AI models are starting to use live financial data, kicking off a race to become their main supplier. Crypto firms are already taking the early lead. ​Crypto.com’s new service sends its real-time market data straight into AI models like Claude and ChatGPT. This is the latest step in a high-stakes race to become a key data provider for the AI ecosystem. This move also shows a growing gap between the fast adoption in the crypto world and the more careful approach of traditional brokerages. “The integration of AI and crypto is just beginning and will truly reshape how we invest and engage in commerce,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. “We are excited to take this latest significant step in developing AI-powered cryptocurrency tools that are establishing the bridge to the new era of financial technology and empowerment. Crypto Market Data by Crypto.com is designed for the trader of today and tomorrow.” MCP Becomes the Emerging Data Layer for AI The new ecosystem uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that enables AI models to connect directly to external data sources. Crypto-focused companies and major data providers have quickly adopted it. Anthropic, which created Claude, has already teamed up with data giants like S&P Global and FactSet. In crypto, data aggregators like CoinGecko and now Crypto.com have launched official MCP servers, making themselves easy data sources for compatible AIs. According to public MCP directories, there are already dozens of MCP servers focused on finance and investing — covering stocks, ETFs, crypto, broker connectivity, and XBRL data — and the segment is expanding quickly. Traditional Brokers Take a Cautious Approach This forward-looking strategy is very different from what traditional Forex and CFD brokers are doing. Most brokers are working on using AI inside their own platforms, building private chatbots and signal generators, instead of opening their main data feeds to the global AI ecosystem. But the market isn’t waiting for them. ​The clear demand for this functionality is being demonstrated by a grassroots effort from the development community. For platforms like Interactive Brokers and MetaTrader, independent developers are already building their own unofficial MCP servers. These community projects act as a “middle layer,” pulling data from the brokers’ standard APIs and feeding it to AI agents. So, while brokers are not officially part of this trend yet, their users and the developer community are already creating connections. From AI Users to AI Infrastructure Providers Crypto.com’s move puts it at the front of a major shift: going from just using AI to becoming a key provider of the data that powers AI. For traditional brokerages, the question is no longer if they will join this race, but when. Will they lead, or will they have to follow the path their own communities are already creating? ​ This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

South Korea is preparing to expand its anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrency transactions. The government will extend the crypto Travel Rule to cover transfers below 1 million won, or about $680.The move follows the adoption of the Virtual Asset Users Protection Act, which took effect in July last year. The law bans insider trading, market manipulation, and illegal trading of virtual assets. It also gives regulators broader powers to inspect exchanges and enforce penalties for violations.Smaller Crypto Transfers Now Under ScrutinyFinancial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eok-won told the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee that the government will act against illegal financial activity involving crypto. “We will crack down on crypto money laundering expanding the Travel Rule to transactions under 1 million won,” he said.Under the current threshold, users can split transfers into smaller amounts to avoid identity checks. The new rule will remove this gap. Crypto exchanges will have to collect and share sender and receiver information for smaller transfers.High-Risk Offshore Exchanges Will Be BlockedThe FSC said the rule targets growing use of crypto for tax evasion, drug trafficking, and overseas payment schemes. It will be implemented alongside stricter controls on “high-risk” offshore exchanges, which will be blocked from serving South Korean users.South Korea plans a major AML overhaul, expanding the Travel Rule to all crypto transfers, including those under 1 million KRW, to stop “smurfing” via small transactions. Regulators will also block high-risk overseas platforms, tighten financial requirements for local exchanges,…— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 28, 2025Exchanges will undergo stronger financial reviews. The criteria for Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration will be widened. People with records of drug or tax crimes will be barred from becoming major shareholders in licensed crypto firms.South Korea Expands International AML CooperationThe Financial Intelligence Unit will gain early account-freezing powers in serious cases to prevent funds from being moved during investigations.Officials aim to finalize the framework in the first half of 2026. Lawmakers will review the proposed legal changes. The government will also expand cooperation with international bodies, including the Financial Action Task Force. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Many contracts for difference (CFD) brokers now offer prop trading, but is it a supplementary service or a clever strategy for converting traders? Drew Niv recently revealed that more than 10 per cent of traders on ATFunded, the prop brand of ATFX, have converted to brokerage customers in South America.The comments of Niv, Chief Strategy Officer at ATFX, were made during his debate with Brendan Callan, CEO at Tradu, at the recently concluded Finance Magnates London Summit.While ATFX entered the prop trading industry last year, Tradu is yet to launch a prop platform.Is Prop Trading a Convenient Marketing Tool for Brokers?Niv further explained that the more “serious” the prop trading challenges are, the higher the chances of converting the traders on the simulated platform as brokerage customers. This clearly shows the use of prop platforms as a conversion channel for brokers. According to data published earlier, over 6 per cent of traders who bought prop challenges on ATFunded secured funded accounts in June 2025.Interestingly, an earlier study shows that South America is one of the leading markets in terms of the number of active prop traders. Colombia leads all countries in participation, with almost 15 per cent of prop firms’ clients, followed by the United States and Brazil. The first batch of CFD brokers to enter the prop trading space were Hantec, Axi and OANDA, followed by an array of other retail brokers launching prop platforms, including IC Markets, Blueberry Markets and many others.Unlike brokers, who typically earn from spreads and commissions, prop platforms generate the majority of their revenue from challenge fees. Also, as the prop model requires payouts, the risk management model differs from brokers.The complexity around prop risk management also encouraged many industry experts to launch prop-specific risk management consultations and services.Prop Platforms Are Now Becoming BrokersAlthough many prop platforms shuttered, the top ones are minting money. FinanceMagnates.com recently reported that the parent company of prop trading platform FTMO netted over $62 million in profits on revenue of $329 million in 2024. A year earlier, only the prop unit brought in over $213 million in turnover.Interestingly, a few prop platforms are also entering the brokerage industry. FTMO’s agreement to acquire OANDA, a deal expected to close by the end of 2025, also highlights the significant growth and influence of some prop firms.The cross-integration of brokerages and prop firms, along with Niv's recent revelation, clearly indicates that prop trading is becoming a key customer acquisition channel for brokers to attract traders to their brokerage platforms.It also makes sense as adverts for prop trading, which are not categorised as financial services, face much less scrutiny compared to a CFD trading ad, a high-risk instrument.FinanceMagnates.com earlier reported on how prop trading platforms have captured India, a major market for retail trading, by promoting themselves as education platforms and not even using the terms "forex" or "CFD." Although Niv’s data is for the South American market, those Indian prop traders can also be introduced to brokerage services. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

"We're not just predicting markets, we're decoding their behavior." That's how Peter Pavlov, CEO and Co-Founder of Edge Hound, describes his company's new AI-powered research platform launching into an increasingly crowded field of automated trading tools. The Bulgaria-based startup promises to deliver thousands of daily trade ideas backed by multi-agent AI architecture. But Pavlov insists the real value isn't the volume, it's the clarity. As brokerages from Interactive Brokers to regional players rush to integrate AI features, Edge Hound is betting that retail and institutional investors alike are hungry for something different: AI that explains the "why" behind every signal.Edge Hound's Approach: Trade Ideas Come With Explanations, Not Just SignalsEdge Hound says its AI does more than just spit out trading signals. The platform processes thousands of news sources, crowd trends, social media, filings, and macroeconomic events to deliver over 2,500 actionable trade ideas every day. By the end of 2025, it aims to bump that number up to 10,000, with broader global coverage including ETFs and markets across Europe and Asia."To be candid, we haven't seen any publicly available tool that operates the way Edge Hound does," said Peter Pavlov, CEO and Co-Founder, in an interview with FinanceMagnates.com"Many platforms claim to use advanced NLP or sentiment analysis, but in practice they tend to be information-heavy, noise-dense dashboards rather than systems that deliver actionable, decision-ready insights."Key features include a chat-driven investing interface, positioned as a "co-pilot" for research and stock discovery. "Buzz Talk" scans news and social conversations for hot topics and drivers behind price swings, while near real-time sentiment analysis reveals extremes in optimism or pessimism. Multi-agent AI architecture weighs the judgments of multiple "virtual analysts," with a Collective Oracle to reconcile opinions and surface the most compelling conclusions.Discovery Bot connects the dots between macro events, sector shifts, and specific trade signals. The system's theoretical cumulative return across all AI-generated ideas topped 1,200% in September, though Edge Hound cautions that actual results depend on individual usage, capital, and trading costs.AI Competition Picks Up Momentum Across BrokersPeter launched Edge Hound together with his brother Miroslav, who serves as CBO. And while they told FinanceMagnates.com that they had not seen similar solutions until now, the market is beginning to fill up with AI-powered trading tools.For example, Interactive Brokers only recently integrated a knowledge graph-driven tool within its platform, letting users spot thematic investment ideas and broader trends without wading through mountains of data. The tool links market relationships, products, and competitors and now covers every S&P 1500 company, simplifying research for hundreds of thousands of traders worldwide.​Other industry players, including CMC Invest and TradeStation, have worked tools like TipRanks into their research offerings. Meanwhile, brokers such as Traders' Hub have added Acuity's AnalysisIQ to their product lineups, offering machine-generated signals and rankings supported by human oversight. Sentiment-tracking features and explainable AI are quickly becoming must-haves for both compliance and customer experience.​Academic Rigor With Trading ExperienceThe Pavlov brothers draw on years of experience in applied mathematics, computer science, and hands-on trading. "I personally lectured in computer science at the university level for eight years," Pavlov said. "My business partner also has a strong mathematics foundation and is a computer science engineer with significant industry experience." The team includes Dr. Dimitar Dobchev, an associate professor in nuclear physics, and Dr. Georgi Simeonov, an associate professor with a PhD in mathematics and AI engineering.Pavlov emphasized that technical skill alone doesn't guarantee a viable product. "The equilibrium comes from combining this technical excellence with real investing and trading experience," he said. "Both my partner and I have been active in the markets for years, and that commercial awareness ensures we're not just building advanced technology, we're building the right product for real decision-makers."The team also includes Desimir Paskalev, a long-time CFD industry veteran who spent over a decade at XM and later founded proprietary trading firm FundedBull before joining Edge Hound in June 2025 as head of affiliate marketing.Balancing AI Power With User ResponsibilityThe founders stress that users should approach the platform with clear eyes. "AI is a tool, not a holy grail, and when your own capital is at stake, you have a responsibility to understand the decisions you're making," Pavlov said. Edge Hound is preparing video tutorials, walkthroughs, and best-practice guides after early testing with roughly 2,000 users revealed that many still struggle to extract the platform's full value."We've already done the heavy lifting - aggregating, analyzing, and distilling vast amounts of information into a clean, digestible one-page summary for every stock -updated daily," Pavlov explained. "What we're ultimately selling is time saved, but users still need to invest a bit of time to read, understand, and make informed decisions."Retail Focus, But Institutional Demand EmergingEdge Hound remains bootstrapped to around $1.5 million, with plans to push for profitability by mid-2027. The company is focusing first on retail users, where rapid scaling is more feasible. Still, the founders believe institutional partnerships will become "a major pillar of the business, both in revenue and strategic importance". When institutional clients are open to having their use cases adapted into retail-facing features, it upgrades the platform for all users, Pavlov noted.Looking forward, Edge Hound expects to expand into crypto and Forex markets by the second quarter of 2026, with options analytics, prediction markets, and broker integrations on the roadmap. As for whether AI will fundamentally reshape investing, Pavlov is unequivocal. "Absolutely, AI will fundamentally reshape the industry," he said. "But the transformation won't come from generic sentiment tools or shallow automation. It will come from systems capable of analyzing businesses, markets, dependencies, and risk at a depth that no human alone can process.”“That's exactly what we are building,” he concluded. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Poland’s parliament has approved a long-awaited bill to regulate the domestic cryptoasset market. However, the legislation has not yet been signed by President Karol Nawrocki. In a new open letter, XTB urged him to do so, noting an 11-month delay in implementing the new law in the country.The legislation aims to bring Poland in line with the European Union’s MiCA framework, but critics, including opposition politicians and many local crypto advocates, argue that the current draft threatens to undermine the competitiveness of Poland’s digital finance sector.XTB Calls For Swift ActionXTB, one of the country’s largest digital brokers, sent an open letter to the president demanding rapid ratification of the “Act on the Cryptoasset Market.” In its letter, XTB argues that Poland is lagging more than 11 months behind its EU peers, exposing local investors to risks and leaving domestic firms unable to compete in the fast-evolving European market.XTB also warns that in the absence of a national law implementing MiCA, only foreign entities can operate legally, pushing Polish customers to offshore platforms outside the supervision of national authorities and potentially putting tax revenues at risk.“Without a local law, Polish investment firms cannot obtain the necessary licenses,” XTB says in a letter signed by two board members, including Jakub Kubacki and Filip Kaczmarzyk.Regulatory Scope Fuels Industry CriticismThe bill, now on the president’s desk, is one of the most expansive in the EU: critics note it runs to 334 pages, and more than 1,200 pages with implementing acts, far longer than those in Austria (23), Romania (16) or Ireland (24). Sławomir Mentzen, leader of the opposition party Konfederacja, has called the legislation “the most unfriendly in Europe,” warning that it will discourage all but the most determined market entrants.Mentzen highlights that the bill hands supervisory authority to Poland’s Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), a regulator with a reputation for heavy-handedness in the sector, including blacklisting crypto companies and encouraging banks to shut down accounts for legal assets.“The KNF has proven for years that it is openly hostile to innovation,” Mentzen says, warning that “one click from a bureaucrat can wipe a crypto exchange off the market, without the right to appeal.” He also points to a planned 0.4 percent tax on gross revenues, which critics see as a punitive cost burden, and the lack of an expedited registration path for licensed brokerages.XTB pushes back, suggesting that “the absence of any legislation poses a far greater threat to Polish companies and investors” than the possibility that the bill in its current form may be “imperfect.”Threat to Homegrown Crypto BusinessesIndustry insiders and social media commentators suggest that XTB has an immediate stake in seeing the law enacted, since the company has allegedly been unable to roll out a long-promised spot crypto trading service in the absence of regulatory clarity. Broader sentiment among market participants echoes the call for MiCA, but contends that the Polish version should stop short of adding extra layers beyond what is required at the EU level, a concept they describe as “MiCA plus zero.”Mentzen and others warn that the current version will prompt crypto startups and jobs to move offshore, handing business and tax revenue to other EU member states. He advocates for a limited implementation that simply reflects the EU regulation, and for an independent crypto regulator not tied to the current financial watchdog. “If Poland continues down this path, it will lose its chance to be a hub for crypto innovation and see revenue flow abroad,” he argues.Interestingly, XTB points to the same problem from its own perspective. According to the broker, the lack of regulatory clarity is putting local firms at a disadvantage, while foreign competitors are already offering crypto trading services to Polish residents.The fintech asserts that the delay not only harms the interests of Polish companies and investors, but makes the local market attractive for firms based in lighter-regulated jurisdictions who do not pay taxes or submit to domestic regulatory oversight.Political, Tax and Consumer StakesThe Polish Economic Institute estimates that one in five crypto investors in the country has reported being a victim of fraud, adding pressure on authorities to find an effective regulatory solution that protects consumers without throttling domestic industry.“This shows the scale of the problem, which should be addressed by introducing the Act on the Cryptoasset Market,” XTB added.As the president considers his next move, the Polish crypto sector faces a crucial inflection point: waiting to see whether the law will open the door to EU-aligned growth or set hurdles too high for local businesses to clear. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Irish I(G)s Are Smiling Ireland is often held up as an example of a modern economy, partly due to a strong financial services sector that has grown on the back of a low tax base and firms that moved away from London after Brexit.However, only two firms have loomed large over the Irish brokerage market for the last century and a half – Goodbody and Davy. Goodbody received its trading licence in 1874 and owned more than a quarter of the Irish stock exchange until as recently as 2018. Three years later, it was acquired by Allied Irish Banks (AIB).Davy Group – which next year will mark a century since its first trade – has dominated the Irish stock exchange for decades, being responsible for most of the funds raised. It is owned by Bank of Ireland, one of the big four domestic banks alongside AIB, Permanent TSB and Ulster Bank.The ‘new kid on the block’ is IG, whose UK & Ireland managing director has told Irish consumers that they can now access thousands of stocks and ETFs commission-free and at an overall cost that is a fraction of that charged by the incumbent firms.Michael Healy describes the product as the joint cheapest online option in the country, stating in an interview that the Irish market is “chronically underserved” and that the incumbent operators are providing “really bad value to Irish customers… very limited customer service, very expensive pricing”.Ireland's banks are the worst offenders in Europe when it comes to hoarding the benefits of higher interest rates while not passing on rate rises to savers.I was genuinely shocked to see the rates given to Irish savers researching this yesterday - 0%, 0.01%, 0.10%, appalling! pic.twitter.com/tFCHqbf3Xw— Naomi O'Leary (@NaomiOhReally) August 10, 2023IG sees itself as appealing to customers who have avoided the neobrokers with limited track records and are unhappy with the fees charged by the established firms. It will hope to benefit from the reduction in the tax levied on investment in ETFs announced in last month’s Irish budget.Is Strategy Taking Credit for Nothing? For most companies, a B– credit rating would lead to quick calls to major customers and suppliers to assure them that the business was not about to collapse. It shows that an issuer or borrower is speculative and vulnerable and carries a high risk of default, but can currently meet its financial obligations.So which senior leader was keen to post this news on X? That would be Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), who has faced sharp criticism in recent months as the stock of the company he co-founded has dropped sharply and, in particular, underperformed Bitcoin.Standard & Poor’s describes Strategy’s high Bitcoin concentration, narrow business focus, weak risk-adjusted capitalisation and low US dollar liquidity as weaknesses that are only partly offset by its strong access to capital markets and careful management of its capital structure, including having no maturities in the next 12 months and financing its business mainly with equity.The agency expects the company to continue to fund payments of its convertible debt and preferred stock dividends through the issue of debt, preferred equity and equity, raising the prospect of one liability being funded by another.Supporters of Strategy’s strategy argue that it is too simple to compare the company’s performance to that of the cryptocurrency it follows and that its valuation was previously too high.Michael Saylor says the criticism surrounding Strategy’s #Bitcoin investment thesis doesn’t bother him because “the only way you’re going to make 10-100x your money is if you pick the right thing and everyone else disagrees with you.” pic.twitter.com/s0ymgaW0Cl— Bitcoin Teddy (@Bitcoin_Teddy) November 15, 2025One chief investment officer suggests that this is similar to what has happened with a range of engineered products.He notes that the underlying assets do not produce cash flow, but adds that the value of a loan rarely repays much above par. His view is that on the macro front, Bitcoin is being driven by the same flow of capital into alternatives to US dollars.As the firm’s securities are tradable and the underlying is observable, he suggests that it may be time to accept that Bitcoin treasury companies have learned how to build many layers of leverage and that there are chances for those who can break the securities down into the sum of their parts.Taking Stock of European Equity MarketsA recent report from capital markets think tank New Financial said that European equity markets were more liquid and efficient than the complex patchwork of exchanges and post-trade systems along national lines would suggest.The report’s authors repeat a point made by many market participants – that copying the structure of the US market could harm liquidity, the improvement of which has always been a stated goal of those pushing for change.There are some fair concerns about the direction of travel in Europe, mainly that European public equity markets have become less ‘public’, with a larger share of trading taking place away from traditional exchanges and trading venues or in the form of equity swaps. The share of trading on primary exchanges has fallen to less than a third of all trading volumes, while the use of alternative mechanisms such as systematic internalisers has grown. However, the overall balance between ‘on’ and ‘off’ venue trading has stayed the same since the late 2010s, and the market remains attractive to issuers and investors.Morningstar multi-asset research notes that the euro area economy is bouncing back after energy price shocks and highly restrictive monetary policy held back its economic performance in 2023–24.The IMF expects GDP growth in the EU states that use the euro to average 1.2% over 2025–29, showing a return to growth that better reflects their potential under more neutral monetary conditions.The Morningstar research states that Europe ex-UK has outperformed every other key market except the US over the last 10 years and that its cumulative performance has topped emerging markets, the UK and Asia Pacific developed markets.The launch of a consolidated tape in the EU and in the UK (expected in 2026 and 2027 respectively) will provide a clearer and more complete view of liquidity across different mechanisms.According to the New Financial report, the main priority in market structure should be introducing more competition in post-trade, such as requiring more interoperability in clearing and more open access to and competition between CSDs. This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

The platforms operated by the US derivatives market giant CME Group have halted trading “due to a cooling issue in CyrusOne data centres.” The outage affected its popular currency platform and futures markets spanning foreign exchange, commodities, Treasuries and stocks.“Our markets are currently halted,” CME noted in a statement. “Support is working to resolve the issue in the near term and will advise clients of pre-open details as soon as they are available.”Due to a cooling issue at CyrusOne data centers, our markets are currently halted. Support is working to resolve the issue in the near term and will advise clients of Pre-Open details as soon as they are available.— CME Group (@CMEGroup) November 28, 2025Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, CyrusOne operates more than 55 data centres, which are located in the US, Europe and Japan. The company has yet to issue an official statement on the cooling issue. It is also unclear which of its data centres are affected.Key Market Prices StallCME operates one of the major derivatives trading venues, and prices on its platforms also act as benchmarks in markets from stocks to commodities.[#highlighted-links#] Although it remains unclear about the total number of products that were affected, Reuters pointed out that prices for West Texas Intermediate crude, Treasury futures, S&P 500 futures, palm oil and gold were not updating.Furthermore, prices were not updating on the EBS foreign exchange platform, which is heavily used for major currency pairs such as euro/dollar and dollar/yen.CME Globex down (never happens) just as silver futures make new all time high. Silver fractional reserve bankers: pic.twitter.com/9A5IWmR9SQ— RBA (@corptrader) November 28, 2025The outage today (Friday) during the Asian business hours happened after the Thanksgiving holidays, when the demand in the markets is usually low.Tech Outages Impacting BrokersMeanwhile, another recent three-hour-long outage of Cloudflare directly affected many forex and contracts for difference (CFD) brokers, with many websites showing the classic “Internal server error.”Although none of the brokers publicly discussed their losses, FinanceMagnates.com estimated that the outage may have cost them an average of $1.58 billion in trading volume, which can be correlated as almost 1 per cent of their monthly trading revenue.Other past similar outages happened due to AWS issues, which also impacted the operations of many brokers and exchanges. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

DB Group Holding Limited, a UAE-headquartered financial services firm, announces a series of major developments across its fintech portfolio, including DB Investing, DB Pay, and the newly launched DBI Prime. Together, these advancements reflect the Group’s strategy to unify trading, payments, and institutional solutions under one agile, user-focused ecosystem.DB Investing: Smart Tools, Global GrowthDB Investing continues its rapid global expansion with new features such as the Acuity AI Research Terminal and the Instant Trade button built to equip everyday traders with data-driven decisions and faster execution. The company now offers over 20,000 financial instruments, crypto integration, and award-winning customer experience. Recent achievements include four international awards, and upcoming office launches in Oman and Saudi Arabia in Q1 2026.“We’re not just scaling. We’re solving real user problems,” said Gennaro Lanza, CEO. “And we’ll keep doing that with precision and purpose.”DB Pay: Borderless Payments for a New EraDB Pay offers global digital accounts for freelancers, SMEs, and remote-first teams. With instant IBAN accounts, multi-currency management, and upcoming crypto exchange functionality, DB Pay simplifies global finance with zero-rate surprises and one powerful dashboard. The product is set lo be launched this year and is now in final testing stages.“DB Pay puts control back in the hands of creators and entrepreneurs,” said Lanza. “It’s built for the modern user who needs flexibility, speed, and clarity.”Marketing Momentum Accelerates with Strategic Hires and Record ReachDB Group’s marketing department has undergone a strategic expansion with the recent hires of Reno Mindemann as Head of Growth and Karthik Arumugam as Head of Marketing Operations. This renewed leadership has introduced agile systems, data-backed user acquisition, and streamlined brand execution across all regions. As a result, media visibility has skyrocketed, achieving a 10x increase in reach compared to earlier quarters, cementing DB’s position as one of the most talked-about fintechs in the region.“With Reno and Karthik onboard, we’ve transformed marketing into a growth engine. The 10x spike in media reach isn’t just numbers: it’s trust, brand power, and market signal that DB is moving faster and smarter than ever.”DBI Prime: Institutional-Grade InfrastructureDBI Prime is the Group’s institutional arm, offering multi-asset liquidity, FIX API trading, and white-label brokerage services for banks, hedge funds, and professional partners. Backed by DB’s regulatory licenses and Tier-1 bank integrations, it delivers precision execution on a global scale.Recognition and What’s NextDB Investing closed the year on a high note with two prestigious accolades: “Best IB & Affiliate Program” at the Affiliate Summit Dubai 2025, and Gennaro Lanza’s “Entrepreneur CEO of the Year” at the Burj CEO Awards. These recognitions mark a growing global footprint, honoring both the company’s leadership and its bold approach to partner growth. As the company heads into 2026, DB is doubling down on innovation, expansion, and building ecosystems that scale trust.The company will showcase its fintech vision at the Qatar Finance Expo this December.About DB InvestingDB Investing https://dbinvesting.com/en/, founded in 2018, is a global multi-asset brokerage offering traders and investors access to over 20,000 instruments — including forex, stocks, commodities, metals, ETFs, bonds, and cryptocurrencies — through MT5, proprietary tools, and mobile apps. With offices in Dubai, Seychelles, Cyprus, Nigeria, Malta, and more locations planned, the company combines international reach with localized client support. DB Investing operates under a strong regulatory framework, holding licenses from the SCA (UAE), FSA (Seychelles), FINTRAC (Canada), and the FSC (Mauritius). The firm stands out for its flexible account types, competitive trading conditions, advanced technology (including social trading and FIX API), 24/7 multilingual support, zero-fee deposits and withdrawals, Tier-1 liquidity partners, and a commitment to innovation, reliability, and performance. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, is asking a US court to limit his prison term to five years for his role in the dramatic collapse of the TerraUSD stablecoin, which wiped out $40 billion in 2022. Kwon’s request comes ahead of his December sentencing in Manhattan, where a judge will decide the length of his term following his guilty plea to conspiracy and wire fraud, Bloomberg reported. Defense Argues Time Served and Harsh ConditionsKwon recently pleaded guilty, avoiding a trial after his extradition from Montenegro, where he had been arrested and convicted for using a fake passport while evading charges in South Korea.His lawyers argued in court filings that the maximum 12 years agreed in his plea deal is “far greater than necessary” to achieve justice. They emphasized that Kwon has already spent nearly three years in custody, including over half that time in “brutal conditions” in Montenegro.As part of his plea deal, Kwon agreed to forfeit more than $19 million and several properties. His lawyers highlighted that he still faces potential prosecution in South Korea, where authorities are seeking a 40-year prison term for the same actions.Sentencing Set for DecemberUS District Judge Paul Engelmayer is scheduled to hand down Kwon’s sentence on December 11. The government is expected to submit its own recommendation before then, which could influence whether Kwon’s requested five-year term is granted.You may also like: London Companies Push CEO Packages to Compete With US Rivals as FTSE 100 Pay Jumps 11%In August, Kwon appeared in a Manhattan federal courtroom and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and wire fraudin connection with the collapse of his TerraUSD and Luna cryptocurrencies. The failure of these digital assets in 2022 wiped out approximately $40 billion in investor funds during the crypto market downturn. The 33-year-old South Korean entrepreneur admitted to deliberately misleading investors about how TerraUSD maintained its $1 value. “I made false and misleading statements about why it regained its peg by failing to disclose a trading firm's role in restoring that peg,” Kwon told the court. “What I did was wrong.” This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Pressure to secure global talent has prompted a shift in how UK companies approach executive pay, with boards taking a firmer stance on raising compensation for chief executives. Commenting for the Financial Times, Dame Julia Hoggett, the chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, who said UK firms now argue more forcefully for packages they believe are necessary to stay competitive.Hoggett said remuneration committees have become “far more forceful” when defending the need for competitive pay packages. She described a notable change over the past few years as UK firms reposition themselves against US and Asian rivals. UK CEO Pay Rises Faster Than in the USNew data from Institutional Shareholder Services reflects this change. Median pay for FTSE 100 chief executives rose 11% in the last financial year to $6.5 million. By contrast, the median pay for US CEOs grew 7.5%. However, the gap remains significant, with US chief executives earning a median of $16 million.The UK’s corporate governance rules require companies to engage with investors if support for resolutions—such as executive pay increases—falls below 80%. Hoggett argued that this rule has unintentionally created a “naughty step”, where companies fear appearing out of line even when rising pay is justified. The issue, she noted, is about ensuring UK companies can compete “in the war for talent” and maintain strong leadership.Capital Markets Under PressureThe LSE’s own experience shows the tension. In May, 30% of shareholders opposed the planned £7.8 million pay package for LSEG CEO David Schwimmer, a level of dissent significant enough to trigger required engagement under governance guidelines.Her comments come as global exchanges face declining numbers of public listings. London’s IPO market hit a 30-year low in the first half of the year, with only five companies raising £160 million. Several UK firms have shifted their listing plans to the US, raising concerns about London’s long-term competitiveness.Read more: IG CEO Made $4.5 Million in FY25, but Still Earns Less Than Top Plus500 ExecutivesThe UK government has sought to bolster the market. Chancellor Rachel Reeves used the latest Budget to introduce a three-year stamp duty holiday on shares for new London listings, aiming to revive activity in the public markets.Finance Magnates recently reported that Breon Corcoran, CEO of IG Group, became the second-highest-paid executive among publicly listed contracts for differences (CFDs) brokers, earning approximately £3.35 million ($4.46 million) in the fiscal year 2025. By comparison, CMC Markets’ Lord Peter Cruddas earned £1.1 million ($1.5 million), while Plus500’s David Zruia took home $4.97 million. Despite Cruddas’ relatively modest salary, he holds nearly a 60% stake in CMC Markets and received about £14.5 million ($19.68 million) in dividends last year. Corcoran’s total pay included a fixed salary of £896,000 ($1.19 million) and bonuses exceeding £2.45 million ($3.27 million), reflecting the sizable bonus components in these executive compensation packages. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The Dutch Public Prosecutor has imposed a fine of 101 million euros on two Morgan Stanley entities in London and Amsterdam for dividend tax evasion, the OM said today (Thursday).Separately, Morgan Stanley is under investigation by FINRA over its client screening and risk assessment procedures. The review, covering October 2021 through September 2024, includes the bank’s wealth management division, including E*Trade, and its institutional securities unit. Regulators have requested information on client risk scoring, reporting structures, and organizational charts. Earlier submissions contained incomplete data, prompting the bank to provide additional details.Dutch Tax Dispute Resolved After YearsThe penalty is separate from the tax liability Morgan Stanley settled with the Dutch Tax Administration at the end of 2024, including accrued interest, the OM added. Under Dutch law, domestic shareholders can reclaim or offset dividend taxes, but foreign recipients usually cannot. According to the OM, Morgan Stanley used a structure that allowed parties who were not eligible to improperly claim these tax rebates.Earlier this year, the OM said it would summon Morgan Stanley. Just before the start of criminal proceedings, the company agreed to accept the fine.Morgan Stanley said it was "pleased to have resolved this historical matter," which concerned corporate tax returns filed in the Netherlands more than 12 years ago.FINRA Fines Morgan Stanley $1.6 MillionLast year in February, FINRA announced a $1.6 million fine against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. The penalty arose from the firm’s repeated delays in closing failed inter-dealer municipal securities transactions and in securing possession or control of municipal securities held over 30 days, along with related supervisory shortcomings. FINRA found 239 transactions and 247 securities affected between 2016 and 2021. The firm lacked adequate supervisory systems and updated procedures only in 2021. Morgan Stanley consented to FINRA’s findings without admitting or denying the charges, with $1.2 million of the fine allocated to the MSRB. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Prop trading firm PipFarm launched multi-currency accounts, allowing traders to fund and trade challenges in USD, EUR, or GBP. The change removes conversion fees and reportedly eliminates the need to calculate exchange rates, a common obstacle for global users.Funding in Local CurrenciesUnder the new system, $490, €490, or £490 each reportedly grants access to a $100,000, €100,000, or £100,000 challenge respectively. PipFarm now plans to add Japanese yen accounts soon, reflecting a broader effort to accommodate traders across regions.“Moreover, this update positions PipFarm among a growing handful of prop firms leaning into currency localization, an increasingly important move as prop trading continues to expand beyond Western markets, the company explained.“By allowing traders to operate fully in their native currency, PipFarm reduces FX risk, offers a more predictable pricing model, and builds smoother onboarding pathways for new traders.”Currency conversion has long been a challenge for traders participating in funded evaluations. By enabling local currency accounts, PipFarm aims to reduce extra costs and provides a clearer financial picture. Growing Beyond Western MarketsThe move comes as the prop trading industry grows beyond Western markets. Multi-currency support is increasingly seen as a necessary step for firms seeking to attract and retain international traders. Expect ongoing updates as this story evolves. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

An individual has been arrested in London as part of an FCA investigation into suspected market manipulation, fraud by false representation, and document forgery — an action that indicates the regulator is intensifying its focus on potential misconduct in the UK financial markets. According to the FCA, the operation was conducted jointly with the Metropolitan Police. Such cooperation typically means investigators required police powers, including executing a search warrant or securing physical evidence. Officers searched the suspect’s residence under warrant before making the arrest.A similar joint FCA–Met Police operation was carried out in 2024, when two individuals were arrested on suspicion of running an unregistered crypto asset exchange that allegedly processed more than £1 billion in transactions. In that case, searches were executed at multiple London properties, and several digital devices were seized before both suspects were released on bail.What’s Come to Light The regulator listed three offences under review. Market manipulation involves artificially influencing the price or demand of an asset — for example, through misleading signals or trades that create a false impression of activity. Fraud by false representation refers to intentionally providing inaccurate or deceptive information for financial gain. Forgery indicates that documents may have been created or altered to facilitate the alleged conduct. The FCA has not disclosed the individual’s identity or further details about the suspected scheme. However, the combination of offences suggests a case that may involve both market-moving tactics and the use of misleading or falsified information.Where the Case May Go Next The individual was interviewed under caution — a process in which statements can be used as evidence — and then released on bail. This is standard procedure in UK criminal cases and does not imply that the investigation has concluded or that charges will not follow. The FCA stated that the investigation remains ongoing. In practice, this means investigators are reviewing seized materials, gathering additional evidence, and assessing whether others may have been involved. Further updates, including potential additional arrests, may follow as the case develops. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Spotware, the company that develops and owns cTrader, has added a new section for prop firm challenges to the cTrader Store, creating a structured space where traders can review challenges and compare trading conditions. The upgrade places prop firms alongside the Store’s existing tools, strategies and partner services. The company is offering the new platform to all c-trader powered prop firms. “We understand how crucial client acquisition and trust are for prop firms, and the prop challenges listing in cTrader Store is designed to support them on both fronts,” commented Ilia Iarovitcyn, the CEO of Spotware. “Every cTrader-powered prop firm now has the opportunity to be included in the Store’s prop listing and present its offerings to a broader trading audience.”A New Structured Hub for Prop ChallengesThe cTrader Store reportedly hosts two connected areas: one focused on listing individual challenges and another presenting an overview of participating prop firms. Users can review factors such as price, account size, profit targets, evaluation steps, drawdown limits and profit splits.Traders can also narrow options by daily or maximum loss, profit target, number of phases or price. The platform will reportedly continue to expand the selection as new firms join the Store.According to the company, the store draws more than 10,000 daily visitors. Spotware mentioned that the listings reflect only firms that meet its reliability standards, creating a curated environment designed to reduce the risk of scams that have affected parts of the prop trading industry.“The Store is visited by thousands of traders every day, and by showcasing prop challenges in the transparent and credible environment, firms gain targeted reach, access to high-intent leads while reinforcing their reputation and building long-term relationships with traders based on trust,” said Iarovitcyn. Increased Visibility for Prop FirmsSpotware has taken note of the growing popularity of prop trading, recently signing a technology agreement with UK-based OneFunded. Under the deal, OneFunded's clients gain access to the cTrader platform across web, desktop, and mobile, using its execution infrastructure while OneFunded manages evaluation programs through Spotware's administrative backend. The new upgrade comes amid a rapidly growing but fragmented prop trading market, where many firms offer funded accounts and trading challenges but operate with little standardization. This expansion has been accompanied by trust and credibility issues, as some prop firms have faced criticism from the regulators for opaque terms, sudden rule changes, or even scams, making it difficult for traders to identify reliable operators. Italy's securities regulator, Consob, has in the past warned investors about the risks of retail prop trading, describing these activities as online trading simulations that, while promising profits, can result in financial losses. The watchdog’s characterization of the prop trading industry contrasts sharply with the way companies in the sector present themselves. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitcoin (BTC) during Thursday's November 27, 2025 Thanksgiving session costs $91,503, rising 1.14% and has behind it a test of session maximums around $91,925, the intraday high recorded during today's trading. This is a continuation of strong gains this week, with Bitcoin rebounding 12% from last Friday's devastating drop to $80,600, its lowest level since April and a seven-month low.Although this corrective bounce has been going on for several sessions, in my view this remains only a bull trap left by bears and the price still has a chance to continue the declines observed since early October when Bitcoin achieved an all-time high above $126,000 toward my ultimate target around $74,000, this year's minimums.In this article I analyze Bitcoin’s price during Thanksgiving and review two updated BTC price forecasts from Tom Lee and Cathie Wood.Why Bitcoin Is Surging Today on Thanksgiving?Why is Bitcoin going up today on Thanksgiving? The rally is primarily driven by a surge in Federal Reserve rate cut expectations for December, with odds jumping from below 44% just a week ago to 85% currently according to market pricing. After lingering below $90,000 for nearly a week, Bitcoin managed to rise above that threshold on Wednesday and continues gaining ground Thursday.According to market analysis, Bitcoin rebounded as investors recognized it had become extremely oversold, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) bottoming at 23, a level historically associated with macro bottoms. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index tumbled to the lowest point this year, and it's common for Bitcoin to rebound whenever it moves to the extreme fear zone.Additionally, institutional money is returning. ETF inflow data has shown positive movement for two consecutive days, with major players like BlackRock and Fidelity re-entering the scene. Nearly a billion dollars worth of liquidations have reset over-leveraged long positions, clearing the path for a technical bounce.However, in the short-term, Bitcoin still may fall.Follow me on X for more up-to-date analysis and forecasts on major cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments.Bitcoin Technical Analysis: Bull Trap at $92K-$94K ResistanceWe still find ourselves below the main resistance zone marked by the 100% Fibonacci extension and 61.8% Fibonacci retracement around $92,000 and $94,000 levels, a zone that constituted local support at the turn of April and May. Current real-time data confirms Bitcoin is trading at $91,503 with a day high of $91,925, approaching but not yet breaking this critical resistance.As long as we remain below this level, I maintain my bearish narrative and price forecast toward $74,000 from which Bitcoin will then bounce and return in the medium term to higher levels than the current all-time high, ultimately entering a price discovery phase.According to my technical analysis framework, I will abandon my narrative if within this correction there's a breakout of the current resistance and its test from the other side as new support according to the polarity reversal principle, which would allow gaining greater confidence and increase buying pressure.Bitcoin Critical Technical LevelsIliya Kalchev, dispatch analyst at digital asset platform Nexo, shares a similar view, telling Cointelegraph that "cryptocurrency markets will continue lacking conviction until Bitcoin can reclaim the $92,000 level, which may 'open the door to a broader recovery if macro conditions align.'"It's worth remembering that at this moment officially the trend on the Bitcoin chart is bearish, as evidenced by moving below the 200-day exponential moving average (200 EMA) which currently sits at $109,985, a full 17% above the current price. Moreover, a strong sell signal was recently formed in the form of a death cross, though historical data shows such patterns have often preceded Bitcoin doubling within six months during previous cycles.Bitcoin Price PredictionsTom Lee Cuts $250K Bitcoin Call to "Above $100K"Tom Lee, the chair of Fundstrat and a long-time advocate for Bitcoin, shared with CNBC on Wednesday that he has revised his Bitcoin year-end target down from $250,000 to a figure "above $100,000," suggesting it may only "possibly" retest its all-time high of $125,100 (updated data shows $126,296) achieved in October."I believe it's still quite probable that Bitcoin will exceed $100,000 before the year concludes, and it might even reach a new peak," Lee stated during the interview. This appears to be the first time Lee has publicly softened his $250,000 year-end Bitcoin price target, which he initially floated earlier in 2024.TOM LEE JUST SAID LIVE ON CNBC THAT #BITCOIN IS STILL GOING OVER $126,000 IN THE NEXT 35 DAYSTIGHTEN YOUR SEATBELTS ? pic.twitter.com/89aGN6S9fb— Vivek Sen (@Vivek4real_) November 26, 2025That being said, Lee emphasized that some of Bitcoin's strongest days may still lie ahead before the end of 2025. "I still think some of those best days are going to happen before year-end," he said, with 35 days remaining until the end of 2025.Cathie Wood: ARK's $1.5M Bitcoin Bull Case UnchangedDespite the recent crypto market correction and Bitcoin's 20%+ November decline, Cathie Wood and ARK Invest's bullish long-term price target remains unchanged. Earlier in April, ARK Invest predicted a 2030 Bitcoin price target of $1.5 million in the company's "bull case," and a $300,000 price target in the "bear case.""The stablecoins have accelerated, taking some of the role away from Bitcoin that we expected, but the gold price appreciation has been far greater than we expected," explained Wood during a Monday webinar. "So net, our bull price, which most people focus on, really hasn't changed."In this recent webinar, I discuss why the liquidity squeeze that has hit #AI and #crypto will reverse in the next few weeks, something the markets seemed to buy, and why AI is not in a bubble. The 123% increase noted below was in Palantir’s US commercial business last qtr.Watch… https://t.co/GdBZtEQcxM— Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) November 26, 2025Wood and ARK Invest point to improving market conditions driven by increasing liquidity, which has already returned $70 billion into markets since the end of the US government shutdown, with another $300 billion expected to return over the next five to six weeks as the Treasury General Account normalizes.Bear Market or Bull Trap?Not all analysts share the optimism of Lee and Wood. Analyst Valdrin Tahiri from CCN noted in a recent report that "the breakdown suggests the end of Bitcoin's bullish cycle, indicating the onset of a bear market." According to Tahiri, Bitcoin's current trajectory could see it trading at $73,000 and $57,000 by the end of 2026 and 2027, respectively.Glassnode added in its weekly report that "realized losses have climbed to levels comparable to previous cycle lows and that the short-term holder profit and loss ratio has collapsed, underscoring how little buying momentum remains." The combined data might imply that the uptick in prices may be masking deeper liquidity stress, and "until liquidity returns and demand strengthens, any further upside may prove temporary rather than a turning point."In my agreement with the current forecast, I expect the conclusion of the current correction ultimately at a bottom in this declining cycle around $76,000-$74,000, then a return to a clearer long-term uptrend. Please remember that at this moment officially the trend on Bitcoin's chart is bearish, as evidenced by moving below the 200-day EMA, and moreover, a strong sell signal was recently formed in the form of the death cross.Before you leave, please also check my previous articles on price predictions:Bitcoin Price Analysis, FAQWhat is Bitcoin price prediction for 2025?Bitcoin at $91,503 Thursday Thanksgiving with conflicting expert views. Tom Lee revised year-end target from $250K to "above $100K," calling it "still quite probable" with "best days" ahead in 35 remaining days but only "possibly" reaching October ATH $126,296. Why is Bitcoin surging today Thanksgiving?Bitcoin surging to $91,503 (+1.14%) Thanksgiving due to Fed rate cut odds jumping to 85% from 44% week ago (December meeting), 12% bounce from Friday $80,600 seven-month low as extreme oversold (RSI 23), hammer candle bullish reversal pattern and $1B liquidation clearing over-leveraged longs.Will Bitcoin reach $100,000 by year-end?Tom Lee says "still quite probable" Bitcoin exceeds $100K before year-end with 35 days remaining, emphasizing Bitcoin makes move in just 10 days annually (2024's top 10 days: +52%, remaining 355 days: -15% average). Is Bitcoin in bull trap?Yes. Bitcoin at $91,503 testing $92K-$94K resistance zone (100% Fibonacci extension + 61.8% retracement, former April-May support) represents bull trap before continued decline toward $74,421 yearly low. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Waton Financial Limited released TradingWTF, a trading app that uses artificial intelligence to make investment decisions and execute trades without human intervention.The company is listed on Wall Street under the pleasantly sounding ticker WTF, a symbol that neatly captures investors’ reactions as they look at the chart of a stock now testing its historical lows.Waton Financial Debuts AI App TradingWTFThe platform runs on what the company calls DePearl, a multi-agent system that trains AI traders using input from investment professionals. Users can hand over portfolio management to these AI traders through a copy trading function, the company said.Waton hopes the app will attract retail investors who want access to algorithmic trading methods typically used by institutional players. The company also sees revenue potential from subscription services it plans to add later, including stock analysis reports and market monitoring tools.“The launch of TradingWTF marks a pivotal step in our vision towards becoming an AI-agents holding company for finance and beyond,” said Kai Zhou, Chairman of Waton Financial Limited. “TradingWTF is designed to enable investors to benefit from autonomous agents that learn, adapt and execute with institutional-grade precision.”AI Trading Sector Sees Double-Digit ExpansionThe launch comes as the AI trading platform market grows rapidly. The global market reached $11.23 billion in 2024 and is forecast to hit $33.45 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. That represents a 20% annual growth rate.Institutional investors have been the primary users of AI trading tools due to their large trading volumes and ability to invest in advanced systems. But retail-focused platforms are gaining ground. About one in six regular retail investors now engages in copy trading, recent research by GraniteShares found.Several trading platforms, including eToro, AvaTrade, and Pepperstone, already offer copy trading services. Fintech startup Dub raised $30 million in May 2025 to expand its copy trading app, which lets users replicate portfolios of well-known investors.Company Pursues AI Infrastructure StrategyTradingWTF operates around the clock and processes market data in real time before executing trades. The system is designed to work across multiple asset classes.Waton announced an expanded partnership with Panda AI two days before the TradingWTF launch. The companies are collaborating on AI agent development and co-organizing a competition for AI trading agents. Waton will use Panda AI's technology to refine its DePearl system.“In the coming phases, we expect to introduce a subscription model that will provide stock-trend analysis, AI-driven market monitoring and professional review reports,” Zhou added. “We anticipate that these services will create scalable recurring revenue streams and contribute to Waton’s long-term growth.”The company operates securities brokerage, asset management, and software licensing businesses through Hong Kong subsidiaries.Waton trades on Nasdaq under the ticker WTF. The stock closed at $3.09 yesterday (Wednesday), testing the all-time lows since the April’s Wall Street debut when the shares surged 360% in one day. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Trade Nation is steadily building a leadership team rooted in IG Group alumni, with Kypros “Kyp” Zoumidou joining as Managing Director alongside CEO Jon Noble, both former senior executives at the London-listed broker. For Noble, the hire brings another senior leader familiar from their IG tenure into the organisation’s management structure. Zoumidou brings years of experience from his roles at IG Group and, more recently, as CEO of Capital.com. ​A Reflective Career Shift Before the Move The announcement comes shortly after Zoumidou shared a reflective post on LinkedIn about navigating a recent "professional change." Writing in November about finding clarity and perspective, he described how taking a step back allows one to "see the next chapter clearly." This new role at Trade Nation appears to be the next chapter. ​“Having the opportunity to work with the Trade Nation team and, in particular, as it is headed by Jon Noble, is a very exciting prospect,” Zoumidou said in the official announcement. “Having spent time getting to know the team and understanding the ambition… has allowed me to find a good cultural match.” ​ Noble added: “We have some ambitious strategic plans to develop Trade Nation, and having Kyp on board will really help us move the business to the next level.” ​ Trade Nation operates as a global brokerage with licensed entities in the UK, Australia, the Bahamas, South Africa, and Seychelles. The brand also maintains a public presence as a sleeve sponsor of EPL club Aston Villa FC.In 2024, the company’s revenue increased to £21.7 million, up from £13.4 million the year before.This marks a sharp contrast to the previous year’s net loss of £2.2 million. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

The Finance Magnates London Summit 2025 moves into its second and final day today, with industry participants returning for another full schedule of panels and discussions. Building on the themes covered on day one, today’s sessions continue to focus on market structure, trading technology, payments, regulation, and the growing role of brokers, liquidity providers, and fintech firms in a shifting global environment.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!Day one of FMLS:25 featured a wide range of panel discussions covering macro uncertainty, liquidity conditions, trading platforms, payments infrastructure, stablecoins, prop trading, corporate culture, sponsorship strategy, and the growing role of AI and automation across financial services.Executives examined market structure under geopolitical pressure, evolving broker models, institutional expansion, and the technologies reshaping execution, security, and client engagement. Together, the sessions set the context for further debate as the summit continues into its second day.Panel Debates the Role of Prop Trading in Retail MarketsA panel titled “DEBATE: Is Prop Trading Good for The Trading Industry?” features Jonathan Fine, Content Strategist at Ultimate Group; Drew Niv, Chief Strategy Officer at ATFX; and Brendan Callan, CEO of Tradu. The session examines differing views on the role of prop trading in retail markets, focusing on value for traders, the sustainability of challenge fees and revenue-sharing models, and why some brokers adopt prop offerings while others avoid them. The discussion centers on the structure and incentives behind funded trading models rather than specific products or integrations.Session Reviews Infrastructure and Compliance for Neo-Bank Wealth OfferingsA panel titled “How Neo-Banks Go Wealth” examines how digital banks are expanding into investment and wealth products after establishing their core retail banking offerings. Speakers include Andy Russell, CEO of Project Arnaud at 11:FS; Mushegh Tovmasyan, Chairman of Zenus Bank; Rachel Przybylski, Chief Product Officer at SIGMA AI; and Stefan Lucas, Founding CEO of FinTech Armenia. The discussion focuses on how neo-banks are adapting infrastructure, compliance, and user experience as they move into wealth services and blur the lines between retail banking and wealthtech.Panel Discusses Consumer Habits, Competition, and Regulation in Finance AppsA panel titled “The Leap to Everything App: Are Brokers There Yet?” features Laura McCracken, CEO and Advisory Board Member at Blackheath Advisors and The Payments Association; Slobodan Manojlovic, Vice President and Lead Software Engineer at JP Morgan Chase & Co.; Jordan Sinclair, President of Robinhood UK; Simon Pelletier, Head of Product at Yuh; and Gerald Perez, CEO – UK at Interactive Brokers. The discussion examines how brokers are navigating the push toward super apps that combine investing, personal finance, and wallets, focusing on collaboration, evolving consumer habits, competitive pressures, and regulatory considerations.Speakers Discuss Technology, Misconceptions, and Knowledge Gaps in DealingA panel titled “Art of the Dealer: Risk Management and Industry Education” features Elina Pedersen, Co-founder and CEO of Your Bourse; Lee Shmuel Goldfarb, Executive Sales Trader at B2Prime; Chariton Christou, Co-Founder and CEO of Boltzman Research; and Antonis Patinios, Dealing Analyst at TMGM. The discussion explores the evolving dealing landscape, combining AI tools with human expertise, and highlights gaps in industry knowledge. Speakers provide insight into risk management technology, common misconceptions among non-dealers, and opportunities for education in the trading industry.Speakers Examine Acquisition Costs, Audience Segments, and AI in MarketingA panel titled “Marketing in 2026: Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI” features Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates; Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X; Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance; Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer at Consulting | Fractional CMO; Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications; and Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive. The discussion covers marketing challenges for brokers in 2026, including acquisition costs, audience segmentation, balancing global consistency with local adaptation, and the practical use of AI and automation to optimize campaigns.Panel Discusses Retail Investors and the UK Stock MarketA discussion titled “Mind The Gap: Can Retail Investors Save the UK Stock Market?” features Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive; Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins; Jack Crone, PR & Public Affairs Lead at IG; David Belle, Founder of Fink Money; and Dan Lane, Investment Content Lead at Robinhood UK. The panel explores the role of retail investors in the UK market, examining regulatory reforms, government influence on savings behavior, and how brokers and fintechs can encourage investment while balancing flexibility and consumer protection.Speakers Discuss Platform Dependency, Hybrid Models, and AI in TradingA panel titled “Fail Better? Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks” features Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT; John Morris, Co-Founder of FXBlue; Tom Higgins, Founder and CEO of Gold-i; Adam Saward, Managing Director at EC Markets; and Gil Ben Hur, Founder and CEO of 5% Group. Day 1 at #fmls25 was ?Thanks to everyone who stopped by, grabbed a photo with the #PremierLeagueTrophy, and entered the signed #Liverpool FC jersey giveaway ??Day 2 → same energy, even bigger vibes at Booth 32⚡#FinanceMagnates #ECMarkets #TradeLikeaChampion pic.twitter.com/bvtWQ4TWwq— EC Markets Global (@EcmarketsGlobal) November 26, 2025The discussion explores how brokers manage operational and technological risks, including platform dependency, hybrid build-and-buy models, and the impact of AI on execution, risk, and reporting. Speakers also examine which tools and features drive adoption and retention in trading infrastructure.Our Group Deputy CEO, Christia Evagorou, took the stage at fmls:25 yesterday to moderate a discussion on the past, present and future of payments. Joined by industry leaders from Visa, Weavr | Kindlee, Edenred Payment Solutions and Payments Solved, the panel explored how far… pic.twitter.com/dHwY0a2nll— payabl. (@payabl_eu) November 27, 2025Speakers Examine AI Tools, Compliance, and Client Usage in TradingA panel titled “Secret Agent: Deploying AI for Traders at Scale” features Joe Craven, Global Head of Enterprise Solutions at TipRanks; David Dyke, Head of Engineering – Wealth at CMC Markets; Guy Hopkins, Founder and CEO of FairXchange; Ihar Marozau, Chief Architect at Capital.com; and Rebecca Healey, Founder of MindfulMarkets.AI. The discussion focuses on how AI tools are deployed in retail trading, covering technical challenges, compliance, ethical considerations, and client behavior. Speakers also explore the limits of AI in decision-making and the evolving role of advice, autonomy, and algorithms in financial services.Panel Reviews Role of Educators and IBs in Regional Brokerage GrowthA panel titled “Educators, IBs, and Other Regional Growth Drivers” discusses how partners affect broker growth as acquisition costs increase. Speakers include Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at investingLive; Amar Ramith, CEO of TDMarkets; Brunno Huertas, Regional Manager for Latin America at Tickmill; and Paul Chalmers, CEO of UK Trading Academy. The session examines the role of educators and IBs in shaping market access, trust, and user engagement, alongside regional regulation and performance-based partnership models.Speakers Discuss Regulatory Arbitrage and Multi-Jurisdiction RiskA panel titled “Negative Friction? Brokers between Tougher Demands & Regulatory Arbitration” brings together Ron Finberg, Executive Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence Cappitech; Matthew Smith, Group Chair and CEO of EC Markets; Chris Rowe, Director at Financial Technology Consultancy Services Limited; Aydin Bonabi, CEO of Surveill AI; Rav Saidha, Chair of the Retail Derivative Forum; and Christiana Vasiadou, CEO and Compliance Officer at Global Markets Group. The discussion focuses on how increased scrutiny from regulators affects broker strategy, including the trade-offs between onshore compliance and offshore structures. Topics include regulatory timelines, setup costs across jurisdictions, multi-entity risk management, and the use of AI in compliance and client products. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The best liquidity providers for brokers in 2025 include B2Broker, LMAX Global, Finalto, IS Prime, and Advanced Markets. These institutional LPs combine tight spreads, deep multi-asset liquidity, and robust regulation, making them suitable for brokers ranging from new FX/crypto startups to established institutional firms.For any brokerage, choosing the right liquidity provider is now a strategic decision, not just a technical one. The LP you work with directly influences how tight and stable your spreads are, how often clients experience slippage or re-quotes, whether you can support multi-asset trading across forex, crypto, indices, commodities, and CFDs, and your ability to meet regulatory and best-execution expectations.In an environment of higher market volatility and stricter oversight, brokers need reliable, well-regulated liquidity providers that can deliver fast execution, robust connectivity (FIX, MT4/MT5 bridges), and flexible pricing models. This guide compares some of the best liquidity providers for brokers in 2025, explains how liquidity provision works, and outlines the key criteria to use when assessing potential partners.What Is a Liquidity Provider and Why Do Brokers Need One?A liquidity provider (LP) is an institutional firm, such as a bank, non-bank market maker or Prime of Prime broker that continuously quotes bid and ask prices and stands ready to buy or sell at those prices. In practice, forex liquidity providers and multi-asset LPs supply the tradable prices and market depth that brokers stream to clients on platforms like MT4, MT5 or custom terminals.For forex, crypto and multi-asset brokers, reliable institutional liquidity is what allows clients to open and close positions quickly, in meaningful trade sizes and at competitive prices. Key concepts include the bid (sell price), ask (buy price) and spread (the difference between them, which drives trading costs), as well as depth of liquidity and slippage, which describe how much volume is available at each level and how closely trades are filled to the requested price.Leading liquidity providers for brokers aggregate prices from multiple Tier-1 banks, non-bank market makers and exchanges. This aggregated liquidity helps brokers deliver tighter, more stable spreads, reduce slippage and improve overall execution quality across FX, metals, indices, commodities, crypto and CFDs.Brokers rely on these providers not only for pricing, but also for execution reliability, multi-asset coverage, regulatory alignment and scalability. In that sense, an LP is less a simple price feed and more a strategic partner shaping the broker’s pricing, risk profile and client experience.How to Choose a Liquidity Provider in 2025In 2025, the best liquidity providers for brokers combine strong regulation, institutional-grade technology and broad multi-asset liquidity. The LP you choose should match your business model (STP, ECN, market maker, hybrid) and support long-term growth rather than just current volumes.Regulation is the starting point. Brokers typically look for LPs authorised in major financial centres such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA or FSA, as this supports better governance, capital standards, segregation of client funds and best-execution frameworks. Technology comes next: institutional FIX API access and robust MT4/MT5 bridge connectivity are critical for low-latency routing, custom integrations and a smooth experience for retail and professional clients.Product range is another key filter. Leading multi-asset liquidity providers offer major and minor FX pairs, metals, indices, commodities, energies, single-stock and index CFDs, and crypto from a single connection, allowing brokers to broaden their offering without juggling multiple vendors. At the same time, brokers should assess spreads, commissions, swaps and mark-ups in both normal and volatile markets to ensure pricing is tight, consistent and transparent.Finally, top Tier-1 liquidity providers and Prime of Prime firms distinguish themselves through aggregated pricing, execution quality and support. This includes direct relationships with Tier-1 and non-bank LPs, advanced aggregation technology, clear reporting on fills and “last look”, responsive 24/5 or 24/7 support, and risk management tools such as hedging options, margin and exposure monitoring, and flexible routing rules. Together, these factors help brokers identify the best liquidity providers 2025 for their specific client base and regulatory obligations.Top Liquidity Providers for Brokers in 2025There are many liquidity providers for brokers, but a small group of firms is frequently selected for their regulation, technology stack, and multi-asset coverage. In 2025, brokers often consider providers such as:B2Broker: multi-asset, FX and crypto-focused infrastructureLMAX Global: exchange-style FX and metals venue with central limit order bookFinalto: institutional multi-asset liquidity and risk solutionsIS Prime: low-latency Prime of Prime for high-volume flowsAdvanced Markets: institutional-grade Prime of Prime for banks, funds, and brokersBelow are more detailed overviews of four of these providers. Finalto is included later in the comparison table as a key multi-asset liquidity provider.B2BROKERB2BROKER is a global fintech solutions provider delivering liquidity, trading technology, payment solutions, and brokerage infrastructure for financial institutions. Founded in 2014, it operates through regulated entities in multiple jurisdictions and maintains key hubs in London, Limassol, Hong Kong, and Dubai, serving brokers, exchanges, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.Its ecosystem includes B2CORE (CRM and back office), B2COPY (copy trading, PAMM and MAM in one system) B2TRADER (a multi-asset trading platform), B2CONNECT (crypto liquidity bridge) alongside white label & turnkey solutions and integrated institutional liquidity with deep pools and low-latency execution.LMAX GlobalLMAX Global gives brokers access to LMAX Exchange, an FCA-regulated trading venue with a central limit order book (CLOB) for FX and metals. The venue model focuses on firm liquidity, transparent pricing and defined execution policies, matching orders on a price/time priority basis. LMAX Global concentrates on institutional FX and precious metals liquidity, offers connectivity via FIX API and MT4/MT5 bridges, and is often used by brokers that want a clear separation between their brokerage and an external execution venue.FinaltoFinalto is a global multi-asset liquidity and prime brokerage provider operating several regulated entities in key financial centres. It offers institutional liquidity across FX, indices, commodities and selected crypto instruments, typically through bespoke liquidity pools and a single margin account. Finalto combines execution, risk management and technology services, integrating via APIs and FIX into platforms such as MT4/MT5 and institutional trading hubs, which makes it a common choice for multi-asset and institutional brokers that require tailored liquidity and risk solutions.IS PrimeIS Prime, part of the ISAM Capital Markets group, is an FCA-regulated Prime of Prime provider specialising in low-latency execution and configurable liquidity pools. It aggregates pricing from Tier-1 banks and non-bank market makers, with a strong focus on FX, precious metals and index products for high-volume and latency-sensitive trading. The firm combines a proprietary pricing engine, analytics tools and connectivity via FIX and bridge solutions into common retail platforms, making it relevant for brokers serving professional, active or algorithmic traders.Advanced MarketsAdvanced Markets is an established Prime of Prime and direct market access (DMA) provider that delivers institutional-grade liquidity to banks, hedge funds, asset managers and brokers. Its offering emphasises deep liquidity in FX, metals, energies and CFDs, sourced from Tier-1 banks, non-banks and ECNs, and is supported by entities authorised in key jurisdictions. With FIX API, MT4/MT5 integration and infrastructure in major data centres, Advanced Markets is typically selected by institutional and high-volume brokers that prioritise market depth, credit solutions and robust trading infrastructure.Comparison Table: Best Liquidity Providers 2025Below is a high-level comparison of some of the best liquidity providers for brokers in 2025, based on regulation, asset coverage, platform integration and typical broker profile.*Regulation summary is simplified and based on publicly available group information; brokers should always verify the latest licences and permissions directly with each provider and relevant regulators.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a liquidity provider in forex trading?A liquidity provider in forex trading is an institutional firm (such as a bank, non-bank market maker, ECN, or Prime of Prime broker) that continuously quotes bid and ask prices and stands ready to buy or sell at those prices. Brokers connect to one or more forex liquidity providers to obtain tradable prices and market depth, then stream this liquidity to their end clients via platforms like MT4/MT5 or proprietary systems.Who are the top liquidity providers in 2025?There is no single “best” LP for all brokers, but in 2025 many firms look at well-established, regulated providers with institutional infrastructure and multi-asset coverage. Examples commonly considered include B2Broker, LMAX Global, Finalto, IS Prime, and Advanced Markets, along with other regional or specialist providers. The right choice depends on the broker’s target clients, volumes, products (FX, CFDs, crypto), and regulatory requirements.How do liquidity providers affect a broker’s pricing?Liquidity providers directly influence:Spreads: how tight or wide the bid/ask prices areDepth: how much volume is available at each price levelSlippage: how closely trades are filled to the requested price, especially in fast marketsIf a broker connects to high-quality institutional liquidity providers for brokers with deep, stable order books, they are more likely to offer tighter, more consistent pricing and better fills. Conversely, poor-quality or shallow liquidity can lead to wider spreads, more re-quotes, and higher slippage for clients.What’s the difference between aggregated and direct LPs? Direct LPsA broker connects to a single liquidity provider, such as a particular bank or venue. Pricing and depth come from that one source. Aggregated liquidity providersAn aggregator combines price feeds from multiple Tier-1 banks, non-bank market makers, ECNs, and venues, then streams a consolidated best bid/offer and depth-of-book to the broker.Aggregated liquidity can provide tighter spreads and more depth, especially for higher volumes, because it draws on several sources. Direct relationships can be useful for specific products or venues but may offer less flexibility if market conditions change.Are there LPs that specialise in crypto liquidity?Yes. Alongside traditional forex liquidity providers, there are crypto liquidity providers and multi-asset liquidity providers that focus heavily on: Crypto–fiat and crypto–crypto pairs Spot and derivative structures (CFDs, perpetuals) 24/7 trading infrastructure and risk managementSome multi-asset LPs offer both FX and crypto liquidity through a single margin account and API, while others focus almost exclusively on digital assets and connectivity to crypto exchanges.Can small brokers work with Tier-1 liquidity providers?Direct relationships with Tier-1 banks usually require substantial capital, volumes, and infrastructure, so most small or mid-sized brokers do not access Tier-1 liquidity directly. Instead, they work with Prime of Prime or institutional LPs that already have Tier-1 relationships and redistribute this liquidity on a wholesale basis.This model lets smaller brokers access institutional-grade pricing via a Prime of Prime or multi-asset LP, without needing their own prime broker lines or very large balances.How do I integrate LP feeds into MetaTrader?To connect liquidity providers to MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), brokers typically:Select an LP and integration modelChoose a liquidity provider that supports MT4/MT5 bridges and/or FIX API connections.Use a bridge or gatewayA bridge/gateway connects the LP’s pricing and execution engine (often via FIX) to the MetaTrader server, routing quotes in and orders out.Configure symbols and routing rulesMap instruments (symbol names, contract sizes, tick values), set mark-ups/spreads, and configure routing rules (A-book/B-book, aggregation, depth).Test in a demo/staging environmentValidate prices, execution, slippage behaviour and reporting before going live.Monitor and optimiseUse trade reports and analytics from both the LP and MetaTrader to fine-tune mark-ups, risk settings, and routing over time.Most best liquidity providers 2025 offer documentation, technical support and test environments specifically for MT4/MT5, making it easier for brokers to implement and maintain the integration. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

Upbit, South Korea's dominant cryptocurrency exchange, suffered unauthorized withdrawals totaling approximately $36.9 million (54 billion won) early Thursday morning, marking the second time the platform has been breached on November 27.The exchange detected unusual activity at 4:42 a.m. local time when Solana-linked assets moved to an unidentified wallet address. Dunamu CEO Oh Kyung-seok disclosed the breach during a press conference at 12:33 p.m., just hours after the company had announced its merger with Naver Financial.Upbit’s Six-Year Anniversary of $50 Million Ethereum TheftThe timing raised immediate concerns among security analysts. Exactly six years earlier, on November 27, 2019, Upbit lost 342,000 Ethereum tokens worth approximately $50 million in what authorities later confirmed was an attack by North Korean hacking groups Lazarus and Andariel. At the time of that theft, Ethereum traded around $146 to $149 per coin, putting the haul at roughly 58 billion won.The 2019 stolen Ethereum would be worth significantly more today - approximately $1.04 billion at current prices. South Korean investigators eventually determined that the attackers converted 57% of the stolen funds through three cryptocurrency exchanges they controlled, while laundering the remainder through 51 exchanges across 13 countries.Upbit(@Official_Upbit) has been hacked — 54B KRW (~36.8M USD) in assets on #Solana have been transferred to unknown wallets.https://t.co/plbmBz2G4Nhttps://t.co/YOHoqDVfqa pic.twitter.com/DM5BxSTtXA— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) November 27, 2025Cryptocurrency exchanges generally face a difficult environment. More than two years ago, the exchange reported that in just the first half of 2023, there were 159,000 attempted hacks against its systems. Its proximity to North Korea and the presence of the Lazarus hacking group in the region add to the risks.Since the start of this year, cybercriminals from communist North Korea are estimated to have stolen more than 2 billion dollars’ worth of cryptocurrencies.Hot Wallet Compromise Triggers Platform Freeze“Exchanges are obviously massive honeypots for hackers," said Trezor CEO, Matěj Žák. "Independent reports estimate that more than 2.5 billion dollars has already been stolen in 2025, including a single 1.5 billion dollar breach on the Bybit exchange. And since security is a moving target, this problem is not going away."Thursday's breach affected multiple Solana-based tokens including SOL, USDC, BONK, JUP, RAY, RENDER, ORCA, and PYTH. The company confirmed the intrusion was limited to hot wallet storage, with cold wallet reserves remaining secure. Upbit immediately moved remaining assets into cold storage and suspended all deposit and withdrawal services across the platform as a precautionary measure."We will fully cover the loss with Upbit's own assets so that customers are not affected in any way," the company stated, assuring users no action would be required to recover their funds. Trading continues to function normally on the platform, though users cannot move assets on or off the exchange during the ongoing security review.Breach Comes Day After $10 Billion Naver DealThe hack arrived at a delicate moment for Dunamu. Just one day earlier, the company finalized a $10.3 billion stock-swap merger with Naver Financial, creating one of South Korea's largest digital finance entities. Under the agreement, Naver Financial will issue 87.5 million new shares at a 1:2.54 ratio, making Dunamu a wholly owned subsidiary.South Korean financial authorities have launched on-site inspections to assess the situation. The repeated breach on the same calendar date, combined with North Korean involvement in the previous attack, has sparked speculation about the perpetrators behind the latest incident. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.