Building on the firm’s established IvyDB US historical database, IvyDB US – Intraday delivers snapshots at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time.  These include options prices, implied volatilities, underlying prices, dividend yields, borrow rates and zero curves.  The dataset is also said to capture 0DTE (zero days to expiration) options, whose volatility patterns and gamma sensitivity have grown increasingly relevant to traders. Historical coverage begins in 2018. “The frequency of equity and index trading has increased dramatically. Markets are deeper, more liquid, more responsive to intraday news, and investors are trading across a wider range of securities,” said Eran Steinberg, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at OptionMetrics. “IvyDB US – Intraday capitalises on the highest quality data that OptionMetrics has become known for.” According to the company, IvyDB US – Intraday can be used to analyse trading around risk events such as Federal Reserve announcements, earnings releases and corporate actions.  It also enables backtesting of intraday strategies, model evaluation and monitoring of dividend projections. The new product can be integrated with IvyDB US, which provides end-of-day options data dating back to 1996, or used as a standalone dataset. The post OptionMetrics Launches IvyDB US – Intraday for Equity and 0DTE Options Analysis appeared first on LeapRate.

The new authorisation provides the multi-asset broker with a licensed entity in Mauritius, strengthening its ability to serve clients worldwide.  XS.com, founded in Australia in 2010, said the move underlines its commitment to compliance and high-quality service as it scales its global operations. Mohamad Ibrahim, Group Chief Executive Officer at XS.com, said: “We are excited about securing a new licence from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius, as we continue to grow and enhance our offerings in the financial trading space.” Ibrahim added that the new licence “not only solidifies our presence in the financial services industry, but also aligns with our core principles of prioritising regulatory compliance and delivering exceptional service.” The FSC, established in 2001, is responsible for regulating and overseeing non-bank financial services in Mauritius, including licensing, monitoring, and safeguarding the integrity of the market.  The regulator has positioned Mauritius as a competitive financial services centre with ambitions to develop into a global financial hub. With the addition of Mauritius, XS.com now operates under regulatory oversight in multiple jurisdictions, including Australia (ASIC), Cyprus (CySEC), Seychelles (FSA), Malaysia (LFSA), South Africa (FSCA), and Kuwait (MOCI).  The group recently expanded in the Middle East, launching its brand in Kuwait with a new office in Kuwait City. The post XS.com Granted License From the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius appeared first on LeapRate.

The broker said that the study, based on responses from 1,000 investors in the country, found that 39% of retail participants hold Abu Dhabi equities, 28% hold Dubai equities, and 18% invest in both.  The findings are said to underscore the broad support for homegrown markets. When it comes to the UAE economy, eToro said 63% of investors stated they are “very confident” in its current performance, with 29% indicating they are “somewhat confident”.  For the long-term performance of locally listed stocks, 59% said they are “very confident,” with 32% “somewhat confident.”  Looking ahead, 48% of investors expect significant gains in the UAE stock market over the next year, while 34% forecast steady growth.  Real estate was cited as the most promising sector over the next 12 months by 55% of respondents, followed by technology (48%), financial services (37%), and energy (37%). George Naddaf, Managing Director at eToro MENA, said: “The DFM and ADX are among the best-performing stock exchanges in the world this year, outperforming the S&P 500 by a considerable margin.  “Against this backdrop, our research confirms that investor confidence in the UAE market remains strong, supported by resilient performance across local indices, solid macroeconomic indicators, and sustained earnings across key sectors.” However, global trade tensions are said to remain a concern, with 90% of investors expecting tariffs and trade wars to affect portfolios in the next six months. Many are responding by increasing exposure to UAE equities and commodities such as gold and oil, which are viewed as defensive hedges. The post eToro Says 85% of UAE Retail Investors Back Local Stocks appeared first on LeapRate.

The company said its upgraded Payoneer Checkout, powered by Stripe’s technology, will initially launch in key Asia-Pacific markets, including China and Hong Kong.  It will enable merchants to accept a broader range of payment methods, from Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services such as Affirm and Klarna to digital wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Since its launch three years ago, Payoneer Checkout has grown rapidly from zero to nearly $1 billion in run-rate annual volume.  In the twelve months to 30 June 2025, the service generated $30 million in revenue, more than doubling year on year. “We are committed to simplifying cross-border online trade for SMBs,” said Adam Cohen, Chief Growth Officer at Payoneer. “This partnership with Stripe is a strategic step in our journey to expand our Checkout offering and deliver a best-in-class user experience at scale.  According to the companies, the collaboration is designed to improve customer conversion and acceptance rates, reduce fraud, and expand payment options for merchants.  Payoneer said the initiative aligns with its long-term strategy to broaden its financial services for SMBs through high-impact partnerships, positioning both firms to capture growing demand in global e-commerce. The post Payoneer and Stripe Partner to Boost Online Checkout for SMBs appeared first on LeapRate.

The ban runs from August 16, 2025, to August 15, 2026.  Zhu, a substantial shareholder, director and former manager-in-charge (MIC) of Kylin, was found to have breached her duties between August 2018 and July 2021, when the company acted as investment manager and consultant to sub-funds of a Cayman-incorporated vehicle. At the time, Zhu was responsible for approving borrowing agreements on behalf of the funds and overseeing internal controls designed to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.  The SFC’s investigation concluded that she failed to properly discharge her responsibilities in these areas. In determining the penalty, the SFC said it had taken into account Zhu’s acceptance of liability, her remorse, and her otherwise clean disciplinary record. Kylin was licensed under Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) to carry out Type 9 (asset management) activity from 2014 until January 2025, when its licence was revoked following the firm’s application. Zhu served in multiple MIC roles during her tenure, including anti-money laundering, risk management, and finance and accounting. The regulator said its disciplinary action against Zhu is connected to a separate ongoing case involving a related entity’s management of the same funds. Details of that matter remain undisclosed pending its conclusion. The post SFC Fines and Bans Zhu Hong Over Fund Management Failures appeared first on LeapRate.

The feature, which sits directly on the stock detail page in the app, is said to use generative AI to scan breaking news, analyst reports, technicals and Robinhood’s proprietary data.  It then produces plain-English summaries explaining why a stock is moving, aiming to help investors make more informed decisions. Digests is the first product powered by Robinhood Cortex, the firm’s AI-driven investing assistant.  It was initially unveiled at Robinhood’s Lost City of Gold event in San Francisco earlier this year and launched in the US over the summer.  According to the company, hundreds of thousands of US users have already tried the tool, with 95% of surveyed customers saying they valued its clarity, relevance and timeliness. “Digests by Robinhood Cortex is our first AI insight tool – built directly into our app,” said Jordan Sinclair, president at Robinhood UK. “We believe our UK customers – from first-time investors to seasoned traders – will appreciate the timely, accessible summaries that highlight what may be moving a stock.  “We will keep introducing AI tools that prioritise customer education and help our investors navigate the market with confidence.” Robinhood said Digests is suitable for all experience levels, offering a quick way to gather information, test trading ideas and validate signals.  At launch, the feature will cover many of the most commonly traded stocks on the platform and will be free to UK customers. The post Robinhood Launches AI-Powered Digests for UK Customers appeared first on LeapRate.

The company revealed that in his role, Bhatia will work with Cboe’s executive leadership team to refine the company’s business strategy, identify growth opportunities and strengthen its competitive positioning across the global derivatives and securities exchange landscape. Craig Donohue, chief executive of Cboe Global Markets, said: “Prashant will be a highly valued addition to our leadership team as he works with us to refine our strategy, optimise our business, and explore new growth opportunities for Cboe.  “His keen understanding of our competitive landscape and his rigorous approach to financial decision-making will further enhance our ability to deliver long-term growth to our shareholders.” Bhatia has served as an adviser to Cboe’s management and board of directors since December 2023.  He previously spent more than a decade leading enterprise strategy and corporate development at TD Ameritrade, overseeing both organic and acquisition-driven growth.  Earlier in his career, he worked as an equity research analyst covering brokers and asset managers within the financial services industry. Commenting on his appointment, Bhatia said: “I am pleased to join Cboe’s impressive leadership team and look forward to collaborating with them to explore new growth opportunities that position Cboe for continued success.” He brings more than 30 years of global experience in financial services to his new role. The post Cboe Names Prashant Bhatia to Head Enterprise Strategy and Corporate Development appeared first on LeapRate.

The company said in a press release on Tuesday that Gillespie  will report directly to Lars Holst, founder and chief executive of the London-headquartered digital assets and FX trading group. Gillespie brings more than 35 years of industry experience, having started his career as an FX trader before moving into institutional sales and business development.  He joins GCEX from Nomura’s Laser Digital, where he focused on digital and FX sales to institutional clients. Previous senior positions include roles at Menai Markets, Spotex, CobaltFX, Hotspot and IFX Markets. At GCEX, Gillespie will be tasked with expanding the group’s FX, contracts for difference (CFD) and crypto offering among brokers, hedge funds, asset managers and professional traders. Holst said: “I have known Kevin for many years and am thrilled that he has chosen to join our team. He has a wealth of experience in the FX, CFD and crypto industries, a strong network of institutional clients, and an in-depth understanding of their requirements.  “Kevin is ideally placed to help us to maximise opportunities as demand for institutional crypto services continues to rise.” Gillespie added: “I am really impressed by the strength of GCEX’s offering, its robust infrastructure, the fact that it is regulated in three jurisdictions, and the breadth of its institutional client base. I am looking forward to playing a key role in driving further growth.” GCEX is regulated in the UK, Denmark and Dubai, with True Global Ventures among its investors. The post GCEX Appoints Kevin Gillespie to Lead Sales Across UK and EMEA appeared first on LeapRate.

The company said on Tuesday it had received authorisation from the Colombian Financial Superintendence (SFC), allowing it to establish a presence in the country’s over-the-counter trading sector.  The move broadens Plus500’s international footprint and will enable it to build stronger ties with local stakeholders while offering Colombian customers a more localised service. Plus500 operates proprietary trading platforms covering a range of asset classes. The group described Colombia as a fast-growing market and said the new office would form the foundation for broader regional growth. The firm intends to expand its local proposition gradually, introducing an omni-channel suite of products and services to strengthen customer engagement and support long-term expansion. Chief executive David Zruia said: “We are delighted to have obtained authorisation to enter the Colombian market. This is another significant milestone reflecting our commitment to growing the Group’s presence in new markets worldwide, while ensuring that we continue to operate in full compliance with local regulatory frameworks. “This authorisation represents an important step in establishing our position in Latin America.” Plus500 said its growth strategy remains focused on diversifying into new geographies, investing in technology-driven trading solutions and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.  The Colombia office is expected to act as the group’s gateway to further opportunities in Latin America. The post Plus500 to Enter Latin America with New Colombia Office appeared first on LeapRate.