The Tokyo Stock Exchange said trading activity on its CONNEQTOR platform reached a record JPY 506.9 billion in January, the highest monthly total since the request-for-quote service launched in 2021. Average daily trading value rose to JPY 26.6 billion, a 250% increase on the year, reflecting rapid growth in usage beyond traditional investor clients.  TSE said more than 310 investors used the service at the end of January, supported by rising participation from market makers, securities firms, overseas investors and even non-financial domestic institutions such as universities. The platform, which marks its fifth anniversary in February, was designed to improve ETF liquidity by enabling participants to request competitive quotes from 11 market makers and execute trades through 22 brokers.  Increased integration with order and execution management systems used by asset managers, as well as connectivity to Tradeweb, has also contributed to rising activity. CONNEQTOR is increasingly seen as an essential execution tool for institutional investors in Japan’s expanding ETF market, the exchange said. TSE added that it would continue to enhance the service to support the country’s ambitions to strengthen its asset-management ecosystem and further develop the domestic ETF market. The post TSE’s CONNEQTOR Platform Hits Record in Monthly ETF Trades appeared first on LeapRate.

The Helios Consortium has submitted an increased possible offer for CAB Payments Holdings, proposing $1.15 in cash per share alongside a partial unlisted share alternative as it seeks board support for a takeover. The group now holds or has secured support for 127.9 million shares, equivalent to 50.33% of CAB Payments’ issued share capital. The proposed price represents a 21% premium to the company’s 30-day volume-weighted average price and a 37% premium on the 90-day measure. The latest proposal follows a previously rejected $1.05 indicative offer made on 24 January. The consortium said the company’s difficulties as a listed entity, including a profit downgrade, leadership changes and the withdrawal of a possible offer from StoneX, support its view that CAB Payments would be better positioned under private ownership. If a firm offer is made, shareholders would be able to choose the cash exit or participate in the unlisted share alternative.  The group reserved the right to adjust terms under certain Code-permitted circumstances, including a competing bid or a recommendation from CAB Payments’ board. Rothschild & Co is advising the Helios Consortium. Under the Takeover Code, the group has until 5 p.m. on 2 March to announce a firm intention to bid or walk away, unless the deadline is extended by the Panel. The post Helios Consortium Raises Possible Offer for CAB Payments appeared first on LeapRate.

21shares has appointed Stephen Coltman as Head of Macro, strengthening the crypto ETP provider’s investment capabilities as it expands its actively managed product range. Coltman, who joins at the start of February and will be based in London, will work alongside Eliézer Ndinga, Adrian Fritz and the capital markets team, with a remit spanning portfolio oversight, risk management and client engagement.  The hire marks a further step in building out the firm’s active management platform. With 25 years’ experience across asset allocation, derivatives trading and macro strategy, Coltman has held senior roles at Aberdeen Group, Arden Asset Management, Trevose Capital Management and Goldenberg Hehmeyer.  He began his career at JP Morgan and holds an MSc from Imperial College London as well as a CFA designation. Coltman said he was “delighted to join 21shares at such an exciting time of growth and innovation,” adding that he looked forward to helping develop the firm’s active product capabilities. CEO Russell Barlow remarked that the appointment “underscores our commitment to building a best-in-class investment platform,” highlighting Coltman’s experience across macro strategy, risk and client relationships. The hire comes as 21shares continues to broaden its global footprint and diversify beyond passive crypto ETPs, with growing demand from institutional and wealth clients for more actively managed digital asset strategies. The post 21shares Hires Stephen Coltman as Head of Macro appeared first on LeapRate.

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and China’s Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen long-term cooperation across capital markets, data, analytics and cross-border renminbi activity.  The agreement was signed in Beijing on 29 January during the UK Prime Minister’s visit to China. The MoU builds on a longstanding partnership between the two financial institutions and expands the framework for collaboration in areas including trading, clearing, sustainable finance and emerging financial technologies.  LSEG believes the agreement will support new opportunities for issuers, investors and global market participants. Fiona Bassett, CEO of FTSE Russell, described ICBC as “a valued partner” and said the enhanced relationship will combine ICBC’s scale with LSEG’s global data and post-trade infrastructure.  The aim is to develop new channels of market connectivity for both countries and the wider international financial ecosystem. ICBC Vice President Zhang Weiwu feels the partnership reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to drive innovation, facilitate RMB internationalisation and strengthen UK–China financial cooperation. He noted that ICBC, as a global systemically important bank, sees significant potential in advancing joint initiatives with LSEG. The post LSEG and ICBC Strengthen Strategic Ties With New MoU appeared first on LeapRate.

The week that is We have several updates from central banks this week, including the RBA, the BoE, and the ECB, as well as a few important economic indicators landing.    RBA eyeing a 25-bp hike It is widely believed that the RBA will increase the cash rate by 25 bps on Tuesday at 3:30 am GMT to 3.85% from 3.60% – markets are assigning a 77% probability of a hike. This follows the central bank leaving the rate unchanged for three consecutive meetings at the tail end of last year.  Following commentary from RBA Governor Michelle Bullock – who directed focus to the possibility of rate hikes if inflationary pressures persist – coupled with strong jobs data and inflation coming in above the upper bound of the RBA’s 2-3% target range, markets are looking to a rate hike this week.  Should the RBA push forward and hike rates, I feel this will underpin a modest bid in the AUD, though it could prove short-lived. However, the question is what comes next; communication from the central bank will be important to monitor, so keep an eye on any shift in language that supports further tightening, which may add fuel to AUD upside. Some desks reported this could be a one-and-done hike, which might be seen as negative AUD; others forecast additional tightening may be warranted if upside pressures do not subside. The upcoming meeting will also include the Statement of Monetary Policy and is expected to reveal upward revisions in growth and inflation.  The AUD/NZD cross may be one to watch – a pure play given the policy divergence between the RBA and the RBNZ. Although the latter has witnessed a hawkish shift of late, the AUD/NZD remains a market of interest, as the RBA is actively hiking rates, while the RBNZ is merely transitioning from easing to holding – markets are not pricing in much for the RBNZ until September this year.    BoE and ECB set to keep rates unchanged   Both the BoE and the ECB are set to remain on hold this week, scheduled to make the airwaves on Thursday at 12:00 pm and 1:15 pm, respectively.  For the BoE, the MPC are widely expected to keep the bank rate unchanged at 3.75%; this follows the central bank lowering the rate by 25 bps from 4.00% in December in a narrow 5-4 vote split. Why are markets expecting the central bank to keep things steady this week? You will likely recall that in December, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said that he is open to easing policy if there is evidence of inflation moving towards their 2.0% target. The December CPI inflation data showed that price pressures accelerated to 3.4% from 3.2% in November. This is not the proof he is looking for, clearly.  Also, take into account that on one side of the fence, we have four MPC hawks – focussing on sticky price pressures – and on the other side, we have four MPC doves concerned about the labour market, with Bailey seen as the swing voter. Therefore, current voting dynamics continue to suggest a divided house. From my perspective, although the central bank is in ‘wait-and-see’ mode, given softening jobs data, this should eventually lead to disinflation, thereby allowing the BoE to cut rates. However, timing remains data-dependent for when the BoE next moves, especially as it is also edging closer to a neutral rate. Markets are fully pricing in a June 25-bp cut, with a total of 37 bps of easing priced in – that is, less than two cuts currently. Given markets widely expect a hold decision, any upside in the GBP could prove fleeting on the decision itself as it has largely been priced in. Traders will closely watch the MPC vote split. A hawkish hold, which suggests more MPC members have chosen to keep rates higher, could aid a GBP bid, while a dovish hold – something in the region of a 5-4 vote – implies a rate cut could come sooner than markets are expecting and weigh on the GBP.  For the ECB, with inflation near target, resilient economic growth, and the central bank viewing policy as in a ‘good place’, markets are pricing in that the central bank will keep its three benchmark rates on hold, leaving the deposit facility rate at 2.00% and the refinancing rate at 2.15%.   January US jobs data eyed  The week culminates with the January NFP event on Friday at 1:30 pm. As shown in the LSEG calendar below, following December’s 50,000 gain, the median estimate for January is 64,000, with a forecast range between 108,000 and -10,000. Unemployment is forecast to remain at 4.4%, though the range is between 4.5% and 4.3%.  A strong print this week – one that exceeds 85,000 payrolls – would help validate a patient Fed and likely bolster a USD bid. This would be emphasised if unemployment ticks lower to 4.3%. Conversely, for a negative report, I would be looking for payrolls to come in at or very close to 30,000 or below, with unemployment jumping to 4.5%, which could add to dovish rate-cut bets and prompt meaningful USD downside.  From a positioning perspective, I would favour a softer print based on where things are currently. In short, with the new Fed Chair taking the helm in May, and markets positioned for Fed patience right now, a weak NFP print would create the most surprise that forces a dovish repricing, while a robust report would simply validate current market positioning. In addition to Friday’s NFP report, it is worth monitoring the February US ISM manufacturing PMI data today and the ISM services release on Wednesday, alongside the December US JOLTS job openings on Tuesday, and US weekly jobless claims on Thursday. The post Warsh effect ripples through markets; central banks on deck this week appeared first on LeapRate.

Euronext has expanded its Software as a Service offering in France with the launch of Admincontrol’s governance and secure collaboration solutions.  The rollout follows Euronext’s acquisition of Admincontrol in May 2025 and is aimed at strengthening digital governance capabilities for listed and private companies. The tools are said to be designed to support French firms in meeting rising regulatory requirements while ensuring GDPR compliance and European data sovereignty.  Euronext explained that the solutions offer secure board-level communication, efficient transaction management and digital tools tailored specifically for governance teams. Mathieu Caron, Head of Primary Markets at Euronext, believes the launch demonstrates the group’s commitment to providing European-owned, high-security technology to French clients.  He noted the increasing importance of data sovereignty and local support as companies navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. The suite includes a board portal for managing meetings and confidential documents, a newly integrated board evaluation module recommended for listed firms, and a secure data room used for IPOs, M&A activity and other transactions.  Admincontrol’s tools are already used by more than 7,500 organisations across 95 countries, including over 1,000 listed companies. Julien Tessier, CEO of Euronext Corporate Solutions, remarked that the launch sets “a new standard in governance and secure collaboration” for French companies, helping boards focus on effective decision-making and long-term strategy. The post Euronext Launches Admincontrol Governance Tools in France appeared first on LeapRate.

What emerges from their discussion is a portrait of a world where content can influence mindset as much as it teaches skills, and where creators play a central role in shaping how new traders learn, connect, and interpret the markets. Creativity as an entry point to financial learning For many aspiring traders, financial education begins not with charts, but with relatable content that demystifies trading. Nathan captures his approach in a single guiding principle: “The word would be clarity.” He explained that clarity serves as a foundation for the emotional steadiness that traders need and influences the way he constructs his content. He argues that clarity is the bedrock of emotional stability. Without a clear understanding of the why and how, a trader cannot maintain composure in high-pressure situations. Nathan achieves this through what he terms “valuetainment”, describing it as “providing value and still keeping it entertaining.” His goal is to help viewers better understand themselves before they attempt to interpret market behavior. Alex reinforces this by approaching creativity through a focus on utility. “What value is that content going to bring on board?” is his guiding question. For Alex, the learning process is strengthened when complex financial concepts are presented in a way that allows people to emotionally connect with them.  Together, their perspectives reveal a broader shift: financial learning becomes practical when it becomes relatable. Authenticity as a foundation for trust In an industry often saturated with curated images of overnight success, trust is the most valuable currency. Nathan emphasized that authenticity plays a critical role in building credibility, noting a critical flaw in the current social media culture: “It’s sad that social media rewards highlights and not habits.”  His counter-strategy is radical transparency. By showing the routines and challenges behind trading, rather than presenting a curated image of constant success. He believes traders connect more deeply with content that reflects real experiences. As he explained, “Habits are what really build the mindset and discipline of a person.” Alex echoed this emphasis on authenticity, particularly in an environment where misinformation can spread easily. He stressed transparency by consistently sharing both positive and negative outcomes in his own trading journey. “There is so much fakeness on social media. People edit their accounts, and they are flourishing,” he said. He explained that his commitment to openness helps him maintain trust with his audience, especially when trading as a community. Together, Alex and Nathan’s views highlight an important shift: traders increasingly gravitate toward creators whose content reflects honesty rather than perfection. Trading as a mirror of the individual Much of the discussion focused not on markets, but on mindset. Nathan views trading as a reflection of the individual behind the screen. During the conversation, he noted, “Whatever you’ve gone through in the past is a direct reflection of what you are today.” For him, emotional habits formed outside of trading influence decisions long before a trader analyzes a chart. This philosophy underpins his “Psycho Trade” workshops, which encourage traders to examine patterns such as impulsivity, fear, doubt, or overconfidence. By recognizing these tendencies, traders are better positioned to develop discipline and avoid emotional decision-making. Alex connected with this idea by describing trading as a form of communication. He explained that trading behaviors often reveal how individuals interpret information and react when under pressure. In his view, trading becomes clearer when traders understand themselves and how they process market signals. Both creators agree that sustainable trading requires emotional awareness, making psychology as important as technical knowledge. The evolution of financial storytelling As trading becomes more accessible, the way financial stories are told is also changing. Nathan and Alex foresee an increase in collaboration among creators, a move toward transparent and community-led learning, and greater integration of technology and AI into content creation. Nathan expressed this shift succinctly when discussing the impact of authentic messaging: “If your message is real, people will feel it.” For him, meaningful education emerges not from spectacle but from consistency and clarity. Alex reinforced this by emphasizing that value-driven content will shape the next generation of financial storytelling. His own approach centers on delivering information that audiences can apply immediately, rather than content designed for short-term attention. Insights that shape modern trading education Throughout the episode, the guests highlighted a key transformation in financial learning: traders now look to educators who combine clarity, authenticity, and community-building. Nathan’s focus on psychological awareness and Alex’s commitment to transparent, value-driven content illustrate how creators are meeting this need. Their insights show how trading education is evolving into a more collaborative and emotionally grounded experience—one that supports sustainable growth and informed decision-making. For listeners interested in understanding how creator-led learning is reshaping trading across Africa, Episode 1 features the full, in-depth discussion, offering practical insights and first-hand perspectives from those shaping the space. The post Born to Trade Episode 1: The new language of financial literacy & the rise of the authentic creator appeared first on LeapRate.

NinjaTrader Group has launched its futures trading offering in Europe, entering the Netherlands and Germany as it seeks to support a growing cohort of retail futures traders across the region.  The move, announced on 30 January, marks a significant milestone for the firm, which has spent more than two decades specialising exclusively in futures trading technology. The company will offer European clients of Payward Europe Digital Solutions, a MiFID-regulated entity, access to futures contracts listed on both U.S. and European regulated venues.  NinjaTrader said the launch comes at a moment when retail traders in Europe are increasingly seeking exchange-traded products that offer transparency, regulatory clarity and long-term market access. Further market entries, including France and Italy, are planned for later in the year, positioning the firm to broaden its footprint as demand grows. The expansion is also part of NinjaTrader’s integration into the PINC Group, which includes cryptocurrency platform Kraken. European users will gain access to NinjaTrader’s full suite of tools, including advanced charting, order-flow visualisation, execution capabilities and a futures trading simulator aimed at helping traders test strategies and develop skills. “As trader behaviour evolves across Europe, traders are gravitating toward futures-first exchange-traded products,” said Martin Franchi, CEO of NinjaTrader Group. Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, added that retail access to futures “is becoming a global expectation, not a regional exception.” The post NinjaTrader Expands Into EU Amid Rising Retail Futures Demand appeared first on LeapRate.

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.