - DCD https://t.co/2MGd9F3ubY pic.twitter.com/iVUycvh2Kd— Ron Vokoun (@RonVokoun) December 17, 2025AI Data Centers and Energy Infrastructure: A New FrontierFord’s bold energy-storage play could turn out to be one of the most consequential aspects of this strategy. Demand for batteries to support data centers, utilities, and grid stabilization is surging thanks to AI growth, electrification of industry, and renewable integration. Ford’s decision to lean into this market uses its battery expertise in a way that might deliver higher returns than competing in an oversupplied EV segment. That puts the company in direct competition with established energy-storage players and even Tesla, which has built a multi-billion-dollar storage business from Megapacks and related products. Legacy Meets ReinventionThere’s a broader narrative here, too. Ford, a company that helped usher in mass-market automobiles more than a century ago, is now reinventing parts of its business to address the energy needs of tomorrow. Whether this bet on energy storage pays off remains to be seen, but it’s a far cry from the all-in EV strategy of just a few years ago.Looking AheadFord’s strategic pivot underscores the unpredictable nature of the auto industry’s electrification journey. With underperforming EV models being shelved, hybrids gaining traction, and new energy-storage ambitions taking shape, the company is charting a course that blends legacy strength with forward-looking growth sectors.If Ford can capitalize on the booming data center and grid storage markets while maintaining relevance in electrified vehicles that align with consumer demand, it may emerge as a far more balanced industrial powerhouse, even if it forsakes the pure EV crown it once chased. This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.

U.S. securities regulators have brought one new case and wrapped up another involving alleged market manipulation and offering fraud, targeting a California stock trader and an Alabama private fund manager in actions that touch both traditional equities and crypto-focused investments.The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed settled charges against 41-year-old Artur Khachatryan, a resident of California, alleging he ran a two-year spoofing scheme that generated almost $374,000 in profits by manipulating prices in thinly traded stocks outside normal market hours.California Trader Accused Of Off-Hours SpoofingAccording to the complaint in the Central District of California, Khachatryan allegedly flooded the market before and after the regular trading session with visible limit orders he did not intend to execute, narrowing the bid-ask spread and pushing prices in a direction he chose. He then placed real orders on the other side of the market at prices that benefited from the move, and quickly canceled the spoof orders, repeating the pattern to profit from both upward and downward price swings.The SEC alleges Khachatryan used this approach in his own brokerage accounts and in accounts of friends and family, including ones opened in the names of two relatives after earlier accounts were restricted or closed by multiple brokerages concerned about “quote manipulation” and “manipulating activities.” In one example cited in the complaint, he allegedly widened and then compressed the spread of a U.S.-listed company’s stock in the early-morning session, shorting at prices above 208 dollars per share and then buying back below that level minutes later.The pattern echoes a recent SEC case involving a Russian citizen accused of using fake identities to open dozens of trading accounts and manipulate stock prices across hundreds of brokerage accounts.Khachatryan has agreed, without admitting or denying the allegations, to permanent injunctive relief, disgorgement of $373,885, prejudgment interest of $22,629.34 and a civil penalty of $112,165, as well as a four-year restriction on opening or trading in brokerage accounts without notifying firms of the judgment.Alabama Promoter Hit With Penalty Over Apex FundIn a separate case, the SEC said it obtained a final judgment imposing an $85,000 civil penalty on Alabama resident James O. Ward, Jr. in an offering fraud action tied to Apex Financial Institute, a private investment fund he co-founded.Ward raised at least $852,000 worth of crypto assets from about 70 investors between March and September 2021 by selling what the SEC describes as fund interests in Apex, which was formed in the British Virgin Islands. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Alabama in 2024, alleges Ward told prospective investors that Apex was regulated by the SEC, had 25 million dollars in assets under management, had completed a 12-month beta test of its trading strategies, could deliver “substantial gains without any risk of loss,” and maintained offices in Dubai, Cyprus and Sweden.In reality, according to the SEC, Apex had no assets under management before taking in investor funds, did not exist in 2020 and ran operations from the homes of its three principals, while a touted Apex Financial Token “pegged” one-for-one to the U.S. dollar never actually existed. The fabricated credentials and false performance claims mirror tactics seen in a recent Discord-based fraud where a 26-year-old allegedly lured more than 40 investors with fake fund performance and spent their money on luxury items.After the SEC moved for remedies, the court ordered Ward to pay an $85,000 civil penalty in October 2025, the agency said. Apex itself has been defunct since 2022 and currently has no assets, according to the complaint; Ward’s two partners used personal funds in an effort to repay investors as the business was wound down. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Squared Financial appears to have wrapped up its retail offerings in Europe as it “formally initiated a strategic and voluntary renunciation” of its Cyprus Investment Firm licence. According to an announcement on its website, the move is part of its “strategic transition.”“A Broader Internal Restructuring”The contracts for difference (CFD) broker is no longer accepting new clients or accounts under the Cypriot licence and has also “initiated a structured and orderly wind-down of existing client relationships.”“All clients will be contacted directly with clear instructions regarding the closure of open positions and the return of any remaining funds,” the broker noted.Although the latest status of Squared Financial’s licence has not been updated on the registry of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the company received the licence in June 2017.Squared Financial, which ran its operations mainly from Cyprus, previously settled with the Cypriot regulator over allegations of lapses in the marketing, distribution, and sale of CFD instruments to retail clients, paying €35,000.“This transition is part of a broader internal restructuring aimed at streamlining our regulatory framework and improving operational efficiency across our international group,” Squared Financial noted on its website as the reason behind the Cyprus licence withdrawal.Despite the Cyprus wind-down, the Squared Financial brand will continue to operate under a Seychelles licence.Brokers Leaving CyprusMeanwhile, Squared Financial is not the first CFD brand to wind down its regulatory presence in Cyprus and move business offshore. BDSwiss followed a similar approach; however, it first dropped offers to retail clients before fully handing back its Cyprus licence last year.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.Recently, FinanceMagnates.com reported that Doo Group, which runs its retail and institutional brokerage arm under the D Prime brand, has started to vacate its Limassol office. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

ETO Markets, a globally recognized trading platform, has secured a financial services license from the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius (Mauritius FSC, License No. C119023893). This regulatory authorization reinforces the company’s commitment to transparency, investor protection, and high operational standards across international markets. A Milestone in Global Compliance The Mauritius FSC license represents a meaningful enhancement to ETO Markets’ global regulatory framework, strengthening its position as a trusted international financial services provider. Headquartered in Australia, ETO Markets is recognized for delivering secure, innovative, and client-focused trading solutions across multiple jurisdictions. This authorization complements its existing licenses from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). It further extends ETO Markets’ regulatory footprint, enhancing its ability to serve a rapidly growing global client base. Strengthening Client Protection Through Global Compliance Established in 2001, the Mauritius FSC is known for its stringent regulatory standards that prioritize investor protection and market stability. Together with oversight from Australia ASIC and Seychelles FSA, this license underscores ETO Markets’ dedication to global best practices and high compliance standards. Clients can trade with confidence, knowing that ETO Markets ensures transparency, maintains segregated client funds, and provides robust dispute resolution mechanisms to safeguard their interests. Strategic Positioning in a Global Financial Hub Mauritius is recognized as a premier international financial center, bridging Africa and Asia and serving as a gateway for global investment flows. By establishing a licensed entity under the Mauritius FSC, ETO Markets strengthens its strategic presence in the region, leveraging Mauritius’ favorable regulatory environment to expand its global reach and better serve a diverse international clientele. Empowering Traders with Intelligent Trading Solutions ETO Markets remains focused on integrating intelligent, technology-driven tools into its trading infrastructure. Through advanced infrastructure, ultra-fast execution, and robust risk management tools, ETO Markets continues to integrate AI-powered innovations into its platforms, reinforcing its mission to redefine trading efficiency and transparency across global markets. About ETO Markets ETO Markets is a leading financial services platform, regulated across multiple jurisdictions, including Australia ASIC, Seychelles FSA, and Mauritius FSC. Serving clients in over 120 countries, it provides seamless access to a wide range of asset classes, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies. With ultra-low spreads, competitive leverage, and a commitment to regulatory excellence, ETO Markets delivers intelligent, technology-enhanced trading experiences under the highest global standards. For further information on ETO Markets, please visit ETO Markets website https://www.etomarkets.com/ This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

“(Prop trading) value proposition to the client is such that this has attracted a large number of users who never considered FX and CFD trading before” Drew Niv, the Chief Strategy Officer at ATFX Connect, shared the comment when asked whether prop trading is good for the industry. Speaking to Jonathan Fine, Content Strategist at Ultimate Group, Niv, a long-time industry expert, defended proprietary trading as a force for market expansion, even as he warned brokers to brace for a looming wave of competition from neobanks and fintech giants.He admitted that prop trading remains “mathematically unsound” in many of its current forms, yet argued it has become a crucial gateway for new entrants into the online trading world. The Prop Trading ParadoxATFX is a global online forex and CFD broker that offers trading in currencies, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies via the MetaTrader 4/5 platforms and its institutional ATFX Connect offering. The broker operates under the “ATFX” co-brand across multiple regulated entities, including AT Global Markets (UK) Ltd.Niv acknowledged the model’s flaws, high churn rates, inconsistent performance metrics, and patchy risk controls, but sees gradual maturation. Early prop challenges, he explained, were driven “99.99% by luck,” yet are now evolving toward more realistic trading conditions and skill-based evaluation.“But the problem was that initially the qualifying rules of you won and you qualify for a quote unquote real account. Those rules were too loose. And people essentially won by a lot. They're still too loose, but they're getting tighter. The leverage restrictions are getting more.” He likened today’s prop trading phase to the “wild west” period preceding the rise of regulated retail FX two decades ago. The end result, he suggested, will again be positive: “Just as retail FX expanded the market 25 years ago, prop trading will bring in a fresh generation of traders.”Neobanks and the Threat of ScaleNiv struck a more cautionary tone when the conversation shifted to neobanks like Revolut and Monzo entering the trading arena. Drawing on FXCM’s experience in Japan, where internet conglomerates like Rakuten and GMO wiped out hundreds of brokers, he warned that the same dynamic could now play out in Europe.“And what happened around those years is that the large, essentially the Rakuten, which is like the Amazon of Japan, GMO. So you look at all these Internet giants who had an endless amount of inventory from online advertising, all of the stuff that they do. And a user base.”“And therefore, they had a user base and a massive brand. And their cost of acquisition was tiny. And they had to essentially say, oh, if you open an account with us, you know, like Rakuten is a good example.”You may also like: “MENA’s Digital Banking Challenge Isn’t Demand; It’s the Restrictive Infrastructure,” Jas Shah at FMLS:25Niv argued that brokers face a choice: specialize regionally, expand into multi-asset offerings, or risk being outspent. “And most FX and CFD brokers are self-funded. They make some money, they keep it. They don't need external investors until IPO, but until really. When you have to compete on a much grander scale and you're going to need a much larger scale.”“These firms have the advantages that when they're not profitable, they can easily raise money and large sums of money in bulk. Because they do not have the earnings volatility of a B-book pure shop.”Shifting Geographies and New FrontiersThe conversation also touched on emerging markets, which Niv described as “where the action is shifting.” Once overlooked, he said regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Levant now boast real wealth and rising trading participation.“Who would have thought 15 years ago Africa would be a hot market? Who would have thought, you know, outside of South Africa, which always was. But the other countries were definitely not.”“Who would have thought that sort of the non-GCC Middle East would be a hot market. Jordan, all these places. ATFX is the second largest office, if I'm not mistaken. So that 15 years ago, you'd call me crazy. It never would have happened.” “Today, it's a real place with real income, with real, you know, wealth.”More from FMLS:25: “Prop Isn’t Finished, but If You’re Coming into Prop Now, You Are,” FMLS:25 TakeawaysNiv predicted that global financial “supermarkets” would eventually buy their way into these growth regions. “It’s not happening tomorrow, but sooner than most people think,” he warned. “Look at Kraken acquiring NinjaTrader — if that weren’t an American firm, its first target would’ve been one of the top 10 FX brokers.”Industry Reflections: Convergence and FocusReflecting on the broader discussions at the summit, Niv said the line between institutional and retail trading remains less blurred than some suggest, though convergence is clearly accelerating. What he values most, he added, is perspective.“I was not of the opinion, given my experience, that the retail industry and institutional business is converging. I think other people's experience is definitely different. But I think that's something that that would be a cool debate.”But I think that's something that is a very, is a very big deal. When asked whether he expected to win his upcoming debate on whether prop trading is good for the industry, Niv laughed: “I rigged it — I picked the favorable side. It’s a biased room.” This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

SBI Holdings and Startale Group team up to develop a fully regulated yen-denominated stablecoin for global settlement. The initiative aims to bridge traditional finance and blockchain-based payments, positioning Japan to challenge dollar dominance in the $300 billion stablecoin market.Building a Regulated Digital YenThe two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop a compliant, tokenized yen designed for enterprise use and cross-border settlements."The transition to a 'Token Economy' where all real-world assets are tokenized and tokens permeate society as a means of settlement - is now an irreversible societal trend,” said Yoshitaka Kitao, Representative Director, Chairman & President of SBI Holdings. “By jointly issuing a Yen-denominated stablecoin with the Startale Group to serve as the foundation of this infrastructure, and by circulating it both domestically and globally, we aim to dramatically accelerate the movement toward providing digital financial services that are fully integrated with traditional finance.”Startale Group and SBI Holdings partner to develop a fully compliant Yen stablecoin for the global market.https://t.co/Pz4ASnuMer— Startale ? (@StartaleGroup) December 16, 2025The project is framed under Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) regime for stablecoins and aims to go live in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.Technology Meets Traditional BankingUsing Startale’s blockchain and smart contract expertise alongside SBI’s financial infrastructure, the yen stablecoin will reportedly function as a Type 3 Electronic Payment Instrument, free from the domestic ¥1 million transfer limit. This structure allows for scalable settlement flows across both retail and institutional networks.Startale will lead the token’s technical development, focusing on smart contract architecture, APIs, and compliance mechanisms. Shinsei Trust & Banking, part of the SBI Group, will handle issuance and redemption, while SBI VC Trade manages circulation under its crypto asset exchange license.Read more: Visa Brings Stablecoins to Main Street Banking With U.S. RolloutThe initiative complements Japan’s broader push toward compliant stablecoins and tokenized assets, part of the FSA’s Payment Innovation Project. Authorities have encouraged regulated experimentation, backing pilots by major banks such as Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho.Japan’s Digital Currency PushThrough this new collaboration, SBI and Startale seek to create interoperability between blockchain-native assets and traditional finance, creating a base layer for on-chain settlement, cross-border payments, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.Even as SBI expands into stablecoins, security remain a challenge. Recently, SBI Crypto reportedly suffered losses of about $21million following a blockchain exploit. The incident was first flagged by blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who said the activity bears hallmarks consistent with suspected North Korean state-backed hacking groups. According to ZachXBT, the exploit involved suspicious outflows of multiple cryptocurrencies from wallets linked to SBI Crypto, including Bitcoin, ether, Litecoin, Dogecoin and Bitcoin Cash. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

“Compliance doesn’t have to be a bottleneck; it can be a competitive advantage,” said Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, highlighting the transforming role of technology in financial services. Speaking at the Finance Magnates London Summit 2025, he emphasized that modern brokers face growing regulatory scrutiny while trying to scale their businesses, and that AI tools are increasingly key to balancing speed and oversight.In an interview with Jonathan Fine, Content Strategist at Ultimate Group, Bonabi expanded on these themes. A recurring topic across panels and side discussions was “negative friction” in financial services – where compliance, traditionally seen as a cost center, can either hinder or accelerate growth depending on how it is managed. Bonabi argued that artificial intelligence is reshaping how brokers manage risk without slowing operations, turning compliance into a potential differentiator.Surveill AI Raises $1 Million for Compliance ToolsSurveill AI is a US-based compliance technology company that provides AI-driven tools for monitoring communications, marketing, and regulatory content in financial firms. Its platform uses rule-based artificial intelligence to identify potential compliance risks, ensure adherence to regulatory standards such as FINRA and the SEC, and maintain traceable audit records.The system is designed to support human compliance officers while reducing the time and cost of oversight. The company raised approximately $1 million in seed funding in 2025 to develop its technology and expand its market presence.Monitoring Influencer MarketingBonabi, speaking on the monitoring side of the compliance equation, focused on one of the industry’s most persistent pain points: oversight of introducing brokers and influencer-driven marketing. Regulators, particularly in the UK, are paying close attention to what is being communicated to retail clients, even when those messages originate far from a firm’s own marketing department.“Firms have the obligation to monitor these IBs,” Bonabi said, noting that the distance between affiliates and the broker creates “a tremendous amount of risk.” Surveill’s systems, he explained, scan published marketing outputs across more than 190 languages to identify statements that could mislead consumers or breach regulatory guidelines.Early Flagging Prevents IssuesThe risk is not hypothetical. Bonabi pointed to cases where AI-driven monitoring identified problematic claims made by affiliates that could have resulted in regulatory action or reputational damage. By flagging such issues early, he said, brokers were able to intervene before enforcement costs mounted.Compliance Meets MarketingA notable point of agreement during the discussion was that compliance and marketing are no longer operating in isolation. While compliance teams remain the ultimate gatekeepers, Bonabi said Surveill increasingly works directly with marketing departments – an approach that reflects changing internal dynamics at brokers.Reducing Approval Bottlenecks“Marketing teams want to get content out as fast as possible,” he said. “Compliance represents a bottleneck.” His argument was that AI can ease this tension by reducing approval times from days to minutes, without lowering regulatory standards. In this model, technology does not replace compliance officers but augments them.AI as Virtual Compliance OfficerBonabi described Surveill’s AI as “a compliance officer that is trained to operate like an in-house compliance officer,” built around regulatory rules rather than probabilistic guesswork. Each flagged issue is linked to a specific rule, accompanied by an explanation and a citation – an effort to address regulators’ and firms’ demands for traceability and transparency.Managing AI ReliabilityThe question of AI reliability inevitably followed. Large language models have drawn scrutiny for so-called hallucinations – confident but incorrect outputs that can be dangerous in a regulated environment. Bonabi was candid about early challenges, saying initial hallucination rates were around 30 percent, though he claimed they have since been reduced to zero through what he described as an “agentic framework” involving multiple AI checks on each piece of content.Human-Led AI Oversight“We believe in the concept of human-led AI,” he said, stressing that a human compliance officer still signs off on every decision. The anecdote underscored a broader point echoed across the summit: AI adoption in financial services is less about autonomy and more about controlled scalability.Changing Compliance MindsetLooking beyond technology, Bonabi reflected on how attitudes toward compliance have shifted over the past decade. Drawing on his experience as an industry veteran and former FXCM executive, he said firms have long viewed compliance as a “necessary cost center.” That mindset, he argued, is increasingly at odds with the need to scale in a tightly regulated market.Technology Reduces Operational Friction“If compliance cannot scale, then there’s friction,” he said. The opportunity, in his view, is to “unlock compliance and make compliance a competitive advantage for the firm.”That framing resonated with the summit’s broader narrative. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and marketing channels become more diffuse – spanning influencers, affiliates, and global audiences – manual processes are struggling to keep up. Technology, when carefully governed, is emerging as a way to reduce friction rather than add to it.Compliance Shapes Growth TrajectoryBonabi hinted that new client segments, including proprietary and funded account firms, may soon come into focus, suggesting that the same pressures are spreading beyond traditional retail brokerage models.For an industry facing growth constraints and increased oversight, the discussion in London focused on compliance beyond enforcement. How firms manage compliance may affect both the pace and sustainability of their growth. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

MetaQuotes, the developer of MetaTrader platforms, has launched a new pricing model for its Ultency solution that removes fixed monthly fees and shifts costs entirely to traded volume. This move directly challenges the economics of third-party bridge providers used by MT5 brokers.A Direct Challenge to Third-Party Liquidity BridgesThe company announced on Tuesday that it is eliminating the minimum monthly service fee for its Ultency matching engine. Instead, it will now charge clients on a purely volume-based model at $1 per $1 million traded, with progressive discounts for higher volumes. In its announcement, MetaQuotes positioned the new structure as a direct challenge to prevailing market practices. It published a breakdown of what it described as the “true cost” of using third-party aggregation systems. According to the company, brokers often face monthly base fees of $1,500 to $7,000 for a liquidity gateway. They also encounter additional charges for connecting multiple liquidity providers and hosting infrastructure in major data centres.Most MT5 brokers currently rely on third-party liquidity bridges to aggregate quotes from multiple liquidity providers, route orders, and manage execution and risk. These solutions typically integrate directly with the MT5 server. They support low-latency execution, A- and B-Book routing, and FIX connectivity. Specialized vendors dominate the segment, offering plug-ins and gateways with depth-of-market aggregation, markup controls, and embedded risk-management tools. Pricing models range from fixed monthly fees to bundled access tied to preferred liquidity providers.Pricing Transparency Raises Open QuestionsHowever, MetaQuotes did not disclose Ultency’s previous pricing structure, making it difficult for brokers to assess the actual cost impact of the change on a like-for-like basis. The company’s savings calculations are framed against a generic “average market solution,” rather than named competitors or existing Ultency contracts. At the time of publication, no brokers had publicly commented on how the new pricing model compares with their current arrangements or whether it represents a material improvement over established third-party bridges. The move reflects MetaQuotes’ broader effort to deepen its control over the MT5 ecosystem. It offers native alternatives to external infrastructure providers. By positioning Ultency as both a pricing and integration advantage, the company challenges the business models of vendors that have built liquidity aggregation and risk solutions around MetaTrader. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

With over 6 million users across more than 100 countries, RedotPay is disrupting traditional fintech by leveraging blockchain rails to deliver the best product experience to users globallyPayment volume nearly tripled year-on-year with more than 3 million new users joining the platform in 2025 through NovemberNew investment led by Goodwater Capital, with participation from Pantera Capital, Blockchain Capital, and Circle Ventures, with continued backing from existing investorsRedotPay (https://www.redotpay.com/), a global stablecoin-based payment fintech, today announced the successful completion of its US$107 million Series B round, bringing the total capital raised in 2025 to US$194 million. This oversubscribed round is a clear signal of investor confidence in RedotPay’s strong growth momentum and its leading market position in stablecoin application. As of November 2025, RedotPay has over 6 million registered users globally in over 100 markets, with over US$10 billion annualized payment volume. RedotPay now generates over US$150 million in annualized revenue and continues to deliver profitable growth through an efficient, scalable business model.RedotPay’s Series B brought in new investment led by Goodwater Capital, with participation from Pantera Capital, Blockchain Capital, Circle Ventures and the continued backing from HSG and others. With portfolios across consumer fintech, blockchain infrastructure, and global payments, these investors bring deep expertise aligned with RedotPay’s vision to accelerate financial access globally through the mass adoption of stablecoin-based payments, as well as its mission to make digital finance accessible, secure, and efficient for everyone.“Our goal is to help users manage their finances with confidence through stablecoin-powered financial services. With our latest funding, we plan to accelerate product innovation and expand our global reach. Beyond capital, our investors provide the expertise and resources to enable us to scale responsibly while remaining compliance focused and delivering outstanding user experiences.” said Michael Gao, Co-Founder and CEO of RedotPay. “Goodwater invests in platform companies who are reshaping consumer experiences at global scale, and stablecoin has the potential to disrupt global money flow and strengthen financial inclusion," said Jin Oh, Partner at Goodwater Capital. “RedotPay is improving financial access globally with remarkable traction for its stablecoin-driven solutions across major markets. We’re excited to support the company through its next phase of global growth as it expands stablecoin utility and continues to accelerate adoption and drive innovation across its payment products.”RedotPay is building stablecoin-powered financial services that make fund movement instant, predictable, and borderless for both crypto-native and non-crypto users. It empowers global payments with stablecoins through the following:Stablecoin-based Card: Users can spend stablecoins and other digital assets with a secure card globallyGlobal Payouts: RedotPay’s stablecoin-powered payout rails enable fast, secure global transfersStablecoin Access: RedotPay connects traditional finance and digital assets for users to access, hold, and use stablecoins through its multi-currency accounts* and P2P Marketplace**“Pantera backs companies that use blockchain to solve real world problems. RedotPay is bringing stablecoins into everyday payments at a global scale. It offers a glimpse into a future where digital assets form the foundation of faster and more inclusive financial systems." said Ryan Barney, Partner at Pantera Capital. "We believe RedotPay will play a meaningful role in the next phase of crypto adoption, and we are excited to support a company that is pushing the crypto ecosystem forward.”"In many countries, consumers face currency risk, savings erosion due to inflation, and fragile local banking systems. Many would prefer to store value in assets they trust, such as dollars, Bitcoin, or other digital assets, and spend in their local currency. RedotPay seeks to bridge this gap by giving consumers meaningful control over their financial destiny,” said Jonah Burian at Blockchain Capital. "For millions globally, it is becoming a primary financial tool and a top-of-wallet card. RedotPay’s numbers tell the story, and we are excited to back this team."The new capital will fund strategic acquisitions to deepen RedotPay’s product and infrastructure capabilities; secure required licenses and expand its compliance organization to support entry into new markets; and accelerate global hiring to scale its engineering, product, and compliance teams. Looking ahead, RedotPay will continue to expand its geographic coverage, with a focus on key growth regions, and enhance its product offerings to deliver a seamless bridge between crypto and traditional payment ecosystems.About RedotPayRedotPay is a global stablecoin-based payment fintech that integrates blockchain solutions with traditional banking and finance infrastructures. Our intuitive platform empowers millions around the world to spend and send digital assets, ensuring faster, more accessible and inclusive financial services. RedotPay advances financial inclusion for the unbanked and supports crypto enthusiasts, driving global adoption of secure and flexible stablecoin-powered financial solutions to bring crypto to real life. For more information, visit www.redotpay.com.About Goodwater CapitalGoodwater Capital is the world’s largest consumer tech-focused venture firm, empowering exceptional entrepreneurs everywhere to change the world for good. With a global investment approach, the firm identifies and invests in the most promising consumer technology startups worldwide. Goodwater's deep industry expertise, extensive network, and data-driven approach allow it to provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, guiding them towards becoming market-leading companies. For more information, visit www.goodwatercap.com.About Pantera CapitalPantera Capital is the first institutional investment firm focused exclusively on bitcoin, other digital currencies, and companies in the blockchain tech ecosystem. Pantera launched the first cryptocurrency fund in the United States when bitcoin was at $65 /BTC in 2013. The firm subsequently launched the first exclusively-blockchain venture fund. In 2017, Pantera was the first firm to offer an early-stage token fund. Pantera Bitcoin Fund has returned 114,841% in twelve years and has returned billions to its investors. Pantera manages over $5 billion across three strategies – passive, hedge, and venture – exclusively focused on bitcoin, other digital currencies, and companies in the blockchain tech ecosystem.About Blockchain CapitalBased in San Francisco and New York, Blockchain Capital is the first venture capital firm to invest exclusively in the blockchain technology sector. Founded in 2013 by Bart and Brad Stephens, Blockchain Capital has funded over 150 startups and is dedicated to working with founders on the principal mission to build world-class companies based on blockchain technology.*RedotPay is a fintech service provider and not a bank. Our Multi-Currency Wallet is provided by appropriately licensed financial institutions and RedotPay only facilitates your use of such Multi-Currency Wallet.**P2P crypto trading involves risks like counterparty default and market volatility. We facilitate trades but disclaim all liabilities for losses, disputes, or outcomes. Trade at your own risk, perform due diligence, and comply with laws. Available in selected regions only.Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice. It does not represent an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any products, securities, or financial instruments. The information is provided on an “as is” basis as of the date indicated and is subject to change without prior notice. Rabbit7 Holding (BVI) Limited (“RedotPay”) makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the content. RedotPay, along with its directors, officers, agents, employees and affiliates, expressly disclaims any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, arising from the use of or reliance on this publication. Readers should seek independent professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters concerned herein. This publication is strictly confidential and may not be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without RedotPay’s prior written consent. The English version shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the various language versions hereof. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.