As part of the deal, ICE will become the exclusive global distributor of Polymarket’s event-driven data, providing institutional investors with new sentiment indicators on global events, from politics to markets and sport.  The companies also plan to collaborate on tokenisation initiatives to expand blockchain-based market applications. “Our investment blends ICE, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange, which was founded in 1792, with a forward-thinking, revolutionary company pioneering change within the Decentralized Finance space,” said Jeffrey Sprecher, ICE Chair and CEO. Polymarket’s founder Shayne Coplan said the partnership “marks a major step in bringing prediction markets into the financial mainstream”, combining ICE’s institutional credibility with Polymarket’s innovative consumer platform. Founded in 2020, Polymarket enables users to trade on the probability of future events via blockchain-based smart contracts.  The platform has become known for its accuracy and user engagement, recently securing partnerships with X and Stocktwits. ICE said the cash investment would not materially impact its 2025 financial results and will discuss the deal in detail during its upcoming earnings call on 30 October 2025. The post ICE Invests $2 Billion in Polymarket appeared first on LeapRate.

According to FINRA’s Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent, the violations occurred between January 2022 and September 2025.  Synovus reportedly failed to maintain a supervisory system capable of detecting electronic signature forgery, resulting in more than 100 customers’ signatures being forged across over 150 documents and over 500 forged employee signatures.  The misconduct is said to have left the firm with “hundreds of inaccurate books and records.” The regulator said Synovus breached several key rules, including FINRA Rules 3110, 4511, and 2010, as well as Section 17(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Exchange Act Rule 17a-3, which require firms to maintain accurate books and records. FINRA added that the firm failed to investigate red flags or implement adequate controls, noting that its written supervisory procedures did not address e-signatures until April 2024.  The problem was uncovered only after operations staff noticed irregularities in September 2023. Synovus later confirmed that all affected customers had authorised the transactions and implemented new safeguards. The firm consented to the sanctions without admitting or denying FINRA’s findings. The regulator said the case underscores the importance of robust oversight for digital documentation and electronic authentication processes in the securities industry. The post FINRA Fines Synovus Securities $315,000 appeared first on LeapRate.

The licence enables BitGo MENA to offer spot trading in thousands of digital assets and stablecoins through its integrated OTC trading desk and electronic trading platform.  The company said clients will gain aggregated access to liquidity from leading market makers and exchanges, benefiting from competitive pricing, fast execution, and institutional-grade security. “Receiving our broker-dealer licence from VARA is a milestone for BitGo MENA and a testament to both our commitment to compliance and the strength of Dubai’s progressive regulatory environment,” said Ben Choy, General Manager of BitGo MENA.  “This approval allows us to serve institutional clients with greater scale, confidence, and integrity, while also underscoring the accelerating momentum within Dubai’s digital asset ecosystem.” Nick Coombs, Managing Director of MENA Sales, said the milestone “empowers us to offer institutional-grade trading services, seamlessly integrated with our VARA-regulated and insured custody infrastructure.”  He added that clients would have access to AED and USD trading, local banking facilities, and “a tailored, high-performance trading experience for the MENA region.” BitGo said the move reinforces its commitment to security and compliance, aligning with VARA’s mission to foster transparency, market integrity, and sustainable growth in Dubai’s digital asset economy. The post BitGo Wins VARA Broker-Dealer Licence For Regulated Institutional Crypto Trading in Dubai appeared first on LeapRate.

The collaboration integrates Finery Markets’ liquidity and infrastructure technology into B2TRADER, giving clients direct access to institutional-grade spot liquidity from top-tier providers.  The integration is said to allow anonymous trading, efficient credit intermediation and streamlined post-trade settlement, which the firm says delivers higher reliability and execution quality in digital asset markets. “We selected Finery Markets for its proven ability to power institutional-grade operations,” said Arthur Azizov, CEO and founder of B2BROKER. “This partnership enhances our capacity to deliver deep OTC spot liquidity and efficient execution, ensuring clients operate in a high-performance, secure environment and expand faster with confidence.” The partnership comes as global institutional OTC trading continues to grow rapidly.  According to B2BROKER, global OTC volumes rose 106 percent in 2024, with stablecoin transactions up 147 percent, driven by exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and regulated access products. B2TRADER’s new “plug-and-trade” solution allows brokers and exchanges to offer crypto trading almost instantly, with access to hundreds of crypto pairs and the flexibility to add new instruments within 24 hours. Konstantin Shulga, CEO and co-founder of Finery Markets, said the partnership “provides the technology that empowers institutions to lead in the crypto space.”  The post B2BROKER Partners With Finery Markets to Boost Institutional Crypto Trading appeared first on LeapRate.

The move is seen as a way to increase competition in Australia’s public markets, expanding access to initial public offerings (IPOs), dual-listed entities and new investment opportunities for local investors. ASIC said the decision supports its commitment to promote a more dynamic and competitive listing environment.  “Australia’s capital markets are strong and resilient, but they must continue to adapt to evolving global market dynamics and meet the future needs of our economy,” said ASIC Chair Joe Longo.  “This move will provide more choice for companies to list in Australia, build more links to offshore markets and create more options for investors, which is good news for the Australian economy.” Cboe, formerly known as Chi-X Australia, was launched in 2011 as an alternative trading venue for ASX-listed securities and was acquired by Cboe Global Markets in 2021.  It currently handles about 20 percent of Australia’s equity market turnover, representing nearly $2 billion in trades daily. With ASIC’s approval, Cboe joins the ASX, National Stock Exchange of Australia (NSX) and Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX) as one of four licensed markets able to list securities, a development expected to enhance innovation, efficiency and competition across the Australian capital markets. The post ASIC Approves Cboe Listing Licence, Increasing Competition With ASX appeared first on LeapRate.

The deal will integrate Macro Hive’s AI-powered data analytics and strategy capabilities across BGC’s Rates and FX markets, enhancing its global broking and execution platform for institutional clients.  Macro Hive’s co-founders, Bilal Hafeez and Andrew Simon, will join BGC to help drive innovation and accelerate the integration of analytics within the firm’s trading infrastructure. “Adding Macro Hive to our suite of institutional services enhances our platform with tech-forward insights and proven expertise, setting a new standard for agency services,” said Richard Leighton, Senior Managing Director at BGC Group. Hafeez said the acquisition would allow Macro Hive to deliver its research and analytics to a broader client base.  “Our mission has always been to deliver innovative, AI-driven insights and strategies that empower institutional investors and corporates to make better-informed decisions,” he said. “By combining our expertise with BGC’s global platform, we can deliver unmatched client solutions.” Based in New York and listed on Nasdaq, BGC Group provides marketplace, data, and financial technology services across multiple asset classes, including fixed income, foreign exchange, energy, and equities.  The firm also operates the FMX Futures Exchange, part of its expanding technology and data infrastructure portfolio. The post BGC Group Acquires Macro Hive to Bolster AI-Driven Market Analytics appeared first on LeapRate.

Broadridge said in a press release on Tuesday that the agreement will see SFP Group implement Broadridge’s fully integrated, front-to-back SaaS platform, covering trade order and execution management, portfolio and risk management, compliance, middle-office operations, and regulatory reporting.  The rollout also includes Broadridge’s SWIFT services and trade settlement monitoring, with performance measurement and portfolio simulation supported by Confluence’s Revolution platform. “Technology plays a vital role in our strategic roadmap as we continue to scale our award-winning asset management business,” said Nicolas Di Maggio, CEO of Swiss Finance & Property AG.  He added that Broadridge’s platform would “strengthen operational resilience, and smarter, more agile decision-making,” aligning the firm’s infrastructure with its long-term growth and regulatory goals. The new system is expected to deliver seamless integration between Broadridge’s trade blotter and execution tools, creating a unified experience for traders and portfolio managers.  Broadridge added that enhanced connectivity to the SIX Swiss Exchange and BX Swiss will improve settlement efficiency, while automated trade and transaction reporting aims to eliminate manual work and reduce compliance risks. Mike Sleightholme, President of Broadridge International, said the partnership highlights “growing demand from global asset managers for scalable, future-ready technology.” SFP Group said the upgrade follows a multi-year evaluation aimed at replacing legacy systems to boost transparency, reduce manual processes, and support continued business growth. The post Swiss Finance & Property Group Adopts Broadridge Platform to Modernise Investment Operations appeared first on LeapRate.

The launch allows Schroders to tap into SIX’s extensive distribution network and investor base, which includes both institutional and retail investors across Switzerland.  SIX, one of the first European exchanges to introduce an ETF segment in 2000 and to list active ETFs in 2011, described the move as further diversification of its active ETF offering. Johanna Kyrklund, Group Chief Investment Officer at Schroders, said: “Schroders is bringing more than 220 years of active investment expertise into European active ETFs for the first time. In today’s dynamic market environment, access to market-leading active management expertise is crucial.” Schroders’ entry into Switzerland expands its active ETF footprint, building on earlier launches in Australia and the U.S., where it partnered with Hartford Funds.  Meagen Burnett, Chief Financial Officer at Schroders, said the development “demonstrates our ability to harness the scale of Schroders’ investment and operating platforms to enhance the distribution access points for existing and new clients.” With Schroders’ addition, SIX now hosts 34 ETF issuers and 2,098 ETFs. ETF trading turnover at SIX has reached CHF 94.4 billion so far this year, up nearly 66% from the same period in 2024. The post Schroders Joins SIX Swiss Exchange as New ETF Issuer appeared first on LeapRate.

The acceptance period opens on 6 October and will run until 17 November 2025. The offer marks what Euronext described as a “significant step towards a more integrated and competitive capital market in Europe.”  Under the terms, shareholders will receive one newly issued Euronext share for every 20 ATHEX shares tendered. Euronext said integrating ATHEX into its network of seven European exchanges, including Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam, will embed Greece within “Europe’s largest liquidity pool.”  The move is expected to boost access to financing for Greek corporates and strengthen Athens’ position as a financial hub for Southeastern Europe. “Greece’s robust economic growth, supported by rising investment, growing international confidence, and solid fundamentals, makes this the right moment to strengthen its market,” said Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of Euronext’s Managing Board. “Through the integration of ATHEX into Euronext’s ecosystem, Greece will play a key role in this European project.” The ATHEX Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the offer, with all directors who hold shares committing to tender them. Euronext expects the transaction to generate annual cost synergies of €12 million by 2028 and be accretive for shareholders within the first year after completion.  If the offer achieves 90% acceptance, Euronext will seek to acquire the remaining shares through a squeeze-out procedure. The post Euronext Launches Voluntary Exchange Offer for ATHEX Shares appeared first on LeapRate.

The derivatives and securities exchange network said total options trading across its four U.S. exchanges reached a record average daily volume (ADV) of 20.5 million contracts in September, up 46% from a year earlier and 18.8 million in the third quarter. Index options trading also hit a new high, rising 27.1% year-on-year to an ADV of 5.25 million contracts. Cboe’s proprietary index products saw several milestones, including a new monthly record for S&P 500 (SPX) options, which averaged 4.3 million contracts per day and surpassed the 4 million threshold for the first time.  The firm also reported record quarterly averages for both SPX and Mini-SPX (XSP) options. Trading in U.S. equities rose sharply, with on-exchange activity up 38% year-on-year to an ADV of 1.7 billion shares. Off-exchange equities volumes jumped 183.6%, reflecting increased activity on Cboe’s alternative trading platforms. In futures, average daily contracts fell 11% from last year to 207,000 following the transition of digital futures products earlier in 2025. Cboe projected its third-quarter revenue per contract (RPC) at $0.926 for index options and $0.054 for multi-listed options, while futures RPC is estimated at $1.742.  The exchange group continues to expand globally, operating equities, FX, and clearing businesses across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The post Cboe Sets Record Options Volumes in September appeared first on LeapRate.

The company said the alliance combines Worldline’s global acquiring network and expertise in European aviation payments with YeePay’s strong presence in China’s travel payment ecosystem.  Together, they expect to deliver a one-stop solution for international airlines operating in China and Chinese carriers expanding globally. With YeePay now connected to Worldline’s acquiring network, airlines and travel operators will benefit from faster settlements, improved compliance with Chinese and European regulations, and reduced operational costs.  Travellers will also gain from seamless transactions using local card schemes, international credit cards, and digital wallets. “By combining our global network with YeePay’s unrivalled local expertise, we are creating a new benchmark for cross-border payments that benefits airlines, merchants, and travellers alike,” said Biljana Bosnjak, Vice President of Travel & Hospitality at Worldline. Yu Chen, Co-founder of YeePay, said: “Joining forces with Worldline allows us to extend our capabilities and support both Chinese and international carriers with faster, safer, and more efficient transactions.” The companies said the deal positions them to capitalise on China’s aviation rebound, with cross-border tourism already back to 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The partnership may also extend into other areas of the travel industry, including hotels and online agencies. The post Worldline and YeePay Forge Cross-Border Payments Partnership for China’s Aviation and Travel Sector appeared first on LeapRate.

Regnier joined Santander UK in March 2022 and is said to have played a central role in reshaping the business, including the bank’s acquisition of TSB Banking Group from Banco Sabadell, which is awaiting regulatory approval.  A process to appoint his successor is already underway. “It is my intention to step down as CEO of Santander UK by Q1 2026 after what will be four years of great strategic success for the business,” Regnier said.  He added that the integration of TSB “will take time and focus,” so now is a good moment for the bank to find a successor “who can see this critical project through to completion.” Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Banco Santander, praised Regnier’s leadership, saying he had “done an excellent job” and that the TSB deal “accelerates our strategy and is a clear statement of intent in our ambition for Santander in the UK.” Tom Scholar, Chair of Santander UK, added that the board expects to conclude the appointment process early next year, ensuring leadership stability during a “period of intense change and opportunity.” Regnier’s departure will mark the end of a tenure that saw Santander UK push towards a more unified, customer-focused banking model integrated within the global group. The post Santander UK CEO Mike Regnier to Step Down by Early 2026 appeared first on LeapRate.

Through the new partnership, Samsung Wallet users in the U.S. will gain exclusive access to Coinbase One, the exchange’s premium membership programme, offering zero trading fees, boosted staking rewards, priority support, and account protection against unauthorised fund transfers. The collaboration also integrates Coinbase with Samsung Pay, allowing Galaxy users to spend and manage crypto directly from their devices. “Together with Samsung, we’re pairing their global scale with Coinbase’s trusted platform to deliver the best value for people to access crypto — starting with more than 75 million Galaxy users across the U.S., and soon around the world,” said Shan Aggarwal, Chief Business Officer at Coinbase. Drew Blackard, Senior Vice President of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, said: “Samsung Wallet is a trusted tool to millions of Galaxy users, and we’re continually working to find creative ways to enhance the experience with added functionality. Coinbase is a leader in the industry, which made them the ideal partner.” The post Samsung and Coinbase Partner to Bring Crypto to 75 Million Galaxy Users appeared first on LeapRate.