Rostro Group has appointed Saul Knapp as Managing Director of Futures and Options, where he will spearhead the firm’s entry into futures and options trading while continuing to serve as Chief Risk Officer. The establishment of Rostro’s Futures and Options division reflects its strategic commitment to diversifying its product offerings in response to growing client demand. CME, ICE, Eurex futures and options via TT and CQG Direct Market Access (DMA) for futures and options will be provided through partnerships with order management system providers TT and CQG. The two leading OMS providers will allow traders to access thousands of futures and options contracts listed in major exchange operators, including CME Group, ICE, and Eurex. Since its founding in 2021, Rostro Group has established itself as a prominent fintech group with operations across six global jurisdictions. The firm provides multi-regulated brokerage services, specializing in listed securities and OTC derivatives. In recent years, Rostro has launched several initiatives to enhance its Prime Brokerage services, offering tailored execution and clearing solutions to institutional clients. The addition of the Futures and Options division is the latest milestone in the company’s ambitious growth strategy, further diversifying its service offerings for institutional investors. With Saul Knapp at the helm of this new division, Rostro Group is well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions to its clients, strengthening its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the financial services industry. “We will be facilitating trade for smaller banks, brokers, and other institutional investors” Saul Knapp, Managing Director of Futures and Options and Chief Risk Officer at Rostro, said: “Our expansion into futures and options comes at a time when we’re seeing significant levels of innovation across the sector. “The exchanges themselves, as well as those involved in the clearing and settlement processes, are working to make their products even more accessible, and we are now ready to leverage the opportunity this holds. We will be facilitating trade for smaller banks, brokers, and other institutional investors who can benefit from our high levels of customer service, strong balance sheet, and in-depth knowledge of the products.” Knapp began his financial career in the 1990s as an independent derivatives trader on the London International Financial Futures Exchange (LIFFE) floor. He later held risk and trading roles at leading brokerages and trading firms in London, amassing decades of experience in the financial markets.

This article was written by Paul Reid, a financial journalist at Exness. As of January 22, 2025, the buzz around President Donald Trump’s new AI initiative–named Stargate has captured–the attention of both tech enthusiasts and investors alike. Within hours of the announcement, the NASDAQ (USTEC), began a bullrun, and positive sentiment is building. So what’s it all about and how will Stargate shape the tech sector in the coming weeks and months. What to expect from project Stargate? The estimated $500 billion (USD) initiative promises to reshape the landscape of artificial intelligence in the US, aiming to enhance innovation and economic growth. But what exactly does Stargate entail, and how could it impact various sectors, including trading? Stargate is designed to leverage advanced artificial intelligence technologies to improve government efficiency, enhance national security, and drive economic competitiveness. The initiative focuses on fostering collaboration between private sector innovators and government agencies to accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions across various industries. Three major CEOs are involved in the Stargate project so far, which begs the question, how will their company’s stocks react to announced support from the White House. Is it safe to assume these companies will have certain advantages? Will those advantages enhance growth, and will investors see it as a bullish signal? Here are the three CEOs that Trump introduced when revealing the initiative. Sam Altman – As the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman has been at the forefront of AI innovation. His presence at the Stargate initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between government and leading tech firms to harness AI’s potential for societal benefit. Satya Nadella – The CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, is also a key figure in this initiative. Microsoft has been heavily investing in AI technologies and cloud computing, positioning itself as a leader in providing AI solutions that can enhance government operations and services. IBM’s CEO – The third CEO present was from IBM, a company renowned for its contributions to artificial intelligence through its Watson platform. IBM’s involvement signifies a commitment to advancing AI applications across various sectors, including healthcare and data analytics. Implications for technology and the economy The introduction of Stargate signifies a significant shift in how the US approaches AI development. Clearly, Trump and his advisors see AI as the future of global power, and they appear to be going “all in.” By prioritizing collaboration between public and private sectors, this initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem that encourages innovation while addressing regulatory challenges. This could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as healthcare, transportation, and cybersecurity. From an economic perspective, Stargate could stimulate job creation in tech-related fields as companies ramp up their AI capabilities. Such shifts typically boost the US economy, strengthen USD, and fuel further rallies for indices that will benefit from an AI hype. The demand for skilled workers in data science, machine learning, and AI ethics is expected to rise significantly. As businesses adapt to these changes, we could see a ripple effect across various sectors, impacting everything from consumer spending to investment strategies. Market reactions and trading opportunities As traders, it’s wise to consider how initiatives like Stargate might influence market dynamics. Stocks in technology sectors, particularly those focused on AI development such as NVIDIA, Alphabet, and Microsoft, may see increased volatility as investors react to news surrounding the initiative. If Stargate leads to significant advancements or contracts awarded to these companies, their stock prices could rise sharply. Moreover, sectors that rely heavily on technological advancements—such as healthcare and finance—may also benefit from this initiative. For instance, companies developing AI-driven healthcare solutions could experience increased funding and support from government contracts. In terms of forex trading, the US dollar (USD) may be influenced by market sentiment surrounding economic growth prospects tied to the Stargate initiative. If investors perceive that this initiative will lead to robust economic performance, we might see dollar strength in currency pairs like EURUSD or GBPUSD. Conclusion As we delve into the implications of President Trump’s Stargate AI initiative, it’s clear that this program has the potential to reshape the technological landscape in the US. By fostering collaboration between government and private sectors, Stargate aims to drive innovation while enhancing economic growth. Stay informed about developments related to Stargate and consider how they might influence your trading strategies with Exness. With competitive spreads and advanced trading tools at your disposal, you can position yourself effectively in response to these exciting changes in the market.   The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff.  The information on this page does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained herein.

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has begun detailed discussions on a proposed stablecoin regulation bill, as the government moves quickly to establish a regulated cryptocurrency environment. The bill had its first reading in December and now reached committee review. Francis Ho, deputy secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, explained during the Tuesday meeting that stablecoin issuers would be required to obtain a license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The legislation also proposes stringent measures to ensure stablecoins are backed by high-quality, liquid reserve assets and a robust reserve stabilization mechanism. The HKMA will scrutinize the issuer’s management, resources, the stablecoins themselves, their reserve assets, and the mechanisms ensuring price stability. Secondly, only regulated entities and platforms will be permitted to offer or market stablecoins within Hong Kong. Thirdly, the bill incorporates consumer protection measures that will affect all market participants, including both issuers and distributors. The implementation of this bill could alter Hong Kong’s stablecoin market, mirroring the impact of Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations. Hong Kong’s government is stepping up efforts to attract crypto investors, announcing plans to expand existing tax breaks for privately offered funds and family offices to include crypto investments. Hong Kong has been actively positioning itself as a hub for crypto firms. In June 2023, the government launched a licensing system for crypto trading platforms, allowing regulated exchanges to offer retail trading services. Three firms—OSL Exchange, HashKey Exchange, and HKVAX—have already secured licenses, and the government expects more to follow soon. The Securities and Futures Commission is assessing additional applications as it expects a wave of new licensed exchanges in the coming months. Currently, a total of 16 companies are awaiting decisions on their VATP applications, with 11 already operating as “deemed to be licensed,” despite the SFC advising caution against trading with them. The SFC has completed its first round of on-site reviews of these crypto firms. SFC CEO Julia Leung confirmed that all VATPs adhering to the commission’s licensing model could expect their applications to be approved. Leung stated that the regulator expects to make progress in granting licenses to 11 Virtual Asset Trading Platforms (VATPs) currently on its list of potential licensees. He also mentioned that licenses would be issued in batches to improve compliance among crypto exchanges. In a separate Legislative Council session, another subcommittee focused on cryptocurrency development reviewed the licensing framework for crypto trading platforms. Joseph Chan, undersecretary for the FSTB, said that a new consultation panel will be formed to gather industry input, with plans to regulate over-the-counter crypto trading and develop licensing regulations for crypto custodians. The government intends to release the draft regulations for public consultation later this year.  

Telegram, the cryptosphere’s favorite messenger app, has announced it will use TON – an ecosystem originally incubated by Telegram itself – as the exclusive onchain solution for its mini apps. This means that any developer building within Telegram’s mini apps framework must integrate with TON’s blockchain, capitalizing on its speed, security, and user-friendly features. The announcement supports Ton Foundation’s goal of making Telegram the jumping-off point for web3 explorers, particularly new users seeking an easy way to start interacting with crypto apps. To facilitate this, TON Foundation has also ramped up its efforts to deeply integrate TON Connect for effortless authentication without the need for passwords. TON Makes It Exclusive With Telegram The decision to make all Telegram mini-apps TON-native should bring about significant benefits from a user perspective. Not least in being able to use a single TON wallet to access it all – and to sign in to it all using TON Connect. As a result of the renewed partnership, mini apps within Telegram will be able to offer features from financial services to gaming all powered by smart contracts on TON. Unlike other ecosystems splintered across multiple Layer 1 or Layer 2 solutions, Telegram’s approach centralizes around TON, reducing fragmentation for both developers and users. This consolidation effectively brings millions of Telegram users onto TON’s blockchain and more importantly removes much of the friction that has historically slowed cryptocurrency adoption. Whether it’s juggling multiple wallets, navigating cumbersome sign-ups, or safeguarding an ever-growing list of passwords, the complexities of getting started in web3 can deter even the most enthusiastic users. To address these challenges, Telegram and the TON Foundation have taken a decisive – and somewhat controversial – step. By making TON the exclusive blockchain powering Telegram’s emerging mini apps ecosystem, they aim to deliver a user experience so seamless that it feels indistinguishable from traditional web2 platforms. TON Connect to Power It All Central to this strategy is TON Connect, a universal wallet connection protocol that does away with passwords in favor of one-click authentication. Developed by the team behind Tonkeeper, TON Connect is emerging as the standard for frictionless blockchain interactions across the entire TON ecosystem. Instead of creating yet another username-password pair, users simply connect their existing TON wallet (or install a new one) with a single tap. This action authorizes the relevant services, be they Telegram mini apps or other TON-based dapps. Every step of the process, from key generation to transaction signing, uses robust encryption and verifiable proofs. This ensures that even as barriers to entry are lowered, security remains uncompromised. By standardizing the way wallets communicate with decentralized applications, TON Connect simplifies life for developers. They can integrate this protocol once and trust that all major TON wallets, including Tonkeeper, speak the same language. What It Means for Tonkeeper Users For those already using Tonkeeper, which is the dominant gateway to the TON ecosystem, the changes are minimal from a UI perspective yet powerful. There’s no disruption for one thing: existing features and workflows remain intact. Tonkeeper still offers a familiar, secure environment for storing and transacting with Toncoin and other assets. The primary benefit is that thanks to native TON Connect integration, Tonkeeper users can seamlessly tap into Telegram’s blockchain mini apps. No extra installations, no separate sign-ups – just the wallet you already trust. If the passwordless world championed by TON Connect sees wide adoption, it won’t just be Telegram’s ecosystem that benefits – it will set in motion a snowball effect as the world eases away from a web secured by passwords with all their pitfalls. The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff.

Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), led by Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, has no immediate plans to invest in cryptocurrencies due to their limited adoption as a payment method. CEO Talal Ibrahim al-Maiman told Reuters that the company known for its traditional value investing strategy and its diversified portfolio of $13.6 billion in assets remains skeptical of the digital asset market. “We support Mr. Buffett’s theory: you don’t buy, you don’t invest in what you cannot use to buy goods,” Al-Maiman explained on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. “Since we can’t buy goods with cryptocurrencies, we’re not looking into them at this time.” Although there has been ongoing speculation on social media about Saudi royal family investments in cryptocurrencies, Alwaleed has consistently expressed doubt. In 2017, the prince publicly stated that he believed bitcoin would eventually “implode.” The company’s decision comes despite improved U.S. regulatory clarity and a more favorable environment for crypto under President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto administration. However, Kingdom Holding remains aligned with Alwaleed’s long-standing approach, favoring established sectors like finance, hospitality, healthcare, media, technology, and real estate over speculative digital assets. Rumors circulated in 2024 that Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund made a big investment in Bitcoin, spurred by observations of a new wallet accumulating substantial BTC holdings. Analysts noted a series of daily purchases of 100 BTC, totaling over 50,000 BTC (valued at over $3.3 billion at the time). Dubbed “Mr 100,” speculation abounds regarding the entity behind these acquisitions, with suggestions ranging from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund diversifying its portfolio to secretive billionaires or banks preparing for ETF launches. The neighboring United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively involved in CBDC projects. It was a founding member of the mBridge project along with China, Hong Kong, and Thailand, and used mBridge for remittance payments to India and wholesale transfers among project members. Additionally, the UAE participated in Project Aber, a CBDC proof-of-concept with Saudi Arabia, which concluded in 2020.  

Payment card issuer Marqeta (NASDAQ: MQ) is supporting London-based online broker Trading 212’s launch into 20 countries across continental Europe. The partnership involves the introduction of the Trading 212 debit card, which offers zero foreign exchange and account fees, along with 0.5% cashback rewards that can be reinvested on the platform. The new Marqeta-powered card allows over 3 million customers in the UK and Europe to integrate their spending and investing activities. With certifications in over 40 countries, Marqeta simplifies market entry by removing the need for localized operations. Additionally, the platform offers fraud prevention features, including Real-Time Decisioning and 3D Secure. Mukid Chowdhury, CEO of Trading 212, said: “We’re aiming to unlock the stock market, giving over 3 million customers in the UK and Europe access to investing capabilities that haven’t been easily accessible in the past. The Trading 212 card, powered by Marqeta, is an extension of our brand and helps keep Trading 212 top of mind for our customers in their day to day spending.” Marcin Glogowski, SVP and Managing Director of Europe at Marqeta, added: “Our platform enables brands like Trading 212 to accelerate their time to market and respond to increasing demand for stock trading. We aim to reduce the complexity of payments so customers like Trading 212 can focus on growth.” Trading 212 was the first retail UK broker to offer commission-free trading and its core product portfolio consists of stocks, ETFs, FX, and derivatives products. In terms of CFD products, the company operated from January 2021 to May 2021 on a spread revenue model, profiting from the difference between the prices offered to clients and those on which hedging trades were conducted via a back-to-back hedging agreement with a group affiliate. From May 2021 onwards, T212 opted to end this arrangement to manage its own risk based on defined parameters for each product and asset class, hedging exposures outside of these with third parties. Earlier in August, Trading 212 acquired FXFlat Bank GmbH, a multi-asset broker based in Germany and regulated by BaFin. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.  

Mark T. Uyeda, the acting chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced the creation of a crypto task force aimed at developing a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce will lead the task force, supported by Richard Gabbert, Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman, and Taylor Asher, Senior Policy Advisor to the Acting Chairman, as Chief of Staff and Chief Policy Advisor, respectively. The task force will focus on drawing clear regulatory boundaries toward realistic paths to registration, sensible disclosure frameworks, and judicious use of enforcement resources. This initiative addresses ongoing concerns about the SEC’s reliance on enforcement actions to regulate the crypto industry retroactively. The lack of clarity has contributed to confusion and a challenging environment for innovation. “This undertaking will take time, patience, and much hard work” Mark T. Uyeda, Acting Chairman of the SEC, said, “I look forward to the efforts of Commissioner Peirce to lead regulatory policy on crypto, which involves multiple SEC divisions and offices.” Hester Peirce, SEC Commissioner, stated, “This undertaking will take time, patience, and much hard work. It will succeed only if the Task Force has input from a wide range of investors, industry participants, academics, and other interested parties. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the public to foster a regulatory environment that protects investors, facilitates capital formation, fosters market integrity, and supports innovation.” The task force will also coordinate with federal departments, agencies, and international counterparts to ensure alignment and provide technical assistance to Congress as it considers legislative changes. The SEC’s approach to crypto regulation has been under scrutiny as critics cited a lack of clear guidelines. The agency has primarily relied on enforcement actions to regulate the industry, often pursuing cases against companies for unregistered securities offerings. The SEC has also faced pushback from industry participants regarding its interpretation of securities laws. Ripple Labs, a prominent blockchain company, has been embroiled in a legal battle with the SEC over whether its XRP token constitutes a security. The case has become a flashpoint for broader debates about crypto regulation in the United States. Commissioner Hester Peirce, often referred to as “Crypto Mom” for her supportive stance on digital assets, has consistently called for a more collaborative regulatory approach. In 2022, she proposed a safe harbor framework that would allow blockchain developers to operate without fear of enforcement while establishing compliance over time.

Trump’s moderate tariffs eased economic fears, weakening the Dollar’s safe-haven appeal, but looming EU tariff threats could heighten volatility. Impact of US Tariff Policies on Global Markets The evolving trade policies under US President Donald Trump have emerged as a pivotal driver of market sentiment. Recent announcements of tariff hikes include a 10% levy on Chinese goods effective February 1, alongside 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. These measures are less aggressive than the 60% tariffs Trump had threatened during his election campaign. This restrained approach has mitigated fears of severe global economic disruptions, reducing the US Dollar’s safe-haven appeal. However, the threat of future tariffs on the European Union, as hinted by Trump’s comments, looms large. His criticism of the EU’s trade practices and potential plans to impose tariffs could introduce further volatility, particularly for the Euro. Market experts speculate that this cautious tariff strategy may help balance inflationary pressures while leaving the Federal Reserve (Fed) room to maintain its current interest rate levels. This balancing act of tariff policies and monetary responses continues to influence currency and commodity markets globally. Currency Market Movements Currencies like EUR/USD and GBP/USD have displayed notable movements, driven by risk-on sentiment and evolving economic narratives. On Tuesday, EUR/USD reversed its earlier losses, closing the day marginally higher, supported by a bullish Wall Street rally that weakened the US Dollar. This pair continues to trade above the critical 1.0400 level, with technical indicators suggesting sustained bullish potential. Similarly, GBP/USD recovered from early pressure on Tuesday, buoyed by the diminishing safe-haven demand for the US Dollar. The pair now hovers around 1.2375. However, the outlook remains uncertain, with the Bank of England (BoE) expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points next month, amidst weak UK economic indicators like decelerating inflation and sluggish retail sales. Despite this, robust wage growth remains a challenge for the BoE, as it fuels inflationary pressures in the services sector. In contrast, the Fed is expected to hold its interest rates steady for the next three meetings, offering a relatively stable outlook for the US Dollar. Gold and Precious Metals as Safe-Haven Assets The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff policies has reinforced the appeal of gold and other precious metals as safe-haven assets. Gold prices have seen a consistent upward trajectory, trading near $2,750, the highest level since November 1. This rally reflects investor concerns about the potential inflationary impact of the US administration’s trade measures and the Fed’s cautious monetary policy stance. While the rise in US Treasury yields has tempered some of gold’s gains, the overall sentiment remains bullish. Analysts view any corrective dips as buying opportunities, given the strong fundamental backdrop favoring gold. Base metals, on the other hand, have faced headwinds, as Trump’s tariff plans on Mexico and Canada have raised concerns about global trade conflicts, potentially weighing on industrial demand.   Top economic events for this week: January 22, 2025, 15:15:00: ECB’s President Lagarde speech (HIGH, EUR): Speeches by central bank presidents, especially of major economies like the Eurozone, are closely watched by markets. Lagarde’s comments on monetary policy, inflation, and the economic outlook can significantly impact the Euro’s value and market sentiment. January 22-23, 2025: World Economic Forum – Davos (MEDIUM, CHF): While listed as medium impact, the World Economic Forum in Davos is a major global event where world leaders, business executives, and economists discuss important issues. Announcements or discussions related to economic policy, trade, or global risks can influence market sentiment and potentially the Swiss Franc. January 23, 2025, 13:30:00: Initial Jobless Claims (MEDIUM, USD): This data point provides a timely snapshot of the US labor market. A higher-than-expected number of initial jobless claims can signal a weakening economy and potentially impact the US dollar. January 23, 2025, 22:00:00: Judo Bank Composite/Manufacturing/Services PMI (MEDIUM, AUD): Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMIs) are leading indicators of economic activity. These Australian PMIs provide insights into the health of the manufacturing and services sectors, influencing perceptions of the Australian economy and the Australian dollar. January 23, 2025, 23:30:00: National Consumer Price Index (YoY) (MEDIUM, JPY): Inflation data is crucial for central bank policy. This Japanese CPI reading reveals the rate of inflation in Japan and can influence the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy decisions, impacting the Japanese Yen. January 24, 2025, 03:00:00: BoJ Interest Rate Decision/Monetary Policy Statement/BoJ Press Conference (HIGH, JPY): The Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision and accompanying policy statement are major events for the Japanese Yen. Any changes or signals about future policy direction can cause significant currency movements. The press conference following the decision further clarifies the BOJ’s stance. January 24, 2025, 08:30:00/09:00:00: HCOB Composite/Manufacturing/Services PMI (HIGH, EUR): These are key indicators for the Eurozone economy. They provide insights into the performance of the manufacturing and services sectors across the Eurozone. Strong or weak readings can significantly impact the Euro. The multiple releases likely represent different national or regional data points contributing to the overall Eurozone figure. January 24, 2025, 09:30:00: S&P Global/CIPS Composite/Manufacturing/Services PMI (HIGH, GBP): These UK PMIs are crucial indicators for the health of the UK economy. They provide insights into business activity in the manufacturing and services sectors and can influence the British Pound. January 24, 2025, 10:00:00: ECB’s President Lagarde speech (HIGH, EUR): A second speech by Lagarde within the same week further emphasizes the importance of her commentary. Markets will be looking for consistency or any new insights into the ECB’s policy outlook. January 24, 2025, 11:00:00: ECB’s Cipollone speech (MEDIUM, EUR): While a medium impact event, a speech by another ECB official (Cipollone) can add further context to the central bank’s views and potentially reinforce or slightly diverge from Lagarde’s message, thus still being relevant for Euro traders.     The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

USDCAD currency pair can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 1.4435, which reversed the price multiple times over the last few weeks. – USDCAD reversed from support zone – Likely to rise to resistance level 1.4435 USDCAD currency pair recently reversed up strongly from the support zone located between the key support level 1.4300 (which also stopped wave a of the previous minor ABC correction 4, as can be seen from the daily USDCAD chart below), lower daily Bollinger Band and the 38.2% Fibonacci correction of the sharp upward impulse from the start of December. The upward reversal from this support zone stopped the previous minor ABC correction 4 from December. Given the strong daily uptrend and the renewed bullish US dollar sentiment seen across the FX markets,  USDCAD currency pair can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 1.4435, which reversed the price multiple times over the last few weeks. USDCAD Technical Analysis The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

Customers’ expectations for flawless travel experiences have never been higher, and blockchain is ready to play an important part in helping the industry to deliver them.  If ever there was an industry that’s ripe for blockchain revolution, it’s surely the travel and hospitality sector, which is one of the most data-driven businesses in the world today. With databases spanning flights and hotel bookings, inventories of travel packages and products and more besides, travel companies have amassed petabytes of information.  With so much data at its fingertips, the travel industry is just crying out for some blockchain-based efficiency, and the technology provides numerous opportunities to streamline its operations and enhance traveler experiences. So let’s take a look at how it’s doing that.  1. Cross-border payments One of the most obvious applications for blockchain in the travel industry lies in payments, which was the original use case for the technology. Travel organizations normally use traditional banking channels to settle their transactions, but these payment rails are notoriously slow and expensive. Sending money across borders is particularly inefficient, with numerous banks participating in settlements, each one charging its own transaction fees and extortionate exchange rates on top of them. Moreover, they can take days to process.  By turning to blockchain-based payments instead, travel industry firms will be able to transact with one another directly, without any middleman, resulting in lower costs and almost instantaneous settlement.  A promising example of this in action is the recent partnership between Camino Network and Monerium, which is enabling blockchain-based, Euro-denominated settlements for travel industry participants.    Legacy travel tech is like steam trains, functional but outdated: slow inefficient unsustainable Camino Network is the Layer 1 blockchain built to provide #TravelTech with: faster connections cheaper payments secure data sharing pic.twitter.com/tWAMEzpSWw — Camino Network (@camino_network) November 22, 2024 Camino is a Layer-1 blockchain built for the travel industry by numerous travel industry players, including Lufthansa, Sunnycars, Eurowings and more, and it’s designed to solve challenges around payments and settlements. As for Monerium, it specializes in on-chain fiat payments, issuing e-money on the blockchain. Its main token is EURe, a regulated Euro stablecoin that supports direct payments between traditional bank accounts and crypto wallets.  Through their partnership, they’re aiming to overcome bottlenecks in settlements such as the high fees for international transactions, lengthy settlement times and the complexity of refunds. By enabling travel industry operators to transact in EURe, it’s able to maintain compatibility with existing payment channels like SEPA, which is incredibly popular in Europe. But its not just travel organizations who benefit, as consumers can also save on costs by using SEPA transfers for cross-border payments.  2. Communications Another, less well-known problem in the travel industry is communication, specifically the sharing of information such as flight schedules, seat availability and the availability of hotel rooms, which is key to aggregator platforms.  Typically, aggregators had to handle communications between these businesses themselves, and that often meant that their platforms struggled to keep up to date. However, Camino offers a communications platform known as Camino Messenger, which is the first decentralized booking platform. As such, industry players like Lufthansa can share their latest flight information, including prices and availability, instantly with everyone else, ensuring that travel agencies and bookings platforms can reflect the latest information, from the horse’s mouth.  Camino’s CAM token is key to accessing the Camino Messenger platform, but fortunately it’s widely available thanks to its recent listings on the global crypto exchanges MEXC and Gate.io. By holding CAM tokens, organizations and travelers can not only stay up to date, but also earn CAM rewards by helping to secure the Camino network and validate transactions. In addition, they can participate in network governance, and gain access to exclusive offers and discounts from Camino’s over 200 travel industry partners.  3. Traveler Identification Another major hassle for travelers is the painfully long check-in process at airports. By using blockchain, it’s possible for airlines to streamline the check-in and passport verification process. Moreover, blockchain can also be used as the foundation of a system for securely storing travel documents such as passports and visas, enabling them to be shared and verified more efficiently.  One proof of concept of this is the World Economic Forum’s Known Digital Traveler Identity, an initiative between Accenture, Google, Amadeus, the International Air Transport Association, and multiple government agencies and global airlines. With KTDI, these organizations are leveraging blockchain to enhance security within the travel industry, helping stakeholders to identify passengers more effectively to improve travel experiences and flight safety.  The initiative involves the creation of blockchain-based traveler profiles, which are made by uploading verified identity and travel documents to the platform, such as passports, proof of citizenship, entry and exit stamps, visas and so on. The more attested documents within someone’s profile, the more authentic that passenger can be considered, helping to alleviate security concerns and reduce processing times.  4. Travel Insurance A final use case for the travel industry relates to insurance, which has long been a messy business involving cumbersome documentation processes, long waiting periods and sometimes, disputed claims.  For instance, missing a flight due to a medical problem will inevitably involve providing medical evidence to file a claim, while claiming for stolen property will require a visit to the police station to file a report.  Thanks to Camino Network’s partnership with the insurance technology firm Avata, those hassles are being eliminated through a new “Cancel For Any Reason” scheme. CAFR insurance is being offered to travelers who book their hotel room via Sleap City, which issues them with an NFT representing their booking. Travelers can literally cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before their stay and they’ll receive up to $500 in coverage for any non-refundable bookings, with almost instant stablecoin-based payouts.  A Better Travel Experience  The travel industry needs to catch up with the times. Travelers seek to enjoy comfortable, cost-effective and hassle-free experiences so they can focus on enjoying themselves while they’re out exploring the world. Expensive fees, long lines at airports, room reservation issues and bad reviews are currently seen as part and parcel of the travel experience, but these problems shouldn’t really be so.  Blockchain can provide the backbone for a more equitable and efficient travel industry that eliminates many of the major hassles associated with getting out and about in the world, creating more enjoyable experiences for travelers and increasing the profitability of industry participants.   The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff.

iSAM Securities has been awarded the title of Best B2B Liquidity Provider at the Ultimate Fintech Awards, held during iFX Expo Dubai 2025. The Ultimate Fintech Awards celebrate excellence across the online trading and fintech industries and iSAM Securities’ recognition in the liquidity provider category reflects its ability to adapt to market demands and deliver competitive solutions to its global clientele. This accolade highlights the company’s dedication to delivering outstanding liquidity solutions to institutional clients worldwide. The recognition comes shortly after iSAM Securities expanded its Index Swap offerings, adding 16 new instruments to its portfolio. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the Best B2B Liquidity Provider” Chris Twort, Head of Trading at iSAM Securities, said, “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the Best B2B Liquidity Provider at the Ultimate Fintech Awards. This achievement reflects our team’s relentless dedication to providing our clients with the highest quality liquidity solutions. Our ability to adapt to market dynamics and deliver reliable, competitive spreads across a wide range of products is at the heart of what we do. This award reinforces our position as a trusted partner for institutions globally.” In recent months, iSAM Securities has made strides in enhancing its product portfolio and expanding its market presence. The addition of 16 new instruments to its Index Swap offering positions the company as a key player in the global liquidity space. The firm’s proprietary technology continues to play a pivotal role in its operations. By leveraging advanced analytics and cutting-edge execution tools, iSAM Securities ensures seamless trading experiences for its clients. This technological edge sets it apart in the competitive landscape of liquidity provision. Regulated by the FCA, SFC, and CFTC, and registered with CIMA, iSAM Securities maintains a robust compliance framework and the firm’s global presence spans multiple regions, including the UK, Hong Kong, the US, and international markets. iSAM Securities RADAR won Best Risk Management Solution last year Last year, iSAM Securities won Best Risk Management Solution at the iFX Expo International 2024 in Cyprus. RADAR, iSAM Securities’ risk analytics suite, beat its competition at the expo’s The Ultimate Fintech Awards, as the online trading and fintech space increasingly wants integrated and automated risk management. The risk management solution offers deep-dive analytics, customizable risk parameters, and transparency and insight into trading activities and risk exposure, for reporting and investigations. Firms can leverage RADAR’s tools to manage risk, essential to maximizing profitability and optimizing trading volume. iSAM Securities RADAR features: Trade pattern alerting: Fully customizable alerting parameters and ticket tracking, providing the tools to identify and react to trading patterns. Rapidly flag accounts trading outside of the defined risk tolerance for review. Account detailed view: Deep dive analytics with the ability to review the end-user account trading summary, and drill down to the details of each symbol traded. Aftermath: Visualize the profitability of each client account calculated at prices both pre and post-inception of a trade. Indicate sharp behavior and risk at different time intervals, and possible abuse. Flow Explorer: Fully particularized flow audit dashboard delivering unrivaled transparency and insight into trading activities and risk exposure, for reporting and investigations.

Copy trading isn’t new. It’s been around since Facebook was just a college network, and smartphones weren’t really smart. And if Google Trends is anything to go by, it’s getting more popular every year. But something special is happening in the MENA region. The Middle East and North Africa are seeing a massive rise in copy trading adoption. The numbers corroborate this — the market is expected to grow from $148.88 million in 2021 to $222.68 million by 2028.  But what’s behind this growth? You have a young, digitally connected population wanting to enter financial markets. There is increased smartphone penetration, better internet connectivity, and growing financial literacy. So, if you’re a broker, this is an opportunity and a challenge. How do you tap into this growing market? What do MENA traders want? And most importantly how do you build a solution that meets their needs? The good news is, you don’t need to guess. The answers are in the details of what’s driving this growth, and that’s what we’re going to explore. What’s Behind This Growth? Across these markets — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa — the MENA region’s digital transformation sets the stage for copy trading’s explosive growth. Today, most people access the internet through mobile devices, with Bahrain leading at 97% penetration and UAE close behind at 96% in 2023. Paired with high-speed internet access across major MENA markets, these numbers explain why more people than ever can access trading platforms right from their phones. Growth factors of online trading in MENA Supply Demand Regulatory policy Business-friendly conditions, e.g., establishment of free zones Accessibility of turnkey technologies/investment systems Stabilized offer policy on the market Mobile internet penetration Population ability to invest Growing popularity of online trading Passive participation in trading Guided learning opportunities   But technology alone isn’t driving this boom. The regulatory landscape has matured significantly, especially in key financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Financial Services Authority projects the online trading industry to reach $1 trillion by 2025. The improved oversight has also created a more trusted environment where traders feel more secure exploring copy trading options. This isn’t surprising considering the region’s broader push toward financial innovation, from fintech adoption to digital banking solutions. The establishment of free zones like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has also provided business-friendly conditions with clear guidelines and protections for traders. As trading awareness grows through educational initiatives and increased platform accessibility, copy trading emerges as a cost-effective approach for new investors. Stay ahead with Brokeree’s live webinar: Debunking the “End of Copy Trading” Narrative. Join our experts, Tatiana and Victor, as they explore the growing demand for copy trading services across regions. Discover key statistics, actionable insights, and practical tips to successfully launch or enhance your copy trading offerings. Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your strategy! Register now Understanding MENA’s Copy Traders Major players recognize the region’s potential. eToro made a significant move in 2023 by securing a Financial Services Permission from Abu Dhabi Global Market to operate as a broker in the UAE. They now offer traders securities, derivatives, and crypto assets. Axi, NinjaTrader, and Interactive Brokers are other active players. What’s particularly interesting is how regional trends align with global patterns. While worldwide data shows one in six retail investors engaging in copy trading, the MENA region stands out, with its younger demographic taking the lead.  In fact, 44% of all copy traders are Gen Z, and African users show the highest engagement rates. Think about that — nearly half of all copy traders are people who grew up with smartphones in their hands. They don’t want complicated platforms or lengthy tutorials. They want something as simple as following their favorite influencer on social media. Islamic Finance Considerations Trading in MENA isn’t just about making money. It’s about making money the right way.  Trading itself is halal (permissible) in Islam as long as it follows Islamic principles. The key issue is avoiding riba (usury) — excessive interest charges that make trading haram (forbidden). In the context of copy trading, it means careful attention to how trades are executed and what instruments are being traded. Platform providers face an important challenge. They need to make their copy trading solutions Shariah-compliant while still competitive. That means choosing the right trading instruments, transparent fees, and clear documentation of how trades are executed. For traders, the impact is direct. They should know whether a strategy they’re copying follows halal principles. Are there overnight swap fees? What instruments are being traded? These aren’t just technical questions — they’re essential for traders who want to stay compliant with their religious beliefs. This is why the debate continues among Islamic scholars. Copy trading’s compliance with Shariah law isn’t a simple yes or no answer. It depends on many factors, and as a broker or platform provider, you need to understand these subtleties to serve this market. Copying Trades Between Different Platforms Modern traders demand platform choice. A professional trader might use MetaTrader 5 for advanced charting, while a beginner prefers MetaTrader 4’s simpler interface. Each platform serves different trading styles and needs. Consider a scenario where your top-performing trader uses MT5, but most of your clients trade on MT4 or cTrader. Without cross-platform capabilities, you lose significant copy trading opportunities. Brokeree’s cross-platform Social Trading is one of the most popular solutions that addresses this challenge. Here’s how: For brokers, it offers granular control, which is crucial in a diverse market like MENA. You can set different trading conditions based on account types, whether they’re pro traders, demo accounts, or high-risk strategies. For traders, it’s about choice and risk management. They can choose different copying modes based on equity, free margin, or multiplication copying. Proportional copying is also very useful: traders can follow strategies from larger accounts while keeping their risk levels manageable. But here’s what makes it truly special: cross-platform performance. A signal provider using cTrader can attract followers from MT4 and MT5 servers. Both admins and clients can switch between platforms without logging out. This makes it easier to react to market changes. Plus, with the Social Trading mobile app, traders can access expert strategies on the go, a must-have in a region with high smartphone usage. Get in touch with our experts to learn more about Social Trading, or attend the upcoming webinar to gain more insights into copy trading.

Key Takeaways: The U.S. dollar has seen significant appreciation since late September, primarily driven by the widening interest rate differentials between the U.S. and other major global economies. Strong economic resilience, a robust labor market, and continued consumer spending in the U.S. suggest that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may not cut rates as aggressively as other central banks in 2025, supporting the dollar’s strength. Geopolitical instability, including the potential for trade wars, and the anticipation of specific political policies are contributing to demand for the U.S. dollar as a safe-haven asset. Currencies like the Euro, Australian Dollar (AUD), and New Zealand Dollar (NZD) have been negatively impacted by concerns over U.S. trade policies and global economic dynamics. The Eurozone is facing structural challenges, and with the European Central Bank (ECB) expected to implement more rate cuts than the Fed in 2025, the EUR/USD could be poised to decline further towards or even below parity. While the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has shown signs of exhaustion, Octa Broker’s analysts suggest that many of the positive factors influencing the dollar may already be priced in, indicating that the currency might be overvalued in the short term. The U.S. Dollar’s Surge: What’s Driving the Rally? Since the end of September 2024, the U.S. dollar has appreciated significantly, with the Dollar Index (DXY)—which tracks the U.S. dollar against a basket of six major foreign currencies, including the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swedish Krona, and Swiss Franc—gaining over 10% in just a few months. By January 13, 2025, the DXY breached the critical 110.00 level. While the index has slightly declined since then, it remains the top-performing major currency of 2025 so far. According to Kar Yong Ang, financial market analyst at Octa Broker, the primary factor behind this surge is the widening interest rate differential between the U.S. and other leading economies. The Federal Reserve has set its benchmark interest rate at 4.25-4.50%, one of the highest among industrialized nations. Crucially, the Fed is not expected to aggressively cut rates in 2025, in contrast to other central banks, due to the ongoing strength of the U.S. economy, which has been supported by a strong labor market and resilient consumer spending. In addition to these economic fundamentals, geopolitical factors are also playing a significant role in supporting the U.S. dollar. The prospect of trade wars and ongoing political uncertainty have heightened demand for the dollar as a safe-haven asset. For example, the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president in 2024 served as a catalyst for the recent rally, with his trade policies being perceived as potentially inflationary, which, in turn, boosted expectations of a stronger dollar. Trump’s proposed trade tariffs on the Eurozone and Canada have had a particularly negative impact on their currencies. Since late September 2024, the Euro, which constitutes 58% of the DXY, has depreciated by over 8% against the U.S. dollar. Other risk-sensitive currencies, such as the Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD), have experienced even greater losses, declining by more than 10%. Global Economic Context: Why the U.S. Dollar Is Outperforming While the U.S. dollar has been rising, many other economies are struggling to maintain growth. The Eurozone, for example, is expected to grow at a modest rate of just 1% in 2024, far below the long-term average of 1.4%. In comparison, the U.S. economy is expected to grow by around 2% in 2024. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, which is likely to remain less aggressive in terms of rate cuts compared to the European Central Bank (ECB), has further bolstered the dollar’s performance. The ECB is expected to lower interest rates multiple times in 2025, while the Fed is expected to implement only one or two modest cuts. These diverging monetary policies have contributed to the widening interest rate differential, which in turn supports the strength of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and other major currencies. In this context, the EUR/USD currency pair is facing significant headwinds. Analysts at Octa Broker believe there is more than a 50% chance that EUR/USD will continue to decline, potentially reaching parity or even dipping below the 1.0000 mark in the coming months. The Eurozone is grappling with several structural challenges, including high energy costs, deindustrialization, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, all of which are making it difficult for the region’s economy to keep up with the U.S. Signs of Exhaustion in the Dollar Rally: Is the Greenback Overvalued? Although the U.S. dollar’s rally has been impressive, there are signs that the bullish trend may be slowing. Technically, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has started to show signs of exhaustion, with a bearish divergence between the price action and the Relative Strength Index (RSI). This indicates that the momentum driving the dollar’s rise may be weakening. Moreover, Octa Broker’s analysts suggest that many of the positive factors supporting the dollar may already be priced in. In particular, market participants have likely priced in the potential for aggressive trade policies under the Trump administration, such as blanket tariffs that could destabilize global trade. However, the likelihood of such an outcome remains relatively low, with reports indicating that the U.S. may adopt a more measured approach to tariffs. As Kar Yong Ang notes, the market has already begun to price out some of the dollar’s bullish expectations, and there is a growing risk of a reversal in the U.S. dollar’s fortunes. The classic market phenomenon of “buy the rumor, sell the news” could come into play, as the market adjusts its expectations based on future developments in U.S. trade and monetary policy. Outlook: What’s Next for the U.S. Dollar? While the U.S. dollar remains strong, Octa Broker’s experts caution that the currency may be nearing a short-term peak. The significant appreciation of the greenback has already been largely factored into the market, and without fresh catalysts to drive the rally further, the risk of overvaluation is high. As geopolitical and economic dynamics continue to evolve, traders should remain cautious when betting on the dollar’s continued rise. Conclusion: Should You Bet on a Stronger Dollar? In conclusion, while the U.S. dollar has been buoyed by a combination of strong economic data, rising interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, its future trajectory remains uncertain. The currency may be overvalued in the short term, and while further appreciation is possible, the risks associated with a reversal should not be underestimated. Traders should consider the broader economic context and monitor developments in U.S. trade policy, interest rates, and global economic conditions before making any significant moves. About Octa Broker Octa Broker is a leading international trading platform, providing access to global financial markets since 2011. The company offers commission-free trading and a range of tools for traders from over 180 countries. With more than 52 million trading accounts opened globally, Octa Broker is dedicated to supporting its clients with educational resources, webinars, articles, and advanced trading tools. Committed to corporate social responsibility, Octa Broker actively participates in charitable initiatives, including educational improvements and relief efforts for communities in need. Over the years, Octa Broker has earned more than 90 prestigious industry awards, including the “Most Reliable Broker Global 2024” award and the “Best Mobile Trading Platform 2024” title from Global Brand Magazine.

GCEX has announced the launch of its Open API, designed to provide institutional and professional clients with real-time access to their balances, trades, and positions. The regulated digital prime brokerage launched its Open API as part of its strategy to expand its XplorDigital solutions, which provide institutional-grade technology and services to clients globally. The Open API is intended to help clients optimize their trading operations while maintaining regulatory compliance. “Optimize trading operations and reporting capabilities” Lars Holst, CEO of GCEX, said: “Clients have been requesting this level of accessibility, and we are excited to deliver a scalable solution that not only meets their needs but exceeds their expectations. The GCEX Open API offers greater transparency, empowering clients to make more informed trading and portfolio decisions and respond on a timely basis to regulatory requirements. By providing instant access to key data through our Open API, we are making it easier for our clients to optimize their trading operations and reporting capabilities. This latest development from GCEX is another example of our commitment to client satisfaction and highlights our continual investment in our offering.” The GCEX Open API enables seamless integration with the GCEX Back Office, automating manual processes and streamlining portfolio management and regulatory reporting. Clients can incorporate data into their proprietary systems, enabling tailored insights and enhanced compliance reporting. Built with robust security protocols and a scalable architecture, the API is designed to meet the demands of a growing client base. GCEX tapped Hex Trust for crypto custody, staking, and markets services GCEX partnered with Hex Trust, a fully licensed provider of digital asset custody, staking, and markets services, to include a Secured Accounts service. Secured Accounts is a service that provides an additional layer of security and control over digital assets for institutional clients, including hedge funds, asset managers, and brokers. GCEX Group empowers institutional and professional clients to access deep liquidity in CFDs on digital assets and FX, alongside spot trading and conversion of digital assets. The company also offers a comprehensive range of Forex brokerage and crypto-native technology solutions under its XplorDigital suite. XplorDigital features innovative plug-and-play solutions, ‘Crypto in a Box’ and ‘Broker in a Box’. These encompass technology-agnostic platforms addressing regulation while covering regulated custody solutions, staking solutions, safety of funds, tier 1 and deep liquidity, connectivity to the biggest price makers, advanced risk management, and innovative technology partnerships. The regulated digital prime brokerage will leverage Hex Trust’s custody platform to deliver a Secured Account service for EU and UK clients. The partnership will allow GCEX to ensure assets are fully segregated and held in compliance with stringent regulatory standards. GCEX and Hex Trust have been working together for three years, having collaborated to provide secure, reliable, and efficient staking services for institutional clients. As a custody partner, Hex Trust’s platform leverages advanced blockchain technology to ensure security and transparency, supported by robust custody solutions that safeguard assets throughout the staking process. Hex Trust offers comprehensive staking services for a variety of networks, including EHT, TIA, INJ, and DYM.

BUX, the Dutch neobroker recently acquired by ABN AMRO, has partnered with State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) to provide its clients across Europe access to SSGA SPDR ETFs as well as educational content on investments. SSGA SPDR ETFs are a collection of exchange-traded funds managed by State Street Global Advisors, one of the world’s leading asset management firms. Often referred to simply as “spiders,” these funds are designed to provide investors with efficient access to a wide range of asset classes, sectors, and investment strategies. The SPDR ETF lineup includes some of the most recognizable names in the ETF space, offering exposure to equities, fixed income, and commodities. These funds are known for their versatility, catering to both individual and institutional investors seeking to diversify their portfolios or target specific market segments. Whether it’s gaining broad market exposure or focusing on specific sectors like technology or healthcare, SPDR ETFs are a go-to choice for many market participants. Investors to set up personalized investment plans Through the new access to SSGA SPDR ETFs, BUX’s clients can build cost-effective portfolios across different asset classes. With a minimum investment of just €10 per ETF, BUX is a front-runner in making investing in global markets accessible, intuitive, and affordable for everyone. The flexibility of the BUX investment platform allows investors to set up personalized investment plans that align with their financial goals, and by including access to SSGA SPDR ETFs, BUX’s clients have the opportunity to further diversify their portfolios. Delivering educational content is another key element in this new relationship, which aims to equip investors with information on a wide range of topics in order to make decisions that better suit their investment needs. Earlier this year, BUX was acquired by ABN AMRO, one of the largest financial institutions in the Netherlands. Together, BUX and ABN AMRO aim to deliver a unique and comprehensive investment offering to retail investors across Europe. Their partnership combines BUX’s innovative and accessible platform with ABN AMRO’s financial expertise and resources, ensuring a seamless experience for all investors. “Bringing SPDR ETFs to a broader audience across Europe” Yorick Naeff, CEO of BUX, stated: “We’re proud to team up with State Street Global Advisors to significantly improve our offering in the European investment landscape. With SSGA’s decades long experience, track record, and global market share, we believe this partnership is the latest milestone for us in our pathway toward becoming a leader in the European retail investment space. This collaboration will offer our clients access to a new range of ETFs, and further advances us in our journey towards making investing more accessible.” Matteo Andreetto, Head of Intermediary Clients Coverage, Europe at State Street Global Advisors, said: “We are delighted to work with BUX to bring SPDR ETFs to a broader audience across Europe. As a pioneer in ETFs, we seek to provide investors with the tools to build diversified and customized portfolios. Investors are increasingly turning to ETFs for their flexibility and cost-efficiency, and our wide range of ETFs, from global equity to fixed income, enables investors to tailor their portfolios with greater precision to help them achieve their financial goals at lower costs.”

Beeks has announced its compliance with the European Union’s Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) toward providing secure, resilient, and reliable infrastructure for financial institutions. The NIS2 Directive is an updated regulation introduced by the European Union to enhance cybersecurity standards across critical sectors, including financial services and cloud providers. The directive came into effect in October 2024, requiring organizations operating in the EU to adhere to these standards. Beyond regulatory compliance, NIS2 is a framework to reduce risks, enhance operational resilience, and protect customers. “Cybersecurity is never static” Oscar Neill, Beeks Group CISO, said: “Cybersecurity is never static. NIS2 compliance is another step in our ongoing efforts to deliver secure and compliant solutions to our customers. With SOC2 certification achieved last year and our expanding ISO accreditations, we’re continuously strengthening our infrastructure to support financial services firms and their compliance needs.” Organizations subject to NIS2 must: Implement measures to prevent and manage cybersecurity risks. Ensure continuity of critical operations during cyber incidents. Report incidents promptly to relevant authorities. Demonstrate compliance with stringent security requirements. The company’s efforts go beyond meeting regulatory requirements and focus on providing robust and scalable solutions tailored to the financial sector. Recent achievements, including SOC2 certification and expanded ISO accreditations, reflect this long-term strategy. Beeks achieved SOC 2 last year Beeks recently achieved SOC 2 compliance for its Proximity Cloud and Exchange Cloud products. The SOC 2 accreditation is a voluntary compliance standard for service organizations developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which specifies how organizations should manage customer data. The standard is based on the following Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The SOC 2 accreditation refers to Beeks’ two distinct products, Proximity Cloud and Exchange Cloud, catering to the specific needs of the financial markets infrastructure: Proximity Cloud: Launched in August 2021, this product is a fully-managed, configurable compute, storage, and analytics platform designed with industry-leading low latency hardware. It allows capital markets and financial services customers to run compute, storage, and analytics on-premise. Proximity Cloud is integrated with Beeks Analytics, enabling clients to monitor their data in real time, control access, and optimize operations through a point-and-click management interface​​. Exchange Cloud: Tailored for global financial exchanges, Exchange Cloud is a fully-managed, configurable compute, storage, and analytics rack built with industry-leading low latency hardware. It allows exchanges to run these services on-premise, providing a multi-home capability that enables exchanges to offer an in co-location, branded solution. This product is designed to meet the specific needs of global financial exchanges, facilitating the running of compute, storage, and analytics with high efficiency and low latency​​. Beeks tapped BlueVoyant’s SOC management ahead of EU’s DORA Beeks moved from in-house SOC management to BlueVoyant last year, under Microsoft’s recommendation. The cloud computing and analytics provider is now leveraging BlueVoyant’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) services to enhance operational resilience and security for Beeks Group. Beeks counts on BlueVoyant’s expertise in operating a 24×7, end-to-end SOC as part of its existing Microsoft technology infrastructure. The decision to partner with BlueVoyant was driven by Beeks’ need to streamline its cyber security operations, reduce operational overhead, and focus on identifying and remediating critical threats. BlueVoyant’s MXDR solutions, recognized by Microsoft as the Security MSSP of the Year in 2023, will significantly reduce the number of alerts for Beeks’ team to respond to, enhancing the overall efficiency of their cyber security efforts. The partnership is particularly crucial in the face of impending regulations, such as the European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) set to be enforced in January 2025. Beeks aims to proactively address these regulations, ensuring long-term cyber resilience and compliance.

Recently, the US stock markets were able to regain some of their level, but since December 2024 the bulls have been showing a tired side. The thoughts number 58 also pointed out the 17-year cycle, which has always brought a correction of at least 20% since World War II. In fact, there are already some scratches on the market picture, growing in number. Another is the risk factor, which measures the futures positions in hard and less hard currencies. The hard currencies include the US dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Swiss franc and the British pound. So if investors prefer investments in these currencies, this is also an indication that the willingness to take risks is decreasing (risk off). In the past, these phases were always accompanied by corrections in the stock markets… Sentiment in the S&P500 has deteriorated significantly since December 2024 and remains in pessimistic territory… In the short term, however, the Market Pendulum indicates that the current technical recovery may continue for a while… Besides the US stock markets, the other markets are almost forgotten. While US equities still made significant gains in the fall of 2024, the pan-European Stoxx600 Index is actually not making any headway. Currently, it is showing itself from an optimistic side again, but real advances cannot be realized this time either… Only the German stock market has been impressing for many months. This is particularly impressive because the political elite is anything but supportive. In any case, the mood in the German stock market is significantly better than that in politics… But one should not forget: for the large German companies represented in the DAX, domestic business in Germany accounts for perhaps 10-20%, with the rest being generated globally. The IT heavyweight SAP and financial stocks in particular are driving the market… Until a few days ago, the English market was also unable to make any significant advances. This changed with weak economic data, which fueled hopes of lower interest rates. However, the Smart Investors Action is already showing an ‘exaggeration’, so the trend is unlikely to be sustainable… In addition, the sentiment barometer has already reached its zenith in terms of optimism… Not much happening with the French either. Here, too, the Smart Investors Action is already showing a ‘exaggeration’ again, which indicates that the last upward trend will soon come to an end… And the Swiss SMI Index, with its defensive heavyweights Nestlé, Novartis and Roche, has also advanced again recently. However, the more optimistic sentiment could soon fade again according to the indicator…  Conclusion: Investors can continue to take it easy at the start of the new year. And should the stock markets climb a little higher, there would probably be more opportunities to sell. The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff.

Zodia Custody has announced a partnership with Wavebridge, a digital asset company with a strong presence in Europe and South Korea. The digital asset custodian backed by Standard Chartered, Northern Trust, and other major institutions will provide institutional investors with secure and regulated access to the digital asset market through Wavebridge’s specialized services. “Potential yield on digital asset holdings through Wavebridge” Kelly Lai, Head of Client Solutions at Zodia Custody, said: “Connectivity to partners like Wavebridge demonstrates how we bridge the investment lifecycle for institutions – offering trusted, high-quality solutions that our clients can access with confidence. This partnership enables our clients to generate a potential yield on their digital asset holdings through Wavebridge’s digital asset services, unlocking new ways to maximize returns while keeping their assets safe within Zodia Custody wallets.” Jongwook Oh, CEO of Wavebridge, said: “Our partnership with Zodia Custody is a significant step in bringing secure and compliant market opportunities to institutional investors. Our platforms like Dolfin Global and Dolfin Korea are designed to drive innovation and deliver competitive cryptocurrency services worldwide.” Wavebridge holds VASP licenses in Lithuania and Korea The partnership integrates Wavebridge’s regulated services with Zodia Custody’s cold storage solutions, providing institutions with a secure environment for digital asset management. Wavebridge’s platforms, including Dolfin Global and Dolfin Korea, allow investors to explore innovative opportunities in cryptocurrency markets while adhering to rigorous compliance standards. Wavebridge’s services include a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Lithuanian authorities and the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU), ensuring robust regulatory oversight. This collaboration enables Zodia Custody clients to access new investment opportunities while maintaining the high-security standards provided by Zodia Custody’s infrastructure. ATFX tapped Zodia Custody ATFX recently announced a partnership with Zodia Custody to ensure secure and reliable digital asset custody solutions. The brokerage firm significantly improved its digital client asset protection and operational efficiency. Key benefits of this partnership include: Enhanced Security: Zodia Custody’s robust security measures, including air-gapped cold storage and multi-signature wallets, will safeguard client assets from potential threats. Streamlined Transactions: The partnership will accelerate transaction processing times, enabling clients to manage their deposits and withdrawals more swiftly and efficiently. Regulatory Compliance: Both ATFX and Zodia Custody adhere to stringent regulatory standards, ensuring compliance with industry best practices. Enhanced Customer Experience: By prioritizing security and efficiency, ATFX aims to deliver a seamless and trustworthy trading experience to its clients. Initially focusing on solutions of “fully segregated wallets” for its two entities, AT Global Markets Intl Ltd (Mauritius) and AT Global Markets LLC (St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity), ATFX is also exploring the potential to expand this partnership and leverage Zodia Custody’s wider suite of services, including “Interchange”, a well-renowned off-venue settlement with digital asset trading counterparties.

Robinhood Crypto has announced its official launch in Spain, allowing Spanish users to trade cryptocurrencies, stake digital assets, and explore earning opportunities through the platform. The expansion follows Robinhood Crypto’s recent launches across other European markets, marking another step in its European growth strategy. Robinhood Crypto provides users with a secure and easy-to-navigate platform for cryptocurrency trading. The service aims to deliver a low-cost trading experience while offering industry-leading safety and security for its users. Crypto trading and staking A spokesperson for Robinhood Crypto said: “This milestone marks an exciting step in Robinhood Crypto EU’s expansion, following recent launches across other European markets. Robinhood Crypto offers industry-leading safety and security and provides customers with a user-friendly, low-cost trading experience.” The platform supports various cryptocurrencies, giving users a range of digital assets to trade. It also provides staking opportunities, allowing users to earn rewards by participating in the blockchain validation process. The expansion to Spain comes amid increasing interest in cryptocurrency investment and adoption across Europe. Robinhood Crypto emphasizes simplicity and security, focusing on creating an accessible trading environment for both beginners and experienced investors. By providing tools to manage cryptocurrencies efficiently, the platform seeks to support its growing user base in Europe. It was in last December that Robinhood Crypto expanded into the European Union to offer crypto trading and staking, as well as a monthly Bitcoin reward based on trading volume. Robinhood Crypto supports 25+ cryptocurrencies and claims to be the EU’s lowest-cost crypto trading platform on average. Robinhood Crypto launched in Europe as MiCA came into effect The launch of Robinhood Crypto coincided with the go-live of EU’s MiCA regulation, a framework that aims to ensure that crypto transfers, as is the case with any other financial operation, can always be traced and suspicious transactions blocked. The so-called “travel rule”, already used in traditional finance, will in the future cover transfers of crypto assets. Information on the source of the asset and its beneficiary will have to “travel” with the transaction and be stored on both sides of the transfer. It will also cover transactions above €1000 from so-called self-hosted wallets (a crypto-asset wallet address of a private user) when they interact with hosted wallets managed by crypto-assets service providers. The rules do not apply to person-to-person transfers conducted without a provider or among providers acting on their own behalf. The new framework will support market integrity and financial stability by regulating public offers of crypto-assets. The text includes measures against market manipulation and to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other criminal activities. To counter money-laundering risks the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) should set up a public register for non-compliant crypto assets service providers that operate in the European Union without authorization. Crypto held in cold storage, insurance against hacking Customers using Robinhood Crypto can earn Bitcoin rewards based on their monthly trading volume. This innovative rebate system is designed to provide value back to users, enhancing the appeal of the platform. The app also promises transparency in pricing, displaying the spread and ensuring no hidden fees. For a limited time, new sign-ups and referrals can earn up to 1 BTC, adding an incentive for early adopters. Robinhood highlighted its security in the crypto trading platform. Measures include coin management protocols, 24/7 email support, and industry-leading security practices. Nearly all customer coins are held in cold storage, and Robinhood carries crime insurance against theft and cybersecurity breaches. EU’s Robinhood headquartered in Lithuania Eligibility for Robinhood Crypto requires EU citizenship and being 18 years or older. The app’s availability across iOS and Android platforms marks a significant step in making crypto trading more accessible in the EU. Robinhood’s conservative approach to digital asset support contrasts with competitors listing hundreds of tokens. This approach includes educational initiatives and safeguards for customers. The company’s crypto services in the EU are provided through Robinhood Europe, UAB, complying with Lithuanian regulatory requirements for virtual currency exchange and depository wallet operators. Robinhood’s expansion into the EU with its crypto trading app reflects its broader aim of making financial services more accessible globally. The combination of low costs, Bitcoin rewards, and a focus on safety and transparency positions Robinhood Crypto as a significant player in the EU’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

Cboe has announced the availability of its Cboe Global Indices Feed on Snowflake Marketplace to enable joint customers to access end-of-day summary data and tick data from seven Cboe Global Indices Feed channels. The data is available for purchase through Cboe DataShop, providing efficient and scalable access to index data via the cloud. Datasets for sentiment analysis, strategy backtesting, and portfolio risk assessment The datasets include open, high, low, and closing values for indices, as well as tick data, which provides real-time disseminated values throughout the business day. This comprehensive access supports market participants in performing tasks such as sentiment analysis, strategy backtesting, and portfolio risk assessment. Customers can now subscribe and access this data directly via Snowflake. Cboe’s adoption of Snowflake aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy. By migrating its data and analytics to the Snowflake AI Data Cloud, Cboe enhances its ability to store, analyze, and distribute large volumes of market data with greater efficiency. The integration aims to meet the growing demand for real-time, cloud-based data solutions from market participants worldwide. “Excited to broaden our data distribution through the cloud” Adam Inzirillo, Global Head of Cboe Data Vantage, said: “As the world’s largest global exchange operator, Cboe is uniquely positioned to deliver data and analytics from multiple markets around the globe. In particular, Cboe’s indices are widely regarded for their ability to capture key market dynamics, offering unique insights that resonate across a variety of investment strategies. As customer demand for Cboe data continues to grow globally, we are excited to broaden our data distribution through the cloud and provide easier access to a wider base of market participants.” Kieran Kennedy, Global Head of Data Cloud Products at Snowflake, said: “Snowflake empowers organizations like Cboe to efficiently scale their data capabilities and provide essential market insights to users around the world. By bringing Cboe’s in-demand market data to Snowflake Marketplace, we’re helping to make it easier for our users to discover and explore the many offerings that Cboe has to offer to take their trading strategies to the next level.” Cboe rebranded exchange technology platform to Cboe Ti The move follows Cboe’s rebranding of its exchange technology platform to Cboe Titanium (Cboe Ti), inspired by titanium’s durability and resilience, and symbolizing the platform’s role in supporting Cboe’s global trading operations for options, equities, and futures. Cboe Ti powers trading across Cboe’s markets in the U.S., UK, Europe, Japan, and Australia. In March 2025, Cboe Canada will migrate to the platform, and in the second quarter of 2025, Cboe’s cash-settled bitcoin and ether futures contracts are set to transition to the Cboe Futures Exchange, pending regulatory approval. This effort will finalize the integration of all Cboe’s global equities and derivatives markets onto a consistent yet locally adaptable platform. The unified platform leverages common protocols and features, providing customers with a consistent experience across geographies. Its flexibility allows Cboe to adapt the system for the specific needs of different asset classes or regional markets. This scalability enables the development of new features or products that can be quickly deployed globally, enhancing speed to market for innovative trading solutions. In 2024, amid heightened volatility and record trading volumes, Cboe’s systems demonstrated their reliability with 100% uptime across 25 of its 27 platforms and greater than 99.9% uptime overall. The company also introduced features like Dedicated Cores, which reduced latency by 60% for users of the service in the U.S., with expansions to Europe and plans to launch in Australia later this year, pending approval.