At the Finance Magnates London Summit (FMLS:25), while discussing the topic Art of the Dealer Risk Management and Industry Education, panelists painted a picture of the modern FX/CFD dealer as part quant, part firefighter and part educator, operating in an environment where poor risk discipline and weak internal understanding can still sink firms. The discussion was moderated by Elina Pedersen, the Co-Founder and CEO of Your Bourse, and brought together panelists: Antois Patinios, Dealing Analyst at TMGM, Lee Goldfarb, the Executive Sales Trader at B2Prime, and Chariton Christou, the Co-Founder and CEO at Boltzam Research.They stressed that while automation and analytics are advancing, the core edge remains a disciplined grasp of risk, market structure and client behavior — and the ability to communicate that across entire brokerages.​What Makes a Top-Tier Dealer“It's a lot less about instinct and a lot more about understanding your underlying flows, who's trading, why they're trading, what they're looking to trade and what kind of risk you can actually manage,” Goldfarb said.“So, you need to know your numbers very well. What is the net open position that you as a firm is comfortable in holding? What is the actual trade flows, how they behave, and how this, how as a broker, how you manage them.”Patinios put adaptability and resilience under pressure at the top of the list, noting that around 80% of his day is structured around routine reporting, exposure checks and system monitoring, with the remaining 20% reserved for handling breaks, outages and sudden market moves.​“I think adaptability and not folding under pressure. Because as a CFD dealer, you have routine daily tasks, but you also have monitoring system health, going through reports, analysis of client flow, how to deal with flow if you have to take defensive measures.”On the question of tools, Christou mentioned that retail dealers increasingly share tools and concepts once reserved for institutions, such as spread decay and markouts, but still face distinct challenges around “toxic” or signal-driven flow. The panel noted that dealers sit at the intersection of pricing, risk and technology, making decisions on whether to internalise or STP client trades while keeping spreads competitive and ensuring platform health in real time.​Retail vs Institutional: An Information GapA recurring theme was the asymmetry of information between retail brokers and institutional liquidity providers. Goldfarb explained that on the institutional side, price-makers can see covariance across flow — for example, identifying clusters of gold EA traders and understanding when a signal is driving the market — giving them a visibility advantage over retail brokers who often see only headline markout metrics.“Institutional space is a kind of different and you have to be sure that the liquidity is there, like kind of every single time you have to understand the flow from a kind of different perspective, Christou agreed.“You don't want actually to increase the spreads. You don't want to have unhappy brokers. While on the CFD retail space, you do care about it, but you also care about consistency of the price.”The panelists agreed that prime-of-prime providers sit “in the middle” of these worlds and need to translate between two sets of metrics and priorities to keep relationships sustainable.​Stress Testing, Concentration Risk and Smaller BrokersThe discussion turned sharper when the moderator raised a comment from one partner that the industry should focus more on stress testing.More from FMLS:25: “We Have Entered an Era Where Data Is Abundant, Accessible, and Tailored,” FMLS:25In an environment where gold can move 5% in a day, that blind spot can be fatal if a skewed book goes the wrong way. According to Goldfarb, “that can be very, very damaging if you have a significant level of B book exposure that goes one way.”“So, it's looking at your book, looking at whether or not the book itself is skewed and looking at how that affects payouts and net open positions. I think a lot of smaller brokers don't look at that.”Education and Opening Up the “Black Box”The second half of the session shifted to industry education, with Patinios offering a personal case study. He joined TMGM with no dealing background and spent roughly three months shadowing senior dealers before placing his first hedge, supported by internal training and regular sessions with teams in Australia.“And I think that's the next step going forward to also not just allow dealers, but let's say people in marketing to understand what they're selling. It's very useful for the future.”Goldfarb described the industry as operating like a “medieval guild”, where aspiring dealers must first be “brought in” by a firm and often cannot obtain platform-specific certificates without an existing license. “I think our industry kind of operates a bit of a black box. It's like a medieval guild. You have to be bought in by a firm, you have to shadow that firm. And then you can go even if you wanted, for example, if you had a MetaTrader license, you can do the MetaTrader dealer certificate.”Who Should Be Educated — and HowOn the question of academic backgrounds, Christou favored quantitative disciplines such as mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science and finance, which equip dealers to reason about trade distributions and exposure in a structured way.Keep reading: Pricing Can Make or Break a CFDs Broker: How Is It Done Right?Asked how to close the gap between dealing and risk departments and the rest of the brokerage, Goldfarb argued that splitting them too rigidly can create conflicts: sales-driven dealers might court high-volume clients whose flow is nearly impossible to place profitably on the back end. “The risk and the dealing kind of need to sit together for the company to run well and for it to be profitable. So that conversation has to be very, very tight. Separating them too much, so you get a conflict between.”Market Reality vs Retail ExpectationsPatinios put real-time exposure dashboards and internal controls at the top of the list, including clear NOP limits, dynamic margin settings ahead of news and continuous monitoring of server and bridge health rather than relying on periodic checks.Responding to a question from the audience towards the end of the discussion, Christou explained that AI plays an everyday operational role, noting that his team was among the early adopters. It includes having own in-house quantitative team to develop advanced machine learning models trained on real GPUs to predict market movements. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Kraken has partnered with Avelacom to give institutional clients faster access to its trading systems, aiming to appeal to firms using latency-sensitive strategies in digital asset markets.The deal connects Avelacom’s network directly to Kraken’s matching engine. The setup allows professional traders to receive market data and execute orders more quickly, enabling strategies such as cross-exchange arbitrage and liquidity aggregation.Low-Latency Connection for Kraken ClientsIn an announcement on Monday, Kraken said clients using the integration can expect real-time price updates with minimal delay and improved execution consistency.The exchange called the upgrade part of its effort to meet the needs of institutions trading across multiple liquidity venues. Avelacom operates a global network linking major financial hubs, including London and Tokyo. Its fiber route between the two cities offers sub-138 millisecond round-trip latency, while hybrid routes combining fiber and wireless further reduce transmission time.The partnership strengthens Kraken’s institutional infrastructure as demand grows for faster and more robust trading systems in the crypto sector. Kraken offers access to the network through its institutional division for clients seeking enhanced trading performance.Recently, Kraken collaborated with Deutsche Börse Group to unify fragmented crypto, foreign exchange, and derivatives markets into a single access point for institutional investors. The collaboration linked Deutsche Börse’s traditional exchange infrastructure with Kraken’s digital asset platform.Expanding Institutional InfrastructureThe deal aims to make trading, settlement, and custody processes seamless across both traditional and digital assets, ensuring investors experience consistent handling whether dealing in stocks, tokens, or futures. The scope covers trading, custody, settlement, collateral management, and tokenized assets.Both parties said the goal is to deliver “frictionless” institutional access through one integrated setup. Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi described the agreement as an example of “what happens when two infrastructures designed for scale and trust intersect.”“Our partnership with Deutsche Börse Group demonstrates what happens when two infrastructures designed for scale and trust intersect,” commented Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO of Kraken.Additionally, Kraken has agreed to acquire Backed Finance, a platform that issues blockchain-based tokens representing real-world securities such as stocks and exchange-traded funds. The move aims to bring tokenized products closer to Kraken’s main trading operations ahead of its planned public listing in 2026, and will allow the exchange to integrate the issuance and trading of these assets within a single platform. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team today announced a major new multi-year partnership with IC, one of the world’s leading online trading brands. IC joins the team as the Official FX Trading Partner, with branding debuting on the nose, front wing, halo, and cockpit headrests of the Haas car at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As one of the world’s largest and most trusted trading brands, IC Markets has long been synonymous with cutting-edge technology, speed, and transparency. The visual identity change to IC represents the move towards a cleaner, more unified brand expression that supports IC’s future global growth plans for 2026. The collaboration with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team represents IC’s largest global motorsport partnership to date, aligning the brand with one of Formula 1’s most dynamic teams at a pivotal moment for the sport’s global growth. “Formula 1 is the perfect expression of precision, discipline, and performance under pressure, qualities that resonate deeply with IC and with the traders we serve around the world,” said Tony Philip, Chief Marketing Officer at IC. “This partnership marks an important milestone in our global growth strategy. Alongside it, we are also rolling out a timely refresh of our logo and visual identity, a small but meaningful step as we embark on the next chapter of the IC journey.” Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, added “We’re excited to welcome IC to the team. Their focus on technology, efficiency, and continual improvement aligns closely with our ethos in Formula 1. We look forward to building a high-performing partnership together.” Jason Hughes, General Manager of IC MENA, commented “The UAE is shaping the future of global finance, making Abu Dhabi the perfect stage for this partnership. Our presence here reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our ambition to continue delivering world-class trading experiences and products.” About IC MarketsIC Markets is one of the world’s largest online trading providers, offering access to a wide range of trading instruments across Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Bonds, and Cryptocurrencies. Known for its deep liquidity, ultra-low spreads, and advanced trading technology, IC Markets is trusted by traders in over 200 countries. Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Trading may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you read and understand the legal documents available on our website and seek independent advice if necessary. Availability of instruments varies by jurisdiction. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

The cryptocurrency market is flashing green during Monday's trading session, 8 December, 2025, prompting investors to ask why crypto is going up today. Major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin are posting gains, driven by a relief bounce from recent lows.However, despite today's optimism, my technical analysis suggests this is likely a temporary pause before further declines. Below you can find a detailed breakdown of the charts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin.Why Crypto Is Surging Today?The crypto market is seeing a recovery as volatility begins to normalize. According to Paul Howard, Director at Wincent, the market is currently establishing a trading range rather than entering a full-blown bull run."We continue to see cryptocurrency prices closely correlated with global macro-economic events. Whilst BTC CME volatility has gradually risen the past few weeks, the return to high 40s is welcome from many traders," he said. Bitcoin is currently supported mainly by the weakening U.S. dollar, which has fallen to its lowest level since October, as well as a renewed appetite for risk assets, including equities. The S&P 500 ended last week at 6,870, its highest level in six weeks.This week, investors are focused on the Federal Reserve, which will announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday. How does the technical picture look on the charts? I examine it in the following section of the analysis.Bitcoin Price Analysis: Why I Believe BTC Will Drop to $74,000BTC Current Price: $92,000 (+1.8%)During Monday’s session, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $92,000, marking a second consecutive day of gains. However, according to my technical analysis, this sideways movement is merely a pause before a continuation of the downtrend toward my ultimate target: the April lows of $74,000.Currently, I see Bitcoin trapped below a critical resistance zone of $92,000 - $94,000. On my chart, the price has already printed bearish sell signals twice at this height, most recently a bearish engulfing pattern between December 3rd and 4th.Furthermore, I am closely watching the "Death Cross" (50-day EMA crossing below the 200-day EMA) that formed on November 16. To me, this is a clear signal that current levels will not hold. I expect the recent lows to be breached, with Bitcoin eventually descending to my target of $74,000. Only after flushing out the "weak hands" at that level do I expect a slow re-accumulation and a eventual return to All-Time Highs, though almost certainly not this year."In my assessment, it is far too early to pop the champagne and announce that the worst is over," Arkadiusz Jóźwiak, Crypto Analyst and Editor-in-Chief at Comparic.pl, said, backing my outlook. "From a technical point of view, the downtrend will continue as long as Bitcoin does not break new higher peaks."Please also check my other articles with Bitcoin price predictions and analyses:Ethereum Price Technical Analysis Points to a Fall Below $1,500ETH Current Price: ~$3,156 (+3%)Ethereum (ETH) is recovering above the psychological $3,000 level, but my analysis suggests caution. As I observe on the chart, ETH remains stuck in a month-long consolidation between support at $2,750 and resistance at $3,400.Similar to Bitcoin, the moving averages on my chart show a Death Cross, confirming a dominant downtrend. Consequently, I am betting on a breakdown from this consolidation rather than a breakout.If my bearish scenario plays out, the price will slide toward the June lows of $2,100. My ultimate bearish target for Ethereum aligns with the April lows, meaning I see a high probability of ETH falling below $1,500.XRP Price Forecast: Why I Am Targeting $1.25?XRP Current Price: $2.09 (+2.6%)XRP is enjoying a bounce, but I remain skeptical of this rally. My analysis identifies a local resistance zone starting at $2.00 and extending to $1.90, where declines halted in late November.While the June lows at this level previously triggered a massive rally to $3.60, the technical situation today is vastly different. I see strong sell signals, including another Death Cross, which supports the bears. If the current local support fails, I assume further depreciation for XRP.My first target is $1.61, followed by an ultimate slide to $1.25, the lowest levels since November 2024.What would change my mind? For me to flip bullish, XRP would need to reclaim the resistance zone between $2.20 and $2.30. The optimal bullish scenario would require a breakout above $2.70, but until then, I remain bearish.Dogecoin Price Prediction: DOGE May Crash to $0.10DOGE Current Price: $0.1436 (+3.6%)Dogecoin (DOGE) is up 3.6% today, but on my chart, the damage has already been done. DOGE officially broke through the major support zone I had marked based on the lows of March, April, and June.On November 21, the price dipped to $0.1332, proving to me that the buying pressure has evaporated. In my opinion, the fact that the zone widened without a dynamic rebound is a significant weakness. The pressure remains strongly bearish as sellers have pushed the price below key technical levels.Breakdown: On November 21, the price dipped as low as $0.1332, widening the support zone but failing to trigger a dynamic rebound.Trend: Moving averages indicate a downtrend.Recovery Hurdle: To relieve selling pressure, DOGE must return to at least $0.20 (psychological level + 200-day MA). Only then could a move toward $0.30 be considered.For Dogecoin to relieve this selling pressure, it would need to return to at least $0.20 on my chart. Until that happens, I am treating this as a "hunt for lows." If the current fragile support gives way, I expect a crash toward $0.10, testing the flash-crash levels from October 10.FAQ: Common Questions About Today's Crypto MarketWhy is crypto going up today? The crypto market is rising today due to a relief bounce and stabilizing global macro sentiment, as noted by Wincent Director Paul Howard. However, despite the green charts, technical indicators suggest this is a temporary correction within a broader downtrend rather than the start of a new bull run.What is the Bitcoin price prediction for late 2025? While Bitcoin has recovered to $92,000, technical analysis predicts a drop to $74,000 in the coming weeks. A "Death Cross" formation and resistance at $94,000 suggest that Bitcoin will likely revisit its April lows before any sustainable long-term recovery begins.Will Ethereum go back up to $4,000? No, it is unlikely in the short term. Ethereum is currently trapped in a bearish consolidation between $2,750 and $3,400. Technicals point to a high probability of a breakdown toward $2,100, with a potential ultimate bottom below $1,500 if the bearish trend confirmed by the 50/200 MA cross continues.Is Dogecoin a good investment right now? Yes, but caution is advised. Despite today's 3.6% gain, Dogecoin has broken major support levels from earlier this year. Unless DOGE reclaims the $0.20 level, the chart favors a "hunt for lows" strategy with a price target of $0.10.Why is XRP price falling despite the rally? Although XRP is up slightly today, the broader trend is bearish due to a "Death Cross" signal. Unless XRP breaks above resistance at $2.20-$2.30, analysts forecast a decline to $1.61 and potentially as low as $1.25. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

With AI ambitions and hellbent on reinvention, Apple is shedding its old guard and stacking the deck with hardware, design, and AI-savvy players, all before its next CEO even takes over.Who’s Leaving: It’s a LotIn recent weeks Apple has quietly made history. Key figures across artificial intelligence (AI), design, legal, environment policy and operations have announced their departure or retirement. Among the departures: the head of AI strategy, the VP in charge of human-interface design, the general counsel, the VP overseeing environmental and social initiatives, and the longtime COO. On top of that, rumors swirl that even the head of hardware technologies, who plays a crucial role in Apple’s silicon efforts, is reconsidering his future at the company. That level of churn, across multiple senior layers, is virtually unparalleled for Apple in decades. Why It’s Happening at Apple: Succession, Strategy, and AI PressureSuccession planning in full swingBehind the exodus lies a clear signal: the transition from Tim Cook may be imminent. The likely successor: John Ternus, Apple’s SVP of hardware engineering. He has become the internal frontrunner to take the helm, and his rising public profile suggests leadership is laying the groundwork for a 2026-era shake-up. Promotions and reshuffles across AI, design, and hardware appear carefully calibrated for that moment. The goal seems to be a leadership team aligned with Ternus’s product-first sensibilities. AI is forcing a rethinkApple’s been under pressure for lagging behind rivals in generative AI and cloud-based AI services. Its previous model, in-house AI research, on-device AI features, slow but privacy-centric, hasn’t cut it in the current race. That has led to internal frustration, and a recognition that Apple may need deeper talent and fresh approaches.Apple intelligence once again showing us how bad it is compared to other AI. ? pic.twitter.com/wDjH4nkoJ5— I Hate Apple (@iHateApplee) November 29, 2025Hence the shake-up: Apple is replacing legacy execs with newer leaders who have hardware or AI chops, or both. As companies such as OpenAI and Google recalibrate around fast-moving AI and hardware integration, Apple might be seeking to do the same.A New (AI) Approach?The exit of old-guard design leads at a moment like this looks intentional. The departure of the former VP of human interface design, for example, coincides with Apple staffing up a new generation of designers ready for AI, XR, and new form factors. That suggests Apple is trying to reforge its aesthetic and UX identity, aligning it with emerging experiences: spatial computing, augmented reality, and AI-driven interfaces.Apple chip chief weighs exit amid leadership exodus https://t.co/fOOTsjLWog— Rory Bernier (@RoryCrave) December 8, 2025What It Means for Apple – Good, Bad or Just Different?A Bolder Apple May EmergeIf those changes deliver, Apple could reposition itself as a more experimental, forward-looking company. Under hardware- and AI-oriented leadership, Apple might finally launch the kind of breakthrough products it’s been desperately needing: VR/AR gear, AI-driven devices, perhaps a revived “post-iPhone” roadmap.The new leadership slate is stacked toward people who can actually build and ship hardware, not just manage supply chains or legal battles. That could deliver more creative output, possibly game-changing products.Stability and Brand Identity are at Risk?With turnover this high, Apple is sure to lose institutional memory, cohesion, stability. It’s no longer the quiet, carefully managed giant. There is a risk that Apple becomes more unpredictable, which may delight investors in the short term, but could erode the precise, consistency-driven brand Apple has built for decades.The old Apple formula of producing refined, functional, polished products may give way to the ever-so fashionable “move fast and iterate” ethos. That might alienate longtime customers who value that polish, predictability, and reliability.Apple’s artificial intelligence head John Giannandrea will retire early next year, though he will continue to serve as an advisor to the tech giant during his remaining tenure.READ: https://t.co/sqh5VwD4c8 pic.twitter.com/ACiWu45AMT— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) December 2, 2025A Gamble on Hardware-first AIThe shift suggests Apple (still) sees hardware as the core of its future AI success: local chips, spatial computing, custom silicon, rather than chasing the cloud-AI model favored by many rivals. That may offer privacy and integration benefits, but also means higher risk and longer development cycles. If those bets don’t pay off, Apple could be left behind in the AI arms race.Meanwhile competition is fierce. Ex-Apple talent has already started migrating to rivals working on AI-hardware hybrids.Apple's Bottom Line: A Clean Break or a Crash Course?What’s going on isn’t just management shuffling. It is a signal: Apple is pivoting. The leadership exodus, tied to succession planning and shifting priorities, is a calculated move. The old Apple, efficient, incremental, product-cycle focused, is being dismantled. What comes next could be more daring, riskier, more chaotic.But with risk comes opportunity. If Apple nails this pivot to hardware-driven AI, revamped design, and bold new products, we may look back at this moment as the moment the company redefined itself for the next decade. If not, it might be remembered as the start of a decline.For now, Cupertino is quietly betting big. The rest of us just have to wait and see how the cards fall. This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.

Pepperstone has received a Category 5 licence from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority and opened a new onshore office in Dubai.The move reflects interest among retail brokers in obtaining UAE onshore licences. Rostro Group, the owner of retail broker Scope, secured a Category 5 licence from the regulator. Earlier this month, online trading firm XM also confirmed that it obtained SCA approval to operate in the country under a Category 5 licence.Dubai Office Becomes Pepperstone Regional HubThe SCA licence allows Pepperstone to carry out “Arrangement and Advice” activities in the UAE. This includes regulated marketing, promotion, and limited advisory and introduction services. These activities are permitted for professional clients and partners under the onshore regulatory framework.Pepperstone’s new office is located at Emaar Square in Dubai. The office will serve as the firm’s regional hub for the UAE and the wider MENA region. It will support relationship management, commercial operations, and education. It will also act as a local contact point for institutional partners, professional traders, and introducing brokers.SCA Approval Enhances Pepperstone UAE OperationsGescard Hessen, Head of MENA at Pepperstone, described the move as a “strategic milestone.” He said operating onshore under the SCA framework allows the firm to stay closer to clients and “respond faster to evolving market needs.”The new SCA licence adds to Pepperstone’s existing regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions. The company said the approval supports its ability to provide regulated services with local oversight for professional clients in the region.Dubai Brokers Benefit from Digital Licensing SystemThe expansion of brokers in Dubai coincides with the DFSA’s launch of a digital platform to update licensing for firms operating in the DIFC. DFSA Connect automates parts of the authorization process and aims to reduce processing times by about one-third. Application volumes rose 18% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024, with retail brokers, CFD and FX firms, and cryptocurrency companies seeking licenses in Dubai. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

TRAction and DXtrade have connected their systems to automate trade reporting for CFD brokers using both services, the companies said today (Monday).The integration sends trading data from DXtrade platforms directly into TRAction's reporting infrastructure. Firms using both systems can now file regulatory reports without manually transferring information between platforms.TRAction and DXtrade Link Trade Reporting SystemsAccording to the companies, the connection eliminates steps that previously required human intervention. Trading activity recorded on DXtrade platforms flows automatically to TRAction's systems, which format the data according to regulatory specifications and submit reports to approved repositories.The press release sent to FinanceMagnates.com claims that one unnamed CFD broker has deployed the integrated system in recent weeks. The setup is now available to other firms using both services."We are pleased to announce our new integration with DXtrade, demonstrating our dedication to simplifying trade reporting," said Quinn Perrott, co-CEO at TRAction. "This partnership highlights our commitment to delivering seamless, compliant solutions for our clients that ease the reporting burden on teams, enabling them to focus more on client services and growth."This is another recent partnership between TRAction and a technology firm from the CFD industry, following its July collaboration with Tools for Brokers (TFB), which integrated automated regulatory reporting directly into the Trade Processor platform to simplify compliance for brokers and financial institutions.Regulatory reporting requirements have expanded in multiple jurisdictions. European markets implemented EMIR Refit changes, while Australian and Singaporean regulators rewrote their frameworks. TRAction has built connections to various trading platforms to help clients manage these obligations.Platform CompatibilityDXtrade offers three versions of its platform. DXtrade XT handles listed securities and derivatives, DXtrade CFD covers over-the-counter asset classes, and DXtrade Crypto supports digital assets. The TRAction integration works across all these platforms."At Devexperts, we focus on giving brokers flexible technology that supports their business end-to-end,” Jon Light, Senior Director of Product Management at Devexperts, said. “Partnering with TRAction extends this philosophy, making it easier for firms to automate and simplify their regulatory process without compromising efficiency and accuracy."TRAction provides reporting services to more than 800 investment firms across Europe, the UK, Australia and Singapore. The company handles data conversion, submission to trade repositories, and helps clients interpret reporting requirements.DXtrade, built by software developer Devexperts, operates trading platforms for listed securities, over-the-counter derivatives and digital assets. The company has developed financial software since 2002.Two weeks ago, Devexperts announced another partnership, incorporating oneZero’s Market Analytics tools into its charting solution. The integration enables traders and brokers to access near real-time pattern recognition and technical signals powered by Autochartist. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team added a new sponsor last week, announcing online broker IC Markets as its official Forex trading partner. The sponsorship agreement was announced ahead of the formula season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, which took place yesterday (Sunday).Haas F1 Team Signs Sponsorship Deal With Online Broker IC MarketsThe multi-year deal puts IC Markets branding on several prominent spots of the Haas car, including the nose, front wing, halo, and cockpit headrests. The partnership marks the largest motorsport sponsorship for the Australia-based broker, which serves clients in more than 200 countries.The timing coincides with a brand refresh for IC Markets, which shortened its name to "IC" as it looks to expand further in 2026. Tony Philip, the company's Chief Marketing Officer, described Formula 1 as a natural fit for a business built around speed and precision."Formula 1 is the perfect expression of precision, discipline, and performance under pressure, qualities that resonate deeply with IC and with the traders we serve around the world," Philip said in a statement.Brand Refresh Accompanies F1 EntryThe deal represents a shift in marketing strategy for IC Markets, which has operated since 2007 offering retail access to forex, stock indices, commodities, and cryptocurrency trading. "The UAE is shaping the future of global finance, making Abu Dhabi the perfect stage for this partnership," Jason Hughes, General Manager for the Middle East and North Africa region, noted the location of the announcement.The company recently made it easier for its clients to access copy-trading services by adding a cTrader widget to the client area. Earlier, it announced plans to expand its global presence by entering the UAE market.F1 Sponsorships Gain Traction Among BrokersFormula 1 sponsorship has become increasingly attractive to financial services companies as the sport expands its global reach. The series added races in Miami, Las Vegas, and Saudi Arabia in recent years, while viewership has grown substantially in key markets like the United States.IC Markets joins a crowded field of trading platforms advertising in F1, including several competitors that already sponsor teams or races like Vantage, which announced a partnership with Ferrari's Formula 1 team, Scuderia Ferrari HP in February.Around the same time, Libertex also joined the group of Formula One sponsors through its partnership with the Kick Sauber F1 Team, while Public became a supporter of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Rostro Group, the owner of retail broker Scope, has secured a Category 5 license from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), opening the door for the Dubai-based holding company to expand its brokerage and trading services across the country and wider Gulf region.Rostro’s UAE License Adds Local Market AccessThe group, founded in 2021 and active across multiple brokerage and fintech brands, said in the announcement the license is a cornerstone of its long-term presence in the UAE.With the SCA approval, Rostro can offer more than 60 regional contracts for difference on equities and proprietary CFD indices that track the performance of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets.“We at Rostro Group see the UAE as one of the most forward-thinking financial centers, one that will soon rival leading centers like London, Singapore or New York,” Michael Ayres, the CEO of Rostro Group, commented. “Securing this license deepens our alignment with the country’s vision to build a tech-first, institutionally robust financial ecosystem and propels our contribution to its next phase of growth.” The group has already set up local banking relationships and is positioning its Scope Prime unit to deliver multi-asset prime brokerage services to financial institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council.On the retail side, Scope Markets plans to provide accounts in several base currencies, including UAE dirham and US dollar, reflecting the mix of local and international clients it targets from the UAE hub. Scope Brands Anchor Institutional And Retail PushRostro’s structure spans multiple business lines aimed at different client segments, with Scope Prime focusing on institutional customers and Scope Markets serving individuals seeking access to global trading and investing. Earlier this year, the group added a futures and options division, appointing Saul Knapp as Managing Director of the new business and preparing to offer direct market access through arrangements with order management system providers TT and CQG.The company has also broadened its digital asset offering for institutional clients under Scope Prime, launching prime services for crypto CFDs with margin requirements ranging from 2 percent to 20 percent depending on activity and risk profile. Management Bench Deepens Ahead Of Growth PlansThe UAE license caps a period of management changes at Rostro as it builds governance and operational depth across trading, growth and people functions. In October, the group named Kate Mason-Keaney as its first Chief People and Organization Officer and promoted Scope Markets CEO Pavel Spirin to Group Chief Growth Officer, creating a dedicated function to oversee expansion across its portfolio.In trading, Rostro recently appointed Oliver Ryan as Head of Trading Operations, adding experience from roles at Exinity, Advanced Markets Group, CMC Markets and Equiti Capital. Earlier, the group also brought in Demetra Charalambous as Group Finance Director and Sammy Christou as Managing Director of systematic market making, as it strengthened its trading and risk operations. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

OANDA has appointed Paweł Latocha as Head of Operational Risk for OANDA Group and named him to the management board of OANDA TMS, the company's Polish subsidiary.The company’s Supervisory Board approved Latocha's adequacy assessment for the Management Board position on Nov. 27. He joins a five-member board led by President Marcin Niewiadomski, who also serves as OANDA's Head of Europe.Risk Management Background at Major Financial FirmsLatocha spent over four years at London-based IG Group before joining OANDA in December. He started at IG as a risk reporting manager in 2021, then moved up to head operational risk assurance and reporting in 2022. Most recently, he led IG's risk and compliance portfolio and systems, overseeing change management and project delivery.Before his time in the brokerage industry, Latocha held risk management roles at State Street and Deutsche Bank in Poland. He also spent several years at Shell, where he managed tax teams in Krakow.Timing Follows FTMO AcquisitionThe appointment comes shortly after Czech prop trading firm FTMO completed its purchase of OANDA from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The deal, which was announced in February, required approvals from five different regulators and took roughly eight months to finalize. FTMO closed the transaction on Dec. 1 after receiving the last regulatory sign-off in November.FTMO has said it plans to run OANDA as a standalone business while building what it calls a "trading powerhouse" that spans prop trading, brokerage and related services. OANDA operates regulated entities in eight markets including New York, Toronto, London, Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney.It is also worth noting that OANDA previously acquired one of the largest Polish brokers, TMS Brokers, and now operates in the local market under the name OANDA TMS.Management Shifts at OANDALatocha's hiring follows other recent executive moves at both OANDA and IG Group. IG brought in David Perry as group chief technology officer in October and named Michael Vaughan as CEO for North America the same month.OANDA TMS Brokers operates under the supervision of Poland's financial regulator and has been active in the Polish market since receiving its license in 2004. The Warsaw-based firm has share capital of 3.5 million zloty. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading Technologies names new EMEA sales headThis week brought a fresh round of leadership moves across the industry. Trading Technologies appointed Rajiv Shah as Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Based in London, Shah brings more than 20 years of experience in enterprise technology to the futures trading software provider.In his new role, he will lead efforts to expand Trading Technologies’ client base and strengthen existing relationships across the region. The appointment comes as the company continues to extend its services to cover a broader part of the trade lifecycle.Show more about Trading Technologies' appointment of Rajiv Shah as Head of Sales for EMEA.CFI names new CTOAt the same time, CFI Financial Group named Martin Kiuru as Chief Technology Officer. Kiuru brings over 20 years of experience in fintech and digital transformation and will oversee the group’s global technology strategy.The appointment followed the firm’s continued expansion across the Middle East. In October, CFI opened a Bahrain office and appointed Yaseen Alsamerrai as country head after securing an investment business license from the Central Bank of Bahrain earlier in the year.Disclose more about CFI's appointment of new CTO.Ex-Doo Prime executive joins IC Markets EUAdditionally, Yiannis Kontoyiannis took the role of Head of Funding at IC Markets EU. His appointment marks a continuation of his focus on managing and optimizing funding operations within the trading industry.Kontoyiannis joins from Doo Prime in Limassol, Cyprus, where he spent more than two years in various finance roles. He advanced from Senior Fund Accountant to Funding Team Leader before becoming Head of Funding.Highlight more about Yiannis Kontoyiannis’ appointment at IC Markets EU.CMC Markets sales head exits after 13 yearsElsewhere, Toby Morris, the Head of Sales Trading & Execution at CMC Markets, announced his departure after nearly 13 years with the firm. He noted that he had helped build the Sales Trading desk “from a standing start” into what he described as a “genuinely global, centralized, multi-asset operation.”His exit comes amid a period of elevated management turnover at CMC Markets, with several senior figures leaving the brokerage over the past 18 months. Morris is the latest in that series of departures.Showcase more about Toby Morris' departure from CMC Markets.FXTRADING names Adam Phillips CEOAlso this week, multi-asset broker FXTRADING.com appointed Adam Phillips as its new Chief Executive Officer. Phillips brings more than 25 years of experience in institutional trading and prime brokerage.His career has focused on managing large institutional mandates and maintaining relationships with major global banks, including UBS and Deutsche Bank. FXTRADING.com has historically focused on the retail segment.Learn more about FXTRADING appointment of Adam Phillips as CEO.BUX names Marlou Jenniskens CEOFinally, BUX, the Europe-based neo-broker owned by ABN AMRO, hired Marlou Jenniskens as its next Chief Executive Officer. She currently leads Digital Wealth Products at ABN AMRO. Jenniskens will replace Yorick Naeff, who is moving to a new role focused on innovation at ABN AMRO.Jenniskens brings nearly 16 years of experience at the bank, covering equity capital markets, digital product development, and leadership positions in private banking.Disclose more about BUX's naming of Marlou Jenniskens as CEO. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

FTMO completes acquisition of OandaDecember is here, yet the pipeline of broker and fintech news remains full. FTMO, a global player in modern prop trading, completed its acquisition of OANDA Global Corporation, a major online trading group. The deal followed a purchase agreement signed earlier this year with former owner CVC Asia Fund IV and closed on 1 December after securing all required regulatory approvals. Also this week, FTMO announced that its services are now available to traders in India. The expansion gives Indian traders access to one of the sector’s most prominent prop brands.The5ers founders launch CFD brokerMeanwhile, the wall between prop trading and retail CFDs is getting thinner. The founders of prop-trading heavyweight The5ers launched TSG., a Cyprus‑regulated CFD brokerage, in a move they describe as a strategic extension of their business into retail trading infrastructure.The5ers Founder, @Gil_BenHur and Biz-Dev Director Tomer Mann represented the Five Percent Group at FMLS:25 in London!Gil spoke on the “State of the Prop 2026” panel - a highlight of a strong week for the group. pic.twitter.com/UjRrqsKymR— The5ers (@the5erstrading) November 30, 2025Co‑founder Gil Ben Hur said the goal is to pair The5ers’ funding model with the CySEC‑regulated security of TSG. in a single ecosystem for retail traders, while stressing that the brokerage, headquartered in Nicosia, will operate separately from the Israel‑based prop brand.Plus500 enters prediction markets as clearing partnerAs the prediction markets edge further into the financial mainstream, Plus500 is positioning itself. The London-listed broker entered the prediction markets space as the clearing partner for CME and FanDuel’s new event-based contracts platform. The move follows CME’s recently announced partnership with the online gaming company. Under the arrangement, Plus500 will provide brokerage execution and clearing services for FanDuel Prediction Markets.CNN, CNBC bet on Kalshi’s event oddsPrediction markets are also creeping into mainstream media. CNBC agreed to a partnership Kalshi this week, that will see the prediction markets operator's event‑odds data rolled out across the network’s TV, digital and subscription products from next year. The deal follows a similar arrangement with CNN, underscoring how major news outlets are starting to use prediction‑market prices to frame coverage of politics, the economy and global events.Polymarket launches U.S. appKashi's major competitor, Polymarket, launched its first US mobile app, offering real‑money sports markets under federal oversight after receiving approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.Against all odds. Polymarket’s U.S app is now being rolled out to those on the waitlist. We’re launching with sports — followed by markets on everything. pic.twitter.com/WOoVMszrqc— Polymarket (@Polymarket) December 3, 2025The launch marked a return to the US for the platform, which previously moved offshore in 2022 following regulatory action over unregistered event‑based derivatives.Prediction markets face crackdownNot all is pomp and hype for prediction markets. Connecticut regulators issued cease and desist letters to Robinhood, Crypto.com and Kalshi, alleging the platforms are operating unlicensed sports wagering services in violation of state law.? Today, DCP's Gaming Division issued Cease and Desist orders to three platforms conducting unlicensed sports wagering. Learn why Prediction Market Platforms offering "Sports Events" Contracts are illegal:https://t.co/LXLK1tRR0w— Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (@CTDCP) December 3, 2025The action targets their prediction and sports event markets. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division ordered the firms to stop advertising and offering sports-related contracts to Connecticut residents and to allow affected users in the state to withdraw their funds.24/5 trading and what it means for investorsIs round‑the‑clock trading great for bragging rights but not so great for returns? Well, critics argue that being able to trade round the clock is not always an advantage and that, from a strategy standpoint, having fewer chances to trade can sometimes work better.Morningstar’s Mind the Gap 2025 report underlines the point, finding that US mutual funds and ETFs returned an aggregate 8.2% a year in the decade to the end of 2024 on an initial lump-sum basis, while the average trader earned 7% annually over the same period.How 40 minutes flipped views on prop tradingMeanwhile, a charged debate at the Finance Magnates London Summit (FMLS:25) saw industry veterans Drew Niv, Chief Strategy Officer at ATFX, and Brendan Callan, CEO of Tradu, face off over whether the fast-growing retail prop trading sector represents healthy innovation or a looming regulatory problem.An audience that began the session strongly backing the motion “Prop trading is good for the trading industry” shifted position by the end, ultimately voting against it and delivering a narrow win to the more skeptical side.Trustpilot hit by “mafia-style extortion” claimsLondon-listed shares of Trustpilot, whose ratings are widely used in marketing by brokers and prop trading firms, dropped about 30 per cent after short seller Grizzly Research accused the review platform of running a “mafia-style extortion” scheme that pressures companies to buy subscriptions to improve their scores. The US-based short seller detailed its claims in a 43-page report and disclosed that it has taken a short position in Trustpilot’s London-listed stock.XTB CEO slams Revolut, says Robinhood can’t crack EuropeIn the fintech space, XTB CEO Omar Arnaout offered a frank assessment of the trading landscape during a panel at the Invest Cuffs conference in Warsaw. He said the Poland-based firm, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, aims to become “Europe’s Robinhood” but doubts the U.S. brokerage will find success expanding across the continent. Arnaout also commented on Revolut, calling it another major competitor in the region. Speaking alongside executives from other Polish companies, he outlined XTB’s growth ambitions and gave a candid view of how the firm sees its position in Europe’s crowded retail trading market.Saxo Bank tops 1.5 million clientsElsewhere, Saxo Bank announced it now serves 1.5 million clients, marking continued growth for the Danish trading and investment platform. The milestone highlights the rising trend of individual investors taking a more active role in managing their portfolios. In May 2024, the Copenhagen-based firm reported client assets of DKK 800 billion ($116.1 billion), a record at the time, alongside a client base of over 1.2 million. Founder and CEO Kim Fournais credited the expansion to competitive pricing, a wide product range, and tools that support portfolio diversification.Bitcoin slide signals risk-off turn in crypto marketsIn the crypto space, Bitcoin fell sharply in early December after trading above 126,000 dollars in October, dropping below 86,000 dollars and signaling a sharp reversal for recent bullish bets on the token.BREAKING: Bitcoin falls -$4,000 in 2 hours as mass liquidations return.$400 million worth of levered longs have been liquidated over the last 60 minutes. pic.twitter.com/qKB7MYJapu— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) December 1, 2025In early Asian trading on Monday, 1 December, the cryptocurrency slid as much as 6 percent, breaking below 88,000 dollars before extending losses to under 86,000 dollars, according to market reports.MicroStrategy and Michael Saylor’s next moveThe latest downward pressure in Bitcoin has weighed heavily on one of its biggest corporate backers. Strategy Inc., formerly MicroStrategy, has amassed a cash reserve of about 1.44 billion dollars and indicated it may sell some of its Bitcoin holdings if market prices fall further. Bitcoin’s drop from October highs near 126,000 dollars to lows around 85,000 dollars has cut the token’s value by almost 30 percent, directly affecting Strategy’s earnings because it holds roughly 650,000 BTC, or about 3.1 percent of Bitcoin’s eventual supply, under accounting rules that flow market value changes through its income statement.Meta retreats from metaverseWhat happens to the metaverse dream when even Meta starts tightening the purse strings? Meta is quietly dialing down its once grand metaverse bet as it chases the next wave of growth in artificial intelligence and hardware.Metaverse land buyers then and now pic.twitter.com/I8yx0SbdKz— Tenacious (@TenaciousBit) December 4, 2025Meta is considering deep budget cuts at its metaverse division while redirecting more resources toward AI and smart wearables, after years of heavy investment in its virtual and augmented reality ambitions. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Jo Benton, the former ADSS executive, is moving to Marex as Group Head of Brand and Channels. Benton previously served as chief marketing officer at ADSS for almost four years before leaving the broker earlier this year.​Seasoned Industry Expert In a post announcing the move, Benton said she took several months away from work following her departure from ADSS, which she described as a difficult but necessary decision that allowed time for reflection and a reset.“Reflection, for me, came through slowing down and actually enjoying some time off. And after a glorious few months of doing very little, the reset has arrived. I’m delighted to share that I’ve now joined Marex as Group Head of Brand and Channels,” she posted on Friday.Benton is a seasoned expert in the trading and investing space. Prior to ADSS, she held the role of Head of Marketing and PR at Saxo Capital Markets. Experience in the CFD Space Benton was a panelist at the recently concluded Finance Magnates London Summit, held at the Magazine London venue. The discussion, moderated by Finance Magnates Editor-in-Chief Yam Yehoshua, explored “Marketing in 2026: Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI.”Her extensive experience in the CFD space started CMC Markets, where she joined as the UK Marketing Manager and later served as the Group Head of Marketing and Brand. “Earlier this year, after nearly four years of fun, I left my role CMO at ADSS. As clichéd as it sounds, hard goodbyes really do make space for reflection and reset,” she said. You may also like: Two CEOs, One Binance: Can Yi He Rise Without Pulling CZ Back Into PowerAdditionally, Benton was the Director of Global Product Marketing at GFT before moving to GAIN Capital as the Head of Marketing for EMEA.In another move this week, Trading Technologies appointed Rajiv Shah as Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, strengthening its London-based team with more than 20 years of enterprise technology experience. In his new role, Shah will lead efforts to secure new business and expand client relationships across the region as the firm broadens its services to cover a greater portion of the trade lifecycle. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

US federal prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon to 12 years in prison. The request was filed today (Thursday) in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for next week.Kwon has asked the court to consider a prison term of five years. In filings ahead of the hearing in Manhattan, his lawyers said the 12-year sentence sought by prosecutors is “far greater than necessary.” They noted that Kwon has already spent nearly three years in custody, including time held in Montenegro. Under his plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit more than $19 million and several properties. His defense also said he may still face prosecution in South Korea for the same conduct.Crypto Market Crisis Linked to KwonProsecutors said the losses tied to Terraform were significant. The filing stated that “in just a few years, Kwon caused losses that eclipsed” those linked to Sam Bankman-Fried, Alexander Mashinsky, and Karl Sebastian Greenwood. It added that the Terraform collapse “triggered a cascade of crises” in the crypto market and contributed to what became known as the “Crypto Winter.”NEW: Prosecutors say Terra founder Do Kwon deserves no fewer than 12 years in prisonKwon's attorneys had asked the judge for 5 years last week. Sentencing scheduled for December 11 pic.twitter.com/CQMAWzQErT— Coinage ♻️ (@coinage_media) December 5, 2025US to Sentence Kwon This WeekUS authorities first indicted Kwon in March 2023. The charges included securities fraud, wire fraud, market manipulation, and money laundering related to his role in the Terra blockchain project. After the collapse of Terra in 2022, Kwon’s location was unknown for several months. He was later arrested in Montenegro on unrelated charges and subsequently extradited to the United States. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Netflix, Inc. entered an agreement to acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios as well as HBO and HBO Max, from Warner Bros. The cash-and-stock transaction values WBD at $27.75 per share, implying an equity value of about $72.0 billion and an enterprise value of roughly $82.7 billion.According to the companies, the deal will close once WBD completes the previously announced separation of its Global Networks division into a new publicly traded company, Discovery Global.Today, Netflix announced our acquisition of Warner Bros. Together, we’ll define the next century of storytelling, creating an extraordinary entertainment offering for audiences everywhere. https://t.co/rXPFMNIs1A pic.twitter.com/0pdsMUEob8— Netflix (@netflix) December 5, 2025Streaming Leader Meets Hollywood StudioThat deal is now expected in the third quarter of 2026, with the acquisition scheduled to follow 12 to 18 months later, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.It would marry Netflix’s global streaming platform and distribution network with Warner Bros.’ century-old studio operations and deep catalogue of film and TV content.“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” commented Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we'll be able to do that even better.”Executives Pitch Scale and Content BreadthNetflix and WBD said the combined group will offer subscribers more choice and perceived value by adding HBO and HBO Max programming and Warner Bros.’ extensive catalogue to Netflix’s service. The company indicated it will use the enlarged library to refine its consumer plans, potentially by adjusting tiers or packaging, while emphasizing wider viewing optionsYou may also like: Trustpilot Faces “Mafia-Style Extortion” Model Allegations: Will It Affect Brokers, Props?For investors, Netflix expects the deal to drive subscriber growth and engagement and to deliver financial synergies. The company forecasts at least $2–3 billion in annual cost savings by the third year after closing and expects the transaction to be accretive to GAAP earnings per share by year two. Deal Terms and Discovery Global Spin-OffUnder the terms of the agreement, each WBD shareholder will receive $23.25 in cash and $4.501 in Netflix common stock for each share of WBD common stock at closing.The consideration values WBD at $27.75 per share, consistent with the approximately $72.0 billion equity value and $82.7 billion enterprise value for Warner Bros. Discovery.In June 2025, WBD announced plans to split its Streaming & Studios and Global Networks divisions into separate publicly traded companies. The separation is now scheduled to complete in the third quarter of 2026, before the Netflix transaction closes.The latest acquisition could also turn around the fortunes of the streaming giant. In October, Netflix reported revenue of $11.5 billion for the quarter ending September 2025, up about 17% from a year earlier and roughly in line with expectations, driven by subscriber growth, price increases, and advertising gains. However, profits fell short after an unexpected tax charge in Brazil, unsettling investors despite record ad sales. Last year, the company voiced strong satisfaction with the crackdown on password sharing. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Cloudflare began scheduled maintenance at its ORD data center in Chicago today (Friday) at 07:00 UTC. The work remained in progress at the time of publication.Cloudflare also announced a separate maintenance window at its DTW data center in Detroit. The company said it “will be performing scheduled maintenance in DTW between 09:00 and 13:00 UTC.” No further service impact details were provided with the notice.During the Chicago maintenance window, several online platforms experienced temporary outages. The websites of CFD broker Skilling, prop firms The5ers and Topstep, and My Funded Futures were briefly inaccessible. LinkedIn was also affected. As of publishing, access to these services had been restored.Cloudflare Maintenance Causes Temporary Network DisruptionsCloudflare stated that “scheduled maintenance is currently in progress” and that it will “provide updates as necessary.”Traffic from the Chicago location may be rerouted during this period. This could result in a “slight increase in latency” for users in the affected region.Cloudflare also said some customers may experience temporary service changes. It warned that PNI and CNI customers should prepare for traffic to fail over to other locations, as “network interfaces in this data center may become temporarily unavailable.”No service incidents "beyond the planned maintenance" were reported at the time of the update.Cloudflare is currently experiencing an outage. pic.twitter.com/M9Uf75XmhH— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 5, 2025eToro provided an update on the incident, stating: “Earlier today, a temporary Cloudflare outage caused some pages and features to load slowly for a short period of time. The issue has now been fully resolved, and everything is back up and running normally.”Brokers, Prop Firms Hit by OutageFollowing a similar disruption in October at Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare experienced a technical fault last month that caused a three-hour outage.We are currently experiencing technical issues due to a global outage at Cloudflare. This is impacting multiple apps and services worldwide.We are monitoring the situation closely and will update you the moment services are restored. Thank you for your patience.— Groww (@_groww) December 5, 2025The disruption affected broker websites, including Monaxa, Skilling.com, Xtrade, and FXPro, as well as social media platforms, crypto networks, and other online services. Cloudflare said it is “aware of, and investigating an issue which potentially impacts multiple customers” and that “further detail will be provided as more information becomes available.” The incident underscores the reliance of brokers, crypto platforms, and other services on a small number of web infrastructure providers. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, showcases the latest monthly performance update of its Private Wealth Management (PWM) division, with the top-performing fund recording 29.72% APR in November 2025. With wild swings across markets in the past month, Bybit PWM continued to deliver robust returns for high-net-worth clients with a disciplined, multi-strategy, and data-informed approach.Performance Highlights In the latest Bybit PWM newsletter for November 2025, Bybit PWM demonstrated consistent strength across its portfolio:USDT-based strategies: Average APR of 9.8%BTC-based strategies: Average APR of 18.09%"Our clients depend on us to navigate volatile market conditions while maintaining focus on long-term wealth creation," said Jerry Li, Head of Financial Products & Wealth Management at Bybit. "The November results demonstrate that disciplined, professional wealth management can deliver consistent returns and help our customers rise above market sentiments and distractions."Fund performance was calculated using Time-Weighted Return (TWR) methodology with assets aligned as of October 25, 2025, and benchmarked against funding arbitrage performance.Bybit PWM provides high-net-worth clients with exclusive, customized wealth management services tailored to the unique demands of digital asset investors. The platform offers:Bespoke investment strategies and asset allocationProfessional risk management and portfolio oversightAccess to curated private funds and Bybit's institutional-grade trading infrastructureDedicated relationship management and expert guidanceFor details of Bybit PWM’s September performance, users may visit: Bybit Private Wealth Management: November 2025 NewsletterBybit PWM is currently offering a special year-end opportunity for our eligible VIP clients. For a limited time, the minimum subscription requirement for the PWM solution has been halved to 250,000 USDT. Qualified investors interested in exploring Bybit Private Wealth Management services may visit Bybit Private Wealth Management.#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #IMakeItAbout BybitBybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at https://www.bybit.com/en/ For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

London-listed shares of Trustpilot, the ratings of which are often advertised by brokers and prop trading firms, have fallen about 30 per cent after short seller Grizzly Research alleged that the review platform is running a “mafia-style extortion” campaign to pressure businesses into buying subscriptions to improve their ratings.The Questionable Business Model of TrustpilotFinanceMagnates.com had already exposed the questionable business model of Trustpilot earlier this year. According to Anya Aratovskaya, Trustpilot sent “policy violation” warnings to companies collecting positive reviews without paying and also stopped them from sending customers to their Trustpilot profile unless they were on a paid plan.In its defence, Trustpilot at the time said that it treated “all business in the same way” and that “there is also no policy in place that prohibits companies from sending customers to their Trustpilot profile unless they are on a paid plan.”Read more: Trustpilot’s Reputation Casino - Are Brokers and Props Playing or Getting Played?The latest allegations by the US-based Grizzly came in a 43-page report, as the company shorted the London-listed stock of Trustpilot.“Many described bullying tactics reminiscent of a bad 1990s mob movie,” the short seller noted in its report. “This appears to be Trustpilot’s core sales strategy.”“Many business owners give in to Trustpilot and subscribe to premium services, believing they are purchasing 5-star reviews to outweigh the negative ones allowed on the site.”[#highlighted-links#] “A Platform to Attract Bad Reviews, and Customers Must Pay to Reduce the Bad Reviews”Trustpilot generates revenue by selling subscriptions to companies on its platform, which also enables them to monitor and interact with their customers. The review platform also has a high net dollar retention rate, as companies listed need positive validation from their customer base to attract new customers.In the retail trading industry, Trustpilot reviews are often regarded as one of the top signs of trust. CFD brokers and prop firms even have dedicated teams in place to handle reviews on their Trustpilot page and other social media platforms.For prop firms, which are not regulated as financial service providers, Trustpilot ratings also bring a sense of authenticity. These firms, along with many brokers, even advertise their Trustpilot scores, if high enough, on their website homepage.The Grizzly report also challenged the authenticity of Trustpilot reviews, alleging that the platform had either challenged or removed genuine negative reviews from its subscribers while allowing fake positive reviews to remain.FinanceMagnates.com had earlier also exposed several websites selling fake Trustpilot reviews. While the price of one fake review was around $10, a bulk order of 2,000 reviews would cost about $7,500. One such platform even claimed to have 20,000 Trustpilot profiles, each created from unique devices and IP addresses of real users worldwide to bypass the Trustpilot authentication checker.Trustpilot even removed and flagged the accounts of many prop trading platforms for displaying fake reviews, claiming that it has “zero tolerance” for such practices.Although the review platform says it is using AI and removing millions of fake reviews, Grizzly alleged that “Trustpilot is either doing a very bad job at policing their website or is wilfully negligent when convenient.”“We believe Trustpilot has created a platform to attract bad reviews, and customers must pay to reduce the bad reviews,” the short seller added. “This created a review system that only seems to express who pays Trustpilot.”In a statement, Trustpilot said that the Grizzly report was “selective, misleading and framed to support a pre-determined narrative.”“[The report] omits key context and publicly available facts, creating a false impression and shows a lack of understanding of how Trustpilot works,” the review platform stated. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

The head of XTB, one of Europe's fastest-growing retail trading platforms, laid out an unusually candid competitive vision during a recent panel discussion at Invest Cuffs Warsaw, declaring his company's intention to become "Europe's Robinhood" while simultaneously predicting the American brokerage will fail to gain traction on the continent.Omar Arnaout, CEO of the Warsaw-listed trading firm (WSE: XTB), also commented on another strong competitor on the Old Continent: Revolut.Why XTB’s Arnaout “Hates” Revolut?During the Invest Cuffs Warsaw conference, which brought together executives from several Polish companies, Arnaout discussed XTB's regional position and shared surprisingly frank views on his direct competitors. When the conversation turned to Revolut, Arnaout didn't hold back. "I hate them because they've grown so much, but they're just excellent," he said, acknowledging that he personally uses the app and that XTB's team studies Revolut's product development daily.The executive positioned his company's strategy around creating what he called a "super investment application" comparable to how Revolut brands itself as a bank in your pocket. "We want to be the best investment application, regardless of needs, whether active or passive," Arnaout explained, adding that the platform must offer comprehensive product coverage to compete effectively.XTB's growth trajectory supports this ambition. The company took 20 years to reach its first million clients but expects to add one million new accounts in 2026 alone, according to Arnaout. This acceleration coincided with the firm's 2020 expansion into stocks and ETFs, moving beyond its original focus on contracts for difference.Robinhood Won’t Win EuropeDespite his admiration for the UK-based fintech, Arnaout drew a sharp distinction between XTB's ambitions and another competitor, Robinhood, and its European prospects. Speaking about consumer preferences, he framed the competitive landscape in generational terms. "If you asked anyone from 20 to probably 45 years old who would be their first choice, in the United States it's obviously Robinhood," he said. "In Europe, I hope that in two or three years the obvious choice will be XTB."While Arnaout believes XTB is positioned to dominate European retail trading, he expressed skepticism that Robinhood can replicate its U.S. dominance abroad. "I think Robinhood probably won't achieve success in Europe," he stated flatly during the discussion.The CEO did not elaborate extensively on specific barriers Robinhood might face, but his comments reflected broader competitive dynamics. XTB has spent years building localized product offerings across European markets, including instruments tailored to specific countries alongside global securities. Competitive Vigilance and Market LeadershipArnaout's candid assessment of competitors extended beyond Revolut and Robinhood to include Trade Republic, another platform XTB monitors closely. The executive emphasized that his team analyzes what makes successful competitors effective and incorporates those insights into XTB's own development.The company invests heavily in technology to maintain its competitive edge, now employing approximately 550 people in its IT division compared to a single computer enthusiast when Arnaout joined in 2007. He acknowledged that XTB didn't invent its approach but rather observed successful models and "did it much better and took the project much more seriously"."There can only be one largest investment firm in Europe, only one second largest firm," he said. "If we're outside the top three, honestly it's a waste of time". The CEO said XTB applies this standard to every country where it operates, prepared to exit markets where the firm cannot achieve a top-three ranking. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Meta is weighing significant budget reductions for its metaverse division while funneling resources into AI and smart wearables.The Metaverse Still Alive, The Money Hose is NotMeta spent years selling the metaverse as the next chapter of the internet. It rebranded the entire company around it and poured astonishing sums into Reality Labs, the division tasked with building that vision. The division has logged losses north of 70 billion dollars since 2021. Investors gritted their teeth. Users were politely indifferent. But Meta kept the faith.Now Bloomberg reports that faith may be running into balance sheet reality. According to its early reporting, Meta is considering cutting as much as 30 percent of Reality Labs spending as part of internal 2026 planning. These are discussions, not executed decisions. Executives are weighing scenarios, not issuing termination notices. Still, the scale of what is being discussed signals a sharp change in mood.Metaverse land buyers then and now pic.twitter.com/I8yx0SbdKz— Tenacious (@TenaciousBit) December 4, 2025The potential cuts would land squarely on the metaverse heartland. Bloomberg says the funds for Quest hardware, Horizon Worlds, and other VR and AR projects are being examined for reductions. The discussions reportedly include the possibility of layoffs as soon as January. That again is not confirmed, but it shows how aggressive the planning conversations have become.All of this is due to the slow adoption of virtual reality and the stubborn lack of monetizable traction for metaverse products. A concept that was meant to reshape daily life ended up feeling more like a very expensive experiment. However, perhaps unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) is also a factor.[#highlighted-links#] A Strategic Pivot That Feels FamiliarThe renewed caution around the metaverse is happening in tandem with rising enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. According to reports, Meta is weighing reallocating resources toward “hardware, software and AI integration for its interfaces”. This is a shift away from fully immersive worlds and toward devices that use AI to mediate the real one; the company is rebalancing rather than abandoning the category. Meta is still building hardware, still working on glasses, still chasing the sci-fi future. But AI is now the gravitational pull.None of this should surprise investors. AI has delivered early returns across the tech sector. The metaverse has not. If one side of the business is outspending its results and the other is defining the zeitgeist, internal planners are not likely to miss the lesson.Perhaps unsurprisingly, Meta's stock is up over 5% following the news. Investors love AI, it seems.BREAKING: Meta stock, $META, surges over +5% after Mark Zuckerberg says the company is looking at cutting Metaverse efforts by up to 30%.The market has been waiting for this announcement for years. pic.twitter.com/WuItuSgxf1— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) December 4, 2025Meta has not commented publicly on the planning discussions, and none of the shifts described in the reporting are confirmed. Given the lack of a response, this looks like a stage-setter for the strategic guidance Meta will deliver in early 2026.So What Now for The Metaverse?If the metaverse was ever going to become a daily habit for millions of people, Meta was the company with the best shot at making it happen. Now the company appears to be weighing a future where virtual worlds get less oxygen and AI takes center stage. That does not mean the dream is dead. It means the dream is moving down the priority list.$META'S ZUCKERBERG PLANS UP TO 30% CUTS FOR METAVERSE EFFORTS - BLOOMBERG pic.twitter.com/99D6Xu2KX2— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) December 4, 2025There is a difference between a full pivot and a resource rebalancing. It seems that Meta still wants to shape the next computing platform. It just appears less confident that the next leap will take place inside a headset and more confident that it will be driven by AI.Until Meta confirms its 2026 budget, all of this remains planning chatter. But if the chatter proves correct, the era of metaverse maximalism may be ending. In its place is something leaner, more cautious, and far more aligned with what the market wants right now: AI that feels useful, not worlds that feel empty. This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.