Customers who are digital first demand smart apps, real-time dealings, custom advice on finances, and a seamless experience through the channel. As a result, with expectations increasing, banks are being urged to provide an experience that is smooth, reactive, and personalized. In this context, an industry statistics report established that more than 80% of financial institutions that prioritize customer experience report stronger customer loyalty.However, most banks continue to work with old systems and disjointed customer experiences that restrict flexibility and customization. Such isolated platforms, fragmented data, and low-tech operations cause stale points at key contact points, such as onboarding and service requests. To address these challenges, banking technology solutions grant banks the ability to upgrade platforms, unlock insights through data, and automate customer-centric experiences. This article discusses how banking technology solutions enhance customer experience across digital platforms. 1. Modernizing Digital Banking Platforms for Seamless ExperiencesTraditional banking systems do not always allow the provision of uniform digital experiences. As a result, monolithic core systems and highly bound applications slow innovation and produce more disjointed customer experiences. In turn, these restrictions create inconsistent interfaces, repeated data entry, and cross-channel delays.In this context, banking technology solutions built on cloud-based and modular architectures provide a practical modernization path. Cloud platforms support faster development and deployment, while modular services allow banks to enhance individual capabilities.Modern digital platforms also shape how customers perceive ease of use and reliability. A financial UX blog analysis highlights that well-designed digital banking experiences reduce friction across everyday interactions. It also significantly improves customer trust and long-term engagement by creating intuitive, consistent journeys across channels2. Enabling Hyper-Personalization Through Data and AIIn banking, personalization has become a key area of customer experience. Customers expect relevant offers and proactive guidance that reflects their financial behavior and goals. Hence, this needs deeper than outward categorizing.Unified customer data platforms consolidate transactional, behavioral, and interaction data into a single view. Artificial intelligence and machine learning models then analyze this data to generate actionable insights. Banks can use these insights to recommend tailored products, deliver contextual alerts, and adjust engagement strategies in real time.As an example, a retail bank might recognize a trend that indicates that a client always keeps the account balances high but rarely invests. In response, the bank provides a personalized investment recommendation based on the risk profile of the customer using AI-driven insights. As a result, the relevant and timely suggestion enhances interaction and uptake of the product without pushing their marketing.3. Streamlining Customer Onboarding and JourneysOnboarding sets the tone for the entire banking relationship. Lengthy forms, manual checks, and delayed approvals often lead to abandonment and frustration. Technology-driven onboarding addresses these challenges directly.Onboarding digital platforms is automated to enable customers to open an account with a minimum of effort. Since identity authentication is carried out in real-time, document processing is automated, and embedded compliance checks are performed. As a result, this minimizes processing time, and regulatory standards are not compromised.For instance, a small business owner who makes an application for a new business account online benefits from these automated processes. The compliance and verification checks are done in minutes. Thereby providing the same-day approval. Hence, the business gains immediate access to banking services, establishing trust from the first interaction.4. Enhancing Payments and Transaction ExperiencesOne of the most common banking operations is payments. Failure in fast processing or being incapable of making payments may destroy trust among customers. Therefore, payment systems in the modern world make them faster, transparent, and reliable.The payment services of the real-time allow direct transfer and immediate update of the balance. Enriching payment information with a more precise description of transactions and contexts lets a customer see their spending habits. These capabilities enhance convenience, besides helping to make smarter financial decisions.Operationally, intelligent payment processing results in fewer exceptions and human interventions. Customers have less risk of problems clearing cheques, and banks are more efficient and scalable.5. Improving Service Delivery with AI and AutomationDigital adoption has changed the expectations of customer service. Customers desire to see immediate replies, reduced waiting periods, and the ubiquity of support channels. The key aspects of fulfilling these expectations are AI and automation.AI-based chatbots and virtual assistants have constant queries like checking your balance, transaction details, or managing your card. Therefore, complex topics are steered to the applicable service teams in full context. This method enhances the levels of resolution through intelligent automation. Moreover, self-service features give customers the power and enhance service efficiency.The ideal mix of human capabilities and robotization is a good service strategy. Technology leads to speed in response, whereas human agents handle subtle or delicate interactions. Consequently, this balance boosts interest and service delivery.6. Strengthening Security, Compliance, and TrustCustomer experience in banking is based on trust. The customers want powerful security controls without unnecessary hassle. Both goals are supported by advanced security technologies.The use of AI in fraud detection considers transactions on a real-time basis to detect anomalies and minimize false positives. Constant surveillance enhances regulatory compliance through automated assessment and policy compliance. Hence, protected data management keeps the data of the customers secure and personalized. When security is running smoothly in the background, the customers get fewer disruptions. Hence, the level of trust in digital channels grows, which promotes wider usage of online and mobile banking services.7. Driving Continuous CX Innovation Through Fintech CollaborationCustomer expectations continue to evolve, making continuous innovation essential. Open banking frameworks, APIs, and fintech partnerships enable banks to expand capabilities quickly and cost-effectively. Cloud native architecture embraces quick integration with third parties, such as digital wallets and financial planning solutions. Teamwork enhances quick market product releases and enables banks to react more quickly to market dynamics. Hence, the customers enjoy enhanced experiences due to digital modernity.Overall, by embracing ecosystem-driven innovation, banks maintain relevance while preserving control over core customer relationships.ConclusionTechnology solutions in banking enhance customer experience with the sophistication of digital platforms, streamlining customer journeys, and optimizing payments. Every capability adds to a unified end-to-end experience to satisfy the increasing customer expectations.Moreover, banks that integrate AI and digital platforms strategically incorporate customer experience in all their interactions. Rather than approaching it as a standalone program. Hence, adopting intelligent, integrated technology will define the next level of customer-centric financial services.The strategic institutions that engage in investment would be in a better position to offer smoother, secure, and customized banking experiences. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

The fintech industry has built its identity around disruption. But when it comes to gender, the data tells a different story.Women hold just 6% of fintech CEO positions globally and occupy only 10 to 11% of board seats across the sector, according to data gathered by FMIntelligence. The broader fintech workforce is barely 30% female, a figure that has moved only marginally in recent years, despite women making up 44% of the traditional financial services workforce.The financial case for change is no longer debatable. Female founders generate 78 cents of revenue per dollar invested, compared to 31 cents for male founders. Yet of the $289 billion invested globally in startups in 2024, female-only founding teams received just $6.7 billion or 2.3% of the total. All-male teams captured $241.9 billion.And while FMIntelligence projects that women will make up just over one-third of the fintech workforce and hold 7% of CEO positions by the end of this year, the gender pay gap shows no signs of closing quickly. And the pace of change remains far too slow.The Pay Gap Gets Worse, Not BetterThe compensation picture is equally difficult to defend. Across European fintech, Ravio data shows a 33.18% overall gender pay gap, and it widens as companies mature. Growth-stage fintechs show a 25% gap; late-stage companies reach approximately 37%. The UK finance sector's pay gap hit 35% in 2025, up from 24% the year before."Gender balance remains a glaring issue; women represent half the population but not half of leadership," said Sarah Barslund Lauridsen, Chief Product Officer at Nexi Group. "Real change happens fastest when it starts at the top."Trading Floors Remain the Hardest Room to EnterCFD and FX trading sits at the extreme end of the spectrum: 90.3% of forex and CFD traders globally are male, with the US running at 92 to 8. Crypto ownership is 69% male as of Gemini's survey, a gap that has actually widened since 2022. Performance data consistently favors women traders, who outperform men by nearly 2% annually according to Warwick Business School research. The problem isn't performance. It's access and perception.FinanceMagnates.com previously reported that one in five women are turned off investing by the industry's patronizing language, and how "macho marketing" deters women from financial markets. These are not peripheral issues, they shape who participates, who raises capital, and who ends up in the corner office.The Bright Spots Are InstructiveGender-lens investing assets have crossed $122 billion globally. Sweden directs 15% of VC to women-led companies. Singapore is the only country forecast to reach parity in next-generation financial services roles by 2030. As FinanceMagnates.com has reported, Hong Kong's financial industry is edging toward 45% female leadership, proof that deliberate policy and cultural commitment can accelerate change."Over the course of my career, the most meaningful shift I've seen is moving away from trying to 'fix' women and toward addressing systemic barriers that limit who gets seen, trusted and promoted," said Lauridsen. "When diversity is embedded into culture, targets and ways of working, it doesn't disappear with shifting political or economic narratives."The Founders Forum projects gender parity in VC funding will not arrive until approximately 2065. FMIntelligence's own modeling points to a fintech workforce that is 31% female by end-2026, a crypto sector approaching 22% female participation, and gender-lens AUM pushing toward $145 billion. Progress is real. The pace is not.The complete FMIntelligence Women in Fintech report, including full 2026 projections across workforce participation, VC funding flows, pay gap trajectories, regional breakdowns, and crypto and CFD gender data, is available now on FMIntelligence DataLab. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

In a recent executive interview conducted by Dora Christofi, Head of Marketing at Finance Magnates, Herman Shaho, Co-Founder & CPO at Axcera, shared his views on what prop firms often get wrong when building for growth, why flexible CRM infrastructure matters, and where the company is heading next.“The firm doesn’t need to adapt to the software, our software adapts to the firm,” Shaho said, summarising Axcera’s approach to prop trading technology and customisation.The conversation follows Axcera’s industry recognition at the Finance Magnates Awards 2025, where the company won the Best Prop Trading Technology Provider award.Axcera’s role in the prop trading marketHerman described Axcera as a CRM technology provider for modern prop firms, with a clear focus on powering operations rather than operating firms directly.According to him, Axcera’s core role is to support prop firms with smoother internal processes, automation, and AI-supported day-to-day workflows. The company’s mission, he said, is to help prop firms grow and scale with more confidence.This positioning reflects a wider market need: as prop firms expand, many face operational pressure across onboarding, trader management, support, and internal systems. In that environment, infrastructure decisions can directly affect growth.What prop firms misunderstand about scalabilityWhen asked what prop firms most often misunderstand about scalable infrastructure, Herman pointed to a common assumption: that scaling mainly means bringing in more traders and adding more staff.In his view, that approach misses the bigger issue.He said the real foundation of scaling is having the right technology infrastructure in place early. Many firms, he noted, start by stacking multiple tools and software products that may work at first but struggle as the business grows.That creates a pattern Axcera sees often: early momentum followed by operational strain when systems can no longer support the volume or complexity.Herman’s message was simple: firms should spend more time selecting the right tech provider and infrastructure from the start, because that decision makes future growth much easier to manage.Axcera’s differentiator: software that adapts to the firmA major theme in the interview was Axcera’s approach to customisation.Hermansaid Axcera is not built as a rigid, template-based solution. He argued that many traditional white-label offerings force firms to adapt their business model or workflow to the software, instead of the software adapting to the business.Axcera, by contrast, is built around flexibility and customisation. As Herman explained, the company’s view is that firms should focus on what they need operationally and commercially, while the technology should support those needs.This approach also extends to the trader-facing environment, including dashboards and client areas. Herman noted that many solutions on the market rely on standard templates, whereas Axcera places greater emphasis on supporting each client’s brand and experience.That focus on customisation, he suggested, is one of the company’s strongest points of difference in the prop trading technology space.Brand experience matters in prop techOne of the more practical points in the interview was the importance of brand identity in the trader dashboard experience.Herman emphasised that firms should not be limited to copying and pasting templates when building their trader area. Instead, he said, the trader interface should reflect the client firm’s brand and goals.For prop firms competing in a crowded market, this is more than a design preference. A strong, distinct dashboard experience can foster trust, consistency, and a positive user experience throughout the trader lifecycle.Axcera’s promise, as Herman put it, is high flexibility in dashboards and front-end personalisation.Looking ahead: Axcera expands from prop firms into brokerage CRMWhile prop firms remain Axcera’s core focus, Shaho also outlined a broader product vision for the company’s next phase.“Our main focus domain is still prop firms, but we are expanding into brokerage and launching our own brokerage CRM,” he said.Herman explained that Axcera’s goal is not to build separate, disconnected tools, but to create a connected operating system that can support different types of trading businesses.“What’s important for us is to build more products as a tech company, but not disconnected products,” he said. “We want to build and power an operating system which can serve multiple trading businesses.”For Axcera, entering the brokerage market is a strategic next step and part of its longer-term plan to grow beyond prop tech while keeping its infrastructure-led approach.Final takeawayThe interview highlighted a key point for prop firms and trading businesses: growth is not only about acquisition. It also depends on the systems behind the business.Herman’s perspective is that firms that invest early in the right infrastructure, with room for customisation and future scale, are in a stronger position to grow without operational breakdowns.With a growing footprint in prop tech, a new move into brokerage CRM, and a recent win at the Finance Magnates Awards 2025, Axcera is positioning itself around that message.About AxceraAxcera is a leading B2B fintech infrastructure provider supporting the growth of next-generation prop trading firms worldwide. Headquartered in Dubai, with a registered office in Cyprus and a global team across key fintech hubs, Axcera offers a modular, white-label SaaS prop trading technology platform, that enables prop firms to launch, scale, and manage global trader operations with speed, automation and efficiency.Trusted by more than 50 prop trading brands, Axcera supports over 1 million unique traders and facilitates the creation of more than 125,000 trading accounts each month. The platform provides advanced functionality for trader onboarding, custom challenge workflows, account funding logic, real-time risk management, rule automation, analytics, CRM, payouts, affiliate management and much more. It integrates seamlessly with major trading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, DXtrade, cTrader, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, NinjaTrader, ATAS, Quantower, Tradovate, Rithmic and more.With a robust platform architecture and more than 100 integrations, Axcera enables prop firms to build a unified operational and engagement ecosystem. The platform supports end-to-end automation across the client lifecycle, integrated real-time risk management for sustainable profitability, and data-driven decision-making. Prop firms benefit from improved conversion, retention, and engagement through timely, personalised interventions, resulting in lower churn rates, higher trader lifetime value (LTV), and full flexibility to scale across markets, asset classes, and geographies.With over 180 million USD in client-generated revenue in 2024 and more than 110 million USD in the first five months of 2025, and a reputation for continuous innovation, Axcera is the go-to technology partner for prop firms seeking flexibility, performance, and long-term scalability. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

The owner of the New York Stock Exchange is moving deeper into crypto. Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has taken a minority stake in exchange OKX, linking one of Wall Street’s key infrastructure operators with a major global trading platform. The investment values OKX at roughly $25 billion, according to people familiar with the deal, and gives ICE a seat on the exchange’s board. ICE invested about $200 million, though the companies did not disclose the size of the stake. But the strategic importance of the deal lies less in the investment itself than in how the two firms plan to use each other’s infrastructure. The Infrastructure Trade Under the agreement, ICE will license OKX’s spot crypto price feeds to support the launch of U.S.-regulated crypto futures contracts. In return, OKX expects to distribute those futures products — along with tokenised equities tied to NYSE-listed stocks — to its roughly 120 million global users, most of whom are outside the United States. The rollout remains subject to regulatory approvals. The structure effectively connects two different types of liquidity pools: regulated U.S. derivatives markets and the deep global trading activity on large offshore crypto exchanges. For brokers and market operators, that model matters. Instead of competing directly with crypto venues, traditional exchanges are increasingly exploring ways to plug into their data, liquidity, and distribution networks. OKX’s U.S. Reset The partnership also comes as OKX attempts to rebuild its relationship with U.S. regulators. In February 2025, the exchange pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and agreed to pay roughly $504 million in penalties. Since then, executives have framed the company’s U.S. strategy as a reset. OKX described the American market as a “blank sheet of paper”, saying it intends to rebuild its presence through partnerships with regulated financial institutions. For OKX, the ICE investment provides a powerful signal of institutional backing. For ICE, it provides access to one of the largest pools of crypto trading activity without running a retail crypto exchange itself. The Tokenization Angle The collaboration also highlights a growing push by major exchanges toward tokenized securities. NYSE said earlier this year it is exploring a venue for trading tokenised stocks and exchange-traded funds around the clock. Nasdaq has also sought regulatory approval to list tokenised versions of equities. ICE executives say blockchain infrastructure will increasingly play a role in trading, clearing and settlement. Why Brokers Should Care For brokers, the partnership offers a preview of how traditional exchanges and crypto platforms may interact in the next phase of market development. Instead of replacing existing market structures, large crypto venues could become distribution layers for traditional financial products, while established exchanges provide regulated derivatives, clearing and institutional credibility. If the model works, it could reshape how brokers access liquidity and distribute products across both traditional and digital markets. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

B2BINPAY, a leading crypto payments processing for merchants, enterprises, and financial platforms, has announced the launch of B2BINPAY DeFi App, a non-custodial, multisignature crypto processing solution built specifically for crypto-native businesses that require full on-chain control and transparency.A new standard for crypto processingThe B2BINPAY DeFi App introduces a new approach to crypto payment processing for financial platforms. Unlike traditional custodial crypto processors, the B2BINPAY DeFi App is built on a non-custodial model. Funds are controlled entirely by the client through smart-contract accounts deployed on EVM compatible networks, and TRON, ensuring that businesses and financial platforms maintain ownership and operational authority at all times.Each account within the B2BINPAY DeFi App is configured with a customizable list of signers and a required signature threshold, allowing companies to define internal approval policies that reflect real-world operational structures. Sensitive actions such as payouts, signer updates, or account configuration changes can only be executed once the required number of approvals has been collected.Unified payment lifecycle At the core of the B2BINPAY DeFi App is a unified payment lifecycle, allowing businesses to manage all crypto payment operations from a single interface. The platform enables the generation of single-currency and multi-currency invoices, each with automatically created on-chain deposit addresses. Every invoice can be tracked in real time.Collected funds can be pulled from individual invoice addresses or aggregated and transferred in batches to a main account address. This approach helps crypto-native businesses optimize network fees while keeping deposit flows operationally separated from treasury balances.All critical actions are routed through an approval queue, where operations such as payouts, fund collections, and account changes remain pending until the required signatures are provided. This ensures that no transaction can be executed unilaterally, reducing operational risk and internal errors.API automation for infrastructureIn addition to the user interface, the B2BINPAY DeFi App provides API access for platforms that want to integrate on-chain payment operations into their backend systems. Through the API, clients can create invoices, monitor deposits, initiate fund collection, create payouts, and track transaction and approval status. Thanks to this, DeFi App can function as a processing layer inside a larger exchange, brokerage, and payments infrastructure.Security by designSecurity is built into every layer of the B2BINPAY DeFi App. The platform does not use traditional usernames or passwords. Instead, authentication is handled through wallet signature verification.When accessing the application, users are prompted to sign a cryptographic message with their wallet. The signature is then verified on-chain through signature validation to confirm wallet ownership. Private keys are never stored, transmitted, or accessed by B2BINPAY, reinforcing the platform’s non-custodial architecture.All smart contracts used within the system provide on-chain logging, ensuring that every operation is transparent, auditable, and verifiable.Designed for crypto teamsThe B2BINPAY DeFi App is designed for a broad range of crypto-native businesses, with a primary focus on crypto-native financial intermediaries. Target users include:Brokerage platforms and trading intermediariesExchanges and OTC desksCrypto-native companies and DAOsDeFi projects and payment processorsAll core functionality, including invoicing, fund collection, approval workflows, and account management, is available at no cost, subject to basic rate limits, making the solution accessible for both established and growing platforms.“With the B2BINPAY DeFi App, we are introducing our first-ever crypto processing solution specifically designed for crypto-native businesses that need full control over their funds. This product reflects our vision of transparent, on-chain operations where companies define their own rules, without compromising on usability or scalability,” says the B2BINPAY Team.About B2BINPAYB2BINPAY https://b2binpay.com/en is a crypto payments processing for merchants, enterprises, and financial platforms. B2BINPAY acts as an infrastructure bridge, reducing payment friction and protecting margins by automating the flow of funds from crypto to fiat. The company has processed more than $5.1 billion in transactions. It supports USDT and USDC across 10 major blockchains and works with 350+ cryptocurrencies across its ecosystem.This article is neither produced by nor contributed to by any editorial team member of Finance Magnates, nor does it necessarily reflect the views of the editors from Finance Magnates. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

B2PRIME Group, a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients, has officially obtained two licenses from the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB). For the Group, this is mainly a step towards offering reliable and fully regulated trading solutions in the digital assets field.An expansion into digital assetsAs a part of B2PRIME's global growth strategy, the company now operates under one more regulatory regime, having two licenses:— Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE) — License No. DARE-DAB-034— Securities Industry Act (SIA) — License no. SIA-F259New licenses specifically enable B2PRIME to roll out regulated digital asset classes. With this step, the company is planning to expand its offering, enabling clients to access crypto market liquidity and competitive pricing within The Bahamas’ regulated framework.“Our clients demand access to digital assets, but they also need absolute confidence that their funds are secure. The SCB framework provides that essential layer of trust and client protection. We are pairing this trusted legal foundation with the advanced trading experience, giving our users high-quality trading conditions they expect from B2PRIME,” mentions Alex Tsepaev, Chief Strategy Officer, B2PRIME Group.Why the Bahamas?The Bahamas has long established itself as a modern and understandable jurisdiction for financial and digital assets. The SCB's regulatory framework, particularly the DARE Act, provides a transparent legal foundation for market participants. For B2PRIME clients, obtaining such licenses means confidence that trading takes place in a reliable legal environment.“The Bahamas provides regulation for digital assets, which means we are bringing a secure, reliable trading experience to the traders allowing them to have access to high-demand crypto assets with confidence,” notesEugenia Mykuliak, Founder & Executive Director of B2PRIME Group.About B2PRIME GroupB2PRIME Group https://b2prime.com/ is a global financial services provider for institutional and professional clients. Regulated by CySEC, DFSA (Dubai), FSCA (South Africa), FSC (Mauritius), FSA (Seychelles), and SCB (Bahamas) the Group offers access to competitive multi-asset liquidity and institutional-grade trading solutions with a focus on reliability, transparency, and operational excellence.Regulatory noteThis announcement relates to B2B Prime Services Bahamas Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas with Company Registration Number 212219B. The Company is authorized and regulated by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE) with license number DARE-DAB-034, and under the Securities Industry Act (SIA) with license number SIA-F259. Its registered office is located at Aristo House, Balmoral, Sanford Drive, Nassau, The Bahamas. Client eligibility, product availability, and conduct obligations apply as per SCB rules.This article is neither produced by nor contributed to by any editorial team member of Finance Magnates, nor does it necessarily reflect the views of the editors from Finance Magnates. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Crypto companies have transformed from afterthought advertisers to the backbone of the affiliate marketing businesses. I also saw crypto exchange revenue grow from essentially nothing to roughly 25% of our total income in a single year. The reason was simple: these companies were desperate. Banned from advertising on Google, Facebook, and most mainstream channels, crypto and trading firms were willing to test any platform that could deliver volume. Their marketing teams threw money at affiliate sites, influencers, and anyone who could generate leads.Read more: Google Lifts IG France’s Ads Restriction after 7 Years, Account Openings DoubleBut here is what I have learned since then, both from running that business and from watching it eventually go bankrupt after a Google algorithm change: the traffic-first approach is fundamentally broken. And the trust deficit it creates is becoming an existential threat to legitimate trading and crypto companies. The Fraud Epidemic Is Poisoning the WellThe scale of fraud in digital advertising is staggering. According to internal Meta documents uncovered by Reuters, the company estimated that approximately 10% of its 2024 sales, roughly $16 billion, came from running ads for scams and banned goods. These included fraudulent investment schemes, celebrity crypto-scams, illegal online casinos, and deceptive e-commerce promotions. Meta reportedly shows users an estimated 15 billion of these higher-risk scam ads daily.In our latest 2026 Crypto Crime Report chapter, we examine how crypto scams reached $17 billion in 2025, driven by sophisticated operations using AI, phishing-as-a-service tools, and professional money laundering networks. Our analysis reveals that impersonation scams grew 1400%… pic.twitter.com/ioiVFu4OJv— Chainalysis (@chainalysis) January 13, 2026For legitimate crypto exchanges and trading platforms, this creates an impossible environment. When consumers scroll through feeds saturated with investment scams wearing the same visual language as your legitimate platform, how can they tell the difference? The answer, increasingly, is that they cannot, and they are choosing not to trust anyone. This is not just a perception problem. An academic paper published in the Journal of Financial Economics in 2025 demonstrates that trust functions as a genuine entry barrier in financial services. The study, which analysed the Wells Fargo scandal's impact on fintech adoption, found that a one standard deviation increase in exposure to the bank scandal led to a 4.1% increase in the probability of consumers choosing alternative fintech lenders. Trust, once broken, does not just hurt one company. It reshapes entire markets.The Death of Traditional Trust SignalsThe channels that once built credibility are collapsing or becoming contaminated. Traditional media continues its decline, making PR coverage less effective at generating the trust it once did. A mention in a respected financial publication used to mean something; now, readers automatically assume the coverage was paid for.Affiliate sites have developed a terrible reputation. Too many operate as thinly veiled advertising vehicles, recommending whichever product pays the highest commission rather than what is genuinely best for the consumer. Influencer marketing faces similar credibility issues, with audiences increasingly sceptical of endorsements from people who are clearly paid to promote products they have never actually used.This is why we are seeing a mass migration to Reddit and other community platforms. Users want opinions from other real users, not from websites or influencers with obvious financial incentives. Many fintechs are now investing heavily in Reddit presence, recognising that peer recommendations carry more weight than any amount of paid advertising.Read more: “Official Fintech Partner” - FX Firms Found Value in Sports Beyond Just BrandingThe Trust Building Playbook for Trading and Crypto CompaniesIf you are running a legitimate crypto exchange or trading platform, here is what I believe you need to embrace: Turn your employees into ambassadors. Real people with real LinkedIn profiles talking authentically about your company and industry carry more weight than polished marketing copy. When prospects can verify that actual humans work at your company and believe in what they are building, trust follows. Embrace organic social media and community engagement. Run AMAs on Reddit. Respond to criticism publicly. Show up in the conversations that are already happening about your industry rather than just broadcasting marketing messages. Do not shy away from old-school brand building. PR, billboards, and even TV ads serve a different purpose than digital performance marketing. They signal permanence and legitimacy. Scam operations do not invest in brand awareness campaigns because they will not be around long enough to benefit from them. Prioritise real customer testimonials and verifiable proof. With the rise of AI-generated content, anything that proves authenticity becomes more valuable. Video testimonials from real customers, employee spotlights with verifiable LinkedIn profiles, and documentation of your regulatory compliance all signal legitimacy in ways that polished marketing copy cannot.The Brand Awareness Paradox Here is something I have observed that creates a strategic dilemma: affiliates, AI-generated content, influencer campaigns, and social media ads might still bring traffic, but they put you in the same bucket as the scammers using identical tactics. The reputational damage from these channels is inversely proportional to your existing brand recognition.Related: Has the Quality of Online Content Suffered with the Proliferation of AI?If you are Coinbase or Robinhood, you can run performance marketing campaigns with limited brand risk. Consumers already know who you are, but your legitimate ads will invariably compete with scammers using your brand name to defraud people, so it’s not risk-free. But if you are a newer or smaller player, those same tactics can actually hurt you by associating your brand with the sketchy ecosystem of crypto advertising. This means emerging platforms need to overinvest in trust-building channels early, even if the short-term ROI looks worse than performance marketing. The long-term payoff comes from building the brand recognition that eventually makes other channels viable. Trust Is the New Competitive AdvantageThe research is clear: trust is a fundamental driver of market share. When trust in incumbent institutions erodes, consumers actively seek alternatives. When trust in an entire category is damaged, the companies that can credibly differentiate themselves capture disproportionate value. For trading and crypto firms, this represents both a threat and an opportunity. The threat is obvious: the flood of scams is poisoning consumer trust in the entire category. The opportunity is that legitimate players who invest seriously in building trust will find themselves with a durable competitive advantage as the industry matures. Trust is scarcer than ever. Every channel that can generate it should be favoured over channels that merely generate traffic. The companies that understand this distinction will be the ones still standing when the current era of crypto marketing chaos finally settles into something more sustainable. This article was written by Julien Brault at www.financemagnates.com.

Trust remains one of the biggest concerns in prop trading, and Hola Prime is trying to make it a clear part of its identity. In a Finance Magnates executive interview conducted by Dora Christofi, Head of Marketing at Finance Magnates, Sami Saleh, Director of Growth at Hola Prime, spoke about the company’s focus on transparency, fast payouts, and long-term relationships with traders. The conversation followed Hola Prime’s win as Most Transparent Prop Firm at the Finance Magnates Awards 2025.Transparency at the centre of Hola Prime’s positioningSaleh said the Hola Prime prop firm wants to be different from many firms in the market by putting real focus on transparency.He described Hola Prime as a prop firm that is now also operating as a broker, and said the company sees a lack of transparency across the industry. For that reason, he said, Hola Prime is trying to build a model that traders can trust and see as a long-term partnership.“We really put an emphasis on transparency because we feel that kind of is lacking in the industry as a whole.”That message ties closely to how the Hola Prime prop firm talks about trader relationships: not as short-term challenge activity, but as a longer-term setup where both sides can grow.One-hour payouts as a key point of differenceA key point of difference for Hola Prime is its one-hour payouts. In the interview, payout speed stood out as a key highlight. To support this with full transparency, Hola Prime recently introduced a Payout Transparency Report, giving traders clear, date-by-date visibility into our payout processing times.Saleh said Hola Prime processes payouts within 1 hour and positioned that as a major difference compared to competitors in the prop trading space.“We process payouts within one hour. That’s kind of our stick at the moment.”He added that traders respond well to this and that fast payouts help build confidence in the firm.To support that speed, Saleh explained that Hola Prime prepares in advance by estimating possible payout requests for the next day and keeping funds ready in a separate account. This allows payout requests to be processed quickly once submitted.“When a payout gets requested, it can get processed and sent within the hour.”In a market where payout delays often create trust issues, the Hola Prime prop firm is using payout speed as a practical sign of reliability.Two prop firm models, and where Hola Prime fitsSaleh also provided a clear breakdown of the two main business models in the prop trading market.He said some firms mainly make money by having traders buy challenges and fail them. Others, including Hola Prime, generate most of their revenue from building a base of strong traders and backing them with live capital.According to Saleh, challenge fees are still part of the business, but they are not the main driver for Hola Prime. He said the larger share of revenue comes from consistent traders who can be backed in live markets.“The largest chunk really comes from having good traders, consistent traders that we can back financially.”This is a key part of how the Hola Prime prop firm presents itself. Saleh’s point was that the model works best when the firm is aligned with trader success, not only trader failure.He also said traders should ask whether a prop firm has the capital to put traders into live markets, because that says a lot about how the business is built and whether it can last.What Hola Prime looks for in traders: consistency over spikesWhen asked how Hola Prime evaluates traders, Saleh said the most important factor is consistency.He explained that big monthly returns may look impressive, but they matter less if they cannot be repeated. In contrast, smaller but steady returns are often more valuable from a risk and business perspective.He used a simple example in the interview: a trader who consistently produces 2–3% per month may be more valuable than one who delivers 15% in one month and then weak or uneven results later.“A trader that can do 2–3% a month consistently is much more valuable to us than someone who can do 15% one month and then maybe not make anything the next month.”This approach shows how the Hola Prime prop firm views trader quality: stable performance over time matters more than one strong result.Risk management as a core filterSaleh also stressed that risk management is one of the biggest factors in trader evaluation and long-term success.He said that no matter how talented a trader is, poor risk management can stop them from lasting in the market.“It doesn’t matter how good a trader you are; if you do not have solid risk management, you will not make it long term in this game.”For the Hola Prime prop firm, this means performance is judged not only by return levels, but also by how risk is handled and how steady the trader is in different conditions.How Hola Prime manages risk behind the scenesOn risk management at the firm level, Saleh said the rules on the website stay the same for the trader.Behind the scenes, however, the company manages its exposure through a risk team that scores traders based on multiple metrics. Based on those scores, Hola Prime decides how much capital to allocate to each trader internally.This means the Hola Prime prop firm can spread risk across its funded trader base while maintaining a stable, clear ruleset for traders.Building trust through scale, backing, and proofOn the wider issue of trust in prop trading, Saleh said social proof plays an important role, including reviews, awards, and public credibility signals.At the same time, he said long-term trust also depends on whether a firm has the capital and operational setup to stay in the market.He said traders should be cautious with firms that lack sufficient backing to support live market activity. In his view, strong capital backing is a key sign of long-term sustainability.To support Hola Prime’s position, Saleh pointed to the company’s team size and global presence, noting that it has more than 150 employees and offices in major locations, including London, Dubai, Hong Kong, India, and Cyprus. He also mentioned 6-time NBA All-Star Mr. Karl-Anthony Towns as a brand ambassador.His message was that visible scale and investment help show that Hola Prime is built for the long run.Growth plans: expansion, hiring, and momentumLooking ahead, Saleh said Hola Prime is focused on growth and expansion.He noted that there are ideas within the company, but said the current focus is going all in: opening new offices, hiring, and pushing forward on marketing. He said the company has made strong progress in the past year and wants to keep that momentum going.For the Hola Prime prop firm, the near-term focus appears to be clear growth execution while staying close to the transparency message that helped define its recent recognition.ConclusionIn the interview, Sami Saleh presented Hola Prime as a prop firm focused on trust, speed, and long-term alignment with trader success.His key points were consistent throughout: transparency matters, payout reliability matters, and strong prop firms should be built around real capital backing and solid risk management. As Hola Prime continues to expand, those ideas look set to remain central to how the company positions itself in the market.About Hola PrimeHola Prime is a proprietary trading firm with a big team of 150+ professionals that offers traders access to global markets across futures, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Designed with a trader-first approach, Hola Prime provides fast, reliable funding solutions, including 1-hour payout processing, ensuring traders have immediate access to their profits. Committed to trust and fairness, Hola Prime publishes regular transparency reports that give traders clear insights into performance metrics and operational practices. With a focus on speed, flexibility, and accountability, Hola Prime empowers traders worldwide to scale their strategies with confidence. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

Prop trading firm FundedNext says it disbursed $15.19 million to 8,340 traders in February, publishing what it described as the first in a recurring series of monthly payout reports that it plans to release on a fixed schedule.The firm said the February total was spread across 13,712 individual transactions on 10,346 funded accounts. The gap between account count and trader count reflects that some participants hold more than one funded account at the same time. Since it launched, the company claims cumulative payouts of more than $271.4 million across 205,380 transactions, though that figure has not been independently verified in full.Processing Speed and Payout DistributionThe company said the median time between a trader requesting a payout and receiving it was 4 hours and 44 minutes in February. The mean was slightly higher at 5 hours and 8 minutes, which the firm attributed to a small number of longer reviews pulling the average up. At the 90th percentile, payouts were completed in under 13 hours, and the company said 99.98% of February transactions cleared within 24 hours. One did not.More than a third of all payouts, 35.4%, according to the report, were processed in under five minutes. The largest concentration fell in the six-to-twelve-hour window, which the firm said reflects overnight batch processing.https://t.co/WusmaSObOS— FundedNext (@FundedNext) March 5, 2026The median individual payout was $567. The mean was $1,119 - a gap that tells you a relatively small number of larger payments is pulling the average upward. The $1,000-to-$5,000 range accounted for 54.4% of total volume. At the top end, $623,000 went to traders receiving $25,000 or more, and the largest single payout in February was $60,580.FundedNext is among the larger operations in the prop trading space by reported volume. According to data compiled by Prop Firm Match, the firm ranked first among tracked platforms with annual payouts of approximately $108 million in 2025, out of roughly $325 million tracked across the industry - a dataset that excluded major players including FTMO and The5ers.Repeat Traders Drive a Meaningful Share of VolumeOne of the more detailed sections of the report looks at how concentrated payout activity is among long-term participants. The firm said 284 traders who have each accumulated 25 or more lifetime payouts from FundedNext collectively received $2.37 million in February, representing 15.8% of the month's total. "That is not a one-cycle relationship," the company said. Fifty-five traders have now crossed 60 lifetime payouts and contributed $486,054 last month combined.The report also flags a group it describes as particularly telling. "A real cohort of traders is deep into their payout history," FundedNext said, "not just getting paid once or twice, but building a sustained track record on the platform."Half of February's paid accounts had received at least one prior payout from the platform. Some 60% of accounts had been funded within the preceding 30 days, while 14% had been active for more than 90 days, including 415 accounts that have been live for more than six months and are still receiving payouts. The firm has also been rebuilding its US presence after MetaQuotes' crackdown in early 2024 cut off MetaTrader access for prop firms operating in the country. FundedNext re-entered the US market with a Futures product in April 2025, then relaunched CFD prop trading for US clients the following November by switching to the Match Trader platform.Win Rates Tell Only Part of the StoryThe trading behavior section of the report separates CFD and Futures data, the firm said combining them would distort the averages, given how differently the two product types work.CFD payout recipients had a median win rate of 50.0% in February. For Futures traders, that figure was 63.0%. What stands out is that 41% of paid CFD accounts had win rates below 50%, meaning they lost more individual trades than they won and still managed to qualify for a payout.The time it took traders to request their first withdrawal also differed sharply by product. For Futures accounts, the median was 9 days from funding, and 64.5% of Futures payout recipients submitted their first withdrawal request within 14 days. CFD traders operated on a much longer timeline - median of 28 days to first request, with 18.3% taking 90 days or more. FundedNext is not the only firm publishing payout milestones as competition among prop platforms intensifies. Czech firm Fintokei recently reported $15 million in cumulative payouts as it marked three years of operations in Japan. The company said it plans to release its payout data every month in the same format. March figures, it said, will publish next month.FundedNext's Position in a Crowded MarketGeographically, the MENA region has become central to the company's growth story. FundedNext runs an office in Dubai, and CEO Syed Abdullah Jayed has publicly pointed to the area as a key driver. "When you fly into Dubai, you see a different vibe, ads for brokerages everywhere," Jayed said in a recent panel during the iFX Expo Dubai. "Because of regulatory acceptance and emerging populations moving to the UAE and the broader MENA region, the adoption and growth have been very good."Third-Party Tracker Puts February Total LowerIndependent blockchain analytics platform PayoutJunction, which monitors prop firm disbursements on-chain, tracked approximately $13 million in FundedNext payouts during the same period, roughly $2.2 million below the firm's own figure. The platform monitors Rise payouts via the blockchain, and notes explicitly that listings are not endorsements.The gap is not unusual in this industry, and the reasons for it are well-documented. As FinanceMagnates.com has reported previously, crypto-based outflows from prop firms can be tracked on-chain, but distinguishing trader payouts from vendor payments, affiliate commissions, or other outgoings is not straightforward - and firms control their own definitions of what counts as a payout. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

March 6, 2026 - While the trading community has often been seen as a "gentlemen’s club," this International Women’s Day, PU Prime is proud to spotlight a story that inspires: Joyce, a mother and a trader, sharing her journey of resilience and financial empowerment. For many, the motivation to enter the financial markets is purely profit-driven. But this does not apply to Joyce. She grew up in a household where her mother, a teacher, needed to do side hustle just to afford rice.In this video, Joyce opens up about her journey as a mother and a trader navigating today’s challenging markets. From learning the value of a dollar as a child to becoming a successful trader, she believes that anyone, regardless of gender, can achieve their dreams and hopes to inspire women and girls worldwide to embrace their potential.The transition into trading was not without its trials. After an initial period of significant success, the market provided a harsh reality check. "I think the market humbled me," she says, reflecting on an early loss that included funds meant for rent and tuition. However, where others might have walked away, Joyce chose to double down on education. "Joyce’s journey is a reminder that the financial markets are a landscape of opportunity for anyone with the resilience to learn," said Ms. Phakkaporn Pirachat, Country Manager for PU Prime Thailand. "At PU Prime, we see more women taking charge of their financial futures. Our goal is to ensure they aren't just 'trading,' but are equipped with education and tools to navigate the markets with confidence," she added.Joyce’s journey reflects a broader shift in the global economy. As more women and girls pursue the flexibility and independence offered by the financial markets, the demand for accessible tools and educational resources has never been greater. PU Prime believes the future of finance is inclusive. By offering a platform that combines professional-grade tools with educational support, PU Prime empowers traders at every stage of their journey. About PU PrimeFounded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company and trusted CFD broker. Today, it offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, PU Prime provides innovative trading platforms and an integrated copy trading feature, empowering traders worldwide to achieve financial success with confidence.For media enquiries, please contact: media@puprime.com This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Think like a trader In trading, titles are used loosely. Professional. Full-time. Serious. Impressive terms, but few can define what they truly mean. In Episode 3 of the Born to Trade Podcast, Tyron Beukes, Professional CFD Trader, offers a direct answer. When asked what being a serious trader means, he responds with one simple statement, “I think in one sentence, being a serious trader is being a risk manager. I think that sums it up.” He adds that risk management “forms the base.” Not profit targets, not activity, and not excitement. The foundation is exposure control. Structure separates the disciplined from the impulsive When asked what distinguishes a serious trader from an impulsive one, Tyrone returns to the topic of systems. He explains that being a serious trader requires “having a sort of strict routine and system in place that you stay consistent with.” By contrast, he describes someone who engages in impulsive trading simply as, “An impulsive trader, there's no system… routine may lack… You're just impulsive.” However, he does clarify an important nuance. He notes, “Being reactive from an impulsive point of view versus being reactive in terms of reacting to criteria within your trading plan, I think there's a difference between the two.” Reaction is not the problem. Reaction without structure is. Routine before opportunity For Tyrone, trading begins before the charts open. He emphasizes that “routine is very, very important,” adding that “routine breeds discipline and discipline breeds consistency.” His preparation includes mental self-assessment. Before sitting for a session, he asks, “Am I fit to sit for a session and manage risk? Am I in the correct mental space?” If no setup meets his criteria, he doesn’t force it, “If I get a setup, I get a setup. If not… I'll call it a day and carry on with my day.” The objective is not participation. It is execution discipline. Psychology is the dominant factor Reflecting on experience, Tyrone acknowledges that clarity develops over time. With maturity, he explains, “you’re able to identify things that work, things that don't work.” He reinforces the weight of psychological control by stating, “Psychology is the 95 percent.” For him, trading effectively requires being in what he describes as a “flow state”—calm, collected, and able to make informed decisions. Technical systems create structure, but emotional awareness protects it. Discipline is structural, not emotional One of the episode’s most important insights challenges a common belief, as Tyrone explains, “The biggest misconception that traders have is that they think that discipline is about controlling their emotions. When in reality, it's about controlling their environment and their systems.” He describes trading as “very systematic” and emphasizes that a trading plan is built from observable data. “What you see on the charts doesn't involve emotion, right? It's a system that you've put in place.” He adds that when that system is traded with consistency, “it then automatically eliminates the emotional side.” Discipline, in his framework, comes from system integrity. Probability over outcome When discussing performance evaluation, Tyrone makes a critical distinction. He acknowledges that profitable trades can still arise from poor decisions, and losing trades can still be correct. He explains, “Trading involves probability. So you cannot categorize a gain as a good trade or a loss as a bad trade.” Outcomes fluctuate. Process adherence does not. A structured system will naturally produce profits and losses. Sustainability depends on consistency. Journaling as accountability To stay aligned with his system, Tyrone emphasizes journaling by recording his analysis before execution and reviewing it afterward. He says the process “holds you accountable.” By documenting analysis, execution, and management, traders can identify where they adhered to or deviated from their plan. Over time, he notes, repetition engrains discipline, “that trading plan is engraved.” Accountability reinforces structure. Structure reinforces consistency. Execution conditions matter Beyond mindset and systems, Tyrone stresses that trading conditions directly affect performance. He states that “trading conditions have a massive effect on your day-to-day trading and your trading plan.” He explains that “slow execution or an unreliable platform takes that confidence away,” which in turn affects emotional stability and decision-making. When asked which conditions matter most, he answers, “For me personally, the two biggest things are speed and execution… as well as spread.” He also acknowledges the importance of slippage, noting, “the slippage element is also very important.” Referring to his own experience, he adds, “With Exness, I don't really experience the slippage.1” For intraday traders, execution precision and stable spreads directly support risk management. Transparency supports confidence When it comes to broker transparency, Tyrone's answer is simple: "transparency… it speaks volumes." He explains that transparency impacts “your day to day and your trading decisions, your confidence, your emotional stability.” The reason is straightforward: “You’ve got your funds housed there. And if you don't have that transparency from the broker, you then have your doubts.” For Tyrone, the tangible indicators of trust are real human customer support, visible presence, and “no issues with withdrawals. You receive your withdrawal in a timely and fast way.” Operational reliability, in his view, strengthens trading confidence. Ambition versus sustainability When discussing overtrading, Tyrone offers a clear warning. “Where ambition crosses into overtrading… what should fuel growth slowly starts sabotaging it.” As discipline weakens, he notes, “your risk profile explodes,” leading to a downward spiral. His advice is practical. If emotions override the plan, step away. Reset. Realign. Tyrone also rejects profit targets, stating, “I personally don't agree with setting targets or setting goals… profit or loss targets, or ROI percentage.” Targets create expectations. Expectations create pressure. Instead, he explains, “I don't show up expecting anything from the market.” Just another day at the office When asked about big profits or losses, Tyrone remains steady. Trading, he says, is “just another day at the office.” He emphasizes that it is “not a game,” adding, “I don't do it for the thrill. I don't do it because it's cool. I don't do it because it's exciting.” In his view, professional trading is structured work. Episode 3 makes one thing clear: serious trading is built on risk control, disciplined systems, and dependable execution. Skill finds opportunity. Structure protects capital. The right infrastructure, including trusted providers like Exness, sustains consistency. And at the center of it all is process, not expectation. 1Delays and slippage may occur. No guarantee of execution speed or precision is provided. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

CFD broker Axi has appointed Andrea Rebusco as Regional Head for the UK, EU and LATAM, strengthening its leadership across the three key markets. Rebusco Brings Broad Brokerage BackgroundRebusco joins Axi after serving as Managing Director for Retail Brokerage at the liquidity provider in oil derivatives Onyx Capital Group. Before that, he worked as Head of Brokerage at Moneyfarm.His earlier roles include senior positions at London-based bond trading platform WiseAlpha, where he served as Managing Director, Head of Strategic Growth and Partnerships and then as Chief Commercial Officer.Other recent moves: Plus500 Hires Amy Meyer-O'Brien as U.S. Chief Legal OfficerHis longest stint was with IG, where he dedicated more than nine years in a series of trading services and leadership roles. He joined IG in 2009, later becoming Head of Trading Services for Italy and Spain, and then Head of European Trading Services.Nearly a Decade at IG in Trading Services RolesHe also served as Managing Director of IG Spain, based in Madrid, before taking the role of Head of EMEA Trading Services. His new mandate at Axi covers clients and operations across the UK, European Union and Latin America.Axi’s appointment of Rebusco comes as the broker continues to reshape its senior ranks. It follows another notable change last year when long-serving Chief Commercial Officer Louis Cooper stepped down in September, ending a 26-year forex and CFD industry career.Meanwhile, Axi launched a new crypto service called Axi BuyCrypto, allowing clients to buy, sell, or hold cryptocurrencies directly on its platform within the existing trading environment. The launch aligns with a broader shift among CFD brokers into direct crypto trading, following similar initiatives such as Pepperstone’s dedicated spot crypto exchange for Australian users and IG Group’s entry into spot crypto in the UK after securing an FCA crypto asset licence. Axi’s introduction of Buy Crypto also follows its earlier rollout of perpetual crypto contracts, underscoring the company’s strategy to deepen its presence in the digital asset space. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

​Trive Financial Services UK released its financials for the year ended 2024, highlighting a 74% revenue drop £2,327,648 in 2024 from £8,853,308 in 2023. This followed a retreat from the region's CFD market.Wind‑down in the UK Trive UK, formerly operating under the GKPro and GKFX brands, applied to cancel its FCA licence in 2024 after shifting away from retail clients and migrating that segment to Malta. The application was granted early this year. The latest report shows that gross profit fell 70% to £562,834 from £1,870,138, while administrative expenses decreased to £972,462 from £1,392,584 but rose as a share of revenue.The CFD broker generated no other operating income in 2024, compared with £157,421 in the prior year. Interest receivable slumped to £44,471 from £697,059. The drop in interest income reflected a much smaller cash position as the business wound down.Related: Broker’s Exit Suggests £1.3 Million Net Profit Is Insufficient for The UK CFD MarketCash at bank and in hand fell sharply to £99,896 at year-end from £2,344,225 in 2023, while net assets decreased to £2,966,878 from £3,332,035.Auditors have issued a qualified opinion on the 2024 accounts, saying it could not obtain sufficient appropriate evidence on the recoverability of a £3,429,502 debtor due from an entity under common control. It added that this could have a material impact on the figures.License Cancellation and Auditor’s Qualified OpinionThe company also booked a £320,099 provision for a legal claim from a former customer, covering a potential settlement and estimated legal costs, after legal advisers assessed the customer had more than a 50% chance of success. Trive UK proceeded with its UK license cancellation despite initially reporting profit for two years in a row.Meanwhile, the group has been actively expanding in South Africa, where Trive South Africa began onboarding CFD and derivatives clients under FSCA oversight. It partnered with Finalto SA to bolster liquidity and ODP services, while a Mauritius affiliate handles B2B flow in the region. Trive is not the only CFD broker stepping back from the UK market. Other recent moves include GMI Markets’ plan to cease UK CFD operations and Gain Capital UK’s intention to surrender its FCA license for Forex.com and City Index. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Dubai has emerged over the past several years as a key hub for CFD brokers, trading firms, and crypto exchanges. The city attracted companies with incentives including Dubai International Financial Centre and Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority licensing, zero corporate tax, and rapid company setup.Major firms, such as IG Group, CMC Markets, Pepperstone, Saxo Bank, Plus500, and Capital.com, have established offices in the downtown area. Capital.com’s MENA headquarters and CFI are also located nearby.UAE Air Defences Intercept AttacksOver recent days, Iran has launched large numbers of ballistic missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates, and the UAE Ministry of Defence says air defence systems have intercepted most of them. Debris from intercepted missiles and drones has caused fires and damage in parts of Dubai, including near Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and Palm Jumeirah. Airspace and flights in the UAE were disrupted as authorities responded to the attacks.Industry Response and ResilienceDespite the attacks, executives and industry observers report no immediate plans to relocate from Dubai. Elizabeth Rayment, founder of a marketing and PR agency working with global financial markets, told The New York Times that the missile attacks were unprecedented. “Dubai is a city built on resilience, and in moments like this, you see why. Dubai doesn’t pause easily,” she said, noting that the city’s calm, forward-looking response reinforces why global firms continue relocating decision-making, capital, and talent to the UAE.Analysts and strategists alike emphasize that Dubai’s long-term vision underpins the city’s ability to withstand short-term shocks. Faruk Arslan, a strategist, noted on LinkedIn that warnings about Dubai’s collapse are nothing new. He wrote, “Never bet against Dubai. We heard it in 2008, during COVID, and the historic floods.” Arslan highlighted the UAE’s long-term vision, citing its financial center, diversified economy, global logistics, tourism, and crypto-friendly regulation. He added that for long-term investors, temporary weakness “is not a disaster.”Anton Golub, a Dubai-based digital asset markets advisor, said: “In my conversations with executives & founders, nobody is discussing relocation from Dubai. Priority is operational resilience: contingency planning, tighter risk limits, and stricter counterparty exposure.”Zak Hashemi, who runs Leverate’s UAE operations, told Gulf News: “While the attack has raised concerns around operational resilience and business continuity, the city’s core strengths, world-class infrastructure, deep talent pools, and strategic regional access remain firmly intact.""For most brokers and service providers, the response will be increased vigilance and stronger contingency planning rather than any meaningful retreat.”Dubai-based portfolio managers say they have no plans to leave, according to Efinancialcareers. One described the situation as “unprecedented” but added, “We are all relaxed.” Another called suggestions of a mass exodus “inappropriate and absurd.” Residents note that debris risks are limited, with one stating, “Civilians are not being targeted…my family are much safer here than in many Western cities.”Crypto Ecosystem Remains StrongThe city has also become a hub for crypto exchanges. Golub added: “Dubai remains the leading crypto hub globally, because licensing is efficient, free-zone setup is fast, and visas, tax treatment, talent density, and regional capital make scaling practical. You can see UAE digital asset ecosystem depth in the numbers: DMCC’s Crypto Centre is past 700 companies, VARA has 42 licensed/in-principle VASPs, and ADGM already has 20+ regulated firms active in virtual assets — density you don’t rebuild overnight.”Lots of people reached out. All good, and very calm here actually, considering the circumstance. ? UAE citizens and tourists have a lot of confidence in the country's leadership, and defense system. Seen a few smoke in the sky and heard a few booms.This ? seems to be the most… https://t.co/7DmtPwTLqr— CZ ? BNB (@cz_binance) February 28, 2026Community Confidence and CommentaryBinance founder Changpeng Zhao, currently based in Dubai, addressed community concerns in a public post. He said conditions remained calm despite heightened defense activity in the city.“Lots of people reached out. All good, and very calm here actually, considering the circumstances,” Zhao said, noting that residents continue to show confidence in the country’s leadership and defense systems.Unfortunately, I had to leave Dubai for Europe a week ago — so I’m not only missing the free fireworks from Iran, but also exposing myself to greater risk. Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying. Can’t wait to be back.— Pavel Durov (@durov) March 1, 2026Business Continuity MaintainedOutside commentary highlighted the city’s relative security. Pavel Durov remarked on social media: “Given Europe’s crime rates, Dubai is statistically safer even with missiles flying.”Think genuinely people will view dubai differently and the markets will post this, but the reality is dubai under a missile attack saw less deaths than 99% of cities in Europe and here in the UK. People from the UK throwing shade just salty they are trapped here..— ALLINCRYPTO (@RealAllinCrypto) March 1, 2026On X, a market commentator wrote: “Think genuinely people will view Dubai differently… but the reality is Dubai under a missile attack saw less deaths than 99% of cities in Europe.”Despite short-term volatility and airspace closures, Dubai’s financial and trading hubs continue to operate. Companies appear committed to maintaining their presence, underscoring the ongoing appeal of the UAE’s regulatory and operational environment. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The Bank of Russia has proposed allowing banks and brokerage firms to obtain licenses to operate crypto exchanges, a move that would place traditional financial institutions at the center of the country’s future regulated digital asset market. The proposal was outlined by Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina at an annual meeting with credit organisations. According to the regulator, existing financial institutions already have compliance infrastructure that could be used to supervise crypto transactions. “We hope that the vast experience of banks in AML/CFT and fraud prevention will help protect your clients in the crypto market,” Nabiullina said. Under the proposed framework, banks and brokers would be able to obtain crypto exchange licenses through a notification-based procedure rather than a separate licensing process. In practice, this would allow them to offer crypto services using their existing financial licenses. A Financial Sector–Led Model The proposal forms part of a broader regulatory framework the authorities are developing for digital assets in Russia. Under the plan, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins would be classified as “currency valuables,” allowing them to be owned and traded while restricting their use as a domestic means of payment, with limited exceptions for foreign trade. At the same time, crypto transactions by Russian residents would have to be conducted through licensed intermediaries such as banks and brokers. The framework would also introduce investor protections, including a mandatory knowledge test for unqualified investors and an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles for liquid cryptocurrencies through a single intermediary. In addition, the regulator intends to prohibit trading in anonymity-focused coins such as Monero and Zcash.Industry ReactionSome figures in Russia’s crypto community criticised the proposal. Russian crypto entrepreneur Sergey Mendeleev said the plan appeared aimed at transferring crypto exchange activity from existing market operators to major banks, adding that “crypto markets don’t work that way.”Dmitriy Machikhin, founder of crypto compliance provider BitOK, also expressed skepticism about the model. He said crypto users are likely to retain the option of trading through international platforms rather than relying exclusively on domestic intermediaries. “The regulator wants to bring the market under its control,” Machikhin wrote, adding that the decentralized nature of crypto means users will continue to choose between regulated domestic services and independent exchanges. The Central Bank has also indicated that penalties may be introduced for crypto transactions conducted outside the future regulatory framework, with a potential implementation timeline extending to 2027. For Russia’s brokerage sector, the proposal could open a new line of business if adopted. Instead of competing with crypto platforms operating outside the financial system, licensed brokers and banks would act as intermediaries for regulated digital asset trading. The proposal remains under discussion, and final rules for the market have not yet been adopted. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Crypto firms have spent years trying to gain direct access to the plumbing of the U.S. financial system. Kraken has now become the first to get it.The decision could reshape how digital-asset firms move dollars and interact with the traditional financial system, reducing dependence on partner banks.What a Fed Master Account Actually is A master account is essentially the gateway to the Federal Reserve’s payment infrastructure. Banks and certain regulated financial institutions use these accounts to hold reserves at the central bank and to settle payments through systems such as Fedwire. Instead of routing transactions through intermediary banks, institutions with a master account can send and receive funds directly within the Fed’s network. Until now, crypto companies typically relied on partner banks to move U.S. dollars between exchanges, clients, and other financial institutions. That arrangement created operational risk: if a banking partner pulled back from crypto exposure, trading platforms could lose access to key payment channels almost overnight. With a master account, Kraken Financial can connect its fiat flows directly to the Fed’s payment rails, potentially making dollar transfers faster and more predictable for institutional clients and professional traders. Not a Full Banking Privilege Despite the significance of the approval, Kraken is not receiving the same privileges as a traditional commercial bank. The access granted to Kraken Financial resembles what policymakers have described as a “skinny” or limited master account model, where firms can use the Federal Reserve’s payment rails but do not receive the full range of central-bank services available to banks.What Kraken Gets — and What It Doesn’tIn practice, this means the Fed is granting infrastructure access without extending the broader safety net that comes with full banking status.Why the Structure Matters The limited access model reflects the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach toward institutions operating under newer or specialised charters. Kraken Financial operates under Wyoming’s Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) framework, a type of banking charter designed specifically for digital-asset companies. SPDIs are primarily focused on custody and payment services rather than traditional lending. Because such institutions operate differently from conventional banks, regulators have been developing a risk-tier framework to determine what level of access to Fed infrastructure is appropriate. Granting a restricted master account allows the Fed to test how fintech or crypto firms interact with its payment systems while maintaining tighter controls over liquidity and systemic risk. A Long-Running Battle for Access Crypto firms have been seeking direct access to Federal Reserve infrastructure for years. The industry argues that denying such access forces digital-asset companies to rely on a small number of “crypto-friendly” banks, concentrating risk and making the sector vulnerable to sudden disruptions. Those concerns intensified after the collapse of Signature Bank and Silvergate Bank in 2023, both of which had served as major banking partners for crypto firms. Their failures disrupted key payment networks used by exchanges and institutional traders. From the industry’s perspective, the ability to connect directly to Fed payment rails could reduce reliance on intermediary banks and stabilise the flow of fiat currency in and out of digital-asset markets. Why Banks are Concerned Traditional banking groups have strongly opposed efforts by crypto firms to obtain master accounts. Industry associations argue that crypto companies do not operate under the same regulatory framework as commercial banks and may pose higher risks related to anti-money-laundering controls, operational resilience, and financial stability. The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) voiced similar concerns after Kraken’s approval. The group warned that allowing crypto firms and other nonbank institutions direct access to Federal Reserve accounts could introduce risks into the banking system. “Granting nonbank entities and crypto institutions access to master accounts traditionally limited to highly regulated insured depository institutions poses risks to the banking system,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. We’re deeply concerned with the master account approval for Kraken Financial. Granting nonbank entities access to master accounts traditionally limited to highly regulated insured depository institutions poses risks to consumers and the banking system. https://t.co/Wng93QV5iA— Independent Community Bankers of America (@ICBA) March 4, 2026Banking lobby groups have also questioned the transparency of the approval process and the safeguards applied in Kraken’s case. Beyond compliance concerns, there is also a competitive dimension. If crypto firms gain direct access to central-bank payment infrastructure, banks could lose part of their traditional role as intermediaries between digital-asset platforms and the dollar-based financial system. A broader regulatory shift Kraken’s approval arrives amid broader policy changes in the United States aimed at integrating parts of the crypto industry into the regulated financial system.Recent developments include proposals to allow fintech firms limited access to Federal Reserve payment systems and approvals for crypto companies to establish national trust banks focused on custody and digital-asset services. The initiatives suggest regulators are exploring ways to allow crypto infrastructure to connect to traditional finance without granting the sector full banking status. What it could mean for the market For Kraken itself, the master account strengthens its infrastructure position. Direct access to Fed payment rails could allow the exchange to offer faster fiat settlement, reduce dependence on partner banks, and improve services for institutional clients such as trading firms and hedge funds. Faster dollar settlement may also be particularly relevant for OTC desks, prime-style brokerage services, and liquidity providers operating in digital-asset markets. For the broader industry, the more important development is the precedent.If Kraken’s arrangement proves workable from a compliance and operational perspective, other crypto institutions with banking-style charters may pursue similar access. That could gradually reshape how digital-asset firms connect to the dollar payment system. At the same time, the restricted nature of the account underscores regulators’ caution. Crypto firms may gain access to parts of the financial system’s core infrastructure, but not necessarily the full privileges that traditional banks enjoy. For now, Kraken’s master account represents something closer to a controlled experiment than a wholesale shift in policy. But if the model holds, it could become a blueprint for how digital-asset companies plug into the core infrastructure of the U.S. financial system. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Amy Meyer-O’Brien has taken on the role of Chief Legal Officer for US at Plus500, following a long legal career in the derivatives and brokerage sector. Fourteen Years at R.J. O’BrienBefore joining Plus500, Meyer-O’Brien spent 14 years at R.J. O’Brien. She served as Senior Director, Deputy General Counsel, Corporate from 2021.Earlier, she worked as Associate General Counsel, Senior Corporate Attorney, Attorney and Junior Attorney at the firm. She started her financial markets legal career as a Contract Attorney at Citadel Investment Group in 2010.In another recent executive move, Plus500 appointed NickScarf as Chief Executive Officer of its Australian entity last year, as it continues to strengthen its presence in the local market. Scarf joined from Marex, where he served as Chief Operating Officer for Australia and New Zealand.Read more: Plus500 Halts New CFD Onboarding in Spain amid Tough Marketing RulesPlus500’s US arm is in expansion and consolidation mode around its futures brokerage. Last year, it entered the US futures market by acquiring Cunningham Commodities and Cunningham Trading Systems in 2021. It now serves US clients through Plus500 US Financial Services LLC, a CFTC‑registered FCM and NFA member.Long-Term Clients Now Play a Bigger RoleThe expansion is paying off, with Plus500 recently revealing that about half of its 2025 OTC revenue came from customers who have traded on its platform for more than five years. This figure is double the 24 percent share reported three years earlier and offers a rare look into client longevity at a CFD broker, a sector often criticized for short customer lifecycles and high churn.In its year-end trading update, the London-listed fintech reported roughly $792 million in revenue and around $348 million in EBITDA for the year ended December 31, both beating Bloomberg consensus estimates of $757.7 million and $345.8 million. Three years ago, clients with more than five years of trading history accounted for just under a quarter of OTC revenue; by last year, their contribution had climbed to 50 percent, underlining the growing weight of long-standing customers in Plus500’s business mix. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Core Scientific has secured a financing agreement with Morgan Stanley worth up to $1 billion to expand its digital infrastructure operations. The company completed the initial $500 million closing of a 364-day loan facility, which includes an option to increase total commitments to $1 billion.$500M Facility with Expansion OptionAccording to Thursday announcement, the loan carries an interest rate of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 2.5%. The company said the additional funds will boost liquidity and support the development of new data centers, including costs tied to equipment, land acquisition, and energy procurement.This deal comes when Core Scientific is expanding from Bitcoin mining toward AI-focused data centers and high-density colocation. It also gives the company short-term firepower to execute that plan after only recently stabilizing its balance sheet.Core Scientific is converting existing facilities to handle artificial intelligence workloads. CEO Adam Sullivan said the financing “enhances our financial flexibility” and helps the firm move faster on project deployments.Core Scientific Lands $500M Loan at ~7.8% as AI Data Center Financing Boom Continues $CORZ https://t.co/Gjg8RUxyRd— TheEnergyMag (@TheEnergyMag) March 5, 2026Additionally, the deal sits within a broader shift across the Bitcoin mining sector, where peers increasingly convert Bitcoin into cash to fund diversification into AI infrastructure and reduce balance sheet risk.Miners Offload Bitcoin Treasuries to Back AIOne prominent example is Bitdeer which recently emptied its entire treasury to build liquidity for AI and high-performance computing projects. In its update, the Nasdaq-listed miner reported zero Bitcoin holdings as of February 20, saying it had sold all 189.8 BTC mined that week alongside reserve coins. The move freed up roughly $12 million at current prices and pushed net BTC added for the period to minus 943.1 BTC. Elsewhere, largest Nasdaq-listed public Bitcoin miner by BTC held MARA Holdings, updated its 2026 treasury policy to allow sales of accumulated reserves after a period of heightened volatility.The report explained that MARA aims to use selective Bitcoin sales to manage risk and potentially fund expansion into areas such as AI and high-performance computing, aligning it with peers that increasingly prioritize cash flow and infrastructure growth over holding large BTC treasuries.Core Scientific operates data center facilities across multiple U.S. states, including Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

One of the most persistent criticisms of Web3 token models is that many tokens exist primarily for speculation rather than for powering real digital activity. While blockchain infrastructure has matured significantly over the past decade, relatively few ecosystems have successfully tied token demand directly to everyday platform usage.Playnance’s G Coin is an example of a model that attempts to address that challenge by embedding a token within an already active digital entertainment ecosystem.Developed as the utility token of the Playnance platform, G Coin functions as the economic layer across a network of gaming environments, prediction markets, and interactive financial experiences. Rather than existing separately, the token powers the core activity of the ecosystem.Every interaction within the network, from gameplay entries and predictions to rewards and settlements, runs through G Coin. In practical terms, the token operates as the transactional infrastructure connecting users, games, and platforms.The scale of activity within the ecosystem is notable. According to Playnance data, the network currently processes more than 1.5 million on-chain transactions per day, while supporting over 10,000 on-chain games and millions of prediction-style interactions across sports and financial markets.The platform’s entertainment network also extends beyond a single application. The ecosystem includes more than 2,000 social partner platforms with its “Be The Boss” program, over 5,000 affiliate partners and creators, and 30 integrated game studios contributing content.Across these environments, G Coin acts as the common economic layer that connects all activity.The architecture reflects a broader design philosophy emerging within parts of the Web3 industry: tokens should function as infrastructure rather than as detached financial assets. In systems built around this principle, token usage scales alongside platform participation.Playnance describes this model as an activity-driven ecosystem. As more players interact with games and prediction markets, the number of token-based transactions increases, reinforcing the role of the token as a core operational component of the network.Early adoption metrics suggest measurable traction. The token currently has more than 180,000 holders, while the broader platform has over 300,000 accounts interacting with the ecosystem. G Coin’s market capitalization has also surpassed $35 million, reflecting growing participation across the network.As Web3 platforms continue experimenting with sustainable token models, infrastructure tokens tied to real digital activity are attracting increasing attention. The premise is relatively simple: when tokens power functioning ecosystems, their relevance is determined less by market speculation and more by the activity of the networks they support.In the case of Playnance, G Coin represents an attempt to embed token economics directly into the mechanics of a large-scale entertainment platform, a design that places usage, rather than narrative cycles, at the center of its economic model. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Cyprus's financial watchdog is preparing to walk through the front doors of CFD brokers and other investment firms in a series of inspections tied to a broader EU-wide supervisory effort targeting conflicts of interest.The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) today (Thursday) issued a new circular, notifying Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs) that it plans on-site visits and desk-based reviews as part of the European Securities and Markets Authority's (ESMA) Common Supervisory Action for 2026, known as CSA 2026. The action runs across all national regulators in the European Union throughout this year.Inspectors Will Look at Pay, Platforms, and Profit MotivesThe question regulators want answered is direct: are brokers putting their own financial interests ahead of their clients? CySEC and ESMA will probe three specific areas, all of them hitting at the heart of how retail investment products get sold.The first is how staff compensation, bonuses, and inducements shape which products brokers recommend to retail clients. The second concerns digital platforms, specifically whether they're built to steer users toward certain products in ways that don't actually serve those users. The third is how firms manage the tension between their own revenue goals and the genuine needs of ordinary investors.CySEC Chairman Dr. George Theocharides has been candid about the challenges regulators face in keeping pace with bad actors. In a FinanceMagnates.com interview ahead of 2026, Theocharides said, "Honestly, no matter what we do, scammers will find new ways to deceive investors." The upcoming inspections reflect a push to at least tighten controls at the regulated end of the market.These concerns have circulated in EU regulatory discussions for years. But the on-site visit element gives this round considerably more force. Rather than waiting for document submissions, CySEC inspectors can arrive at a broker's office directly, a step that puts real operational pressure on firms to demonstrate live compliance, not just on paper.Cyprus Holds an Outsized Stake in EU Retail TradingThe sweep carries particular weight in Cyprus because of the island's dominant position in European retail trading. CySEC-regulated firms serve roughly 3.6 million of the 10.5 million retail clients trading across EU borders (about one in three) while complaints against Cyprus-based brokers jumped 46% in 2024 alone. That combination of scale and rising grievances makes the sector a natural focus for coordinated EU-level oversight.The circular makes one thing unmistakably clear: CySEC expects firms to take this seriously. Adherence to the circular "will form part of CySEC's supervisory review for the purposes of the CSA 2026," according to the document signed by Theocharides.FM Intelligence recently published an analysis suggesting that Cyprus is becoming a "compliance museum" and losing significant ground to the rapidly growing hub that Dubai has become. The proposed hike in licensing fees and the now-planned office raids only confirm this. Separate data, however, tell a completely different story: 1 in 4 jobs in our industry still land on the Island, not in the Gulf.Compliance Load Keeps Growing for Cyprus BrokersThe conflict-of-interest inspections arrive as regulatory pressure on Cyprus-based brokers continues to pile up. ESMA recently told firms that perpetual futures fall under EU CFD rules, warning that existing leverage caps apply regardless of how products are labeled. Further down the timeline, CFD providers face substantial reporting changes by 2027 under ESMA's new derivatives transparency rules. A separate wave of equity transparency requirements is already working its way through EU systems.Some firms appear to be responding to the growing compliance environment by simply walking away from their licenses. Two Cyprus investment firms have surrendered their CIF authorizations in less than a month, though the exact reasons behind each exit aren't publicly confirmed.CySEC, for its part, is expanding. The regulator recently sought additional Nicosia office space for 30 staff, having grown its headcount by 32 employees while targeting 42 more hires. More staff, more office space, and now unannounced on-site visits, the supervisory machine is clearly shifting into a higher gear. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.