Payoneer has expanded its global payments platform with new local collection capabilities in Indonesia, alongside enhanced services in Mexico, as the fintech firm moves to strengthen support for small and medium-sized businesses operating across fast-growing trade corridors. The company said the additions will allow customers to receive funds from local buyers and e-commerce platforms more efficiently, reducing costs and improving access to regional markets.  Payoneer already enables businesses in more than 190 countries to operate globally, and local collection has become a core element of its offering. Indonesia, the largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia, represents a significant growth opportunity.  Payoneer’s new capabilities will enable customers to collect payments directly from local marketplaces and businesses, improving foreign exchange control and access to one of the region’s most dynamic digital economies. In Mexico, Payoneer has enhanced its peso-denominated collection services, enabling global sellers to receive funds across multiple channels, including major marketplaces such as Amazon Mexico, Walmart, Mercado Libre and Shopee. Derek Green, Payoneer’s SVP of Treasury and Payment Services, said global trade continues to shift, and the company’s priority is supporting customers as they expand.  “By expanding our capabilities in critical markets like Mexico and Indonesia, we continue to empower our customers as they look to expand into fast-growing markets,” he remarked. The new services are being rolled out globally, with Payoneer planning further enhancements across Latin America and Asia Pacific through 2026. The post Payoneer Expands Local Collection Capabilities in Mexico and Indonesia appeared first on LeapRate.

IG Group has completed its acquisition of cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve following regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The deal was first announced in September 2025. The company confirmed that it expects to launch a new crypto trading proposition in Singapore, Australia and the UAE in the second half of 2026.  The platform will be powered by Independent Reserve’s infrastructure and expertise, enabling IG to broaden its reach into regulated digital asset trading. Matt Macklin, IG’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, welcomed the completion, calling the deal an important enhancement of the group’s capabilities.  “This acquisition strengthens our crypto capabilities and positions us to meet growing customer demand across APAC and the Middle East,” he commented. Independent Reserve CEO and co-founder Adrian Przelozny stated that joining IG “opens an exciting new chapter,” adding that combining both firms’ capabilities will accelerate efforts to bring trusted, regulated crypto services to a wider audience. The post IG Group Completes Acquisition of Independent Reserve appeared first on LeapRate.

The Federal Court has ordered Australian Unity Funds Management to pay a $7.125 million penalty after finding the firm failed to ensure a key investment product was suitable for hundreds of retail customers.  The ruling relates to breaches of Australia’s design and distribution obligations (DDO), which require financial product issuers to check that offerings align with target market determinations (TMDs). As the responsible entity of the Australian Unity Select Income Fund, Australian Unity admitted that it failed to take reasonable steps to ensure interests in the fund were issued only to investors who met the criteria set out in three TMDs.  The Court reportedly found that the company issued interests on 89 occasions without requiring applicants to submit a mandatory suitability questionnaire. A further 239 questionnaires were submitted but not reviewed, and up to 144 responses indicated the applicants did not fall within the target market. ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said the firm had “failed to take reasonable steps” to meet its obligations, adding that TMDs are meaningless unless issuers ensure compliance in practice. Justice Moshinsky described the failures as “serious”, noting there was no satisfactory explanation for the shortcomings, which reflected poorly on the company’s compliance culture. The judgment highlighted that investors may have been exposed to inappropriate products and potential financial loss. Beyond the financial penalty, Australian Unity must issue an adverse publicity notice directly to affected investors and pay ASIC’s legal costs. The company has since revised its TMD processes, making suitability questionnaires compulsory and adding “knock out questions.” The post Australian Unity Funds Management Fined $7 Million Over Product Suitability Failures appeared first on LeapRate.

Earlier this week, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) revealed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with B3, Brazil’s exchange operator, aimed at promoting sustainable finance and supporting the development of carbon markets across Asia and South America. HKEX said the agreement reflects its commitment to accelerating the global shift to a low-carbon economy and extends its sustainability partnerships into South America, a region it described as critical to global climate solutions. The two exchanges will collaborate on carbon market development, potential cross-listings and new ESG-related products.  They also plan to establish regular communication channels to deepen cooperation and explore opportunities in commodities. Paul Chow, HKEX’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said the partnership builds on the foundation of its carbon marketplace, Core Climate, and reinforces its goal of advancing sustainable finance through cross-border collaboration. Sérgio Gullo, B3’s Director of International Business Development for Asia and Oceania, said the agreement strengthens B3’s position in the transition to a sustainable economy and opens new opportunities for Brazilian markets internationally. HKEX said the partnership will help expand its sustainable finance footprint while supporting the creation of transparent and globally connected carbon markets. The post HKEX and Brazil’s B3 Sign Agreement to Advance Sustainable Finance and Carbon Markets appeared first on LeapRate.

Barchart has launched a new browser-based Digital Information Board designed to display live global market data, analytics and news across large screens in offices, trading floors, lobbies and events. The company said the platform is built for shared environments where teams and clients gather, providing an always-on view of market activity without requiring user interaction.  It is powered by Barchart’s institutional-grade market data and offers real-time quotes, analytics, news and tickers in a format suitable for professional settings. The Digital Information Board supports multilingual displays and customisable market coverage spanning equities, commodities, currencies and more. Organisations can tailor the layout to their branding, preferred instruments or specific operational needs. Chief executive Mark Haraburda said the system was developed “to keep live market data and information visible where teams and clients naturally gather”.  He added that the product offers consistent visibility “across teams, locations and time zones”. Barchart stated that the new platform is aimed at firms seeking to strengthen internal market awareness or enhance public-facing spaces with continuous financial information.  The post Barchart Unveils Digital Information Board for Real-Time Global Market Displays appeared first on LeapRate.

Barclays has appointed Chetan Vohra as Global Head of Securitised Products, strengthening its ambitions in one of its core Global Markets businesses.  Based in New York, Vohra will report to Adeel Khan, Head of Global Markets, and will join the division’s management team. The bank said the appointment marks the next phase of expansion across its securitised products platform, with the aim of boosting connectivity across origination, financing and trading.  Securitised products remain a strategic priority and a key contributor to revenue growth, supported by recent investment in both Agency and Non-Agency trading. Vohra joins with extensive sector experience. He most recently served as a Senior Managing Director and Portfolio Manager on the buyside, following a 19-year career at Citi that included leading Global Securitised Products Trading.  He has previously overseen businesses spanning Agency, Non-Agency and mortgage banking. Khan said: “Chetan is an exceptional leader with deep industry insight and a demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams. His appointment underscores our commitment to investing in areas of strong and sustained client demand.” The post Barclays Names Chetan Vohra Global Head of Securitised Products appeared first on LeapRate.

ABN AMRO will appoint Michiel Lap as Chair of its Supervisory Board following the bank’s Annual General Meeting on 22 April 2026, succeeding Tom de Swaan, who retires after nearly eight years in the role.  The bank also announced the nomination of former UniCredit chief executive Jean-Pierre Mustier to the Supervisory Board for a four-year term, pending European Central Bank approval. De Swaan praised Lap’s “proven leadership” and deep understanding of the bank’s values and strategic direction. Lap has served as Vice-Chair since 2019 and has been closely involved in shaping governance as the bank executes its new strategy.  ABN AMRO noted that his appointment ensures continuity and stability at a pivotal stage in its strategic plan. Lap remarked that he was “very honoured” to take over the role, adding that de Swaan had served “admirably” during his tenure. Mustier, who currently sits on the supervisory board of Deutsche Börse and previously held senior roles at Atos and UniCredit, said he was honoured to be nominated and looked forward to contributing to ABN AMRO’s “ambitious and forward-looking” strategic agenda. Chief executive Marguerite Bérard welcomed both appointments, emphasising Lap’s deep knowledge of the bank and Mustier’s extensive European banking experience.  She also paid tribute to de Swaan, saying his leadership “will remain vivid for generations to come.” The post ABN AMRO Names Michiel Lap as Supervisory Board Chair; Mustier Nominated appeared first on LeapRate.

Barclays and Brookfield have appointed Jason Lalor as chief executive of the Barclaycard Payments acceptance business, marking what the companies describe as a pivotal phase in the unit’s transformation.  His appointment follows the long-term strategic partnership announced last April to accelerate growth across the payments franchise. Lalor brings extensive experience across financial services and fintech, having held senior leadership roles at Mastercard, Square and Conferma.  Barclays believes his background in driving transformation, building global partnerships and scaling customer-centric businesses makes him well-suited to lead the next stage of development. He formally joins the bank on 28 January. Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said the appointment “marks an exciting milestone” and that Lalor’s vision for innovation “will help us deliver even greater value to our clients and partners.”  He added that Lalor will play a key role as the organisation seeks to set “the standard for excellence in the industry.” Sir Ron Kalifa of Brookfield welcomed the appointment, calling Lalor “well-positioned to lead the business into becoming the market-leader at the forefront of the U.K.’s growing digital economy.” Lalor stated that he was “proud to have been awarded such an important opportunity” and emphasised the strategic importance of the Barclays–Brookfield partnership.  He said combining innovation, scale and a trusted brand would enable the business to drive “meaningful transformation” for customers and employees. The post Barclays and Brookfield Appoint Jason Lalor to Lead Barclaycard Payments appeared first on LeapRate.

FINRA has censured The GMS Group, LLC and imposed a $35,000 fine after finding that the New Jersey-based brokerage firm failed to establish and enforce written supervisory procedures required under U.S. securities rules.  The settlement was outlined in a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent, accepted without the firm admitting or denying the findings. FINRA said the firm did not maintain policies reasonably designed to ensure compliance with Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) between June 2020 and October 2023.  Its initial implementation reportedly consisted only of a brief memorandum, and its written supervisory procedures made no meaningful reference to Reg BI until late 2020. The regulator found that GMS Group lacked processes to meet the regulation’s Care Obligation, including assessing costs, alternatives or documenting best-interest considerations. It also failed to address conflicts of interest, offering no framework for identifying, disclosing or mitigating incentives that could bias recommendations to retail clients. FINRA stated that the firm had no procedures to prevent, detect or correct Reg BI violations, nor did it maintain adequate oversight systems under FINRA Rule 3110 or MSRB Rule G-27. The regulator also determined that GMS Group breached its obligations regarding Form CRS, the customer relationship summary introduced in 2020. Until October 2023, the firm had no procedures for preparing, delivering, updating or recording Form CRS, nor did it designate supervisory responsibility for compliance. The firm updated its supervisory procedures last year. The post FINRA Fines GMS Group Supervisory Failures appeared first on LeapRate.

Step-by-Step Broker Evaluation Process Research Regulatory Status Find a list of brokers you might be open to considering using review platforms and other social reviews that have already rated some of the top brokers and platforms in Australia. Do not use these in isolation, but as part of a broader decision making process. Begin your evaluation by verifying the broker’s ASIC license through the official ASIC register. Look for the Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) number, which should be prominently displayed on the broker’s website. Cross-reference this information with ASIC’s public database to confirm: License validity and current status Authorized services and product offerings Any regulatory actions or penalties Company registration details and ownership structure Analyze Trading Costs and Fee Structures Compare fee structures across multiple Australian brokers to understand the total cost of trading. Key cost components include active, and inactive fees. First start by checking the Brokerage fees – Commission charges per trade or percentage-based fees. You can then move on to looking at any account maintenance fees – Monthly or annual charges for account upkeep. Inactivity fees, currency conversion costs, and any withdrawal and deposit charges are also important factors to consider. Calculate potential annual costs based on your expected trading frequency and investment amounts to identify the most cost-effective option. Evaluate Trading Platforms and Technology Modern trading requires reliable, user-friendly platforms with comprehensive features. Assess each broker’s technology offerings: Platform stability – Uptime statistics and system reliability during market volatility Mobile accessibility – Quality of smartphone and tablet applications Research tools – Available market analysis, charts, and educational resources Order types – Range of available order options for different trading strategies Real-time data – Speed and accuracy of market information delivery Review Available Investment Products Different brokers offer varying ranges of investment products. Consider your investment goals and ensure your chosen broker provides access to whatever you intend to invest or trade in. Things to look for include Australian shares, International markets, Managed funds, Options, or Fixed income securities. Reliable customer support is also an important factor to consider, becoming especially crucial during market volatility or technical issues. Evaluate support services through: Contact methods – Phone, email, live chat, and in-person options Operating hours – Availability during Australian and international trading sessions Response times – Speed of issue resolution and query responses Support quality – Knowledge level and helpfulness of support staff Educational resources – Availability of training materials and market insights Making Your Decision Compare Shortlisted Options Create a comparison of your top three to five broker candidates, cross checking these with locally trusted sites such as Thebull.com.au, and weigh various factors according to your priorities: Regulatory compliance – ASIC license verification and compliance history Total cost analysis – Comprehensive fee comparison based on trading patterns Platform suitability – Technology alignment with your trading requirements Product availability – Access to desired investment instruments Service quality – Customer support responsiveness and expertise Consider Trial Periods Many Australian brokers offer demo accounts or trial periods. Utilize these opportunities to test platform functionality and user experience and evaluate customer service responsiveness. You can also get a feel for the research tools, execution options and order processing on a free account before deciding is what the broker provides is right for your needs. Start with Smaller Investments Once you are ready, it is usually wise to begin your relationship with a new broker using smaller investment amounts. This approach allows you to verify platform performance with real money, confirm fee structures match advertised rates, and perhaps most importantly, build confidence before committing larger amounts. Conclusion Choosing the best ASIC broker requires careful evaluation of regulatory compliance, costs, technology, and service quality. Australian brokers operating under ASIC regulation provide essential investor protections, making them the preferred choice for serious traders and investors. By following this systematic evaluation process, you can identify a trusted broker that aligns with your investment goals, trading style, and budget requirements. Take time to thoroughly research each potential broker, utilize trial periods when available, and prioritize ASIC regulation as a fundamental requirement. The post How To Choose The Right ASIC Regulated Broker? appeared first on LeapRate.

Saxo has introduced AutoInvest in Singapore, unveiling a low-cost automated investment service aimed at making regular ETF investing easier for users of all experience levels.  The launch coincides with the firm’s 20th anniversary in Singapore and reinforces its push to expand accessible, technology-driven investing tools. AutoInvest is said to allow anyone with a Saxo account to set a monthly investment amount, select up to 10 ETFs from more than 100 available options, and link a funding source.  The platform then automatically executes purchases each month, with clients free to edit, pause or stop the plan at any time. All ETF purchases made via AutoInvest carry $0 commission, a key point Saxo emphasises as it positions the product as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional mutual funds and managed portfolios, which often charge higher fees that erode returns.  The company explained that the feature also supports fractional investing, no minimum investment requirement, and no lock-in period. Mahesh Sethuraman, Saxo’s Singapore CEO, explained that the goal is to make long-term investing feel intuitive rather than overwhelming. “AutoInvest cuts through decision fatigue, lowers costs, removes the pressure of timing the market, and aligns with real human behaviour,” he commented.  “With AutoInvest, Saxo has removed every barrier that stands between people and their journey towards financial independence.” The post Saxo Launches AutoInvest in Singapore appeared first on LeapRate.

Euroclear has onboarded its first Middle Eastern ETF issuer after Abu Dhabi-based Lunate launched its Irish-domiciled UCITS ETFs on the company’s international funds platform.  The move positions Lunate as the region’s first asset manager to adopt the International Central Securities Depository (ICSD) model for ETF issuance. By listing its Boreas thematic ETF range on Euroclear’s iETF platform, Lunate gains access to a consolidated liquidity pool and seamless distribution across Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.  The currently issued ETFs, the Boreas S&P AI Data, Power & Infrastructure UCITS ETF and the Boreas S&P Absolute Luxury UCITS ETF, are listed on Xetra and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. Euroclear said demand for globally scalable ETF structures continues to rise, with the ICSD framework now widely regarded as the industry standard because it centralises primary and secondary market activity in one location.  Mohamed M’Rabti, Global Head of Sales for Asset Managers and ETF at Euroclear, stated that Lunate’s decision reflects “growing demand for efficient, liquid, and globally scalable ETF structures.” Lunate believes the partnership enhances global investor access to its thematic funds. Sherif Salem, Partner and Head of Public Markets, said the ICSD model “provides the operational efficiency, transparency, and reach required to support international distribution.” The post Euroclear Welcomes Lunate as First Middle Eastern ETF Issuer appeared first on LeapRate.

Moomoo has expanded its options trading offering after partnering with Nasdaq to provide newly launched Monday and Wednesday weekly expirations, giving its 28 million global investors additional flexibility and precision in structuring trades. The rollout follows U.S. regulatory approval allowing Nasdaq to extend weekly expirations for a group of large-cap securities, including Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft, Broadcom and the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF.  The new products closely mirror the high-frequency expirations already seen in major index options. Moomoo livestreamed an exclusive discussion featuring Moomoo US CEO Neil McDonald and Nasdaq’s Tanya Patwa to mark the launch.  The platform noted that the changes are particularly relevant given the surge in retail options activity. Moomoo Australia and New Zealand CEO Michael McCarthy said 2025 saw a significant rise in options trading across the region, adding that the new expirations “may draw in new investors to options trading.” The additional expiries provide a wider set of tools for traders. Fundamental investors can now align strategies more precisely with company earnings or macro events, while income-focused traders can boost premium capture through more frequent covered calls and cash-secured puts. Short-dated options traders also gain more opportunities to manage gamma-driven volatility. To support education and risk management, Moomoo is offering real-time analytical tools, including an options chain with Greeks, volume, and implied volatility data, as well as an options price calculator.  McCarthy said the partnership marks “a new era” in making options trading more accessible worldwide. The post Moomoo Partners With Nasdaq to Offer New Monday and Wednesday Options Expirations appeared first on LeapRate.

SIX has announced that Incore Bank will become the first Swiss financial institution to adopt its Order Management System (OMS).  The implementation is already underway, with a pilot client live and full rollout expected over the coming quarters. The OMS connects trading desks to global brokers and markets and supports smart order routing, algorithmic execution and pre-trade risk controls.  Built using low-latency BME technology, the system provides ultra-fast execution, full back-office integration and continuous monitoring. SIX explained that its recurring-fee model covers exchange-driven updates such as Equinox, eliminating the need for separate project charges. Giuseppe Campanello, Product Manager for Trading Solutions at SIX, said the partnership is a “significant step” for the firm’s OMS business and builds on foundations established across other European markets.  Christian Reuss, Head of SIX Swiss Exchange, also welcomed Incore Bank’s adoption of the platform. Incore Bank’s Head of Brokerage, Roger Darin, said the partnership strengthens the bank’s B2B offering, noting that clients will gain access to expanded connectivity, FIX 4.4 capabilities and a wider range of liquidity providers across an increasingly fragmented market landscape. The post Incore Bank Becomes First Swiss Institution to Adopt SIX Order Management System appeared first on LeapRate.

State Street has announced plans to create more than 300 financial services roles in Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain region as part of a new collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).  The move forms a central part of the firm’s long-term expansion strategy in the Middle East and builds on its presence in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The new operations hub will support State Street’s growing client base in the UAE, while also contributing to the emirate’s economic diversification agenda.  The company will work closely with local universities to develop talent pipelines, offering internships, training programmes and career pathways for Emirati graduates. Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and Chief Executive of State Street, said the firm is “committed to investing in the growth of our UAE business,” adding that Abu Dhabi is a “strategic priority” within its global network.  He stated that the combination of strong local talent and State Street’s global capabilities positions the firm as a key partner to institutions operating in the region. The collaboration is aligned with ADIO’s FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets cluster, which aims to build a high-value financial services ecosystem and is projected to contribute AED56 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2045.  H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ADGM, said the expansion reflects the emirate’s focus on upskilling national talent and supporting sustainable economic growth. State Street also intends to upgrade its ADGM licence to broaden its market capabilities and further strengthen local financial infrastructure. The post State Street to Create 300 Jobs With New Al Ain Operations Hub appeared first on LeapRate.

CME Group has reported a new single-day record across its metals futures and options complex, with 3,338,528 contracts traded on 26 January.  The figure is 18 percent above the previous record set on 17 October 2025 and reflects heightened demand for precious metals hedging amid global uncertainty. The exchange noted that record volatility and persistent macroeconomic risks had driven traders toward its precious metals markets. Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group, said clients were using the platform “to hedge and adjust precious metals exposure to meet their trading goals,” adding that its expanding suite of contracts offers “efficient access to right-sized risk management tools.” Micro Silver futures were a key driver of activity, setting a daily volume record of 715,111 contracts and reaching record open interest of 35,702 contracts.  CME Group also recorded one of its strongest trading sessions in Silver futures, Micro Gold futures and 1-Ounce Gold futures. The exchange plans to introduce 100-Ounce Silver futures on 9 February, pending regulatory approval, to meet what it described as record levels of retail demand. The product expansion marks the latest step in CME Group’s strategy to broaden access to metals risk-management tools for both institutional and retail traders. The post CME Group Sets New Record in Metals Futures and Options as Trading Surges appeared first on LeapRate.

Alongside cBridge, the team will highlight recent cTrader enhancements that continue to support broker and prop firm growth. In 2025, more than two million new traders joined cTrader, bringing the total user base to over 11 million, while trading volume on cTrader increased by 105%. This growth reflects cTrader’s growing popularity across the industry.  Built around Traders First approach, the platform sets a benchmark for fair and transparent trading, helping brokers and prop firms powered by cTrader demonstrate credibility and trust to their trading communities. Among traders of all levels, cTrader has built a strong reputation, as reflected in more than 1,200 Trustpilot reviews with an Excellent rating. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to get started for those taking their first steps in trading, while advanced features support more experienced users. Users frequently highlight the flawless performance of cTrader Mobile, which was recently awarded Best Mobile Trading App.  Trusted by more than 300 broker clients worldwide, cTrader, as an Open Trading Platform, enables brokers and prop firms to strengthen their market positioning by offering access to over 100 FX and CFD solutions across CRM, liquidity, risk management and signal services.  Spotware team will also walk visitors through cTrader Store, which has evolved into a central hub for traders, offering bots, indicators, copy strategies, prop challenges and plugins. With free cloud execution, cTrader enables cBots and copy strategies to run without a VPS or keeping a device online. Secure transactions and one-click installation simplify access to trading tools, while native Python support has made the development of trading algorithms and indicators more accessible. For algo developers, cTrader ensures the full security of intellectual property, as the source code never leaves the developer’s control in an unencrypted state.  For brokers and prop firms, cTrader Store significantly increases visibility among prospective traders through dedicated Brokers, Props and Prop Challenges sections, driving up to 10,000 daily visits. The Store also provides an additional revenue stream through affiliate partnership. Throughout the expo, our team will demonstrate how Spotware’s innovative solutions can support growth, strengthen operations and unlock new opportunities. Dubai World Trade Centre, Booth #84, 11–12 Feb 2026 Book a meeting with the Spotware sales team! The post Spotware will attend iFX Expo Dubai as a multi-product developer, presenting cBridge appeared first on LeapRate.

“Wolves of the web: Who’s running the pack in 2026?” – Alfonso Cardalda, Exness CMO, will join other leading executives to explore what sets successful brokers apart. The panel will examine strategies for scaling platforms, engaging high-value clients, and converting trading volume into profit. These discussions will highlight how a small segment of active retail traders generates over half of the region’s total trading volume, and how community-driven promotion, platform enhancements, and engagement loops can turn casual traders into loyal clients while keeping churn low. “Your biggest risk is the one you ignored: Identifying the silent killers” – Peter Plester, head of B2B sales at Exness, will take part in this candid session on hidden operational risks in the online trading industry. Panelists will dissect real failure cases, from liquidity gaps to technology vulnerabilities, exploring why early warning signs are often overlooked. The session will also cover crisis management strategies and frameworks for building resilient brokerages to safeguard performance and future growth. Peter Plester expressed: “The conversation in our industry is shifting. It’s no longer just about growth or innovation in isolation, but about how trading infrastructure actually behaves when markets are under pressure. iFX EXPO is one of the few forums where these harder, more operational questions are discussed openly, and that’s why being part of it allows us to engage in these discussions and help shape the future of our industry.” About Exness Founded in 2008, Exness is a global multi-asset broker with the mission to reshape the online trading industry. Since its inception, the company’s goal has been to create the ultimate trading experience through large-scale investment in technology and infrastructure. Their fresh approach resonates with traders worldwide, growing Exness into one of the most prominent retail brokers in the sector. With a strong balance sheet, Exness now brings its deep liquidity offering to brokers and other financial institutions. The post Exness takes center stage at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026 as an Elite Sponsor appeared first on LeapRate.

GCEX has appointed Carmen Tan as Managing Director for its MENA operations, strengthening the digital prime broker’s regional leadership as it targets further international expansion.  Based in Dubai, Tan will oversee growth initiatives for the company’s VARA-regulated entity while also supporting broader market development across Asia. Tan joins GCEX from CoinW Exchange, where she served as Global Strategy & Growth Manager before being promoted to Chief Communications Officer.  During her tenure, she scaled institutional business lines, led a team of senior sales professionals, and represented the firm at major industry events. She previously held growth and marketing leadership roles at MultiBank Group, focusing on expanding institutional adoption in Asia. GCEX believes Tan’s background in both crypto and FX, as well as her fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, will strengthen its ability to serve institutional clients across two of its fastest-growing markets. The company highlighted her experience in regulated environments, noting her AML and CTF qualifications. Founder and CEO Lars Holst stated that Tan had “delivered impressive results and built very strong networks in both the MENA and Asia regions,” adding that her appointment aligns with GCEX’s ambition to scale globally as a trusted digital prime broker. Tan was drawn to GCEX’s “regulated, risk-averse approach,” adding that institutions are increasingly recognising crypto as a “legitimate asset class.” She said her focus will be on governance, growth and building a scalable team to position GCEX as a market leader. The post GCEX Names Carmen Tan Managing Director for MENA appeared first on LeapRate.

Clearstream and LCH SA have expanded their post-trade collaboration, enabling LCH SA clearing members to settle Italian government debt instruments, including cash trades and repos, through Clearstream’s pan-European CSD infrastructure. The initiative, set to go live later in 2026, aims to enhance settlement optionality for market participants and support the development of a more integrated European capital market. Clearstream believes the move will reduce fragmentation, improve liquidity management and streamline access to one of Europe’s largest sovereign debt markets. Under the arrangement, clearing members will be able to consolidate settlement activity across Clearstream’s ICSD and CSD accounts. The expansion also strengthens the firm’s Trade Flow Hub, which already connects major trading venues and central counterparties across Europe. Michel Semaan, Global Head of RepoClear at LSEG, said the initiative would “drive greater efficiency and expand choice,” calling both elements essential for a competitive and resilient European market structure. Dirk Loscher, Head of Custody & Investor Solutions at Clearstream, said the enhancement reflects a shared commitment to a “harmonised and integrated” post-trade environment. He believes the initiative will contribute to “a seamless, one-stop solution for accessing European liquidity.” The extension builds on Clearstream and LCH SA’s existing settlement collaboration, which already covers French, Belgian, German, Austrian and Spanish government securities, marking another step toward a unified European post-trade landscape The post Clearstream and LCH SA Expand Settlement Access for Italian Government Bonds appeared first on LeapRate.