“CFD brokers don’t really understand risk management or the flow of the business,” said Nick Leeson, the former derivatives trader who brought down Barings Bank with his unauthorised trades in 1990s. “They’re probably getting themselves involved in toxic, one-sided positions. That’s a story you can see repeated over many years.”“If you go back about 15 years to when crypto—particularly Bitcoin—was becoming the most traded product, you could already see that problem emerging. When all retail traders were looking to buy Bitcoin, the brokers were naturally short on Bitcoin. Many of them didn’t have a hedge or an effective hedging strategy, so they ended up losing money because they couldn’t get out of those trades.”Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!He further highlighted that he is sure many brokers are having the same problems with gold now, with its “one-direction rally for the past six months.”“There are also many very astute, experienced traders out there, and if they see an anomaly at one of the smaller brokers, you can be sure they’ll exploit it,” Leeson said.“The saying goes, 'the trend’s your friend,' but if you’re a broker, sometimes the trend isn’t your friend—especially when all your flow is one-directional.”“The Fear of Failure”Leeson is known for his infamous run at Barings Bank, which was then the United Kingdom's oldest merchant bank. He worked as a derivatives trader for Barings, executing and clearing transactions on the Singapore International Monetary Exchange (SIMEX).He made unauthorised speculative trades that initially generated large profits for Barings but soon began to cover up his losses by using one of the bank’s error accounts, which are typically used to correct mistakes made in trading.Following a rogue trading sprint, thus the name “Rogue Trader”, the losses in Barings’ error account ballooned to £827 million, twice Barings' available trading capital. He eventually had to spend over four years at Singapore prison for his mishaps.“My biggest fear was always the fear of failure,” Leeson recalled his days at the trading pit in Singapore, adding that he managed to continue as “the infrastructure was poor.”“It was badly set up,” he continued. “The breakdown was quite systemic.”“If you look at every area of the bank—from settlements and trade support to trading, accounting, risk management, compliance, and even the board of directors—nobody was asking the difficult questions or checking the things they should have been.”Leeson went rogue in the early 1990s, and since then, the trading infrastructure has undergone dramatic changes towards digitalisation. Although there are still gaps in the industry, he believes that risk management in financial institutions has matured significantly.“If you look at the financial world over the past five years, you still see failures—Macquarie Bank, FTX, Credit Suisse, which no longer exists. So, there are still problems within the industry, though mostly in niche areas.”The notoriety of Leeson was even resurrected in a movie titled “Rogue Trader”, which is based on his autobiography.“I’m Not Afraid to Ask Difficult Questions”He has now switched sides and joined Hedgx as an advisor. Founded by Domantas Mocevicius and Tahsin Haykal, who took the roles of Managing Directors, the company provides outsourced risk and dealing-desk infrastructure to forex and CFD brokers, as well as prop-trading firms.As a Non-Executive Advisor, Leeson will focus on Hedgx’s risk governance and strategic development.“It’s a very minor role at the moment,” Leeson said about his role at Hedgx. “There’ll be some involvement in business development, and of course, I’ll be looking at risk management—but I’m not getting involved in trading; I have no interest in that.”He elaborated that his focus in the company will be on risk management practices, how those areas are managed, and observing the business flow. “I’m not afraid to ask difficult questions,” he stressed. “If I see something I’m not comfortable with, I’ll raise it.”Hedgx believes that Leeson will strengthen its internal controls and public credibility.“Over the years, nobody has really found a 'golden bullet' solution that fixes everything,” Leeson stressed while explaining the risk management of the retail trading industry. “There will always be issues. You’ll always have people trying to scam or gain an unfair advantage.”“If you look back, even prime brokers and high-net-worth individuals used CFD brokers to get around certain rules or hide positions,” he added. “It happens, and I know some of those people personally—there’s nothing inherently wrong with it; it’s just part of how the system operates.”Mocevicius pointed out that small brokers often try to bring as much flow and as many clients as possible, and it is a major challenge for them. “They sometimes end up offering products or services they’re not fully prepared or equipped to handle,” he said. “A good example is the number of brokers now offering swap-free gold accounts. That’s ended up costing both large and small brokers a significant amount of money.”He also pointed out that even though smaller brokers have risk engines sourced from major bridge providers, they lack the expertise to utilise them properly. “Smaller brokers typically get much less favourable liquidity deals compared to large ones—their conditions are worse, the slippage from LPs is higher, and spreads are less competitive,” he continued. “All these inefficiencies—1% or 2% here and there—accumulate across the business.”Hedgx is also targeting prop trading firms, an industry struggling with risk management measures. According to Finance Magnates Intelligence, between 80 and 100 prop trading brands shut down in 2024. Although the reason behind those closures remains unknown, it can be assumed that risk management played a significant role.“Most of these prop firms don’t have an adequate risk management team,” said Haykal. “That’s mainly because of the background and experience of the people running them.”“Many of them come from affiliate marketing or social media—they know how to attract users and build visibility, but after that point, it’s like a rollercoaster. They don’t really understand what proper risk management means.”Mocevicius also pointed out that prop-centric risk management tools built into most CRMs have limited capabilities and primarily monitor two things: hedging traders, someone who might buy two challenges and take opposing positions on each, and IP tracking, which is used to detect account sharing.“AI Might Tell Me How Fantastic I Am”Meanwhile, many companies and technology providers swear by AI-based solutions, even in risk management. While these solutions definitely bring value, Leeson believes that “there always has to be human oversight.”“When you rely too heavily on anything—whether it’s an individual doing their job correctly or a piece of AI performing a task—there’s always the risk of failure,” he said. “You need expertise and human supervision to ensure everything is as safe and robust as possible.”“If you see something unusual, you need to ask the tough questions, and I’m not sure AI can do that… it might end up telling me how fantastic I am.”“There should always be a layer of scrutiny and oversight on top of any system, no matter how advanced it is,” he continued.In the Nick Leeson silks... pic.twitter.com/y556uodUUs— David Johnson (@davidjohnsonTF) October 29, 2025Indeed, there were many technology-driven trading desks, including high-frequency trading firms, which had software glitches, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars. Leeson even pointed out the case of JPMorgan’s Alpha Fund, one of their top-performing funds at the time, which malfunctioned badly.“It’s unrealistic to think that those further down the chain—the smaller firms and less experienced players—are somehow getting everything right. They’re not,” Leeson said. “They often lack the experience and expertise needed to manage those kinds of risks effectively.”When asked about the role of regulators around risk management, Leeson said that he has always believed that “it’s incumbent on the firm itself to have the strongest, most robust set of rules, policies, and controls possible.”“Regulators will always be there to provide the tramlines you need to operate within and to ensure compliance, but they won’t keep your business safe,” he added. “Relying on a regulator is dangerous—they’re always behind the curve, slow to react, and constantly trying to catch up.”Gold Trades “Very Different Today”During his trading days, Leeson mostly traded Nikkei 225 stock index futures and options. Now, however, many traders are chasing the volatility of new assets, such as cryptocurrencies. Although Bitcoin has attracted the attention of institutions, there are thousands of other smaller tokens, including those promoted by celebrities, sports personalities, and even the President and First Lady of the United States.“I’m very old, and my view is that Bitcoin will survive,” Leeson said, when asked about the future of cryptocurrencies. “I’m less certain about the others.”“There are so many pump-and-dump schemes out there—it’s quite shocking when you look under the surface of the industry. That kind of manipulation has existed for decades; people have been pumping and dumping stocks since I started in the market, and it still happens on smaller exchanges. It’s unpleasant, but I do believe Bitcoin is here for the long haul.”However, he clarified that he does not hold Bitcoin or Ethereum.Another popular asset in the current market that Leeson is familiar with is gold. The yellow metal recently peaked at around $4,300 only to correct from that level. Leeson pointed out that he “grew up in a market where gold traded between $250 and, at most, around $900.”“Gold remains a store of value, but the way it trades today is very different from how it traded in the past,” he continued. “Brokers need to adapt to this faster pace. The market moves extremely quickly now—the bid-offer spreads aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Six or seven months ago, you might move ten cents in 20 seconds; now, a dollar can move in a single second.”“That creates unique challenges, especially when hedging. The market can move so fast that it’s difficult to respond in real time.” This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading.com has appointed Katerina Michael as Regulatory Officer for Global Licensing and Compliance. Michael joins from IG Group, where she spent nearly three years handling regulatory compliance and risk management.The hire reflects Trading.com's push to strengthen its compliance infrastructure as the broker seeks licenses in additional markets. Michael will oversee cross-jurisdictional licensing processes and ensure the company meets regulatory requirements across its operating territories.Trading.com Appoints Ex-IG Compliance Officer Amid Regulatory PushMichael brings six years of financial services experience to the position, including roles at multiple Cyprus-based trading firms. At IG Group's Brightpool Ltd subsidiary, she worked as a Regulatory Compliance and Risk Executive from May 2023 through November 2025. Her responsibilities included market abuse detection, MiFID II reporting compliance, and EMIR regulatory submissions.“This role allows me to further develop my expertise in regulatory affairs, focusing on cross-jurisdictional licensing, compliance governance, and alignment with evolving global frameworks,” Michael commented.Before joining IG Group, Michael served as a dealer in contracts for difference and turbo warrants at several brokerage firms, including TOPFX Ltd and GT Group. She holds CySEC Advanced and Anti-Money Laundering certifications and is currently pursuing anti-fraud credentials through ACAMS.The move comes a month after IG Group onboarded David Perry, the co-founder of the now-collapsed crypto platform Ziglu, as the new Group Chief Technology Officer.Regulatory Pressures Mount for BrokersThe appointment comes as European retail trading platforms face tighter oversight from national regulators. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has increased scrutiny of CFD brokers based in the country, requiring more detailed compliance reporting and stronger internal controls.Trading.com, which operates under multiple regulatory licenses, has been working to expand its geographic footprint. The company needs to navigate varying compliance requirements across jurisdictions, including capital adequacy rules, client fund protection standards, and marketing restrictions.Michael described the role as an opportunity to develop expertise in regulatory affairs within what she called "a highly dynamic regulatory landscape." The broker did not disclose details about specific markets where it plans to seek additional licenses.For example, OnePrime hired former Deutsche Bank senior executive Mark Glover as a financial controller last week, while ICM.com veteran Wassim Anastasiou moved to Traze, a licensed broker in the United Arab Emirates. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Global multi-asset broker Tickmill has been awarded Broker of the Year (LATAM) at the annual Finance Magnates Awards. The win represents a milestone in Tickmill’s expansion across Latin America, a region that remains central to its growth strategy. The award follows a series of targeted moves in the region, including the recent appointment of Brunno Huertas as Regional Manager for LATAM. A seasoned executive with experience leading regional commercial teams, Huertas now oversees Tickmill’s operations and IB partner relationships across Latin America.“The award reflects the hard work we’ve put into understanding the LATAM market, investing in the right talent, and building meaningful relationships with our traders and partners,” said Huertas. “This region has huge potential, and we’re only just getting started.”Tickmill continues to focus on meeting the needs of local traders who seek a platform that offers competitive pricing, strong infrastructure, and dedicated on-the-ground support. Tickmill’s reputation for tight spreads, low commissions, and transparency has helped it stand out in an increasingly competitive space.The broker also recently earned global recognition at the 2025 ForexBrokers.com Awards, achieving Best in Class in Commissions & Fees. Its momentum in Latin America reflects a broader commitment to delivering localised value through education, partner enablement, and dedicated campaigns connecting with its audience - all supported by Tickmill’s award-winning infrastructure.About TickmillTickmill has established itself as a leading provider of online trading services on a global scale since its inception in 2014. With regulation from leading regulatory authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, and recognition from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as a Representative Office, Tickmill prioritises the safety of client funds while upholding the highest standards of transparency and integrity.Composed of seasoned traders with decades of collective experience dating back to the 1980s, the Tickmill team brings a wealth of expertise to the table, having navigated various major financial markets from Asia to North America.For more information, visit https://www.tickmill.com This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Eightcap is back in the prop space with a new product that allows traders to choose their timeframe, stake, and reward multiplier. This is in addition to the relaunch of Phase 1 and Phase 2 challenges. Day Trader Challenges are ideal for traders who want high focus and short trading sessions, without long evaluations or restrictive requirements. Challenges are built for traders who trade the open or close, use pairs, gaps, or other core intraday strategies. Melbourne, Australia, 17th November: Eightcap, a global derivatives provider, is back in the prop space with a new product built specifically with day traders in mind. The broker has launched Day Trader Challenges, a new way for traders to experience fast and customisable prop trading challenges. The launch marks Eightcap’s return to the prop trading industry after a period of industry turbulence associated with overhyped “get rich quick” schemes that distorted trader expectations. In that time, Eightcap spoke directly with experienced traders, from open and close specialists to gap, intraday, breakout, scalpers and pair traders, so that they could create challenges built for traders, by traders. Unlike standard trading challenges that require multiple days or even weeks to complete, Day Trader Challenges are built for instant action. These challenges are ideal for traders who want high focus, short sessions without long evaluations or restrictive requirements. “Day Trader Challenges were born from real conversations with the trading community,” said Adam Bock, Head of Eightcap Tradesim. “We wanted to create something grounded in skill, not hype and something that put traders back in control of their own trading experience. Day Trader Challenges are the answer to that; the challenges are designed to teach, test, and reward all within a few hours.” Designed for active and aspiring prop traders seeking fast-paced, skill-based challenges, Day Trader Challenges allow traders to set their own stake and trading duration, from as little as 1 hour. Traders will be able to choose their:Duration: 1, 2, 4, or 8-hour sessions.Stake: From $5 Reward Multiplier: 2x, 5x, or 10x potential payout.Day Trader Challenges are accessible to traders via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as through TradeLocker.Each challenge adapts dynamically to the trader’s choices. For example, shorter timeframes and higher multipliers increase the difficulty, while longer sessions and lower multipliers offer a more balanced experience. Challenges start within 10 minutes of purchase, giving traders immediate access to a fast-paced, skill-based experience.Key Benefits:Customisation & Control: Choose your investment, timeframe, and reward multiplier for a tailored prop challenge experience.Speed: Complete challenges within hours and earn payouts on the same day.Learning Focus: Practice real strategies in a simulated environment that mirrors live market conditions.Accessible Entry: Start from as little as $5.Adam Bock continued, “Our goal with Day Trading Challenges is to make trading education both more engaging and accessible to anyone looking to sharpen their skills,” added Bock. “We’ve taken the traditional trading challenge model and reimagined it for speed and flexibility.”About Eightcap:Founded in 2015, Eightcap is a multi-regulated Australian fintech company providing a full suite of derivative products across traditional and digital asset markets. With regulatory licenses in the UK (FCA), Australia (ASIC), the Bahamas (SCB), Cyprus (CySEC), the UAE (MENA) , and Seychelles (FSA). Eightcap serves both B2C and B2B clients through its trading solutions. Recognised as the Best Global CFD Broker by TradingView in 2024 and with a global team of over 300, Eightcap is focused on providing exceptional trading solutions for modern traders. From award-winning derivatives brokerage to customised trading solutions for businesses and enterprises. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

This week in the financial markets was controversial as Gold has rallied, while stock indices have failed to sustain the upward momentum. The government shutdown in the US was lifted, but US inflation data was not published yet, so there was not enough bullish sentiment to continue driving markets higher.Markets were rattled on Thursday as investor sentiment abruptly shifted toward caution, sparking a sharp pullback in many of the year’s strongest stocks and intensifying the ongoing decline in cryptocurrencies. The S&P 500 dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq 100, dominated by tech names, fell by 2%.Bitcoin had slid below $97, and the sentiment for Gold had cooled down later on Thursday as well. Probabilities of FED”s rate cut in December have cooled down, having reached equilibrium, as more traders doubt about the rate cut amid absence of reliable inflation data. Yields of 30-year bonds held steady at 4.7% level as demand for safe havens diminished amid improving market sentiment.At the same time, the improvement of a market sentiment was temporary - market breadth for the US stock market keeps at a relatively low level, indicating insatiable speculative demand, fueling mostly AI-related stocks, while other sectors struggle to gain the momentum.A key driver of Thursday’s turbulence was the growing uncertainty around the Fed’s next policy move. The central bank is navigating a difficult mix: inflation remains uncomfortably high, while labor-market indicators point to a gradual loss of momentum. Under normal conditions, policymakers would lean on a steady flow of economic data to calibrate their stance — but the record-long government shutdown has disrupted that process. With several major reports delayed or canceled, the Fed is effectively operating with limited visibility, amplifying market nervousness and widening the range of possible outcomes.Now let’s switch to the technical picture for Gold and Nasdaq and try to understand the possible development of the situation for both markets.XAUUSDGold had retraced from the local peak having been pushed down by the jittering markets across the board. The next possible support is located at around $4000 area - between 20 and 50 moving averages. Volume has been growing for GC futures, according to the CMEgroup’s statistics, so either bearish and bullish pullbacks might be volatile.Absence of macro economic drives amid government shutdown creates uncertainty about inflation and other economic metrics in the US, so the asset is expected to trade technically staying within a trading range.NasdaqNasdaq is being pushed down, driven by raising concerns about valuations of AI companies despite strong earnings from NVDA and other giants. Volatility (VIX) stays near 20 but the hard landing for Nasdaq might boost it and lead to another several days of bearish rally as shown at the chart. According to statistical studies, bearish swings for Nasdaq rarely last for more than 19-20 days, so if it continues to move down, it might reverse in 5-10 days at the statistic support level, as shown at the chart. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Swissquote chairman Markus Dennler to step downThis week added a new round of executive shifts across the industry. Dr Markus Dennler will step down as Swissquote’s chairperson at the end of his current term, as he will reach the company’s age limit in 2026. He will not stand for re-election at the upcoming annual general meeting.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!Swissquote’s board proposed Hans-Rudolf Köng as the next chairman. Köng joined the board in May 2025. Dr Dennler has served on the board since 2005 and has held the chairmanship since 2019, succeeding Mario Fontana.Learn more about the new leadership changes at Swissquote.Traze hires ICM.com veteran as MENA DirectorAt the same time, Traze, a licensed broker in the United Arab Emirates, appointed Wassim Anastasiou as its Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.Anastasiou previously spent almost ten years at ICM.com, progressing from client services roles to senior operational positions. He joined Traze after serving as Director of Operations and Senior Executive Officer at ICM.com.Show more about Traze's new hire for the role of MENA Director.Scope Markets appoints Jo Rosinska as brand managerAt the same time, Scope Markets appointed Jo Rosinska as Brand Manager. The move adds another experienced hire as parent company Rostro Group continues strengthening leadership across its portfolio of businesses.Rosinska joined from Capital.com, where she served as Brand Manager for seven months earlier this year. Before that, she was Senior Marketing Campaign Manager at StoneX Group. Learn more about Scope Markets' onboarding of Jo Rosinska as brand manager.CMC Markets fills UK CFO roleAlso this week, CMC Markets appointed Asia Pacific CFO John Cubbin as the new Chief Financial Officer of its two UK entities, CMC Markets UK and CMC Spreadbet. His appointment fills the position left vacant after the departure of former CFO Albert Soleiman nine months earlier.While Cubbin has stepped into the UK CFO role, it is not yet confirmed whether he will also assume the Group CFO position previously held by Soleiman. Disclose more about CMC Markets' filling of UK CFO position.easyMarkets names new Chief Risk OfficerAnother leadership change came from easyMarkets, where Giannis Nikola was appointed as the Chief Risk Officer. Nikola joined from FinPros in Limassol, Cyprus, where he spent about a year as Chief Trading Risk Manager, managing risk and implementing KPIs.Prior to that, he spent nearly five years at CMTrading in Limassol, serving as Chief Dealer for around two years and Head of Dealing for almost three years, overseeing trading operations and brokerage functions.Discover more about easyMarkets' new appointment of Giannis Nikola as the Chief Risk Officer.Doo Group’s risk head joins FXGlobe.comMeanwhile, Reginald Sherekete, formerly the Head of Risk at Doo Group, joined FXGlobe.com — an offshore forex and CFD broker registered in Vanuatu — as Chief Risk Officer.The move came as D Prime, the retail and institutional brokerage arm of Doo Group, appears to be vacating its Limassol office. According to an employee who earlier spoke with FinanceMagnates.com, staff were recently informed that the broker intends to leave the premises within two weeks.Highlight more about Doo Group's recent hire of Head of Risk.Amana rehires IG’s Mohamed Ouerghi as Sales DirectorMohamed Ouerghi returned to Amana to lead its sales division, following a period at IG Group. His return marks a full-circle moment in his career within the Middle East’s FX and CFDs market.Ouerghi initially joined Amana in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Sales in Lebanon, a role he held until 2021. He brings extensive experience in forex and CFDs, having previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Sales Trader at FXCM.Disclose more about Amana's reappointment of Mohamed Ouerghi as Sales Director.Hong Kong’s SFC reappoints CEO Julia Leung as reforms advanceLastly, Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission reappointed Julia Leung as Chief Executive Officer for another two-year term beginning 1 January 2026. Her current term ends on 31 December 2025.The regulator noted Leung’s work over the past three years, including her engagement with industry stakeholders and efforts to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre. Learn more about SFC's reappointment of CEO Julia Leung. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Pepperstone decries daily battles with scam sitesWhat do you do when every morning brings a new clone of your company—same name, same look, same traps? For Pepperstone, this has become a daily reality.This week, the brokerage's Group CEO, Tamas Szabo, said the company is forced to take down scam websites and fake social media accounts impersonating the firm almost every day.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!Szabo criticized domain registrars for failing to curb the problem, suggesting that some may be allowing illegal activities by approving deceptive registrations.FCA flags CFD firmsMeanwhile, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority warned Contracts for Difference providers after a review found that some firms failed to meet the standards set under the Consumer Duty. Introduced in July 2023, the duty sets higher expectations for consumer protection across financial services.Mark Francis, FCA director of sell-side markets, said the Consumer Duty “raises the bar for consumer protection across financial services and CFD providers must meet those standards.”Asia’s fragmented markets and the need for localizationIn a continent as vast as Asia, localization is becoming key for brokers. In an interview with Finance Magnates during the iFX Expo Asia, ATFX’s Chief Commercial Officer, Siju Daniel, noted that Asia consists of very different markets, despite the company’s presence in the region.Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director of ATFX Connect, highlighted that the group has 24 offices worldwide, with Connect operating in nine, giving the firm a strong understanding of local markets. Daniel stressed that localization goes beyond AI-translated websites, requiring a deep understanding of market behaviors. He explained that opportunities vary across countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.Exness opens regional hub in Cape TownStill on global expansion, Exness expanded its South African footprint by opening a new office in Cape Town, which will function as the CFD broker’s regional hub. The move marked a further commitment to the market as the company grows its presence in the country. According to the broker, the Cape Town office will serve as the central base for its operations in South Africa and the wider Sub-Saharan Africa region. Exness currently holds local regulatory licenses in both South Africa and Kenya, supporting its operations across continental Africa.XTB captured 80% of new Polish accountsAt the same time, XTB opened 58,300 new brokerage accounts in Poland in October, representing more than half of the firm’s global client growth for the month in which it reported adding over 100,000 users worldwide.The strong October results brought XTB’s total number of Polish accounts to 716,200, keeping it well ahead of competitors in a month that saw 71,700 new accounts added across the market.Why CFD brokers are rethinking funding for instant paymentsFast markets require fast funding and investment platforms are paying attention. News now moves in real time, stock prices react within seconds, and many digital-native investors no longer accept multi-day waits to transfer funds. This shift has made fast money movement a practical requirement rather than a convenience. For investment platforms, rising competition and higher user expectations make funding delays increasingly out of step with the seamless digital experiences users expect. Instant payments also produce valuable data, giving brokers, prop firms, and trading platforms both operational insights and opportunities to enhance user experience.eToro posts 48% annual profit jump in Q3In numbers this week, eToro reported a 48% year-over-year increase in net income for the third quarter, but its sequential growth slowed, with net contribution rising only 2.4% from the previous quarter. The company’s shares rose 9% in premarket trading following the release of the results.For the three months ended September 30, eToro posted a net contribution of $215 million, up from $210 million in Q2. Net income came in at $57 million, compared with $30.2 million in the previous quarter, although Q2 figures included $15 million in IPO-related costs that affected the comparison.Interestingly, eToro CEO Yoni Assia said during the Monday’s Q3 earnings call that eToro is in talks with Kalshi and Polymarket about potentially adding event contracts to its platform.Every prop trading design choice carries risksIn the prop trading space, David Davtyan, CEO of Arizet Labs, told FinanceMagnates.com that in prop trading, risk begins much earlier than many realize — right from the way the evaluation product is designed. “The rules, the instruments offered, and the trading experience all form part of the overall risk structure,” he explained.Another firm gone, @karmaproptrader...Website no longer operating, Discord chats are closed. Drop your thoughts in comments ? pic.twitter.com/MS4JViTegP— TheTrustedProp (@TheTrustedProp) August 11, 2024He added that every design decision, from daily drawdown limits to maximum loss thresholds and moving high-water marks, introduces a corresponding risk that must be managed. Arizet Labs focuses on providing prop firms with risk management solutions and is among the few platforms offering real-time account monitoring, including equity, drawdown, and rule enforcement, all processed instantly.UK tightens stablecoin rulesIn the UK, the Bank of England is maintaining its plan to cap how much stablecoin individuals can hold, arguing that the restrictions are intended to reduce financial-stability risks from large and sudden outflows. Critics, however, say the central bank should recognise the limits of such measures when attempting to safeguard the traditional monetary system.Alongside the proposed holding limits, UK stablecoin issuers will be required to keep 40% of the assets backing their tokens in non-interest-bearing accounts at the Bank of England.Polymarket reopens to US usersAnd in the latest in the prediction markets, Polymarket begun allowing a limited group of US users to place real-money bets as it tests its American exchange ahead of a planned full reopening next month. The soft launch marks Polymarket’s first US activity since 2022, when it exited the country after receiving a $1.4 million CFTC fine for operating without the required licenses. clearinghouse.Why CME is teaming up with sports bettorsStill with the prediction markets, the prediction markets app is designed to attract sports bettors in states that still prohibit online wagering, while also giving users the ability to trade on financial indicators. It positions itself as a crossover product for audiences interested in both sports outcomes and market-linked events.CME Group and FanDuel plan to debut a prediction markets platform in December, bringing together the Chicago-based derivatives exchange and North America’s largest online gambling operator. The collaboration will offer event contracts priced from one cent per trade, reflecting an effort to narrow the divide between traditional derivatives trading and sports betting.SoftBank dumps Nvidia as AI rally waversOutside the industry, SoftBank sold its entire 32.1 million-share stake in Nvidia in October, generating about $5.83 billion, according to details released with its quarterly results. The disposal aligns with reports that founder Masayoshi Son is preparing a major investment of roughly $22.5 billion in OpenAI. The company has been reshaping its balance sheet to support this strategy amid growing debate over whether AI valuations are overheating.“Going quiet”: Warren Buffett signs offLastly, Warren Buffett says he will retire at the end of the year and plans to accelerate his philanthropic efforts. After decades of annual letters, media appearances, and steady leadership at Berkshire Hathaway, he has indicated he intends to step back and “go quiet.”WARREN BUFFETT JUST SENT WHAT COULD BE HIS LAST MESSAGE TO BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY $BRK.B SHAREHOLDERS AS CEO OF THE COMPANYHere is the full and entire 8 page press release Warren Buffett just released ⬇️⬇️To My Fellow Shareholders: I will no longer be writing Berkshire’s… pic.twitter.com/4KVMGLxqIv— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) November 10, 2025Buffett has long been a defining voice in U.S. investing, with his shareholder letters, television interviews, and annual meetings in Omaha shaping market sentiment and corporate culture. His departure marks the end of an era in which his commentary and management approach played an outsized role in guiding investor expectations. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Hong Kong’s markets regulator reappointed Julia Leung as Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for another two years starting 1 January 2026. Her current term ends on 31 December 2025.The SFC said Leung’s renewed mandate will support ongoing reforms and ensure operational continuity during a period of global market uncertainty.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood at London’s leading trading industry event!SFC Extends Leadership to Maintain MomentumThe regulator highlighted her work over the past three years, noting her engagement with local and international industry stakeholders and her role in reinforcing Hong Kong’s financial center status. Leung’s new mandate arrives as the SFC pushes ahead with market development plans and regulatory reforms.The regulator noted that her first term involved steady engagement with local and international financial players, as well as a consistent focus on governance standards. The SFC added that her approach helped reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an international financial center.Her first term began on 1 January 2023 and will conclude on 31 December 2025, making the new appointment a direct extension aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operational oversight.The SFC framed the decision as essential for maintaining long-term continuity while advancing reforms across the regulatory landscape. The renewed mandate gives Leung the opportunity to continue shaping key market initiatives during a period of ongoing global financial change.You may also find interesting: KB Securities Taps TipRanks to Bring Global Market Data to Korean TradersHong Kong Streamlines RegulationsHong Kong regulator has taken many steps to protect investors amid reportedly heightened cases of phishing scams in the country, involving fraudsters impersonating licensed brokers through deceptive text messages containing links to fake websites. The SFC recently urged the public not to click on any SMS links claiming to be from brokers and to verify all communications directly with the firms involved. The SFC instructed all licensed firms to stop sending electronic messages that include clickable links for transactions or data entry.Hong Kong also plans to ease regulations and launch a tokenization pilot scheme to support digital asset trading and investment, government officials announced on Monday. The move comes as part of broader regulatory efforts, following similar steps by other authorities to relax rules on tokenization. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitcoin (BTC) price crashed to $95,722 on Friday, November 14, 2025, marking a six-month low and representing a 24% decline from its October all-time high of $126,296. The sharp selloff accelerated as optimism from the U.S. government reopening faded and December Federal Reserve rate cut odds collapsed from 97% to just 52%, triggering over $1.3 billion in forced liquidations across cryptocurrency markets.In this article, I answer the question why Bitcoin is falling, how low can BTC price go and why the newest Bitcoin price prediction suggests that we may witness another 30% collapse.Why Bitcoin Is Going Down? Government Relief Fades as Rate Cut Hopes CrumbleBitcoin's descent accelerated after Tuesday's brief rally above $107,000 failed to hold, with the cryptocurrency now down nearly 9% week-to-date despite momentarily reclaiming that level earlier this week. The broader decline mirrors weakness across growth-sensitive assets as traders reassess the macroeconomic landscape following diminished expectations for monetary easing."Bitcoin's sharp decline accelerated as relief from the U.S. government reopening faded and the odds of a December rate cut fell sharply," explains Samer Hasn, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com. "The token is effectively mirroring the drawdown in stock market and other growth-sensitive assets, with deleveraging pushing long liquidations higher and reducing buyers' willingness to defend key levels."This combination creates an environment where shorts take control more easily, leaving prices vulnerable to sharper downside pressure. Bitcoin opened Friday's session at $99,610 before plunging to an intraday low of $94,456, with the day's high barely touching $99,836.$100K Breakdown Signals Bear ControlThe psychological $100,000 level has proven critical in determining near-term market direction. Arkadiusz Jóżwiak, Editor-in-Chief at Comparic.pl, warns that the breakdown below this threshold sends a clear message about shifting market dynamics.“Breaking below $100,000 is a clear signal that bears are taking control, at least in the short term. At this point we have support ahead at $94-92K, and if this gets broken, then there's a risk of further, much deeper depreciation toward April lows around $74,000,” Jóźwiak predicted. “In the long term, however, I remain a bull and assume that even if Bitcoin drops that low, or lower, it will ultimately bounce back and return to ATH and higher.”The $94,000-$92,000 support zone represents the next critical battleground for Bitcoin bulls. If this level fails to hold, technical analysts warn of significantly deeper depreciation toward April's lows around $74,000, a scenario that would represent roughly a 50% correction from recent peaks.​ It also coincides with my own previous Bitcoin price analysis based on the Fibonacci extensions.Market data reveals Bitcoin's 50-week exponential moving average currently intersects at $101,285, a level the cryptocurrency must reclaim with a weekly close to preserve its bullish market structure. Trading at $95,722, Bitcoin would need to surge over 6.8% just to regain this technical threshold.Bitcoin Price Prediction: 30% Crash Warning from Technical AnalystTraderJonesy, a technical analyst from X, has issued a stark warning about Bitcoin's trajectory, predicting a 30% crash that "nobody sees coming". His SuperTrend indicator flipped red near $117,000 in mid-August, successfully calling the entire decline and avoiding the massive drawdown that followed."Bitcoin is about to crash 30% and nobody sees it," TraderJonesy declared, pointing to a structure of lower highs and lower lows that's "about to flush below $100K". His system identifies the next major buy zone near the 200-week moving average around $70,000, suggesting significant downside remains before accumulation opportunities emerge.#Bitcoin is about to crash 30% and nobody sees it.I’ve been bearish on Bitcoin since August 16th, when my SuperTrend flipped red near $117,000. Structure remains the same with lower highs, lower lows and a setup that’s about to flush below $100K.The Moonboys still think the… https://t.co/iesXp9WDFF pic.twitter.com/goaZYZTC9x— TraderJonesy (@TraderJonesy) November 12, 2025The analyst dismisses optimism surrounding government stimulus or traditional four-year cycles as false hope. "The Moonboys still think the government reopening or stimulus talk is going to save crypto. They think the four-year cycle is magically different this time. It's not," he stated. His trend signals remain bearish, with tools that have been red since $117,000 now pointing toward the $70,000 region as the ultimate target.Critical BTC Support Levels to WatchTechnical analysis reveals several key price zones that will determine whether Bitcoin stabilizes or continues its descent toward deeper support levels:Resistance levels: $100,000-$101,285 (psychological barrier and 50-week EMA), $107,000 (Tuesday's failed breakout), $117,000 (August SuperTrend flip zone)Support levels: $94,000-$92,000 (immediate critical support), $88,772 (mid-term technical floor), $74,000 (April 2025 lows), $70,000 (200-week MA and TraderJonesy's ultimate target)Analyst Rekt Capital notes that Bitcoin has formed clusters of lower lows at the 50-week EMA region over the past six weeks following its rejection above $126,000 in October. While this pattern has historically preceded notable Bitcoin price gains—similar formations between June-September 2024 eventually led to moves from $51,000 to above $107,000—the near-term technical picture remains decidedly bearish.Market Outlook and Recovery ScenariosDespite the carnage, Bitcoin remains up approximately 4-5% year-to-date and has surged 28.6% over the past 12 months from $74,421—though these gains pale compared to the recent 24% collapse from all-time highs. The cryptocurrency's year-low sits at $74,421, a level that now represents major downside risk if current support zones fail.The path forward depends heavily on several factors: whether the Federal Reserve delivers a December rate cut, how quickly Bitcoin can reclaim the psychological $100,000 level, and whether institutional buyers return after the recent $870 million in ETF outflows. Arkadiusz Jóżwiak maintains a long-term bullish stance despite near-term bearishness, suggesting that even a drop to $74,000 or lower would ultimately reverse with Bitcoin returning to all-time highs and beyond.However, in the immediate term, momentum clearly favors sellers. Bitcoin needs to establish higher lows and reclaim key moving averages to shift sentiment, while failure at current levels opens the door to TraderJonesy's $70,000 target, a scenario that would inflict devastating losses on leveraged long positions and test the resolve of even long-term holders.Bitcoin Price Analysis, FAQWhy is BTC price down today?Bitcoin crashed to $95,722 on November 14, 2025, down 3.9% on the day and nearly 9% week-to-date, as optimism from the U.S. government reopening faded and December Fed rate cut odds collapsed from 97% to 52%. Can Bitcoin drop below $90K?Yes. Bitcoin dropping below $90,000 is a realistic possibility if current support at $94,000-$92,000 fails to hold. Technical analysts warn that breakdown below this zone opens the door to much deeper declines toward April's lows around $74,000, with TraderJonesy's SuperTrend system targeting the 200-week moving average near $70,000. Is this the start of a Bitcoin crash?Yes. Bitcoin has already experienced a significant crash, plunging 24% from its October all-time high of $126,296 to $95,722, a six-month low. Technical analyst TraderJonesy warns of an additional 30% decline to $70,000, stating "Bitcoin is about to crash 30% and nobody sees it" based on his SuperTrend indicator that flipped red at $117,000 in August. What's the BTC price forecast for 2025?Bitcoin price forecasts for 2025 vary dramatically based on near-term technical outcomes. In the short term, analysts identify critical support at $94,000-$92,000, with breakdown scenarios targeting $88,772, then $74,000 (April lows), and ultimately $70,000 according to TraderJonesy's 200-week MA projection. For recovery scenarios, Bitcoin must reclaim $100,000-$101,285 (the 50-week EMA) to preserve bullish market structure and potentially challenge the October all-time high of $126,296. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Alibaba’s cross-border e-commerce unit is reportedly working on a deposit token amid China’s regulatory crackdown on stablecoins, CNBC reported. Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25The report comes after Chinese tech firms, including Ant Group and JD.com, paused their HongKong stablecoin plans following guidance from mainland regulators over concerns about private control of currency‑like instruments.Alibaba Follows JPMorgan with Deposit TokenAlibaba president Kuo Zhang told CNBC that the company plans to use stablecoin-like technology to streamline overseas transactions. The deposit token under consideration is a blockchain-based instrument representing a direct claim on commercial bank deposits and is treated as a regulated liability of the issuing bank.China Tightens Crypto Rules as Tokens GrowTraditional stablecoins are issued by private entities and backed by assets to maintain value. Alibaba’s move follows a report that JPMorgan Chase rolled out its deposit token to institutional clients earlier this week.In late September, a Caixin report suggested Chinese firms in HongKong could face restrictions on cryptocurrency activities, including limits on mainland investments in crypto and crypto exchanges. The report was later removed. Earlier, in August, authorities instructed local firms to stop publishing research and holding seminars on stablecoins, citing concerns that these tokens could facilitate fraud.? LATEST: Alibaba Group is planning to roll out AI-subscription services and stable-coin-style payments with JPMorgan Chase backing.Tokenization is going mainstream. pic.twitter.com/laDH4EHE7Q— Real World Asset Watchlist (@RWAwatchlist_) November 14, 2025Offshore Yuan Stablecoins Target Foreign MarketsDespite restrictions on the mainland, Chinese entities have maintained some involvement in stablecoins abroad. In July, blockchain firm Conflux introduced a new stablecoin backed by offshore Chinese yuan for overseas entities and countries linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. A regulated stablecoin tied to the international version of the yuan also launched in late September, targeting foreign exchange markets. Joshua Chu, co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association, said, “China is unlikely to issue stablecoins onshore.” This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

KB Securities signed a partnership agreement with TipRanks to integrate global investment analytics into its trading platforms, a move that reflects growing demand among Korean investors for overseas market data.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!According to the Korean broker, the deal allows it to use TipRanks’ data, which compiles research and market signals from analysts, bloggers, and institutional investors in major markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, and Singapore. The memorandum of understanding was signed at KB Securities’ headquarters in Seoul.Partnership Targets AI-Driven Investment ToolsTipRanks currently supplies information to more than one hundred financial institutions worldwide. The brokerage signed an agreement with TipRanks to bring international investment data and AI-driven insights into its digital platforms.The deal gives KB Securities access to TipRanks’ analytics, which aggregate and visualize information from analysts, bloggers, and institutional investors across markets such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and Singapore. TipRanks already supplies data to more than one hundred financial institutions globally.You may also like: FTMO's Parent Netted Over $62 Million on $329M Revenue in 2024“Our partnership with KB Securities will enable us to deliver TipRanks’ powerful datasets, including global analyst-reports, Smart Score analytics, and AI-driven insights, directly through KB’s platforms (‘KB M-able’ for mobile and ‘M-able Wide’ for web) to Korean investors, commented TipRanks’ CEO Uri Gruenbaum.Integration Into KB M-able BeginsKB Securities will integrate TipRanks’ tools—including analyst reports, corporate analysis updates, and stock scoring features—into its mobile trading system KB M-able and the web-based M-able Wide. The company said the rollout will occur in phases to ensure a smooth transition for users.The brokerage views the partnership as the first step toward a broader strategy focused on global financial data and AI. It plans to expand its network of international data providers to strengthen services for clients who trade overseas equities.CEO Hong-Goo Lee said the market’s rapid pace requires trustworthy information. He noted, “Accurate and transparent information is essential to earning customer trust. Through this partnership, we will help our clients access tailored insights comparable to those available to local investors in global markets.” This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The parent company of FTMO, which holds its prop business along with real estate units, closed 2024 with a revenue of CZK 6.84 billion (about USD 329 million based on the mid-market rate of 14 November 2025), which was 53 per cent higher than the previous year. The holding company netted CZK 1.3 billion (around USD 62.5 million).Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!In comparison, the prop business of FTMO generated almost CZK 5 billion (over USD 213 million at that time) in turnover in 2023, FinancneMagnates.com earlier reported, with an EBITDA of approximately USD 100 million.An Asset Heavy CompanyAlthough FTMO’s core business is prop trading, its two founders, Otakar Šuffner and Marek Vašíček, who own the company equally, soon made investments in real estate, now owning hotels, residential buildings and offices.The Prague-based holding company, OMHC, now shows that at the end of 2024, it held CZK 15 billion (about USD 721 million in today’s exchange rate) in total assets, which includes CZK 9.8 billion (around USD 470 million) in fixed assets. The accounting value of its building assets, based on acquisition costs, stood at CZK 1 billion (approximately USD 48 million).The consolidated figure also shows that the holding company, through its subsidiaries, held CZK 4.4 billion (almost USD 211 million) in cash at 2024 end, compared to CZK 3.4 billion (about USD 163 million today) in the previous year.Beyond Prop Trading FTMO’s expansion drive continued as the broker opened up a brokerage unit last year and then, in January this year, entered into a deal to acquire OANDA, a popular brand in the forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) brokerage industry. However, that deal is expected to be closed by the end of 2025.Although the financial terms of the OANDA acquisition remain unknown, OMHC’s latest financial filing revealed that it secured a $250 million line of credit from a syndicate of Czech banks led by UniCredit last November for the deal.Meanwhile, the prop platform has recently partnered with OANDA, outside the scope of its acquisition agreement, to re-enter the United States with its services. It has now become the only prop trading platform to offer MetaTrader 5 access in the country, which is likely due to the licensed presence of OANDA there.In September this year, Šuffner posted on socials that his firm paid out USD 450 million to prop traders over 10 years of its operations.The consolidated figure of OHMC for 2024 shows that the service of the holding company, which includes operations of the trading platform, payments to clients (payouts), and marketing services, jumped to CZK 4.11 billion (about USD 197 million) in 2024 versus CZK 2.08 billion (around USD 100 million today) in 2023. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

The ACPR and AMF have issued joint guidance for financial advisers on incorporating clients’ sustainability preferences when recommending investment products, including equities, funds, and ETFs.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!The AMF said the initiative provides practical support for professionals in sustainable finance and strives to “meet the expectations of retail investors.”Retail Sustainability Preferences Addressed in GuidanceUnder MiFID II and the Insurance Distribution Directive, advisers are required to consider sustainability criteria alongside clients’ financial profiles, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.Authorities noted that advisory processes often fall short of regulatory standards, as many clients do not provide detailed sustainability preferences. To address this, advisers may use simplified questionnaires that align with rules and present predefined sustainability options clearly. They can also propose products that closely match revised client preferences if initial choices are unavailable.The guidance aims to update advisory processes while ensuring that sustainability preferences are taken into account. It also encourages professionals to pursue training in sustainable finance.France Approves First Blockchain-Based Stock ExchangeFrance’s financial regulator, the AMF, approved operating rules for LISE SA, the country’s first stock exchange built entirely on blockchain. The platform will let small and mid-sized companies list tokenized shares for direct retail investor trading under the EU Pilot Regime. LISE combines trading and settlement on a single infrastructure, allowing real-time ownership recording on the blockchain. Retail participants must pass a knowledge test before trading. The platform targets French SMEs with market capitalizations under €200 million and imposes a €6 billion total cap. Final authorization from French banking regulators is still pending.AMF Increases Oversight Against FraudAlongside innovations like blockchain trading, the AMF continues strict enforcement against fraudulent activity. In 2024, investment scam victims lost an average of €29,500, with younger investors most affected. Enforcement actions included €26.5 million in fines, 12 disciplinary measures, and the shutdown of 181 fraudulent websites. The authority opened 56 investigations and handled over 13,000 consumer inquiries, noting that social media had become a key channel for scams and that high-profile schemes targeted retail investors through misleading promotions and unauthorized platforms. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is considering guidance for tokenized deposit insurance. The agency also plans to introduce an application process for stablecoins by the end of this year.Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25Stablecoins’ market capitalization reached $193 billion by 1 December last year, with transaction volumes of $27.1 trillion by November, nearly triple the previous year. Analysts project the sector could reach $3 trillion within five years. Excluding stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets rose over 60% to $13.5 billion, mainly in private credit and U.S. Treasurys.Regulator Signals Rules for Tokenized DepositsActing FDIC Chair Travis Hill said at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Fintech Conference that guidance on tokenized deposit insurance will eventually be released. “My view for a long time has been that a deposit is a deposit. Moving a deposit from a traditional-finance world to a blockchain or distributed-ledger world shouldn’t change the legal nature of it,” Hill said, according to Bloomberg.Regulator Sets Capital, Risk StandardsThe FDIC insures deposits at regulated banks. Hill said the agency is developing a framework for stablecoin issuance under the GENIUS Act. The regulator is working on standards for capital, reserves, and risk management. As of Friday, the stablecoin market capitalization was about $305 billion. In 2024, BlackRock launched a tokenized money market fund called BUIDL.JUST IN: ?? FDIC drafts guidance for tokenized deposit insurance to help banks expand into digital assets. pic.twitter.com/HOLc3IvckI— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) November 14, 2025UK Consultation Targets Systemic Stablecoin RiskMeanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Bank of England has opened a consultation on regulating sterling-denominated stablecoins. The framework targets tokens widely used for payments that could pose risks to financial stability. Proposed rules would require issuers to back part of their liabilities with BoE deposits and the remainder with short-term UK government debt. Limits on holdings would apply: £20,000 per coin for individuals and up to £10 million for businesses, with some exemptions. HM Treasury will designate systemically important providers, subject to BoE supervision. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

As Elon Musk soars in net worth and public profile, he finds himself facing cultural blowback from Billie Eilish and sees Jeff Bezos’s New Glenn rocket close in on his space-empire turf.Musk’s Money Mountain and the Trillionaire QuestionIt’s official: Elon Musk has hit superstar billionaire status with a net worth that suggests he's leading the race to become the world's first trillionaire. The surge in Tesla share-price, his holdings in SpaceX and other ventures propelled him into the rarified “first person ever worth $500 billion” world in early October 2025. In short: the money-ticker is out of control.Elon Musk achieved yet another major milestone Wednesday, becoming the first ever person worth $500 billion. Musk, who became the first person ever worth $400 billion or more in December, is $150 billion ahead of runner-up Larry Ellison—and half-way to becoming the world’s first… pic.twitter.com/h9LJmAvT7F— Forbes (@Forbes) October 1, 2025Much of the wealth is locked into equity, so the “cash in the bank” picture is more complex. But the headline number is hard to ignore.It’s telling that “Is Elon Musk a Trillionaire?” is trending on Google. The answer: No, he’s not. But he’s at the head of the pack.The very idea that “Is Elon Musk a Trillionaire?” is trending is mind-blowing. While he’s “only” worth a cool $500 billion, according to Time, he’s most likely going to become a trillionaire in about a decade, along with four other super-rich individuals. Watch this space.A Brief Look at the SpendingSo what does a near‐$500 billion man do with his money? Short version: not as flamboyant as you might expect. Musk has publicly claimed that he’s sold off a range of properties and now calls his primary residence a “modest” property he rents from Space X. On the flip side, he reinvests aggressively into his businesses (AI, rockets, EVs) rather than yachts and mansions.On the personal side, he retains a notable car collection, including a 1967 Jaguar E-Type and a rare McLaren F1, and continues to use private jets, which he defends as necessary for his work across companies like Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink. Meanwhile, his philanthropic vehicle, the Musk Foundation, is steeped in ambition but has raised questions about the size and independence of its giving.The stance seems to be: wealth is a tool, not a trophy.Whether that rings true or is just part of the brand is another matter.Enter Billie Eilish and the Pop-Star Smack-DownBut, with great wealth comes great social backlash. Billie Eilish, the Gen-Z music star, took aim at Musk in a raw Instagram Stories post. She reposted an activist graphics carousel that laid out how Musk could use his fortune to end hunger, rebuild war-torn zones and save endangered species. Her caption? A blistering, profanity-laced call-out: “F---ing pathetic p---y bitch coward.”Billie Eilish calls out Elon Musk for not using his wealth to aid humanity and resolve global issues:“f***ing pathetic p***y b**** coward” pic.twitter.com/ZL91tUdno0— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 13, 2025This comes after her on-stage challenge to billionaires: “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire? … give your money away, shorties.”We’re fairly certain that Musk won’t care, but Eilish’s comments are part of a growing call for the super-rich to engage in meaningful philanthropy.Space Race Check-In: Blue Origin’s Big MoveMusk isn’t just under pressure in terms of public opinion, Jeff Bezos’s space outfit just made news. Blue Origin launched the heavy-lift rocket New Glenn from Cape Canaveral on November 13 2025, carrying NASA’s twin ESCAPADE probes to Mars orbit, a major proof point in the deep-space race. The company also landed its booster stage, the reusable-rocketry buzzword that Musk’s company helped popularize.Blue Origin has for the first time landed the booster rocket for its largest spacecraft in a step forward for Jeff Bezos’s space venture as it tries to rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the satellite launch market. https://t.co/2nQI113pOl pic.twitter.com/NcYI97wFfm— Financial Times (@FT) November 13, 2025In other words: while Musk basks in net-worth headlines and pop-star barbs, Bezos’s team is quietly leveling up in the space-arena. Musk even tweeted a (somewhat gracious) “Congratulations” to Blue Origin.Congratulations @JeffBezos and the@BlueOrigin team! https://t.co/chDyNYNag3— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2025What It All MeansElon Musk has soared financially and publicly this week. But the tone has shifted. Where once the story was “how much does he have?”, now it’s also “what’s he doing with it?” and “how will he respond to cultural challenges?” The Billie Eilish call-out might be crude, but it’s an indicator of growing sentiment. Added to that, the New Glenn launch says: your space-leadership isn’t guaranteed.Musk is the pioneer at the top of the wealth summit but in the arena of public perception and possibly in terms of space exploration, he’s suddenly playing defense. The next move? Will he respond with major philanthropic action, another rocket blockbuster, or an awkward pass? Either way, the spotlight is bright.The billionaire age just got a little tougher to stride in. And yes, it’s been a busy week for Musk.For more news around finance and tech, visit our Trending pages. This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.

You’ve heard of TradingView, the leading crypto charting platform. But have you heard of TradeView? Hashrate TradeView, to give it its full title, is a new trading dashboard from mining marketplace NiceHash and as its name suggests, it visualizes cryptocurrency mining, providing a 360º view of hashrate prices and market depth.The hashrate of Bitcoin and other popular Proof-of-Work cryptos has been measurable for years, but it’s usually delivered as a number – so many Exahashes per second in the case of BTC – rather than as a visual. But Hashrate TradeView puts a face on global mining power, allowing users to view network hashrates as they undulate in near real-time – and to leverage this information to their advantage.NiceHash Places Crypto Mining on the ChartsThe release of Hashrate TradeView is designed to standardize how mining power is priced and traded. But it’s also a powerful primitive that has the potential to be integrated into a host of platforms – and to even power new primitives. We’re talking hashrate futures, prediction markets, perps, DeFi collateral, lending products – the list goes on.But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s start by recounting the facts as they stand. Crypto mining hashrate – particularly in the case of Bitcoin – has become a globally tradable commodity that provides an insight into not only network security, but market prices too. Because as everyone knows, price follows hashrate – or is it the other way around? Whatever the case, that relationship is something that will become much easier to measure now that Hashrate TradeView is live.Visual Proof of Proof-of-WorkHashrate TradeView can be thought of as visual proof of the work that miners around the world are putting in to secure networks worth trillions of dollars. It’s essentially proof of Proof-of-Work. But while recording hashrate is the primary metric that NiceHash’s new platform provides, it also does a whole lot more.Many of the indicators that can be used in TradingView to gauge the performance of crypto assets can also be brought to bear in analyzing hashrate with the dashboard launched by NiceHash. This includes historical pricing, volume, and the ability to view market depth.As NiceHash CEO Saša Čoh explains, “With Hashrate TradeView, we’re bridging the worlds of mining and traditional finance. For the first time, traders can analyze and interact with hashrate as they would any other financial market, making it easier to understand, compare, and trade.”Given the company’s reputation in the mining industry, its data sources can be relied upon, given that they’re coming straight from the source. Which is why its decision to launch a hashrate charting service is sure to catch attention, both among existing users and crypto traders more broadly.Putting a Price on Hashrate The TradeView marketplace developed by NiceHash looks just like that of a cryptocurrency chart on a conventional order book exchange: the default timeframe can be adjusted, while other data points reveal information such as the number of active miners. In addition to showing the current network hashrate for SHA256 and SHA256AsicBoost, the dashboard enables other mining algorithms to be viewed, including Qubit, Equihash, and ZHash.The service has been designed for the benefit of NiceHash Marketplace users, particularly those who are considering renting hashpower. It will enable them to make smarter decisions concerning their entry into the market, and how to gauge the ebbs and flows that define network hashrate. Its release moves hashrate closer to being integrated into the broader crypto market, making it easier to track and trade 24/7. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Mr. Andrey Stoychev has finalized the acquisition of Klips CY Ltd, securing regulatory authorization under the supervision of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). With the change of control approved by the regulator, Klips CY Ltd has now been rebranded asVSMARKETS LTD.VSMARKETS LTD will retain the existing Cross Border Services to Member States for the provision of investment and ancillary services and will continue to operate under the MiFID II regulatory framework to serve European clients. Mr. Andrey Stoychev, emphasized that regulation and transparency are key for the company’s long-term strategy:“Being EU-regulated is important not only in terms of growth, but also in terms of establishing a trusted brand operating under a respected European regulator. This milestone demonstrates commitment to multi-jurisdictional governance, transparency, and the responsible scaling of our business.”He continued:“Operating under a European regulatory framework is not simply about access — it is about aligning our business with the strongest regulatory standards and investor protection. It provides an opportunity to establish key partnerships with large institutions that operate under the same strict regulatory framework and view EU regulation as a minimum standard for collaboration.”Mr. Stoychev also noted his respect for the regulator and work done:“Going through the change of control, I witnessed first-hand regulator’s commitment to the outstanding supervisory standards – high entry threshold contributes to a stable and respected market environment, and we are eager to build our presence.”With acquisition completed, VSMARKETS LTD (ex. Klips CY Ltd) becomes the latest brand under CySEC to service clients within EU, aligning its services with well-recognised investor protection and governance standards. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

After Bitcoin, ether, and Solana, XRP has officially joined the exchange-traded fund universe. Canary Capital’s launch of the first U.S. spot XRP ETF gives investors direct exposure to the token behind Ripple’s payment network — without the need to manage crypto wallets or exchanges.Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25Canary Capital’s fund, trading under the ticker XRPC on the Nasdaq, is the first U.S.-listed product offering spot exposure to XRP. The move follows the firm’s refiled application under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which requires strict custodial oversight of underlying crypto assets.Notably, the announcement is yet to boost the price of XRP token, which is down 0.35% in the past day, but up more than 5% in the weekly chart, according to CoinMarketCap.A New Chapter for Crypto ETFs“XRP is one of the most established and widely used digital assets in the world, accessibility to XRP through an ETF will enable the next wave of adoption and growth in a critical blockchain system,” says Steven McClurg, the CEO of Canary Capital commented. The XRPC fund allows investors to access XRP through standard brokerage accounts, offering a simplified entry point for exposure to the asset’s price and yield features.Introducing XRPC — the Canary XRP ETF- Provides exposure to the native token of the XRP Ledger- Built to reflect network performance across payments and liquidity protocols- Backed by XRP’s established utility in cross-border value transfer- Designed for efficiency, speed,… pic.twitter.com/8G0GRpcTgg— Canary Capital (@CanaryFunds) November 13, 2025Unlike proof-of-stake tokens such as Ethereum or Solana, XRP operates on its own consensus mechanism. Yet the ETF incorporates yield characteristics linked to the blockchain’s transaction activity — a design that blends income potential with spot exposure.The XRP price has edged higher in recent days, trading around $2.46, up nearly 8% over the past week, outperforming most major cryptocurrencies.From Payments Network to Investment VehicleOriginally designed to facilitate fast and inexpensive cross-border transactions, XRP powers the XRP Ledger (XRPL) — a system capable of handling thousands of transactions per second. The network settles payments in seconds and has operated reliably since 2012, with minimal energy use and low fees.Read more: How Low Can XRP Go? Death Cross XRP Price Prediction Signals 50% Drop Risk“We believe XRP will play a key role in the evolution of our global financial system,” added McClurg. “It’s a bridge between traditional finance and the blockchain economy, built for scale, and real enterprise utility. XRPC allows investors to participate in the prospects of that evolution.”Canary Capital’s launch follows filings from other major asset managers, including Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, and 21Shares, signaling deepening competition in the crypto ETF space.As the market matures, the arrival of an XRP spot ETF highlights the growing demand for digital assets with real-world applications and the push to make them accessible within traditional financial frameworks. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The Czech National Bank has added cryptocurrencies to its holdings for the first time. The central bank announced a $1 million test portfolio today (Thursday) that includes Bitcoin, a US dollar-pegged stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit. Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25The bank has also added shares in Coinbase. Bitcoin is reportedly appearing on a central bank balance sheet for the first time.Czech Bank Gains Operational Independence TestingThe portfolio was approved by the CNB board on October 30. The bank said the pilot is intended to give staff practical experience with blockchain-based assets. The investment will not be actively increased and was made outside the CNB’s existing international reserves.CNB Governor Aleš Michl first suggested a Bitcoin investment in January. The proposal faced criticism from European Central Bank officials at the time. The Czech Republic is an EU member but has not adopted the euro, giving its central bank some operational independence.CNB Lab Studies Blockchain ApplicationsMichl said the test portfolio will evaluate Bitcoin’s potential role in reserve diversification and examine possible uses for tokenized Czech financial instruments. The CNB has also launched the CNB Lab Innovation Hub to study blockchain and other financial technologies, including applications in monetary policy and commerce.?? CZECH CENTRAL BANK JUST BOUGHT $1,000,000 WORTH OF #BITCOIN AND CRYPTOHERE WE GO ? pic.twitter.com/ltSuMwsZwN— The Bitcoin Conference (@TheBitcoinConf) November 13, 2025CNB Expands Crypto Exposure, Pilot ContinuesEarlier proposals by Michl to purchase larger amounts of Bitcoin were not approved by the CNB board.The CNB emphasized that the pilot does not indicate plans to adopt a permanent digital asset reserve in the near term. The initiative reflects growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies and the use of blockchain technology by central banks globally.New Czech Law Clarifies Crypto Banking RulesSeparately, the Czech Republic has enacted a new cryptocurrency law that aligns the country with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. The legislation clarifies tax and compliance requirements and allows licensed crypto companies to access bank accounts. The law aims to provide a more predictable regulatory environment for digital asset businesses and could make the country more accessible for blockchain-based firms. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The Bank of England (BoE), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Bank of Thailand are exploring how synchronized settlement mechanisms could streamline cross-border FX transactions, making them faster, more secure, and fully interoperable.Join buy side heads of FX in London at fmls25Experimenting With New FX InfrastructureThe initiative builds on insights from Project Meridian FX and will initially use simulated versions of the central banks’ Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems alongside Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-based environments. The ultimate goal is to enable atomic, real-time FX transactions – payments that are completed fully and simultaneously across systems, reducing risk and delay, BoE said in an announcement. “To realize the potential of tokenized financial systems, international cooperation is needed to foster the development of open and interoperable networks,” commented Kenneth Gay, Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.“We look forward to exploring how synchronized settlement can enhance interoperability across different jurisdictions and infrastructures through this collaboration,” he added.By testing synchronized settlement, the central banks aim to enhance Payment versus Payment (PvP) FX settlements and explore Delivery versus Payment (DvP) use cases in cross-border environments. These mechanisms could allow currencies to be exchanged safely and instantly, even across different time zones, infrastructures, and regulatory frameworks.International Collaboration for Tokenized FinanceThe project also reflects a broader push to support tokenized financial systems and open, interoperable networks. If successful, this initiative could lay the groundwork for a new era of cross-border financial transactions. Real-time, synchronized FX settlements would reduce operational risk, speed up payments, and create a more efficient global financial ecosystem.Related: Traditional Banks Process More Tokenized Assets in Hours Than Crypto Platforms in MonthsThe collaboration signals a clear trend: central banks are actively exploring digital and tokenized solutions to modernize traditional payment systems, ensuring they remain effective in an increasingly global and technologically complex marketplace.The adoption of tokenization among traditional financial institutions is on the rise. Broadridge Financial Solutions recently reported that its blockchain-based repo platform handled an average daily volume of $385 billion in October, marking a 492% increase from $65 billion in the same month last year. By comparison, crypto exchanges remain far behind in tokenized asset activity. While Bitget recently surpassed $1 billion in cumulative stock futures volume and Kraken reported $5 billion in total tokenized equity trades, Broadridge’s platform achieves similar levels of trading in just one to two days. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.