Virtu Financial closed 2025 with a strong acceleration in revenue and profit, highlighting how heightened trading activity and client demand continue to strengthen the electronic market maker and execution specialist. The firm also stepped-up non-GAAP profitability, expanded its balance sheet and maintained cash returns through buybacks and dividends.In the fourth quarter of 2025, total revenue rose 16% year-over-year to 969.9 million dollars, supported by higher net trading income and growth in commissions and technology services. Net trading income increased 22% to 664.9 million dollars from 544 million dollars in the prior-year quarter.Q4 2025: Earnings and Margins ClimbQuarterly net income advanced to 280.6 million dollars compared with 176.1 million dollars a year earlier, resulting in a GAAP net income margin of 28.9%. Basic and diluted earnings per share came in at 1.54 dollars, up from 1.03 dollars in the fourth quarter of 2024.For the full year, Virtu reported revenue of 3.63 billion dollars, an increase of 26.2% compared with 2.88 billion dollars in 2024. Net trading income rose 33.7% to 2.44 billion dollars from 1.82 billion dollars, reflecting stronger activity across asset classes.You may also like: CFI Financial Continues to See “Record” Trading Volume, Ends Q4 with $2.07 TrillionNet income for 2025 reached 912.3 million dollars, up from 534.5 million dollars in the prior year, lifting the GAAP net income margin to 25.1%. Basic and diluted earnings per share increased to 5.14 dollars and 5.13 dollars, respectively, versus 2.98 dollars and 2.97 dollars in 2024.Virtu operates two main segments, Market Making and Execution Services, with a corporate segment for investments and central costs. In the fourth quarter, Market Making generated 803.4 million dollars in total revenue, up from 706.6 million dollars a year earlier, supported by higher trading and interest income.Balance Sheet, Capital Return and Non-GAAP FocusExecution Services delivered 158.2 million dollars in revenue compared with 136.7 million dollars in the prior-year quarter, driven by commissions and technology services.​At year-end 2025, Virtu reported 1.13 billion dollars in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and total assets of 20.15 billion dollars, up from 15.36 billion dollars a year earlier. Trading assets at fair value stood at 10.55 billion dollars, while total long-term debt carried an aggregate principal amount of 2.07 billion dollars.Additionally, the company repurchased 3.5 million shares in 2025 for 135.3 million dollars under its share repurchase program. The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 0.24 dollars per share, payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 27, 2026. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

As 2025 came to a close, the online trading industry sent out a set of signals that deserve closer attention. Some were easy to spot, others less so. Trading volumes stayed high, broker strategies shifted across regions, regulatory pressure increased, and prop trading continued to reshape the competitive landscape. Taken together, these signals suggest that the industry is entering 2026 under conditions different from those many expected.Trading Volumes Did Not Slow DownThe final quarter of the year is usually quieter. Firms plan for reduced activity, lower volumes, and a lower risk appetite. Q4/2025 broke that pattern.Trading volumes remained strong through October, November, and even December, a period typically characterised by a clear decline. Several large brokers posted higher-than-expected monthly figures, raising an important question:Was this a temporary effect, or a sign of more active trading behaviour?What stands out is not just growth, but consistency. The usual year-end slowdown was limited, suggesting a shift in how traders engage with the market.? The Q4/2025 Finance Magnates Intelligence Report shows where this activity came from and how it compares with previous quarters.Broker Strategy is Becoming More FlexibleEurope remains critical, yet more firms are building multi-location structures rather than relying on a single hub. Rather than choosing between regions, brokers are increasingly establishing new bases alongside existing ones.Recent signals point to:continued use of EU licenses for access and credibilitygrowing operational presence in the Middle Eastexpansion plans tied to faster-growing regionsDubai, in particular, has become a serious option, not as a replacement for Europe, but as a complementary base.? The Intelligence data shows how brokers are positioning themselves and which licensing paths they are choosing.Prop Trading Is Now a Core Market ForceProp trading is no longer on the sidelines.By the end of 2025:Payouts reached record levelsA small group of firms controlled a growing share of activityThe gap between leading firms and the rest widened furtherMore importantly, the line between prop firms and traditional brokers is starting to blur. Some prop firms are moving closer to brokerage models, competing for the same traders and attention.This raises direct questions for the industry:Are prop firms partners or competitors?Will they influence future market structure and regulation?? The report tracks payouts, rankings, and concentration to show how fast this segment is changing.Platforms, Devices, and Apps Show Quiet ChangeOn the surface, platform usage looks stable. MT4 and MT5 still dominate retail trading volumes. However, there are early signs of change:Alternative platforms gaining ground in specific regionsPlatform choice is tied closely to trader behaviourMobile trading is growing, while desktop remains key for high-volume activityApp performance data adds another layer, showing that downloads, engagement, and user ratings do not always align with volume leadership.Regulation Is Moving FasterRegulation was one of the strongest signals in late 2025. Across Europe, the UK, Asia-Pacific, and Australia, regulators increased enforcement activity, introduced new reporting requirements, and placed greater focus on fraud and investor protection.Payments continue to play a bigger role in growth decisions.Late-2025 data shows that in regions such as India and parts of LATAM, payment setup can directly affect client acquisition and retention. Local habits matter, and the wrong payment mix can limit expansion.? Payment trends increasingly act as a filter for where brokers can scale.Access the Full Data By accessing the Finance Magnates Q4 2025 Intelligence Report, a premium publication used by brokers, fintech firms, compliance teams, and investors, you will get full access to the detailed data, benchmarks and regional insights. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

Capital.com appears to have obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licence from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), according to an entry in the regulatory registry. Alongside it, eToro, Revolut and two other firms have obtained the pan-European crypto licence from the Cypriot regulator.Two Entities, but One Brand?The licence has been granted to an entity named Capital Vault Ltd, which shares the same office building as Capital.com’s Cyprus entity, but on a different floor. The MiCA-licensed company has Capital.com listed as its approved domain.The MiCA licence was awarded on 1 December 2025.FinanceMagnates.com earlier reported Capital.com’s possible plans to launch spot cryptocurrency products and services. The broker was hiring a “Head of Technology/Tech Lead – Digital Assets”, whose responsibility would be “to lead engineering across our digital assets product suite”.Although the broker did not directly confirm its crypto plans at the time, it said: “As part of our long-term strategy, we continue to invest in scalable infrastructure and emerging technologies, including blockchain, to future-proof our platform and respond to evolving client needs.”[#highlighted-links#] Is Expanding into Crypto Becoming the Norm?Capital.com currently offers crypto contracts for difference (CFD) instruments to its customers in other jurisdictions where retail traders can trade these products. Under the MiCA licence, it can now offer spot crypto products and other related services across Europe.FinanceMagnates.com approached Capital.com to learn about its plans for the MiCA licence, but did not receive a reply as of press time.Meanwhile, Capital.com is on an aggressive expansion drive globally. It recently obtained a local licence in Kenya and appointed a local CEO. It is also seeking licences in Japan, South Africa and Turkey, and is hiring CEOs for its operations in Brazil and Chile, signalling expansion into those countries as well.The broker has also opened a new office in the capital city of Bulgaria, making it its customer service hub, and plans to invest up to €5 million to improve its operational infrastructure. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Silver price hit a fresh all-time high of $120 per ounce on Thursday, January 29, 2026, extending its extraordinary rally to 65% in January alone, while gold surged past $5,600 per ounce. Citigroup predicts silver will reach $150 within three months, calling the white metal "gold on steroids" as Chinese buying momentum and dollar weakness fuel unprecedented precious metals gains.In this article, I am answering the question why gold and silver price is going up today, analyzing XAU/USD and XAG/USD charts and check the newest silver price predictions.Silver Price Smashes Records With 65% Monthly GainSilver is trading at $117.63 per ounce as of Thursday morning, up 0.9% on the day after testing the $120 level, a staggering 272% gain compared to the same time last year. The metal has delivered its best January performance in decades, surging from under $30 per ounce in early 2025 to current record levels.Silver's 2026 Performance:Daily gain: +0.9% to $117.63January 2026: +65% (from $31.60 to $120)Year-over-year: +272%Month-over-month: +54.4%2025 performance: +150%The rally has been so extreme that India's MCX silver contracts traded near Rs 3.80 lakh per kilogram, up Rs 1.42 lakh since January 1—a nearly 60% jump in less than a month.Gold Breaks $5,600 as Fed Holds RatesGold extended its own historic rally Thursday, briefly touching $5,584 per ounce—its first time above $5,600—before settling around $5,523, up nearly 2% on the day. The yellow metal has gained almost 30% year-to-date after surging 65% throughout 2025, significantly outperforming traditional assets like the S&P 500.Gold's advance came despite the Federal Reserve holding interest rates unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday, with Chair Jerome Powell striking a cautious but dovish tone that markets interpreted as opening the door for eventual rate cuts.Follow me on X for more gold and silver market analysis: @ChmielDkCiti's "Gold on Steroids" Silver Price PredictionCitigroup's commodity analysts, led by Max Layton, issued a bold forecast this week predicting silver will surge to $150 per ounce within the next three months. The bank describes silver as behaving like "gold squared" or "gold on steroids," expecting the rally to continue until silver looks expensive by historical standards relative to gold.The rationale behind Citi's aggressive target includes:Chinese buying momentum: Strong physical demand continues with no signs of slowingSupply constraints: Higher prices needed to encourage existing holders to sellGold-silver ratio compression: If the ratio returns to the 2011 low of 32:1, silver could reach $170 per ounceStructural tightness: Market dynamics showing persistent supply-demand imbalances"Silver is behaving like 'gold squared' or 'gold on steroids,' and we think this likely continues until silver looks expensive by historical standards, relative to gold," Citi analysts wrote.Citigroup expects spot silver prices to hit a record $150 an ounce within three months, extending a historic rally that has seen the metal surge nearly 50% in January https://t.co/s78weN6H5H— Laurentiu B . ?? (@laurbjn) January 28, 2026Although the forecast is quite bullish, it is not the highest in recent weeks. Robert Kiyosaki is forecasting $200 per ounce this year, while Robert Maloney said $375 in 2026.The current gold-silver ratio sits around 47:1. A return to the 2011 extreme of 32:1, when silver last experienced a parabolic rally, would mathematically support silver at $170 per ounce given gold's current levels.Check also my previous articles and analyses on gold and silver:Why Silver Is Surging? 5 Key Drivers Behind the Precious Metals Surge1. Dollar Collapse to Four-Year LowsThe US dollar has plunged to its lowest level since early 2022, with the DXY index failing to sustain rebounds above 96.33 resistance. President Trump's comments suggesting administration comfort with dollar weakness, combined with tariff threats and Fed pressure, have accelerated the greenback's decline.According to Abdelaziz Albogdady, Market Research & Fintech Strategy Manager at FXEM: "Gold continued to climb on Thursday, breaking yet another record as a weaker US dollar and persistent geopolitical tensions reinforced demand for safe-haven assets. The dollar remains under pressure while ongoing tariff uncertainty and growing concerns about the Federal Reserve's independence boost demand for gold."2. Fed's Dovish Pivot Under PowellWednesday's FOMC meeting brought no policy changes, but Powell's post-meeting remarks triggered significant market repricing. Dilin Wu, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, notes: "Powell's dovish pivot supports gold. On inflation, he softened his prior stance on 'maintaining high rates for longer,' instead emphasizing the trend of falling inflation and acknowledging that policy is already 'sufficiently restrictive.'"Powell suggested that if tariff-driven inflation remains contained, more accommodative policy could be considered—indicating the Fed's reaction function is shifting from fighting inflation toward preventing a slowdown.3. China's Silver Buying and Export RestrictionsChina, one of the world's largest suppliers of refined silver, began enforcing new export restrictions this year, a move analysts believe aims to protect domestic manufacturers from rising costs. The restrictions have tightened global supply while Chinese investors pile into silver investments.Evidence of Chinese demand intensity includes:Pure-play silver funds in China suspended trading after premiums surged well above net asset valueManufacturers shifting production from jewelry to 1-kilogram investment barsPersistent physical buying despite record-high prices4. Industrial Demand for AI and Green TechnologyUnlike gold, silver has extensive industrial applications that account for roughly half of annual demand. The metal is critical for:AI infrastructure: Data centers and high-performance computingSolar panels: Photovoltaic cell productionElectric vehicles: Battery and electronic systems5G networks: Enhanced conductivity requirementsDefense equipment: Advanced electronics and radar systems"Silver is needed in many industrial processes," Elon Musk wrote on X in late December, responding to China's export limitations, highlighting the metal's economic importance.This is not good. Silver is needed in many industrial processes.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2025Higher silver costs could weigh on profit margins across these sectors or force companies to raise prices, potentially adding to inflation pressures over time.5. Safe-Haven Flows Amid Geopolitical UncertaintyMultiple risk factors continue driving investors toward precious metals:Middle East tensions: Ongoing conflicts and regional instabilityUS-China trade frictions: Tariff threats and retaliatory measuresGovernment shutdown risk: Congressional negotiations remain uncertainCentral bank diversification: Foreign central banks reducing US Treasury holdings to 2013 lows"Rising tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing risks in Eastern Europe continue to cloud the global outlook," adds Albogdady from FXEM. "Taken together, a weaker dollar, political uncertainty, and persistent geopolitical risks keep the near- and medium-term outlook for gold firmly bullish."Silver and Gold Technical Analysis: Price Discovery PhaseAs a technical analyst, I've identified that both silver and gold have entered a clear price discovery phase, making traditional analysis challenging. However, several key levels emerge:Silver Technical LevelsCurrent price: $118 testing $120 record highCritical support: $100 psychological level (first major floor)Trend structure: Strongly bullish with no clear resistance until Citi's $150 targetMoving averages: Price significantly extended from all major EMAsGold Technical LevelsCurrent price: $5,523 after testing $5,600Key support levels:$5,000: Psychological round number (primary support)$4,550: 50-day EMA and December 2025 highs$4,374-4,273: October 2025 peaks and December lowsShort-term targets: $5,670-5,700 on close above $5,600Pullback support: $5,420 intraday lowBoth metals have moved approximately 30% above their 200-day exponential moving averages, an extreme deviation that typically triggers corrections under normal market conditions. However, the convergence of geopolitical tensions, dollar weakness, and persistent buying has kept momentum strongly positive.Expert Warning: Volatility and Bubble DynamicsDespite bullish forecasts, several analysts are raising caution flags. Bank of America ranked silver highest for "bubblelike asset dynamics" in a recent analysis of stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, placing it just ahead of gold.Dilin Wu from Pepperstone emphasizes risk management: "While the trend remains bullish, gold is now trading at elevated levels with high volatility, requiring traders to avoid overconfidence. One-month implied volatility is currently around 26%, suggesting that gold could move roughly ±7.5% over the next month. equivalent to a potential $750 trading range."He adds: "In such a volatile environment, position sizing and risk management are more critical than directional bets and warrant extra caution from traders."Marc Loeffert, trader at Heraeus Precious Metals, warned: "History suggests that this rally is much nearer to its end than its beginning. The gold/silver ratio has been lower than today several times in the past but has rarely seen such a large swing in such a short time."Analysts at Sucden Financial wrote: "We remain cautious about how much further the rally can extend and see the potential for a sharp, rapid reversal if sentiment shifts decisively."Silver Price Analysis, FAQWhat is the silver price today?Silver is trading at $117.63 per ounce as of Thursday, January 29, 2026, after hitting an all-time high of $120 earlier in the session.Why is silver surging with gold?Silver is surging due to dollar weakness (four-year lows), Chinese buying momentum, China's export restrictions, Fed dovish pivot, safe-haven demand from geopolitical tensions, and robust industrial demand for AI infrastructure, solar panels, and electric vehicles.Will silver surge in 2026?Citigroup predicts silver will reach $150 per ounce within the next three months, with potential to hit $170 if the gold-silver ratio returns to its 2011 low of 32:1.How high can silver go?While Citi targets $150-170, analysts warn the rally shows bubble-like characteristics. Bank of America ranks silver highest for "bubblelike asset dynamics," suggesting caution despite bullish momentum.Should I buy silver now?Silver has gained 65% in January alone and is trading 30% above key moving averages—levels that typically see corrections. While structural drivers remain bullish (dollar weakness, Chinese demand, industrial needs), volatility is extreme with potential for sharp reversals. Investors should carefully consider risk tolerance and position sizing rather than chasing momentum. Consult financial advisors before making investment decisions. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Competition in the growing prediction markets sector is shifting from pure liquidity provision toward control of the user interface, with digital wallets increasingly emerging as a key distribution layer for access to these markets.This is the central argument of a new 2026 outlook report from Bitget, which examines how fragmentation across multiple platforms is reshaping where competitive advantage is likely to form.The analysis comes as prediction markets are shattering records. On-chain data from Dune Analytics shows daily trading volume hit an all-time high of $814 million on January 21, putting the market on pace to easily surpass December's record $11.5 billion in monthly volume.LATEST: ? Prediction markets hit an all-time daily record of $814 million in volume on Sunday, putting January on pace to surpass December's $11.5 billion in volume, according to Dune Analytics data. pic.twitter.com/COhcI8LW6e— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 21, 2026 Why Wallets Are Emerging as the Distribution Layer However, this activity is spread across a fragmented landscape of successful but siloed platforms like Kalshi, Polymarket, and the newly launched Opinion. According to the Bitget report, this very fragmentation is what’s causing the competitive focus to evolve. "As supply improves, competition is no longer centered on whether platforms can list enough markets," the report states. "Instead, differentiation increasingly occurs at the interface layer – where users discover events, interpret probabilities, and execute trades." The report argues that digital wallets are well positioned to become the primary access point for prediction markets. By bringing event discovery, data visualisation and trade execution from multiple platforms into a single workflow, wallets could address the fragmentation that currently defines the sector. In this model, the wallet evolves beyond a passive container for holdings. Instead, it becomes an event-driven interface where users can interpret probabilities, form views on real-world outcomes and act on them financially without switching between multiple platforms. A similar direction has been highlighted by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (A16z). In recent analysis, the firm suggested that the next phase of prediction markets will rely on tighter integration with AI and crypto-native technologies, including user verification and enhanced data layers. For the B2B audience of brokers and fintech developers, the takeaway from Bitget's report is clear. As prediction markets become a core feature of the modern financial landscape, the primary strategic opportunity may no longer lie in building another siloed exchange, but in creating the best integrated "front door" that gives users a single, intelligent point of access to all of them. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Devexperts’ multi-asset trading platform DXtrade has completed full integration of TradeCore’s BrokerIQ CRM system into its mobile app. The update extends BrokerIQ’s functionality across both desktop and mobile platforms and introduces single sign-on access for brokers and traders.The move follows earlier initiatives by DXtrade to improve broker operations. The platform partnered with TRAction to automate trade reporting for CFD brokers. The integration sends trading data from DXtrade platforms directly to TRAction’s reporting system, allowing firms to submit regulatory reports without manually transferring information.BrokerIQ Integration Expands DXtrade Mobile FeaturesThis integration is designed to enhance broker operations. It aims to reduce onboarding friction for new traders, improve conversion of first-time deposits, and provide a consistent mobile trading experience. BrokerIQ provides a full CRM stack, including automated workflows, client engagement tools, and support for scaling operations.Jon Light, Senior Director of Product Management at Devexperts, said DXtrade “integrates with multiple third parties” and that the integration allows “the Broker IQ CRM ecosystem to seamlessly integrate with our DXtrade mobile app, all with a single sign on for ease.” He added that the update aligns with DXtrade’s goal of providing comprehensive trading software for brokers and clients.CFD Brokers Gain Unified CRMDXtrade initially integrated with TradeCore in 2023, making BrokerIQ available to FX and CFD brokers licensing the platform. Following the latest update, brokers can now run their CRM system across both desktop and mobile. The platform also includes features such as individual dealing settings for client groups and instruments, real-time exposure monitoring, order and position tracking, and management of price streams, spreads, markups, and stale quotes.Igor Jovic, CEO at TradeCore, said that with “BrokerIQ now fully integrated into the DXtrade mobile app and supported by single sign-on,” brokers can streamline onboarding, process deposits and withdrawals more efficiently, and maintain a consistent mobile trading experience. He added that the integration allows FX and CFD brokers to run a unified CRM across desktop and mobile, centralizing client engagement, workflow automation, and retention. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The onchain launch protocol now powers the majority of new DEX pools on Base, with over $1.5B in value created and $1B+ in trading volume in just nine monthsDoppler, the default launch protocol for teams raising capital onchain, today announced a $9 million seed round led by Pantera Capital, with participation from Variant, Figment Capital, and Coinbase Ventures. The funding comes as Doppler has rapidly emerged as the core market infrastructure for new onchain assets, powering the majority of token launches and DEX pools on Base.Since launching nine months ago, Doppler has become the default path to market for new onchain assets. Over 90% of new DEX pools on Base now launch via Doppler, and its infrastructure supports tokens created by leading applications including Zora, Base App, Paragraph, FxHash, and more. Today, more than 40,000 assets are created daily using Doppler, representing over $1.5 billion in value and more than $1 billion in cumulative trading volume.Launching a token today is closer to running an IPO than deploying a website - except there are no banks, no underwriters, and no established playbook. Teams often spend months preparing launches, only to see snipers extract value, liquidity fail to materialize, and charts collapse within days. When 80–90% of tokens seek similar outcomes, yet each team continues to roll its own launch infrastructure, something is fundamentally broken.“Capital formation has not fundamentally changed in over a century, despite how broken the IPO process has become,” said Austin Adams, creator of the Doppler Protocol and founder of Whetstone Research. “Tokenization of markets will finish what electronification started in the 1990s - leaping forward in efficiency and creating new markets while simultaneously lowering costs and barriers. In this new reality, the mechanism determines the outcome. That’s why we invented Doppler.”Doppler compresses months of infrastructure work - token deployment, vesting, liquidity bootstrapping, governance, and fee routing - into a single, unified interface. At the core of the protocol are price discovery auctions designed to protect launches from snipers while generating protocol-owned liquidity from day one. This allows teams to focus on building applications and communities, rather than reinventing fragile and complex launch mechanics.With customizable auctions for nearly any asset type, Doppler’s infrastructure supports tokenized equities, commodities, TGEs, content, art, creators, and ideas. Assets launched via Doppler are immediately tradeable across any interface supporting the underlying DEX, ensuring maximum distribution from day one.The results have been significant. Since launch, more than six million pools have been deployed through Doppler, representing 93% of Uniswap v4 pools on Base and 91% across all supported networks. In total, this activity represents over 40,000 assets launched daily, with more than $1.5 billion in value created and over $1 billion in trading volume.The $9 million seed round will enable Doppler to expand into self-serve markets, support larger token generation events, and deepen integrations across the onchain ecosystem. The team includes engineers with backgrounds at Uniswap, Primitive Finance, and Aztec, bringing experience building AMMs and market infrastructure at scale.Already the default launch infrastructure for coins on Base, Doppler’s broader mission is to become the default infrastructure for entirely new asset classes that could not have existed before. Doppler helps teams build apps, not auctions - and is redefining how capital formation works onchain.About Whetstone ResearchWhetstone Research https://whetstone.cc/ is building the future of onchain markets. Their first product is Doppler, a hyper-efficient price discovery and liquidity bootstrapping Protocol for projects that are meant to last. Their second product is Pure Markets, a launchpad for serious projects and trading terminal. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest asset managers, is preparing to launch its first stablecoin, marking another step in the steady migration of digital tokens from the fringes of crypto markets into mainstream finance. The launch is expected in the coming weeks, according to a statement by the firm.Across retail brokerage, stablecoins have been gaining ground as firms add them to their payment stacks for deposits and withdrawals.Fidelity's Coin - Bridging the Gap Between TradFi and CryptoThe token, to be known as the Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD), will be issued by Fidelity Digital Assets, National Association, a national trust bank. It will be available to both retail and institutional investors. “We have a long-standing belief in the transformative power of the digital-assets ecosystem,” said Mike O’Reilly, President of Fidelity Digital Assets, adding that the firm has spent years researching and advocating the benefits of stablecoins.Stablecoins run on blockchain infrastructure and are typically backed by cash or short-dated government securities. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, their value is designed to remain stable, most commonly pegged to the US dollar. The largest of them, Tether, has long dominated the market but has also attracted sustained scrutiny over the quality and liquidity of its reserves. Those concerns have eased somewhat recently as the issuer strengthened disclosures and benefited from a surge in returns on reserve assets, emerging as one of the biggest winners of 2026’s sharp rally in gold.The reserves backing FIDD will be managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company, its flagship asset-management arm. The stablecoin will be transferable to any Ethereum mainnet address and available on cryptocurrency exchanges. Stablecoins Coming of AgeThe timing reflects a marked shift in regulatory and commercial sentiment. According to a16zcrypto, the crypto arm of Andreessen Horowitz, roughly $9trn in stablecoin transactions (excluding inorganic activity) were processed on blockchain rails between 2024 and September 2025. What was once an experimental payment rail is fast becoming a mainstream one.Regulatory clarity has helped. The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the US's GENIUS Act have provided long-awaited rules for stablecoin issuers, reducing uncertainty for financial institutions and brokers.Adoption of stablecoin for deposits and withdrawals by retail CFD brokers has accelerated accordingly. Eightcap, a Melbourne-based firm that integrated stablecoin payments as early as 2020, reported that by 2025, such tokens accounted for 10-20% of global deposits, rising to 40% in parts of Latin America and South-East Asia, where banking infrastructure is often unreliable. In January 2026, US-based Interactive Brokers, a much larger broker with CFDs only a portion of its service in certain markets, announced it's allowing eligible clients of its US subsidiary to fund their brokerage accounts using stablecoins. Instant settlement and round-the-clock access are increasingly the selling points. This article was written by Adonis Adoni at www.financemagnates.com.

ING Bank Securities is preparing to launch retirement investment accounts and expand into foreign markets this year, adding pressure on XTB and other Polish brokerages competing for the country's growing pool of retail investors.The brokerage unit of ING Bank Śląski will prioritize rollout of IKE and IKZE tax-advantaged retirement accounts, according to Marcin Słomianowski, director of BM ING BSK. The firm operates more than 200,000 brokerage accounts, ranking fourth in Poland's retail trading market."We want to complete work on making IKE and IKZE brokerage accounts available as our first priority," Słomianowski told Polish financial newspaper Parkiet. The move puts ING in direct competition with XTB, which launched IKZE accounts in mid-2025 and has captured roughly one-third of Poland's brokerage market.Last year, ING added just under 10,000 new brokerage accounts. By comparison, XTB opened around 40 times more, driven by a surge in popularity of IKE and IKZE accounts.Retirement Accounts Fuel Polish Industry GrowthPolish brokerages opened 168,000 new IKE accounts and 94,000 IKZE accounts in 2025, both up more than 130% year-over-year, according to Parkiet estimates. The surge reflects growing interest in tax-sheltered investing among Polish retail traders.XTB added 442,000 Polish accounts during 2025, with much of the December rush driven by year-end contributions to retirement products. The publicly traded broker now controls about 32% of all Polish brokerage accounts, though its Warsaw Stock Exchange trading volume represents just 1.7% of total market turnover.ING's retirement account launch follows the bank's November 2025 strategy announcement, which emphasized investment products. "2026 will be a time of vigorous development in the area of investment solutions, including brokerage services," Słomianowski said. "This year is a period of very intensive work on implementing many initiatives."Foreign Markets and Family Foundations on RoadmapThe brokerage also plans to introduce accounts for family foundations, a legal structure gaining traction among wealthy Polish families for legal tax evasion. Access to international markets, now standard among Polish retail brokers, remains on ING's agenda though no launch date has been set."We are preparing to expand investment opportunities through our services by making foreign markets available, although the timing of this service implementation has not been decided," Słomianowski said.ING will refresh its "Makler" module within the Moje ING mobile app and is monitoring legislative work on OKI accounts, another potential retirement product. "We are closely following legislative work on OKI accounts," Słomianowski said. "Although their implementation depends on the final shape of regulations, we are already preparing for this change, working based on draft provisions."The Polish brokerage market has seen increased competition from international players. German fintech Trade Republic entered Poland in September 2025, offering commission-free trading and access to private markets from one euro in its first non-eurozone expansion."Will the brokerage break through to investors with its offer? The brokerage market remains competitive," Parkiet noted. "The strength of brokerages operating within bank structures is the potentially easy access to the bank's client base, which BM ING BSK has also relied on in recent years." This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Data deficiencies contributed to 68% of anti-money laundering fines imposed on UK financial institutions over the past five years, with total penalties exceeding 430 million pounds, according to an analysis of 22 FCA enforcement cases released by compliance technology firm Kyckr.The report found that "outdated records, missing customer information, or reliance on self-disclosures without independent verification" repeatedly appeared in enforcement actions, even when governance failures and weak controls were the primary causes. The findings point to what Kyckr calls a "clear regulatory shift" where "the FCA is no longer satisfied with firms having policies 'on paper.'"Missing and Outdated Records Drive EnforcementForty-five percent of the reviewed fines involved outdated or incomplete data. Gatehouse Bank screened shareholders of a high-risk special purpose vehicle in December 2014 against an outdated investor list, only discovering during 2016 remediation work that several recent investors were politically exposed persons. The FCA stated the bank "failed to properly assess the money laundering risk" because it relied on stale information.Ghana International Bank failed to detect for five years that a business client had ceased trading in 2011. Monzo prioritized transaction monitoring over gathering customer information during onboarding, but the FCA noted this "made it challenging for the financial crime team to contextualise subsequent account activity." The digital bank couldn't verify ultimate beneficial owners for 19,198 entities it onboarded, and some customers listed addresses as Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.Using automated compliance without adequate human oversight has proven insufficient, as recent cases show how technology missed red flags including executives previously fined millions.Customer Claims Go Unchecked Against Public RecordsNatWest's case illustrates the cost of failing to verify customer information. A high-risk gold bullion merchant later convicted of money laundering mysteriously had its industry classification changed from "precious metals" to "wholesale of metals and metal ores" in December 2013. The bank was "unable to say definitively how this happened," but the change didn't match Companies House records. The account's risk rating dropped from high to low, removing it from a 2014 remediation program and allowing millions in illicit funds to flow through without scrutiny.Santander opened an account in May 2013 for a company claiming to operate as a translation service with 5,000 pounds in estimated monthly turnover. Companies House listed it as financial intermediation. By March 2014, some 26 million pounds had passed through the account. The pattern repeated with three other money services businesses.Source of Wealth Verification FailuresAl Rayan Bank failed to verify 82% of customers' source of funds and 96% of source of wealth in a sample of 50 files. The bank onboarded a wealthy Qatari businessman allegedly deriving wealth from a property portfolio but "wasn't able to obtain 'independent' information, including 'evidence of ownership or income,'" the report states. Another customer deposited 580,000 pounds in cash despite claiming it would make monthly 2,000-pound installments.In the meantime, nearly 9 in 10 crypto registration applications failed UK AML standards in recent years, with only four applications approved out of 35 reviewed. The analysis notes most violations occurred over a decade before final notices were issued, and "do not necessarily reflect the practices in place today." The study excluded Starling Bank and Credit Suisse cases because their failures weren't data-related. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority recorded a rise in whistleblower and consumer reports in 2025, reflecting increased contact with the regulator and continued concerns about unlawful financial activity.The FSMA said it received 306 whistleblowers’ reports in 2025. That was 12% more than in 2024 and more than double the number received in 2022. The authority uses these reports to detect breaches of financial legislation at an early stage and, where necessary, to take supervisory or enforcement measures.Whistleblowing Channel Strengthens FSMA Early DetectionJean-Paul Servais, Chairman of the FSMA, said the trend was positive because it showed growing trust in the regulator. He said consumers were increasingly contacting the FSMA “to check if their provider is trustworthy” and that this approach helps prevent fraud. He added that it is important for a supervisory authority to listen to both the financial sector and the public in order to “detect, as early as possible, important signals” that may require action.The FSMA has operated a dedicated whistleblowing channel since 2017 for reporting suspected infringements of financial legislation under its supervision. The authority said reports are handled with particular care to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.Consumer Complaints Jump 13%The number of reports through this channel has increased steadily. The FSMA received 139 reports in 2022, 238 in 2023, 274 in 2024 and 306 in 2025. The reports cover a wide range of areas, including financial products, market surveillance, company disclosures, conduct of business rules, financial intermediaries, supplementary pensions and unlawful activities. Some reports lead to investigations and, in certain cases, sanctions.Consumer contact with the FSMA also continued to rise. In 2025, the authority received 4,674 consumer reports. That was three times the level recorded in 2016 and 13% higher than in 2024. The increase has been consistent year on year.245 Scam Websites Prevent Nearly 23,000 VisitsMost consumer reports concerned unlawful or fraudulent offers. In 2025, the FSMA received an average of 273 such reports per month. The authority also noted that more consumers are contacting it before investing to verify whether a firm or individual is trustworthy.Since April 2025, the FSMA has blocked 245 fraudulent domain names through the Belgian Anti-Phishing Shield. The authority said this prevented nearly 23,000 attempted visits to fraudulent websites. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Research by BrokerListings.com highlights execution issues, interface limitations, and hidden costs of smartphone-only trading.BrokerListings.com today released an independent research report titled “Mobile Trading: The Hidden Issues That Could Be Costing Traders Money,” revealing that active traders relying solely on mobile apps may face subtle limitations affecting trade quality, timing, and risk management.Retail investors, like the rest of the population, are increasingly turning to mobiles over fully-featured desktop devices, with mobile apps accounting for 53.2% of the US online trading platform market in 2025, compared to 46.8% on desktop.Despite their convenience, this trend could be costing active traders in subtle ways that often go unreported in marketing materials.The BrokerListings.com study involved a controlled 48-hour trading experiment conducted solely on mobile devices. During the London and New York session overlap, every trade, chart adjustment, alert, and order entry occurred on a phone. The exercise sought to isolate the effects of mobile interfaces on real-time execution.“Mobile trading feels easy and convenient at first glance,” said Christian Harris for BrokerListings.com. “But when you remove desktop context and precision controls, you start to see how tiny interface frictions and timing issues add up.”Key Findings from The Mobile Trading ReportAccording to BrokerListings.com, over 60% of our execution problems stemmed from the mobile interface, not misreading the market. The most significant damage came from:62% of trades were directly affected by mobile trading limitations, including execution lag, misplaced order entries, and delayed or missing alerts.Of 21 total trades logged, only 8 winners occurred, while 10 resulted in losses, and 3 setups were missed entirely due to alert issues.Only 8 trades executed exactly as planned—a minority of total attempts —showing the prevalence of mobile friction.While mobile devices offer convenience, BrokerListings.com found that precision tasks—especially during fast market moves—are harder to manage on smaller screens with touch controls. The study concluded that for active traders, these limitations can materially affect performance and risk control without being immediately obvious.The BrokerListings.com analysis acknowledges that mobile trading isn’t inherently flawed. Traders can benefit from quick position checks and rapid exits during emergencies. However, the report cautions that mobile trading should act as a complementary tool rather than a full substitute for desktop platforms in active strategies.Implications for Active TradersBrokerListings.com noted that brokerages should communicate mobile limitations clearly and provide users with guidance on when mobile trading is appropriate.“This isn’t about vilifying mobile apps,” Christian Harris from BrokerListings.com stated. “It’s about making active traders aware of the practical trade-offs they face when they shift entirely to mobile.”The full BrokerListings.com research report, including methodology, detailed observations, and recommendations for traders, is available at https://brokerlistings.com/research-hub/mobile-trading.About BrokerListings.comBrokerListing's mission is to help investors find the right broker for their needs. Its broker top lists are carefully built to align with different trading goals, combining clear ratings with hands-on testing insights. In-depth broker reviews and side-by-side comparisons highlight each provider’s strengths and weaknesses to support confident decision-making. The company’s expertise is widely recognised, with its team made up of industry experts and active traders who bring together deep market knowledge and rigorous, hands-on testing. Broker ratings are developed using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, ensuring balanced, trustworthy evaluations. With more than 40 years of combined experience, the team delivers insights traders can rely on. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued guidelines on tokenised stocks, clarifying the distinction between issuer-sponsored tokenised securities and third-party products that typically offer synthetic exposure.Promising Structure, but There Were ControversiesThe clarification came as many platforms, even US-based ones, began offering tokenised stocks to customers in foreign markets. Robinhood’s tokenised stock launch in Europe grabbed attention, but the space is still dominated by crypto exchanges, as many firms, including Kraken, Gemini and Bybit, are offering such products in non-US markets.Read more: Tokenised Stocks Are Here, but Do They Really Bring Added Value over CFDs?Although none are offering tokenised products in the US, multiple players, including Coinbase, are seeking the SEC’s approval to introduce them in the US markets. Other large institutions, such as Nasdaq and the NYSE, have also expressed interest in the sector.One of the promises was that tokenised stocks would allow investors access to both listed and unlisted stocks.However, controversy arose when OpenAI publicly disavowed tokenised “equity” linked to its shares offered by Robinhood in Europe. The American broker also offered tokenised exposure to the unlisted shares of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.[#highlighted-links#] SEC Clarifies the American Rules“Third parties unaffiliated with an issuer of a security could tokenise the unaffiliated issuer’s security,” the SEC noted, adding: “The models that third parties are using to tokenise securities vary, and the rights, obligations and benefits associated with the crypto asset may or may not be materially different from those of the underlying security.”The regulator further highlighted that, in the case of third-party-sponsored tokenised securities, investors would be exposed to the business risks associated with the third party, including bankruptcy, unlike traditional security holders.However, in both cases, the tokenised securities would be subject to US securities and derivatives laws.The joint statement by the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, Division of Investment Management and Division of Trading and Markets clarified that the format of a security, whether traditional or tokenised, does not alter the application of existing laws in the markets.It remains to be seen whether the clarification will encourage firms pushing for the launch of tokenised securities in the country, which would require regulatory approval, or deter them from such offerings, particularly those linked to unlisted stocks. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Online broker Capital.com announced it will sponsor Cypriot race car driver Vladimiros Tziortzis as he competes in the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series, markring the CFD trading platform first entry into motorsports.Tziortzis will drive the No. 6 Ford Mustang in Capital.com livery throughout the PRO category season, which kicks off in Spain in April and runs through six European venues expected to draw over 300,000 spectators. The driver announced the platinum sponsorship deal Wednesday at a press conference in Nicosia.Capital.com Enters Racing CircuitThe partnership brings Capital.com back to sports sponsorships after previous forays into sports marketing. The broker signed a deal with Spanish football club Valencia in 2018 and later sponsored professional kiteboarder in 2023.Capital.com isn't the first trading platform to dip into NASCAR. TradingView sponsored two NASCAR cars for select races in 2018, though that arrangement covered only limited events rather than a full season."At high-performance levels, performance is not defined only by speed,” said Capital.com's European CEO Christoforos Soutzis. “It is defined by discipline, by the ability to operate within strict limits, to process information accurately and to execute consistently over time,” he added.Driver Brings European Racing ExperienceTziortzis finished second in the EuroNASCAR 2 category in 2023 and has competed in the series since 2020. The 2026 season will see him racing in the top PRO division, with testing scheduled to continue through early April before the season opener in Spain."I want to thank the company, as their move shows there are still companies today that truly support sports and, in this case, Capital.com promoting Cyprus through my participation in a certified FIA championship," Tziortzis said at the announcement.The calendar includes races in France at the Formula 1 circuit of Paul Ricard, plus stops in England, Czech Republic, Italy and Belgium.The full car reveal in Capital.com colors is scheduled for late March, when Tziortzis will also announce his racing team for the season. He's currently completing pre-season testing that runs through early April. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

OANDA Japan announced sweeping restrictions on silver trading effective this week, slashing maximum leverage from 20:1 to 5:1 and cutting position limits by 75% as extreme volatility continues to roil precious metals markets.The broker will increase margin requirements for silver (XAG/USD) from 5% to 20% starting February 2, according to a notice sent to clients. Maximum order sizes drop immediately from 50,000 units (10 lots) to 25,000 units (5 lots), while maximum open positions fall from 100,000 units to 25,000 units.Margin Increase Threatens Forced LiquidationsThe higher margin requirements will affect both existing positions and new trades. OANDA Japan warned that clients holding silver positions could face forced liquidation when the new rules take effect Monday if they don't add funds or reduce exposure beforehand."Depending on the account's equity, there is a risk that a stop loss (forced liquidation) will occur at the market open on February 2, 2026, when the above changes are applied," the broker stated.The restrictions follow similar moves by other market participants responding to unprecedented precious metals volatility. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange switched to percentage-based margin calculations earlier this month as silver and gold hit records, while liquidity provider Scope Prime adjusted spreads in response to CME's changes.Silver And Gold Rally Intensifies Across MarketsGold hit $5,598 per ounce on Thursday, up 3% and testing levels just below $5,600. The metal has surged roughly 30% since the start of 2026, extending a rally that began in 2025 and shows few signs of slowing.At the same time, silver has already risen nearly 70% this year, adding to its 150% rally in 2025. The white metal's price gained another 2.8% today with no signs of slowing down.Trading activity at broker Axi has been dominated by gold contracts as retail interest more than doubled amid the price surge. However, some industry executives have raised concerns about the sustainability of the rally, with Scope Markets EU CEO Constantinos Shakallis warning that Wall Street's $6,000 price targets may be luring retail traders into a speculative trap reminiscent of 1980.This isn't the first time OANDA Japan has flagged risks in precious metals. The broker issued a similar caution in October 2025 when silver volatility first began to spike, warning that margin requirements could be adjusted at short notice. "This reminds me of something. I have seen this movie before and we in Cyprus had a front-row seat for the previous sequels," Shakallis wrote in a LinkedIn post Sunday evening. "It was the 'dot-com' elevators of 1999, the 'house prices only go up' frenzy before the 2008 crash, and the crypto-mania of 2021."Broker Flags Liquidity CrunchOANDA Japan cited "extremely low liquidity" and "high volatility" in precious metals as the primary drivers behind the restrictions. Spreads have widened rapidly as sudden price fluctuations strain market depth, while counterparty transaction costs have risen sharply.The broker reserved the right to adjust margin rates and funding costs for both silver and gold (XAU/USD) without advance notice if market conditions worsen further. It also warned that trading in silver CFDs could be temporarily suspended altogether "in order to protect customer capital.""We strongly recommend that you collect information by referring to reliable financial news and other sources, and that you manage your capital with sufficient margin for all precious metals transactions," the broker said. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Strict but fair – that is how financial services companies view the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s approach to regulation, which includes regular consultation with current and prospective market entrants.Rethinking “Market-Friendly” AssessmentWhen it comes to assessing the merits of an industry regulator, an obvious starting point is to ask whether it is ‘market-friendly’. But that is an oversimplistic approach – the focus should instead be on how these bodies balance robust oversight with fostering innovation and growth.By this standard, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) scores well with domestic financial services firms and industry bodies alike.Principles-Based Regulation and Flexible GuardrailsThe regulator practices what Cora Ang, head of legal & compliance APAC at AMINA Bank, describes as pragmatic, principles-based regulation, maintaining an open door to participants willing to operate within its framework while upholding a demanding framework.“MAS explicitly emphasises responsible innovation within what it calls ‘flexible guardrails’, taking a risk-based approach particularly in evolving areas such as digital assets and AI,” she explains. “Unlike prescriptive, rules-based regulation, MAS guidelines focus on principles and desired outcomes, giving firms discretion in how they meet standards rather than dictating exact compliance procedures.”High Stakes EnforcementBut this flexibility comes with high stakes. MAS has low tolerance for firms falling short of expectations, and its enforcement strategy amplifies individual penalties into market-wide behavioural shifts.For example, when the regulator fined several institutions for AML/CFT failures in a 2023 money-laundering case, it simultaneously updated its supervisory guidance so that every market participant faced heightened compliance requirements and costs to meet the new baseline.“So while MAS welcomes innovation and growth, it operates with little margin for error and uses enforcement to move the entire market, not just individual actors,” adds Ang.Regulatory Maturity and Market PredictabilitySophisticated market participants look for regulatory maturity and systemic predictability. The MAS is increasingly viewed as a pragmatic architect that has successfully shifted the industry's focus from speculative experimentation to institutional-grade commercialisation.We were delighted to host central bank governors from across the region at the @sgfintechfest (SFF), where they witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of finance.For more info on SFF: https://t.co/MWkA8Ct4Rw pic.twitter.com/kpFRnjGskh— MAS (@MAS_sg) November 17, 2025That is the view of Rohit Apte, head of markets at regulated institutional digital asset markets services provider Hex Trust, who notes that for digital assets to achieve global scale, they must be underpinned by interoperable, trust-minimised infrastructure that satisfies the fiduciary requirements of the world’s largest asset managers.“By prioritising market integrity and robust governance, the MAS is effectively establishing international benchmarks for the next generation of financial markets, attracting quality capital that prioritises long-term stability over short-term volatility,” he says.Consultative Approach and Stakeholder EngagementGiven that MAS actively consults stakeholders and related professionals before implementing significant policy and regulatory changes, the Securities Investors Association Singapore is of the view that it is a consultative market regulator, which is “most laudable,” according to the association’s head of regulatory, Robson Lee.Simon Forster, global co-head of digital assets at TP ICAP, says much of Singapore’s relevance in the digital asset space stems from the work of the MAS since Project Orchid in 2021, which explored the viability of a digital Singapore dollar, and more recently Project Bloom, which broadened that scope to include stablecoins and tokenised commercial bank money.In late 2025, the regulator announced plans to start testing the issuance of tokenised bills to primary dealers, which will be settled through a wholesale central bank digital currency.“What started as exploratory has now matured into a broad consensus that multiple forms of digital money will proliferate as payments firms, banks and private sector participants race to issue, support and provide access to these new instruments,” says Forster.Areas for ImprovementOf course, this is not to say that the regulatory environment in Singapore could not be improved.“As the global economy enters a more nuanced rhythm in 2026, market participants are advocating for structural refinements that enhance capital efficiency and cross-border mobility,” observes Apte.“The industry is primarily seeking the global standardisation of asset protocols – specifically for tokenised funds and bank liabilities – to ensure seamless interoperability across international platforms and jurisdictions.”Furthermore, there is a clear mandate for modernised post-trade infrastructure and enhanced multi-market connectivity, which would allow custodians to better align with international practices and unlock deeper liquidity pools.“Finally, as institutional pilots for real-world assets expand, the market is calling for an agile governance model that addresses emerging technical risks without stifling the responsible innovation that defines Singapore's macro strategy,” adds Apte.Refining Existing RulesWhen asked what rule changes market participants would like to see in Singapore, Ang suggests that the real need isn't for new rules but rather refinements to how existing rules are calibrated, applied and operationalised in practice.“The common wish list across banks, fund managers and digital asset firms centres on operational predictability, specifically more proportional requirements tied to actual business models and risk profiles,” she says. “Right now, there is ambiguity around when simplified compliance measures are acceptable versus when enhanced measures kick in. Clearer thresholds would help firms design appropriate controls from the outset.”#ICYMI: MAS has proposed Guidelines for AI Risk Management in the financial sector — including governance, risk management, life cycle controls, and capabilities. Submit your comments on the proposals by 31 Jan 2026.? https://t.co/oVBN2oXUGC pic.twitter.com/J8FnJb6Cbr— MAS (@MAS_sg) December 16, 2025There have also been calls for faster, more predictable licensing and approval timelines amid concerns that some processes have become so protracted that they have shifted from friction to a genuine deterrent for market entry, especially for firms trying to assess whether Singapore is viable for their business model.Ang calls for greater harmonisation across regulatory frameworks on the basis that firms operating across multiple licence types or business lines face overlapping but inconsistent requirements, creating compliance complexity that doesn't always map to risk.“Clearer playbooks for emerging sectors such as digital assets would also be welcome,” she continues. “The current principles-based approach creates flexibility but also uncertainty. Firms need enough regulatory clarity to commit capital and build sustainable operations without risking sudden supervisory expectation shifts.”Continued Consultation and TransparencyThe SIAS is in constant contact with the MAS as and when it obtains significant feedback on regulatory policies and market conduct rules, including when it receives credible information regarding market misconduct or breaches.“In this respect, we would like the MAS to continue with its consultative approach towards proposed rules implementation and receptiveness to market feedback regarding enforcement,” says Lee.The bottom line is that participants want to play by the rules – they just want to know what the rules look like in advance. This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

Tether has emerged as one of the biggest winners from this year’s record-breaking gold rally, booking a gain of more than 5 billion dollars on its bullion holdings while reigniting scrutiny over the risk profile behind the world’s largest stablecoin.According to the Financial Times, Tether held about 116 tonnes of gold at the end of September, according to estimates based on its public disclosures, a position then worth roughly 14.4 billion dollars. Since then, the price of gold has surged from about 3,858 dollars per troy ounce to above 5,200 dollars, lifting the value of that stash by more than 5 billion dollars on paper.The company has said it added a further 27 tonnes of bullion in the fourth quarter to support its gold-backed token, pushing its total gold holdings to around 24 billion dollars.Every week, more than a ton of gold is hauled into a high-security vault located in a Cold War-era bunker owned by Tether. It is now the world’s largest known hoard of bullion outside of banks and nation states, and has turned the crypto giant into a major player in the industry.… pic.twitter.com/qWwgjUuWy1— Bloomberg (@business) January 28, 2026Haven Rally Amplifies Tether GainsThe scale of the position now places Tether among the largest non-sovereign owners of the metal. Analysts say the stablecoin issuer controls a volume of gold similar to that of Qatar’s central bank, while the UK holds 310 tonnes.The rally in gold has been driven by surging demand for haven assets as geopolitical tensions rise. The price moved through the 5,000 dollar mark for the first time this week, with investors citing mounting global uncertainty and trade frictions.Keep reading: Wall Street's $6,000 Gold Price Targets May Be Setting a Retail Trap, Warns Scope Markets EU CEOGold surged to a fresh record high of 5,316 dollars per ounce on Wednesday, its seventh straight session of gains. This comes as the US dollar slumped to four-year lows ahead of a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting.President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and his demand to seize Greenland have added to a sense of instability, fuelling repeated record highs in the metal this year and magnifying the gains on Tether’s position.The windfall comes as Tether cements its dominance in digital dollar markets. Its USDT token is the most widely used stablecoin, with a circulating value of about 187 billion dollars. New US Token, Old Reserve ConcernsTraders use USDT as a bridge between sovereign currencies and crypto assets, relying on its one-to-one peg with the US dollar for liquidity across exchanges. Tether backs that peg with a mix of assets that include gold, Bitcoin, US Treasuries and secured loans.Alongside USDT, the company reportedly issues XAUt, a separate gold-backed token, and stores its bullion in Swiss vaults. The firm said its gold-backed token has risen in value by at least 700 million dollars this year.Tether is also pushing deeper into the US market. On Tuesday it launched USAT, a US-focused stablecoin that it says complies with the Genius Act stablecoin law. The latest gains have not eased long-standing concerns over the stability and transparency of Tether’s reserves. The company has faced years of questions from regulators, investors and rivals about the quality and liquidity of the assets backing USDT. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The Chicago White Sox announced a multiyear agreement with CME Group, naming the derivatives exchange operator as the club’s inaugural jersey patch sponsor and Official Global Exchange Partner.The partnership follows CME Group’s recent expansion into event contracts, including a joint venture with sports betting company FanDuel. The deal lets users trade simple yes-or-no contracts on financial markets, blending finance with sports‑linked wagering. CME launched event contracts in September 2022, targeting retail traders with capped payouts, and the FanDuel agreement marked the company’s largest push toward mainstream audiences.CME Group Becomes White Sox SponsorCME Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy said the partnership reflects shared roots and global reach. He said the company was “pleased to become the first jersey-patch sponsor of the Chicago White Sox” and pointed to both organizations’ connections to Chicago and international audiences.As part of the White Sox deal, the CME Group logo will appear on the team’s home, road, and alternate uniforms, including the MLB Nike City Connect jersey. The patch will be worn during Spring Training, the regular season, and postseason games.CME Expands Sports Marketing PresenceCME Group will also receive fixed signage behind home plate at Rate Field during home games, along with other promotional placements.White Sox Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer said the team sought a Chicago-based partner whose brand would be visible on the uniform. He described CME Group as having a global footprint and said the partnership extends beyond branding.Two legacy Chicago institutions are merging innovation, perseverance and momentum.We’re proud to wear @CMEGroup on our sleeves starting this season! pic.twitter.com/Bh6khCUWO6— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 28, 2026White Sox Reveal Jerseys Featuring CME PatchThe jersey patch design will vary by uniform. On the home pinstripes, the blue CME Group logo will appear on a white background with a black border and black lettering. The road gray uniform will feature the blue logo on a gray background with black lettering. The City Connect and alternate black jerseys will display the blue logo on a black background with white lettering.The White Sox will debut the updated uniform during Cactus League play against the Chicago Cubs. The jersey patch will then appear in the 2026 regular season opener in Milwaukee, followed by the home debut at Rate Field against the Toronto Blue Jays. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

For years, Cyprus’ regulated firms have helped turn the island into a hub for FX, CFDs, funds and crypto, and other financial services. Now the regulator wants to put numbers on that role. CySEC has launched an economic impact survey of all entities under its supervision to show how they support jobs, spending and investment in Cyprus and how far their services reach into the EEA. In a new circular released on Wednesday, CySEC asked all supervised and registered entities to complete a detailed online questionnaire for the 2025 financial year.C753 to CySEC’s supervised/registered entities: Questionnaire regarding the benefits arising in the Cypriot Economy – CySEC supervised entitieshttps://t.co/Esp1g4z2Nm— CySEC - Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (@CySEC_official) January 28, 2026What CySEC Is DoingThe survey covers Cyprus Investment Firms, branches of foreign investment firms, fund managers, crypto asset service providers, administration firms and listed companies.The regulator says it wants to measure three types of impact. It will look at direct impact from firms’ own revenues and costs, indirect impact through their suppliers and induced impact from the spending of their staff and the staff of their suppliers. In practice, that means the survey aims to capture not just the turnover of an FX or CFD broker, but also what that broker spends on local technology, services and staff, and how those wages flow back into the wider economy.Related: Cyprus Regulator Proposes Higher CIF Licensing Costs, Plans to Drop Crypto Fee Under MiCACyprus hosts many FX and CFD brokers that passport services across the EEA. The survey gives them a chance to show that their presence goes beyond booking trades and that they support local employment, office space, technology spend and professional services.Why It Matters for FX and CFD FirmsFor a sector that often faces scrutiny over its business models and client outcomes, an official study that highlights economic contribution may influence how policymakers and the public view the industry.Early this month, CySEC Chair Dr. George Theocharides kicked off 2026 with a cautionary note, highlighting that Cyprus’s capital market is entering a more stringent supervisory period.As of the second quarter of 2025, the commission oversaw 319 Collective Investment Management Companies and Collective Investment Undertakings, managing a combined total of €10.6 billion in assets.The regulator has also signaled the intention to increase the cost of conducting regulated investment business on the island, proposing higher application and annual fees for Cyprus Investment Firms, foreign branches, and market operators, alongside new charges covering material change notifications and algorithmic trading activities. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon highlighted the need to limit ownership stakes of major shareholders in virtual asset exchanges. He said the move is necessary to align governance standards with the exchanges’ growing public role.The proposed ownership limits come amid broader regulatory moves in South Korea’s crypto market. The government is preparing to expand anti‑money laundering rules by extending the crypto Travel Rule to transfers below $680. The change follows the Virtual Asset Users Protection Act, which took effect in July 2025 and bans insider trading, market manipulation, and illegal trading of virtual assets. Exchanges will now be required to collect and share sender and receiver information for smaller transfers.Digital Asset Law May Limit ShareholdingThe remarks suggest the regulator plans to push ahead with the proposal despite resistance from industry participants and concerns from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. The FSC is reportedly reviewing a cap of about 15 to 20 percent on controlling shareholders’ stakes. The provision is expected to be included in the tentative Digital Asset Basic Act, considered the second phase of the country’s virtual asset legislation.Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon formally stressed Wednesday the need to limit the ownership stakes of major shareholders in virtual asset exchanges.https://t.co/zpV4sxM29I— The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) January 28, 2026South Korea Targets Ownership Concentration RisksLee said existing rules, including the Act on Reporting and Using Specified Financial Transaction Information and the Act on the Protection of Virtual Asset Users, focus mainly on anti-money laundering and investor protection. “The proposed shift to an authorization system would effectively grant exchanges permanent operating status,” he said, adding that exchanges would need governance rules that reflect their larger role.He noted that once licensed, exchanges would no longer be treated simply as private enterprises but would assume characteristics similar to public infrastructure. “Excessive concentration of ownership could increase the risk of conflicts of interest and undermine market integrity,” Lee said. He also pointed out that securities exchanges and alternative trading systems already face ownership limits.The proposal is part of an effort to integrate crypto exchanges into the mainstream financial system, improving accountability, transparency, and public oversight.Upbit, Coinone Stakes May Be CappedThe joint council of domestic exchanges, including Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone, has opposed the cap, warning it could hinder the sector’s development. At Upbit, Chair Song Chi-hyung and related parties hold over 28 percent of shares, while Coinone founder Cha Myung-hoon controls about 53 percent.Lee said discussions with the ruling party are ongoing. “Consultations with the National Assembly and relevant ministries will continue to ensure the bill moves forward without unnecessary delays,” he said. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.