Developed with support from Google Cloud, D7 DLT enables issuers to create and manage digital securities on-chain while maintaining interoperability with existing market infrastructure.  The platform complements Clearstream’s existing D7 digital issuance service and will initially target the international Eurobond market. The first issuances are expected to include commercial papers and medium-term notes, allowing treasurers to raise funding on an intraday basis.  Jens Hachmeister, Head of Issuer Services and New Digital Markets, called the launch “a landmark achievement for Clearstream and the wider financial community,” adding that D7 DLT “offers a unique combination of innovation and practicality, addressing current client needs while paving the way for the future of finance.” Matt Renner, President of Global Revenue at Google Cloud, believes the collaboration is “redefining how securities are issued and managed,” emphasising the platform’s focus on transparency, efficiency and security. The launch follows successful trials under the European Central Bank’s 2024 experiments, where Clearstream executed live issuances covering commercial paper and intraday repo transactions.  Clearstream stated that D7 DLT’s transparent record-keeping and seamless integration will advance the digital transformation of capital markets in Europe and beyond. The post Clearstream Launches Tokenised Securities Platform appeared first on LeapRate.

The Swiss bank announced that it successfully processed an end-to-end subscription and redemption request for the UBS USD Money Market Investment Fund Token (uMINT), which operates on Ethereum’s distributed ledger technology.  The transaction, executed with on-chain fund distributor DigiFT, is said to have showcased how fund operations, from order taking to settlement, can be automated for greater efficiency and transparency. Mike Dargan, UBS’s Group Chief Operations and Technology Officer, stated that the achievement “represents a key milestone in how smart contract-based technologies and technical standards enhance fund operations and the investor experience.”  He added that UBS remains committed to “fostering innovation” through its UBS Tokenize initiative. Sergey Nazarov, Co-Founder of Chainlink, described the transaction as a “new benchmark for institutional finance on-chain,” noting that it demonstrates how traditional finance can transition securely into decentralised environments. Henry Zhang, Founder and CEO of DigiFT, said the collaboration illustrates “how fund operations can be executed and reconciled on-chain with real-time visibility,” highlighting the benefits of seamless integration between blockchain and institutional custody systems. The post UBS Completes First On-Chain Tokenised Fund Transaction Using Chainlink appeared first on LeapRate.

Through Clearstream’s Vestima platform, BIL will centralise operations across mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and alternative investments, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency and scalability.  The collaboration is also expected to allow BIL to extend its reach to Clearstream’s global network of distributors and investors. Both institutions are headquartered in Luxembourg, one of the world’s leading centres for fund administration and cross-border distribution.  Clearstream’s fund services will support BIL in streamlining its operations while ensuring compliance and service excellence. Isa Scheunpflug, Chief Operating Officer of BIL, said the partnership was “a key milestone” in the bank’s strategy to expand its investment fund business and strengthen its international footprint.  “Leveraging Clearstream’s infrastructure allows us to simplify operations, scale efficiently, and reinforce our commitment to Luxembourg as a global hub for fund innovation and cross-border distribution,” she said. Philippe Seyll, CEO of Clearstream Fund Services, described the partnership as “a natural fit and a powerful enabler” of BIL’s ambitions.  “Together, we are contributing to the continued growth and international reach of Luxembourg’s fund ecosystem,” he added. The post BIL Partners with Clearstream to Streamline Fund Servicing and Distribution appeared first on LeapRate.

Line will oversee ATFX’s global affiliate and partnership programmes, focusing on growth, performance marketing, and customer acquisition.  She joins the firm from Exinity, where she served as Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Affiliation, leading global affiliate initiatives and developing high-value partnerships. Her career spans roles across fintech, gaming, and digital marketing, where she has built scalable marketing platforms and integrated emerging technologies, including blockchain, to enhance client engagement. “Joining ATFX at this dynamic stage of its global expansion is an exciting opportunity,” Line said. “I look forward to drawing on my experience in strategic partnerships and digital marketing to unlock new opportunities, enhance customer acquisition, and strengthen ATFX’s presence across key international markets.” Siju Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer of ATFX, believes Line’s appointment aligns with the company’s global growth strategy.  “Line’s track record in building strong partnerships, driving performance marketing strategies, and leading cross-functional teams makes her a perfect fit for this role,” he said. The post ATFX Appoints Line Ho Young Peteri to Lead Global Partnerships and Affiliates appeared first on LeapRate.

South Africa’s financial landscape is entering a new era of growth and sophistication. As one of the continent’s most advanced markets, it is defined by robust regulation, world-class talent, and an increasingly empowered community of traders. Yet amid the rise of digital trading and automation, one factor remains timeless: the importance of proximity and trust. For traders across Africa, financial relationships are built not only on performance but on connection. Digital innovation has transformed how people trade, but it has not replaced the need for human understanding. In markets like South Africa, which are mature, diverse, and ambitious, a local presence still matters. The opening of Exness’ new office in Cape Town is more than a milestone; it is a promise. It reflects our company’s belief that the best way to serve a market is to be part of it. Being on the ground allows Exness to listen more closely, respond more quickly, and engage more meaningfully with the trading community, building trust through proximity and partnership. A mature market with untapped potential South Africa is a financial powerhouse on the continent with a sophisticated regulatory and finance environment, a growing community of informed traders, and a strong culture of innovation. Yet there remains huge room for growth, especially when it comes to financial literacy, access, and trust. Sustainable growth in this industry depends on three enduring principles: reliability, transparency, and understanding. Reliability builds confidence, transparency earns respect, and understanding ensures that solutions truly serve traders’ needs. These principles guide Exness’ approach as it deepens its commitment to the South African market and the wider region. Trust built through proximity Trust remains the cornerstone of modern finance. It cannot be assumed, and it certainly cannot be built from afar. Traders value brokers that are accountable, accessible, and present within their markets. That is why establishing a physical presence in South Africa was a natural step for us. Through our new Cape Town office, we can engage directly with local professionals, regulators, and partners. It is not about simply opening doors; it is about opening dialogue. This proximity enables faster response times and a deeper understanding of local challenges. The closer we are to our clients, the better we can understand and anticipate their needs and offer meaningful support. Local talent, global standards Another key part of our vision is nurturing South African talent. I am proud that our Cape Town office is already home to exceptional professionals who share our values of openness, integrity, and innovation. These individuals bring a blend of global perspective and local insight—people who understand both the pace of international markets and the nuances of the trading landscape in the SSA region. This local expertise is essential. It ensures that when a client reaches out, they are speaking with someone who knows their environment, their regulations, and their ambitions. That kind of understanding turns transactions into relationships. Regulation as the foundation of confidence At Exness, we welcome strong regulation because it creates the conditions for long-term trust. Operating under the supervision of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa reinforces our commitment to transparency and accountability. It is also a signal to traders that they are working with a broker that adheres to the rules and prioritizes client protection. Beyond South Africa, we hold additional licenses, including one from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in Kenya, which reflects our broader commitment to regulatory excellence across Africa. Each license is a promise to regulators, clients, and ourselves that we will uphold the highest standards wherever we operate. A long-term partnership with South Africa The opening of the Cape Town office marks the beginning of a deeper partnership with South Africa’s financial community. We want to be a long-term contributor to South Africa’s financial ecosystem: creating jobs, transferring knowledge, and supporting education. The company’s long-term vision includes supporting financial literacy programs, fostering collaborations with local institutions, and helping build a new generation of confident, well-informed traders. I have always believed that progress in finance should be inclusive. Technology has made global markets more accessible than ever before. Yet access without understanding can create risk. By combining digital innovation with human connection, we can help make trading not only more efficient but also more responsible. Looking ahead South Africa is poised to play an increasingly influential role in global finance. Its traders are informed and resilient, its professionals are ambitious and forward-thinking. As the local fintech and trading ecosystem continues to expand, proximity and trust will remain the key factors in determining success. Our goal is to empower that energy—to provide the tools, knowledge, and reliability that help people safely and confidently grow their potential. For Exness, this office is not an endpoint. It is a foundation for partnership, progress, and shared success. And for me personally, it is a reminder that behind every chart and every number, there are people—individuals and communities—whose trust must be earned every day. That is what drives us forward and what will continue to define our presence in South Africa. The post Building trust through presence: Why Exness chose Cape Town appeared first on LeapRate.

Manning will also join the Nomination, Remuneration and Risk Committees. Manning brings over 15 years of experience across venture capital, corporate finance and regulatory supervision.  He currently serves as Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Geneva-based private equity firm Endeavour Vision SA, which specialises in healthcare technology investments. Before joining Endeavour Vision, Manning worked at KPMG Ireland, where he advised financial institutions on audit and corporate finance matters. Paul Wainscott, Chairman of CMC Markets, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Stuart to the Board. His depth of experience in financial management, governance and risk oversight across the investment and regulatory sectors will be of great benefit to the Group as we continue to deliver on our strategy.” CMC Markets, a provider of online trading and investing services, operates across multiple asset classes including forex, contracts for difference (CFDs) and equities.  The firm continues to expand its product range and strengthen its governance structure as part of its long-term growth plan. The post CMC Markets Appoints Stuart Manning as Non-Executive Director appeared first on LeapRate.

Structured products on the SIX Swiss Exchange recorded the steepest monthly increase, up 33.5% from September, while listings in the segment surged 89.9% year-on-year.  Equity turnover also rose 12.8% month-on-month, lifting total trading turnover on the exchange to CHF 99.7 billion in October, an 11.7% increase from the prior month. Year-to-date turnover reached CHF 962.5 billion. In Spain, BME Exchange reported equities as the strongest performer, with turnover up 25.2% compared to September. Exchange-traded fund (ETF) and fixed-income trading also advanced, rising 19.7% and 19.5% respectively. Overall market turnover in Spain climbed 23.2% to EUR 53.3 billion. BME’s derivatives arm, MEFF, saw stock options trading jump 78.1% year-on-year, while Spain’s IBEX 35 index hit a record high of 16,033 points, up 3.6% from September and 38.3% since January.  Switzerland’s blue-chip SMI index gained 1% over the month to 12,234.5 points, marking a 5.5% year-to-date rise. Gregor Braun, Head of Cash Market Sales at SIX, said: “As we have entered the final quarter of 2025, both the Swiss and Spanish indices are maintaining growth trajectories. Many trading segments, including equities, derivatives and fixed income, have also demonstrated robust performance.” The post SIX Exchange Reports Rise in Structured Products and Equity Turnover appeared first on LeapRate.

The partnership aims to strengthen WisdomTree’s use of AI across research, index design and portfolio management, supporting its ambition to embed AI at the heart of its exchange-traded fund (ETF) business. The collaboration gives WisdomTree access to AlphaBeta’s technology, models, and research network, expanding its quantitative capabilities.  The companies plan to create new investment strategies that blend the sophistication of hedge fund-style approaches with the liquidity and transparency of ETFs. “WisdomTree’s collaboration with AlphaBeta marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver the next generation of investment strategies,” said Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer at WisdomTree.  “By leveraging their AI-driven research on factor-based investment strategies alongside our ETF expertise, we aim to develop powerful new tools for investors.” The post WisdomTree Takes Minority Stake in AlphaBeta ETF Ltd appeared first on LeapRate.

Under the collaboration, Robinhood Gold members can now secure mortgage rates at least 0.75 percentage points below the national average, along with a $500 credit toward closing costs on new purchases or refinances.  The offer, which follows a successful pilot earlier this year, is available through the Robinhood app. “This work reflects Sage’s commitment to leading the future of home lending,” said Mike Malloy, Chief Executive of Sage Home Loans. “Collaborating with Robinhood shows what’s possible when technology meets accessibility. Our goal is to help more people turn financial progress into homeownership.” Sakhi Gandhi, Director of Partnerships at Robinhood, said the partnership supports the company’s mission “to democratise finance for all” by reducing financial barriers and enabling customers “to build wealth through one of life’s most important investments.” The initiative highlights how data-driven technology is reshaping the mortgage industry by simplifying applications, improving transparency, and reducing costs.  Sage’s proprietary lending platform enables borrowers to complete the financing process efficiently while benefiting from personalised loan options. The post Robinhood Partners With Sage Home Loans to Offer Discounted Mortgages appeared first on LeapRate.

The deal, completed through StoneX Financial Europe GmbH, marks a strategic expansion into Europe’s largest grain-producing region and supports the U.S.-listed firm’s ambitions to diversify its presence across the continent. “We are excited to welcome our Plantureux colleagues who share our core values of providing high-quality, client-focused solutions,” said Ramon Martul-Franco, Chief Executive of StoneX Europe.  “By combining our expertise, talent, and resources, we are confident this transaction will elevate our ability to support European agricultural clients in growing and developing their businesses.” Plantureux’s President, Xavier Durand-Viel, said the firm was “proud to join the StoneX group” and looked forward to “embarking on the next phase of growth.” Plantureux has built a strong reputation in both the physical and derivatives markets for agricultural commodities across France and Europe.  The acquisition will give StoneX enhanced access to agricultural producers, traders, and industrial customers, aligning with its strategy to broaden its physical commodities and risk management capabilities. The post StoneX Expands European Agricultural Presence With Paris Brokerage Acquisition Completion appeared first on LeapRate.

Australia’s corporate regulator has cancelled the Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence of Ricard Securities Pty Ltd, effective 28 October 2025, after the firm failed to pay industry levies and meet key financial reporting obligations. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said Ricard had not paid its levies for the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort and had failed to lodge statutory audits and financial reports. Under the terms of the cancellation, ASIC said Ricard may continue to provide limited financial services until 24 December 2025 to support the winding up, transfer, or day-to-day operations of unregistered managed investment schemes for which it was trustee as of 24 October. During this transition period, the firm must maintain membership in the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and hold professional indemnity insurance if applicable. Ricard has the right to appeal ASIC’s decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Ricard, which has held AFS licence number 299 812 since May 2006, acts as trustee or issuer for at least eight investment vehicles, including the Property Investment Fund, Ethical Development Fund Australia Pty Ltd, Mortgage Income Fund and Equity Income Fund. The post ASIC Cancels Ricard Securities’ AFS Licence appeared first on LeapRate.

The integration allows traders to view and analyse Bloomberg’s data, long regarded as a gold standard in financial markets, directly on TradingView charts.  Bloomberg’s indices are valued for their “accuracy, consistency, and comprehensive coverage,” the company said, helping users benchmark performance, assess trends, and make strategic investment decisions. The new offering includes the top 25 commodity indices, alongside major benchmarks such as the Bloomberg Commodity Index, which tracks futures prices on 24 leading commodities, from energy and grains to metals and livestock.  With more than 60 years of data history, the index is widely used by investors and companies as a barometer of economic activity and liquidity. To access the new data, users can simply open TradingView’s Symbol Search and type the “BBG:” prefix followed by the desired index name. TradingView believes the move strengthens its position as one of the world’s most comprehensive market data platforms, connecting to hundreds of data feeds and offering access to over two million instruments globally. This integration “makes TradingView the only point of entry you’ll ever need for everything on the world’s markets,” the company concluded. The post TradingView Integrates Bloomberg Indices appeared first on LeapRate.

Swissquote bought out PostFinance’s 50% stake in the company earlier this year, gaining full control. De Schepper, who will take up the role immediately, succeeds Markus Schwab, who stepped down at the beginning of August 2025 to pursue a new challenge. De Schepper joined Swissquote in 2015 and most recently served as a member of the executive board and chief sales & marketing officer. He will remain on the executive board, continuing to lead the company’s product and marketing strategy.  “I would like to thank Markus Schwab very much for his excellent work at Yuh,” said Swissquote CEO Marc Burki. He added that under Schwab’s leadership, Yuh became “the most successful digital finance app.” He added: “ I am delighted to be ushering the next phase of growth at Yuh with Jan De Schepper. In his dual role he will optimally coordinate the future product development of Swissquote and Yuh. “This will enable us to integrate Yuh more closely into Swissquote while further strengthening the band.” The post Swissquote Appoints Jan De Schepper as New CEO of Yuh appeared first on LeapRate.

The group replaces the ASX Corporate Governance Council, following recommendations from an expert review released last month. The AGCG will support ASX in developing, approving and issuing the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, which set governance standards for listed companies.  Dr Lowe will lead a small group of experts representing a cross-section of issuers and investors with extensive experience in listed entity governance. ASX Chief Executive Officer Helen Lofthouse said: “ASX is delighted to have a Chair of the calibre of Dr Philip Lowe, given his deep understanding of Australian financial markets, policy development and stakeholder engagement.”  She added that the creation of the AGCG marks an important step in evolving Australia’s capital markets in partnership with its customers. Dr Lowe said he was pleased to accept the role, emphasising that “strong corporate governance remains central to the strength and reputation of Australia’s public markets.”  He added that the new group will work to establish “practical governance practices that drive long-term value for shareholders and listed entities.” Lowe, who served as RBA Governor from 2016 to 2023, is also Chair of Future Generation Australia and serves on the boards of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and Barrenjoey Capital Partners.  Nominations for AGCG members are now open, with ASX seeking broad representation from across the investment and corporate community. The post ASX Appoints Former RBA Governor Dr. Philip Lowe to Chair New Governance Body appeared first on LeapRate.

The move, announced last week, accompanied record third-quarter results, with net revenue up 14% year-over-year to $605.5 million and adjusted earnings per share rising 20% to $2.67. The restructuring will see Cboe initiate a sales process for its Australian and Canadian equities businesses, discontinue U.S. and European corporate listings, and scale back costs tied to its exchange-traded product listings, European derivatives, and smaller analytics operations. “This strategic realignment of our business portfolio and human capital ensures Cboe is well positioned to succeed in a dynamic and evolving market,” said Chief Executive Officer Craig Donohue. He added that the realignment supports Cboe’s “long-term vision to be a global derivatives leader.” Cboe’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Isaacson, stated that the group’s Australian and Canadian exchanges had “performed well and earned a reputation for innovation and reliability,” adding that both were “well positioned for future growth under new ownership.” Chief Financial Officer Jill Griebenow noted that Cboe achieved its third consecutive quarter of record net revenue, supported by a 15% increase in derivatives income and 12% growth in its Data Vantage business.  The company raised its 2025 revenue growth target to the “low double-digit to mid-teens” range while cutting expense guidance, highlighting confidence in its streamlined strategy and continued financial momentum. The post Cboe Initiates Sales Process for Australian and Canadian Equities Businesses appeared first on LeapRate.

Based in Boston, he will report to Chief Executive Officer David Schwimmer and join LSEG’s Executive Committee. In his new role, Coleman will lead the company’s global Sales and Account Management (SAM) team, focusing on driving revenue growth and strengthening client relationships.  He will also oversee go-to-market strategy, sales execution, and coordination with product leaders to align LSEG’s solutions with customer needs and emerging market opportunities. Coleman joins from State Street, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President and Head of Global Client Coverage.  He previously held senior positions at Investors Bank & Trust and Thomson Reuters, bringing more than three decades of experience in sales and relationship management. “We are delighted to welcome Chris to LSEG,” said Schwimmer. “His deep experience in leading global sales teams will help us strengthen our partnerships with customers as we deliver on our strategy as the leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider.” Coleman commented that he was “delighted to be joining LSEG, with its depth and breadth of products and services,” adding that he looked forward to working with the team “to drive the business forward.” The post LSEG Names Chris Coleman Group Head of Sales and Account Management appeared first on LeapRate.

According to a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent filed by FINRA, between December 2017 and March 2022, Interactive Brokers did not provide a consolidated display of market data as required under Rule 603(c) of Regulation National Market System (NMS).  The firm’s trading platforms is said to have sometimes showed incomplete information, such as a stock’s last sale price without the accompanying volume, market identification, or national best bid and offer (NBBO). FINRA stated that the deficiencies affected customers who did not pay for real-time market data through subscriptions or on-demand “snapshots,” with some data delayed by 15 minutes.  The regulator noted that such information “continues to retain a great deal of value in assessing the current market for small trades and the quality of execution of such trades.” Interactive Brokers also breached supervisory requirements under FINRA Rules 3110 and 2010 by failing to maintain adequate systems and written procedures to monitor compliance with the Vendor Display Rule.  The firm did not fully review all order entry points until early 2023. Without admitting or denying the findings, Interactive Brokers consented to the sanctions and agreed to implement remedial measures to prevent future violations. The post FINRA Fines Interactive Brokers $150,000 Over Market Data Display Failures appeared first on LeapRate.

The service, called ‘Bargeld via App’, allows customers to deposit cash directly into their BBVA accounts at supermarket and retail checkouts without visiting a branch. The new function extends BBVA’s existing cooperation with Paysafe’s PaysafeCash solution (marketed as Viacash in Germany), which already enables cash withdrawals in-store.  Both features operate through a barcode generated in the BBVA app, which customers scan at the checkout to complete deposits or withdrawals. “As a digital bank, we rely on smart partnerships to offer our customers maximum flexibility when it comes to cash,” said Luís Fiestas de Fuentes, Head of Digital Banking at BBVA Germany. “Together with Paysafe, we are creating a modern and convenient way to integrate cash into digital banking.” Paysafe Chief Product Officer Bob Legters said the partnership “makes BBVA customers even more independent from traditional bank branches.” Deposits between €50 and €999 can be made per transaction at around 12,000 participating retailers, including REWE, Penny, dm, and Rossmann. The feature is free to use until 31 January 2026, after which a 1.4% fee will apply. BBVA said the launch strengthens its position as a fully digital bank in Germany, complementing its free, interest-bearing current account with enhanced convenience for customers. The post BBVA Expands Digital Offering in Germany with Paysafe Cash Deposit Feature appeared first on LeapRate.

In his new role, Kinahan will lead a newly established business unit focused on developing event-based trading, prediction markets, crypto derivatives, and tokenised instruments, while overseeing product strategy, regulatory coordination, and go-to-market plans. “As our industry undergoes rapid transformation, we see significant opportunity to harness our unique capabilities and accelerate growth in areas where we can lead and differentiate,” said Rob Hocking, Cboe’s Global Head of Derivatives.  He described Kinahan as bringing “an exceptional track record of innovation” and a strong commitment to investor education. Cboe Chief Executive Craig Donohue said Kinahan’s appointment would help the firm “capitalise on emerging opportunities in the retail-oriented digital, crypto, and event markets space.” Kinahan, previously CEO of IG US Holdings, the parent company of tastylive and tastytrade, said he was excited to build on Cboe’s legacy of pioneering products that transformed financial markets. The post Cboe Appoints JJ Kinahan to Lead Retail Market Expansion and Innovation appeared first on LeapRate.

Doran has more than 20 years of experience as a Chief Information Officer, having led large-scale IT transformations in financial services and other industries.  She previously held senior roles at NatWest, Capital One and Royal Mail Group, and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at ClearBank, where she is the Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Board Risk Committee. Metro Bank Chair Robert Sharpe welcomed the appointment, saying: “I am delighted to welcome Catherine to Metro Bank. Her extensive, high-calibre experience at leading businesses, particularly in the development and integration of banking IT systems, will bring new skills and perspectives to the Board.” Doran’s background in technology and risk oversight is expected to bolster the board’s capabilities as the bank modernises its operations and continues to rebuild profitability. The post Metro Bank Appoints Catherine Doran as Non-Executive Director appeared first on LeapRate.