New Zealand’s financial regulator has determined that the NZDD stablecoin does not qualify as a financial product. The decision follows an assessment conducted through the country’s financial technology sandbox program. Lawyers involved in the process said the ruling could help clarify how stablecoins are treated under existing laws.FMA Rules NZDD Stablecoin Not InvestmentThe determination was issued by the Financial Markets Authority. The regulator reviewed the NZDD token, which is pegged to the New Zealand dollar, as part of its sandbox pilot designed to test new financial innovations. According to the FMA, the token does not fall within the definition of a debt security.“The economic substance of the NZDD stablecoin is that it is not a debt security, as the NZDD stablecoin is not an investment, and no income, interest or other gain is paid to the NZDD stablecoin holder,” the regulator said.The NZDD token is issued by ECDD Holdings. The company was advised by the law firm MinterEllisonRuddWatts during its participation in the sandbox. The firm said the decision applies only to the specific version of NZDD examined in the notice and does not represent a general ruling on all stablecoins.Restricted Licence Supports Fintech Market Access“The designation signals a pragmatic approach by the FMA to financial innovation that is consistent with developments in comparable jurisdictions and provides a foundation from which further pathways can be developed,” the firm said.NZ's FMA expands its regulatory sandbox, supporting fintechs testing innovations like ECDD Holdings' NZD stablecoin & Homeshare's tokenized real estate. The move aims to lower barriers, boost competition & foster RWA adoption. #RealWorldAssets #Tokenization #Blockchain #Crypto…— Tokenized Finance Alert (@AboutRWAs) March 11, 2026The FMA said the decision is part of broader efforts to support fintech innovation. It plans to introduce a restricted or “on‑ramp” license for firms entering the market under controlled conditions, with limitations lifted as companies grow. “Our financial system is changing faster than ever before. This new type of licence will support firms to get access to the market with some restrictions in place that can be removed as the firm grows,” said Samantha Barrass.Crypto ATM Ban Balances Innovation EnforcementMeanwhile, New Zealand authorities have banned cryptocurrency ATMs. Officials cited concerns that the machines allowed cash to be converted into digital assets and transferred overseas, creating potential money‑laundering risks. The ban reflects efforts to balance innovation with enforcement and consumer protection. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Bitpanda reported €371 million ($430 million) in adjusted revenue for fiscal year 2025, a 16% gain from the year before, as the Vienna-based crypto broker added users and stretched its product lineup. Profitability, however, told a different story: adjusted EBITDA came in at €13 million, down from €52 million in 2024, a decline the company described as the result of deliberate investment in growth rather than any softening in the underlying business.Bitpanda’s EBITDA Drops as the Firm Invests for ScaleThe profit pullback stands in sharp contrast to 2024, when Bitpanda posted what it called its strongest financial performance to date, generating €393 million in operating revenue and pushing its EBITDA margin above 30%. For 2025, the company said it absorbed higher costs across product development, regulatory expansion, and international growth.CEO Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad said the firm delivered "strong top-line growth while making deliberate, strategic investments to position Bitpanda as a multi-asset investment and trading platform and an expanding market infrastructure provider."CFO Jonas Larsen added that the results demonstrated "the resilience and scalability of our business model."User Base Grows, B2B Roster Nearly DoublesRegistered users rose 25% from 5.9 million in 2024 to 7.4 million by year-end 2025, the company said. On the institutional side, Bitpanda said its active B2B partner base grew from nine to 16 financial institutions across Europe, firms that integrate the company's infrastructure under white-label arrangements to offer digital asset services to their own customers.The platform also broadened its marketing presence in European sport during the year. Bitpanda became FC Basel's shirt sponsor from the 2025-2026 football season, a club with a potential Champions League berth on the horizon. Around the same time, the company signed a French tennis player as a brand ambassador ahead of the French Open, a tournament that drew a television audience of approximately 318 million viewers in 2024.Product Roster Stretches Past 650 AssetsDuring 2025, Bitpanda said it added margin trading for more than 100 crypto assets, brought its total digital asset catalog past 650 items, and enabled staking for more than 50 assets. The company also launched a web3 wallet, which it said is intended to strengthen its onchain capabilities.The expanded product range feeds into the company's stated goal of repositioning itself as a multi-asset platform, a framing it pushed publicly ahead of a potential listing. In January 2026, reports emerged that Bitpanda was targeting a Frankfurt stock exchange debut in the first half of 2026, with a valuation target of between €4 billion and €5 billion and Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank lined up as underwriters.Regulatory Footprint Reaches Three ContinentsOn the licensing front, Bitpanda said it obtained an EU-wide MiCA license during the year, which the company says allows it to operate under a single unified framework across the bloc's 27 member states, just as Europe's new crypto regime formally takes hold. The firm also holds a crypto license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and a full broker-dealer license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. Bitpanda secured that UAE license in early 2025, its first fully licensed operation outside Europe, enabling the firm to offer more than 500 cryptocurrencies, crypto indices, and savings plans to UAE investors.The company said it also pushed into Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region during the year, though it did not break out specific figures or timelines for those markets. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Europe's top securities regulator said today (Thursday) that the rules governing how investment firms deal with retail clients have become too burdensome and in many cases simply ineffective, and that it now intends to act.The European Securities and Markets Authority (EMS)A published findings from a year-long Call for Evidence on the retail investor journey, gathering input from 96 stakeholders including brokers, consumer groups, and trade associations. The picture that emerged is not flattering for a framework that has been in place for nearly a decade. FinanceMagnates.com covered the launch of that consultation when ESMA openly asked whether its own rules were making investing harder.ESMA Chairwoman Verena Ross said the work would translate into concrete action. "ESMA will take forward concrete work to make it easier for retail investors to participate in the EU capital markets," she commented, adding that the effort "requires ESMA to work in a joint effort with market participants, the European Commission, co-legislators and national governments."Nobody Is Reading the DocumentsThe clearest indictment in the report concerns the Key Information Document, the consumer-facing summary that regulators designed to help retail investors make informed choices. According to data cited by ESMA, only 1% to 10% of clients in online environments actually open KIDs. Yet producing and delivering them costs firms considerably.That sits alongside other hard-to-defend numbers. Pre-contractual documentation runs between 50 and 100 pages. Basic information brochures can reach 200 pages. Most of it, respondents told ESMA, goes unread. The regulator acknowledged the requirements are "not fit for the digital age," built around static PDFs rather than the mobile interfaces most retail investors now use. The question of whether MiFID II has caused more harm than good is one FinanceMagnates.com has examined before, and Thursday's report answers it, at least partly, with the regulator's own data.ESMA said it will move toward layered, mobile-friendly disclosures and use consumer testing to validate any changes, including for mobile-first users.Suitability and Sustainability Both Get SimplifiedOn suitability assessments, stakeholders backed the principle but said the implementation generates significant administrative work for firms and confusion for clients. Many retail investors reportedly find the process opaque, unclear about why they need to provide granular financial data or how it affects the advice they receive. ESMA said it is considering an event-driven model, where profile updates are triggered by material changes rather than fixed schedules, a shift that would reduce repetitive compliance work for platforms and brokers. This matters particularly as ESMA has simultaneously been expanding the scope of appropriateness requirements to cover products like perpetual futures.For sustainability preferences, the signal was even clearer. The current three-step ESG integration in suitability assessments was widely described as "excessively complex," with the vast majority of clients reportedly stating no preference when asked. ESMA said it will pursue "significant simplification," which amounts to the most concrete relief offered to compliance teams in the report.Young Investors and the Unregulated AlternativeThe report also addressed why younger investors are bypassing traditional regulated platforms. ESMA cited high return expectations, social media influence, streamlined neobroker onboarding, and distrust of traditional financial institutions as the main drivers. Retail trading demand hit a record in early 2026, up 25% from its prior peak, which underscores the point: the appetite is there, but regulated channels are losing the competition for it.Tax Remains the Hardest ProblemBeyond regulation, tax drew some of the sharpest commentary. Cross-border withholding tax reclaims can take up to two years. In Germany, the average refund in 2024 took 615 days. About 70% of European investors reportedly do not even attempt a reclaim, finding it too complex or too costly. More than 31% said they intend to stop buying foreign EU shares because of it. Respondents called for a pan-European savings account framework modelled on successful schemes in Sweden, France, and the UK.ESMA said Thursday's findings will guide its upcoming technical advice on MiFID II delegated acts, aligned with the Retail Investment Strategy, on which political agreement was recently reached. The report lands as the regulator is also managing new derivatives reporting standards for CFD providers due within 15 months, new MiFID II client-tagging requirements for CFD brokers, and a fresh systemic risk warning published just two days ago.Thursday's report, in plain terms, confirms what the industry has argued for years: the rules designed to protect retail investors have also made it considerably harder for them to invest. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), Cyprus’ national funding agency for research and innovation, supports the Cyprus Diaspora Forum through its Sponsorship Programme, recognising the Forum’s contribution to strengthening connections between Cyprus and its global community.The Cyprus Diaspora Forum has established itself as a leading platform that brings together members of the Cypriot diaspora, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers from around the world to exchange ideas, build partnerships and highlight Cyprus’ growing international presence in key sectors of the economy.Through initiatives like this, the Forum contributes to expanding Cyprus’ global networks and creating opportunities for collaboration in areas such as entrepreneurship, science, technology and innovation.The Cyprus Diaspora Forum, a premier international business event showcasing Cyprus as a leading business and innovation hub, has reached a major milestone with funding from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) ‘Large-scale Events’ Programme.This grant recognises the Forum’s global reach in promoting research, technological development, and innovation, while supporting the RIF’s key initiatives to position Cyprus as a centre of excellence in research and innovation.The funding will bolster the Forum’s mission to foster collaboration between local and international organisations and enhance the development of research and innovation skills. It will also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Forum as it continues to evolve into a cutting-edge global event, further establishing Cyprus as a hub for innovation and business.Paul Lambis, Founder and CEO of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, said:"We are honoured to receive this significant grant from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation. This funding marks a pivotal moment for the Forum, enabling us to bring together Cypriot diaspora communities, leaders from the public and private sectors, academia, media, and civil society, all united in recognising the invaluable contribution of Cyprus’ diaspora and strengthening ties with the local community."Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General of RIF, added:"The Cyprus Diaspora Forum offers a first-class opportunity to reach out to the Cypriot diaspora and showcase the achievements of our country in fields of research, technology and innovation. Strengthening connections with Cypriot professionals and innovators abroad is essential for further developing our ecosystem, fostering international collaborations and showcasing Cyprus as an emerging hub for research, technology and innovation."The Forum will take place at the Amara Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, from 6–9 May 2026, offering a comprehensive showcase of the island’s industries while highlighting the role of Cyprus’ diaspora in driving technological advancement and business opportunities.The four-day event will conclude with the CYDIA Awards 2026, taking place at the Parklane Resort on 9 May 2026, where outstanding achievements of the Cypriot diaspora and distinguished international figures will be celebrated across multiple categories.For more information, visit: www.cyprusdiasporaforum.com This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

Futu Holdings Limited, the Hong Kong-based online brokerage known for its Moomoo and Futubull platforms, reported that its net profit more than doubled in 2025, with full-year revenue climbing past $2.9 billion as clients poured money into U.S. technology stocks and the firm deepened its footprint across Asia.Net income for the year ended December 31 came in at HK$11.3 billion (US$1.45 billion), up 108% from 2024, the company said today (Thursday). Total revenue rose 68.1% year-over-year to HK$22.8 billion (US$2.94 billion), while gross profit margin expanded to 87.1% from 82% a year earlier, a sign that costs are growing far more slowly than the top line.Futu’s Record Trading Volumes on AI and IPO DemandThe headline numbers were driven by an 89.4% jump in total trading volume for the full year, which reached HK$14.68 trillion, the company said. In the fourth quarter alone, trading volume hit HK$3.98 trillion, a quarterly record, up 37.8% from the same period in 2024. U.S. stock trades dominated that figure, accounting for HK$3.04 trillion of Q4 volume, with Futu's CEO attributing the strength to client interest in artificial intelligence-related companies."U.S. stock trading volume grew 17.1% sequentially to HK$3.04 trillion, primarily driven by heightened client interests in companies across the AI value chain," said Leaf Hua Li, Futu's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.[#highlighted-links#] The surge in AI-linked trading is a theme that has played out across the brokerage industry over the past year, as retail investors chased gains in semiconductor and cloud infrastructure names.Futu's results arrived the same day that TP ICAP reported record full-year revenue of $3.15 billion, pointing to a broadly strong year for financial intermediaries on both the retail and wholesale sides of the market.Hong Kong stock turnover, by contrast, fell 31% quarter-over-quarter to HK$821.1 billion in Q4, as enthusiasm cooled for Chinese technology companies during the second half. Li said the decline was "partially offset by increased trading activity in gold and other precious metals-related equities." Crypto volumes held steady despite what the CEO described as "weak sentiment in crypto in the fourth quarter," with penetration rates continuing to rise in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.Futu's U.S. crypto ambitions took a concrete step forward last year when its Moomoo subsidiary launched a cryptocurrency trading service in the United States, backed by Coinbase, integrating charting and copy trading features into the platform.Client Growth Holds, Though Q4 Pace SoftensFutu ended 2025 with 3.37 million funded accounts, a 39.6% increase from a year earlier and up from 3.1 million at the end of the third quarter. For the full year, the firm says it added more than 954,000 net new funded accounts. Total users across the platform reached 29.2 million, up 16% year-over-year.The fourth-quarter pace was slower. The company added approximately 234,000 net new funded accounts in Q4, down 8% from the third quarter, though up 9% from Q4 2024. Li pointed to the Hong Kong market downturn as the main drag, while noting that Japan and Malaysia picked up the slack. "Growth in Hong Kong decelerated quarter-over-quarter due to a sharp Hong Kong stock market downturn, yet growth in Japan and Malaysia picked up meaningfully sequentially," he said.Total client assets ended the year at HK$1.23 trillion, up 65.9% year-over-year but essentially flat from the prior quarter, as falling valuations in Hong Kong-listed stocks offset fresh inflows. The U.S. market recorded the fastest sequential gain in average client assets, the company said.Costs Controlled as Earnings Per Share ClimbDespite the sharp revenue growth, Futu kept total costs nearly flat - down 6.1% year-over-year in Q4 to HK$728.8 million - largely because interest expenses on its securities borrowing and lending book fell about 15%. Operating expenses for the quarter rose a more modest 8.6%, leading to an operating margin of 64.4%, up from 50% in Q4 2024.For the full year, operating income more than doubled, rising 112.6% to HK$14.1 billion. Diluted earnings per ADS came in at US$10.31 for 2025, compared with US$9.72 implied by the HK$38.88 figure reported for 2024.This Q4 performance builds on a strong run that has gathered pace since mid-2024. Quarterly profit jumped 144% in Q3 2025, when net income hit $414 million on the back of surging IPO activity and cryptocurrency trading gains - itself a sharp acceleration from the trajectory laid out in Futu's full-year 2024 results, when the company added 701,000 paying clients and targeted 800,000 new ones in 2025. It hit that mark and is now setting the same goal for 2026.Eyes on 800,000 New Accounts in 2026Looking ahead, Li said the company sees room to grow across all of its markets and is guiding to 800,000 net new funded accounts this year. "We continue to see ample bottom-up growth opportunities across our markets and are guiding to 800 thousand net new funded accounts in 2026," he said. Management will hold an earnings conference call on Thursday at 7:30 AM Eastern Time. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

TP ICAP Group (LSE: TCAP) reported its strongest annual results on record today (Thursday), with full-year revenue hitting $3.15 billion (£2.35 billion) and adjusted operating profit beating market forecasts, as the interdealer broker announced a $107 million (£80 million) share buyback and raised its dividend for the year.Group revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 rose 4% at reported exchange rates, or 6% at constant currency, to $3.15 billion, compared with $3.02 billion a year earlier. Adjusted earnings before interest and tax climbed 7% on a reported basis - or 10% at constant currency - to $466 million, ahead of the analyst consensus the company said it had compiled from six forecasters.Reported pre-tax profit came in at $308 million, up from $287 million in 2024, while basic earnings per share rose 14% to 25.2 pence. On an adjusted basis, EPS increased 5% to 33.5 pence."TP ICAP delivered another year of strong revenue and profit growth," said CEO Nicolas Breteau. "At constant currency, our Global Broking franchise achieved record revenue growth of 10%, while total Group revenue increased by 6% to £2.4bn, and adjusted EBIT increased 10% to £348m."Global Broking Drives Record GrowthThe engine of this year's performance was Global Broking, which accounts for 58% of total Group revenue and posted a 10% constant currency increase to $1.84 billion.Every asset class within the division grew, the company said, with Rates contributing $849 million, up 12%, and Credit jumping 15% to $173 million, partly helped by the 2025 acquisition of Neptune Networks. Equities also rose 12% in constant currency to $356 million, while FX and Money Markets delivered a more modest 2% gain.Broker productivity improved 8% year-on-year, with average revenue per broker rising to $1.01 million (£752,000), compared with $979,000 (£732,000) in 2024. The division's adjusted EBIT reached $323 million (£241 million), up from $270 million (£202 million) at constant currency. TP ICAP said it intends to build on this momentum through the pending acquisition of Vantage Capital Markets, announced in January 2026, which the company expects to strengthen its equity derivatives and fixed income presence across Asia-Pacific.FinanceMagnates.com also reported in February that the platform had already passed $1 billion in monthly trading volume before its structural overhaul.Key Financial MetricsAll USD conversions at £1 = $1.3379, as of March 12, 2026Liquidnet and Parameta Hold SteadyLiquidnet, TP ICAP's multi-asset agency execution business, grew revenue 4% at constant currency to $489 million (£365 million), matching the prior year's pace. The first half saw strong equity market volumes driven by geopolitical events and tariff uncertainty. Block trading sentiment became more cautious in the second half, the company acknowledged, though multi-asset agency volumes benefited from rate and FX volatility tied to US trade policy developments. Algorithmic trading activity rose 26% on the platform, and the APAC business grew 16%, the firm said.Parameta Solutions, the Group's subscription data unit, posted a 5% constant currency revenue increase to $270 million (£202m). Subscription-based revenues represent 97% of the total.. The company also said its board continues to review a potential minority stock market listing of Parameta Solutions but described market conditions for an IPO as "challenging."Buyback and Dividend Cap a Big Year for Shareholder ReturnsThursday's results came alongside a $107 million (£80 million) buyback announcement, the sixth such program the company has launched, bringing total share buybacks over the past three years to $308 million (£230 million). Combined with dividends, TP ICAP said it has returned or announced nearly $803 million (£600 million) to shareholders since 2023, placing it in the top quartile of FTSE 250 companies for distributions over that period.Half-year results published in August 2025 showed revenue of $1.63 billion (£1.22 billion) and net adjusted earnings of $174 million (£130 million) for the first six months, laying the foundation for the strong full-year outcome. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Hedge funds are increasingly seeking access to prediction markets, pushing prime brokers such as Clear Street and Marex Group to connect their clients to event contracts listed on Kalshi. The plans were discussed at the Futures Industry Association’s annual conference, where market participants pointed to growing interest in prediction markets from hedge funds and other professional investors. “Over the last few weeks we’ve seen very large hedge funds coming to us and saying, ‘Can you give us access to these markets?’” Thomas Texier, Marex’s head of clearing told Bloomberg in an interview at the FIA conference.Texier added that Marex’s structured products desk is also interested in using prediction markets to hedge exposures in packaged investment products. Building Institutional Market Access The move is part of a broader push to integrate prediction markets into infrastructure used by institutional investors. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said interest from traditional broker-dealers and banks has increased in recent months. Tradeweb Markets recently agreed to distribute Kalshi’s event market data to its institutional clients, bringing prediction market pricing to institutional data feeds. Technology vendors are also moving in. NinjaTrader Group, the retail futures brokerage acquired by Kraken for $1.5 billion, recently launched NinjaTrader Connect, a platform that allows brokers and fintech firms to build regulated futures and prediction market products without developing the underlying infrastructure. Devexperts has introduced similar tools that let CFD brokers and prop firms launch event-trading platforms or integrate event contracts into existing systems. Prime brokers such as Clear Street and Marex are now exploring clearing and execution services that would allow hedge funds to access these contracts through their existing brokerage relationships. Legal and Regulatory Considerations Institutional interest comes as the sector continues to face regulatory and legal questions. Some state regulators have argued that certain prediction market contracts resemble sports betting or gambling products. At the federal level, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission maintains that event contracts listed on regulated exchanges fall under its jurisdiction. Clear Street CEO Ed Tilly acknowledged that some of the contracts are controversial but said the firm’s role is to provide access to regulated markets when clients request it. At the same time, lawmakers have begun examining the sector. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal recently introduced the Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act, a proposal that would restrict contracts tied to events such as war and address potential insider trading risks.Prediction markets have become a haven for insider trading, market manipulation, & underage gambling. These billion-dollar businesses are turning war into a casino game, & creating a market for national security leaks. https://t.co/HgBBtf6amW— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) March 11, 2026 A New Institutional Segment For prime brokers, the growing interest from hedge funds suggests prediction markets may gradually become another niche segment of the derivatives landscape. By providing institutional access, brokers can offer clients exposure to these contracts while relying on the same clearing and compliance infrastructure used for other exchange-traded products. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

ALTA – Blockchain Labs, (https://altalab.io/) a global firm enabling crypto project success, has officially joined Consensus Miami 2026 by CoinDesk as a Community & Marketing Partner, strengthening collaboration between leading Web3 innovators and one of the most influential events in the digital asset industry.Consensus by CoinDesk is widely recognized as the #1 destination for institutional-scale digital asset deal flow. Forbes famously described the event as “The Super Bowl of Blockchain” and “The World Cup of Web3.”The event is expected to host 20,000+ senior leaders from the crypto, finance, technology, and policy sectors representing over 100 countries for three days of deals, demos, and decisions that will define the next era of the global economy.Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/account/rewards/ALTA – Blockchain Labs has also launched a special CoinMarketCap Diamond Store campaign dedicated to Consensus Miami 2026. The Diamond Store is visited by over 29 million Diamond holders and 250,000 daily active users, allowing highly targeted crypto users to discover the event and access a special ticket discount from ALTA.The partnership between ALTA – Blockchain Labs and Consensus reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the mass adoption of blockchain and Web3 technologies worldwide. Through its role as Community & Marketing Partner, ALTA will help connect its global network of blockchain founders, investors, and ecosystem partners with the Consensus platform.Yaroslav Ivanov, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of ALTA – Blockchain Labs, with Brad Garlinghouse, Chief Executive Officer of Ripple Labs, at Consensus 2024 in Austin. “Consensus is a must-visit digital asset oasis, an immersive journey into the lore of blockchain and an exceptional networking experience,” said Yaroslav Ivanov, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of ALTA – Blockchain LabsAs part of the partnership, ALTA – Blockchain Labs is offering its community and partners an exclusive 15% discount on Consensus Miami 2026 tickets using promo code “ALTA15”For blockchain companies, Web3 founders, and cryptocurrency exchanges at early, growth, and expansion stages, the event represents a unique opportunity to gain visibility, build strategic relationships, and engage directly with industry decision-makers. ALTA’s participation further reinforces its mission to support innovative projects as they scale globally and integrate into leading crypto ecosystems.Attendees can learn more about the event and secure their tickets for Consensus Miami 2026 (May 5–7) using ALTA’s exclusive offer.About ConsensusConsensus is the world’s largest and longest-running gathering dedicated to blockchain, digital assets, and Web3 technologies. Since 2015, the event has served as a central meeting point for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, developers, regulators, and institutions shaping the future of decentralized technology.Each year, Consensus brings together thousands of participants from around the world for high-impact panels, product launches, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships. The event plays a critical role in advancing dialogue between the worlds of technology, finance, and policy as the global digital economy continues to evolve.About ALTA – Blockchain LabsALTA – Blockchain Labs is a global firm enabling crypto project success since 2015. The company provides strategic management and growth advisory to early-stage, scaling, and expansion-phase blockchain companies, token projects, and cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide.With operations across multiple regions and close relationships with leading cryptocurrency exchanges and ecosystem partners, ALTA helps innovative blockchain projects achieve Tier-1 market positioning and accelerate global adoption.Combining deep technical expertise with strategic insight, ALTA delivers institutional-grade advisory and project evaluation, enabling clients to scale effectively in the rapidly evolving digital asset economy.About CoinDeskCoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices, and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture driven by digital assets.CoinDesk Events gathers the global crypto, blockchain, and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world’s largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data, and research designed to educate and empower investors. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether Iranian networks used cryptocurrency exchange Binance to move funds and evade American sanctions, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.The probe focuses on more than $1 billion in crypto transfers that allegedly passed through the platform to entities linked to Iran-backed groups, including Yemen’s Houthi militants.The investigation follows reports that Binance wound down an internal review that had identified around $1.7 billion in flows from mainly Chinese clients to digital wallets associated with Iranian proxies.Exclusive: The Justice Department is investigating Iran’s use of Binance to evade U.S. sanctions https://t.co/Qqw2h2cQuP— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) March 11, 2026Inquiry Examines Iran-Linked Crypto FlowsIt includes funds allegedly routed via Hong Kong-based payments firm Blessed Trust. The Wall Street Journal said officials have contacted individuals with knowledge of the transactions but added it is unclear whether authorities are scrutinizing Binance itself, its users, or both.You may also find interesting: Richard Teng Explains Why Binance Chose Greece for Its EU MiCA LicenseAmid the claims, the exchange has filed a defamation lawsuit against Dow Jones, the publisher of The Wall Street Journal.We have filed a complaint against the @WSJ for publishing a false and defamatory report, and to shine the light of truth. We view this suit as a necessary step to defend ourselves against misinformation, hold the WSJ accountable for prioritizing clicks over journalistic… pic.twitter.com/c4BPAi95Kh— Binance (@binance) March 11, 2026The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims the WSJ falsely stated that Binance fired staff who raised compliance concerns and mishandled Iran-linked transactions. It argues that those employees left over alleged internal data protection violations instead of retaliation.Binance, which pleaded guilty in 2023 to U.S.anti-money-laundering and sanctions violations and agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement and compliance monitoring, said it did not directly transact with sanctioned entities and worked with law enforcement to dismantle the network.Binance Cites Cooperation with Law Enforcement The exchange said its investigation showed only about $24 million ultimately entered wallets tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and that accounts linked to the intermediary network have been closed. A separate Senate inquiry led by Senator Richard Blumenthal is also seeking records on Binance’s handling of the Iranian-related activity, citing the Journal’s reporting.Keep reading: Iran Crypto Market “In the Dark”: Trading Volumes Plunge 80% After StrikesMeanwhile, Binance.US has moved to refresh its executive ranks, appointing Stephen Gregory as CEO while Norman Reed shifts into an advisory role. Gregory, who took over on March 9, previously led Currency.com’s U.S. business through its 2025 acquisition and has held senior compliance roles at Gemini and CEX.io.Meet our new CEO: Stephen Gregory (@Stevie_Satoshi)He's a compliance expert, builder, and seasoned trader. Now, he's leading @BinanceUS into our next chapter as we build the best crypto exchange for Americans. https://t.co/pmlWrU09YO— Binance.US ?? (@BinanceUS) March 11, 2026The exchange is positioning the leadership change as the next step in its U.S. growth strategy after a period of regulatory pressure that has included enforcement actions and tighter scrutiny of its business model. Gregory’s appointment comes as Binance.US tries to move past those challenges This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Ayush Varshney, co-founder and chief technology officer of Darwin Labs Private Limited, in connection with the GainBitcoin cryptocurrency fraud case. The scheme, one of the largest crypto frauds in India, involved around 8,000 investors and reported losses of about $790 million.Indian authorities have repeatedly warned that some cryptocurrency investment products could resemble “Ponzi schemes.” In 2019, police arrested four individuals in a separate crypto fraud that defrauded investors of $14 million.GainBitcoin Platform CTO Detained in IndiaVarshney was detained at Mumbai airport on Monday while attempting to leave the country. A Look Out Circular had been issued against him, and he was taken into custody on Tuesday for further investigation.Investigators said Darwin Labs built key technology used in the scheme, including the GainBitcoin investor platform, related payment and wallet systems, and later, the MCAP token and ERC-20 smart contract.BREAKING: ??CBI arrests Ayush Varshney, a key figure in ₹6,000 crore GainBitcoin scam. pic.twitter.com/BlNocj5GVR— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) March 11, 2026CBI Conducts Coordinated Searches in GainBitcoin CaseGainBitcoin, which began in the mid-2010s as a cloud-mining platform, initially offered fixed Bitcoin returns. It later shifted to a multi-level marketing model, with payouts linked to recruiting new participants, and when deposits slowed, rewards were paid in the lower-value MCAP token. Darwin Labs also built GBMiners.com, a Bitcoin payment gateway, the Coin Bank wallet, and the GainBitcoin website. Authorities said the scheme was led by Amit Bhardwaj, who died in 2022 while on bail. Coordinated searches at over 60 locations were conducted on February 26, 2025.India’s Central Bank Upholds Broker RestrictionsThe case comes as India’s financial regulators continue tightening oversight of capital markets. India’s central bank confirmed it will not change new lending rules for retail brokers and proprietary traders, effective April 1. The regulations require banks to back all credit to capital market intermediaries with 100% eligible collateral and prohibit financing of proprietary trading. The move follows growing scrutiny of retail derivatives trading, where investors have experienced significant losses, and authorities have highlighted potential impacts on liquidity, brokerage operations, and broader market activity. The RBI confirmed no adjustments are planned. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has warned that Europe’s financial system remains at high risk of disruption in 2026. It cited escalating geopolitical tension, stretched asset valuations, and expanding cyber threats. The regulator said vulnerabilities persist across markets despite a resilient finish to 2025.Markets Face Elevated VolatilityESMA’s first risk report of 2026 outlines a fragile environment shaped by the shockwaves from the Middle East conflict, which flared in late February. Early market reactions, the agency said, confirmed the transmission channels it had previously identified.“The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East continues to significantly affect markets, leading to sharp increases in energy and commodity prices, as well as elevated volatility. ESMA’s latest risk monitoring analysis highlights the potential for disorderly corrections that could spill over across markets,” said Verena Ross, ESMA’s Chair.“In this context, disciplined risk monitoring and risk management remain essential to ensure orderly markets, a core objective for ESMA.”The warning comes as ESMA tightens the screws across EU markets. It recently redefined derivatives clearing thresholds and placed perpetual futures under CFD rules. The regulator is also pushing for “report once” reporting across EMIR, MiFIR and SFTR.The regulator has informed firms that crypto-linked perpetuals are likely to be treated as CFDs. This includes full leverage caps, margin close-out rules, negative balance protection and strict marketing limits. It signals that it will not allow high-volatility instruments to amplify the very market, liquidity and retail-investor risks it now flags in its 2026 risk monitor. Keep reading: ESMA Tells Firms Perpetual Futures Fall Under EU CFD RulesAccording to ESMA's latest warning, equity valuations remain high, raising the risk of sudden corrections. Bond spreads narrowed but liquidity weakened, while crypto markets suffered from an extended sell-off following the October flash crash.Cyber, Structural, and Consumer PressuresFinancial infrastructures face a growing wave of cyber and hybrid attacks, with rising settlement failures in ETFs, UCITS, and equities. In asset management, equity funds performed well thanks to strong U.S. exposure, though regulators flagged the opacity of private finance.Investor flows continue to shift toward ETFs and passive strategies, but social media-driven trading is amplifying bubble risks among younger investors. Meanwhile, IPO activity stayed weak, and cooling sentiment around climate policy weighed on ESG funds, even as catastrophe bond issuance surged to record levels.ESMA holds the view that higher structural risks in Europe’s markets need to be matched with much sharper transparency, and its latest equity update pushes firmly in that direction. It is tightening how liquidity, transaction sizes and tick structures are defined for equities and equity‑like instruments. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Europe's drive to channel ordinary savers into private asset funds is drawing growing mis-selling warnings, even as platforms like Berlin-based Trade Republic race to offer retail investors access to products once reserved for institutions and the ultra-wealthy. The Financial Times first reported the breadth of industry concern, pointing to a widening gap between how these products are marketed and what investors may actually face when they want their money back.The warning signs are already visible in the US. In February, private credit group Blue Owl permanently restricted investors from withdrawing money from one of its early retail funds. Blackstone's $82 billion flagship private credit fund, Bcred, saw $1.7 billion of net outflows in the first quarter, and the firm's market capitalization dropped from roughly $250 billion at the end of 2024 to about $134 billion."So many players are getting involved in the distribution of these products for the first time," said Steffen Pauls, co-chief executive of Moonfare. "There is a risk of mis-selling."Regulators Open the DoorThe EU's revised European Long-term Investment Fund, Eltif 2.0, launched in 2024 and explicitly targets individual investors. There are now 246 registered Eltifs available across Europe, with assets estimated at around €33.3 billion. In the UK, the equivalent Long-term Asset Funds hold roughly €6 billion. From next month, British investors will also be able to hold private asset funds inside an ISA, and Hargreaves Lansdown has said it will offer them.ESMA warned on Wednesday - the same day this story published - that EU financial markets are entering 2026 in a high-risk environment, with structural vulnerabilities in semi-liquid products a growing supervisory concern."Before we widen access to private markets, we need honest answers to hard questions," said Robin Powell, a financial transparency campaigner. "Can retail investors genuinely understand what illiquidity means for them personally? And who is accountable when it goes wrong?"Liquidity Risk Is the Core ProblemPrivate asset funds invest in things that are hard to sell quickly. Redemptions are typically allowed only during set windows, capped at maximum amounts. Germany's Greenman Open fund, a €1.3 billion Eltif, suspended withdrawals at the end of last year for exactly that reason.The 2019 collapse of Neil Woodford's equity income fund remains the starkest warning. Woodford had built substantial positions in unquoted companies; when investors rushed to exit, the fund was suspended and later wound down, leaving thousands with losses. "An open-ended fund with illiquid underlying assets is a loaded gun," Powell said. "It works fine until it doesn't."A recent Morningstar report also challenged a central marketing claim, finding that semi-liquid strategies "often carry traditional equity or credit risks and are not suitable to play the role of portfolio diversifiers."Trade Republic and the Democratization PitchAmong the loudest advocates is Trade Republic, the Berlin fintech that reached a €12.5 billion valuation in December. The company partnered with Apollo and EQT to offer fractional private market access from €1, has expanded into Poland and has been reshaping retail investing habits in Italy. Co-founder Christian Hecker notes that its average customer is 30 years old, with "30-40 years of savings life in front of them." He adds: "As a broker, we have an obligation to be very transparent that this is not the public markets."A parallel fight is playing out over whether blockchain tokenization could open a faster - or riskier - route to private market access. Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev has argued that tokenization is "the biggest innovation in capital markets in well over a decade," with plans to give retail users access to private equity and real estate. But Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi called the tokenization of private company stocks "a terrible idea," pointing to transfer restrictions and thin buyer pools that could leave token holders with no market to sell into. Robinhood's earlier attempt to sell tokenized OpenAI shares in Europe ended awkwardly when OpenAI publicly stated the tokens did not represent actual company equity.Who Carries the RiskBNP Paribas Wealth Management's Claire Roborel de Climens said she avoids the term "semi-liquid" with clients entirely. "They are not fully liquid," she said. Pauls at Moonfare said clear disclosure "should be non-negotiable," and that a manager's right to halt withdrawals "needs to be properly explained." With industry estimates suggesting €100 billion could flow into Eltif 2.0 vehicles by 2028, who bears the cost when things go wrong, and how clearly that is disclosed upfront, remains unresolved. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Gold-i, the UK-based trading technology provider, has added Hyperliquid to its MatrixNET liquidity management platform, the company said today (Wednesday), in what it described as the first time the platform has connected to a decentralized finance exchange.Through a standard FIX API connection, Gold-i's clients including brokers, proprietary trading firms, and fund managers, can now route order flow through Hyperliquid's on-chain derivatives venue and pipe that liquidity directly into MetaTrader 5 or other trading platforms, according to the firm.DeFi Makes Its Way Into Institutional PlumbingThe announcement comes as decentralized exchanges push deeper into territory once occupied by traditional venues. DEXs processed more than $1.2 trillion in perpetual futures every month by the end of 2025, with Hyperliquid holding a commanding share of that volume. The question for firms like Gold-i is how to make that liquidity reachable for clients operating within conventional brokerage infrastructure.Gold-i says it handles the translation work needed to bridge those two worlds. By normalizing order flow to meet Hyperliquid's execution requirements, the firm claims clients receive competitive pricing and solid depth at the top of the book while still leveraging the aggregation, smart routing, and risk controls already built into MatrixNET."This was a complex implementation but a significant development for Gold-i," Tom Higgins, Gold-i's CEO and founder, said, "enabling us to offer our clients access to a market-leading DeFi exchange. Brokers, prop trading firms and fund managers using MatrixNET now have easy access to Hyperliquid's on-chain derivatives liquidity."On-Chain Access Through a Familiar GatewayHyperliquid operates on its own purpose-built blockchain, positioning itself as a high-performance decentralized exchange for perpetual futures and spot crypto. The platform claims deep liquidity, low fees, and the infrastructure to support institutional-grade trading - though those are the company's own assertions.What Gold-i offers is access to that venue via the infrastructure clients already use, rather than requiring them to engage directly with on-chain systems. The firm says it normalizes the execution flow so that the DeFi layer remains largely invisible to the end user. The challenge of bridging CeFi and DeFi for institutional clients has been well-documented for years, from compliance friction to counterparty exposure, and plugging a DeFi venue into an aggregation platform does not automatically resolve those concerns. What Gold-i is betting on is that handling enough of that complexity at the infrastructure level makes the option practical for clients who would not otherwise interact with on-chain markets directly.Expansion of a Growing Liquidity NetworkMatrixNET is already connected to more than 80 liquidity providers and 35 crypto exchanges, according to Gold-i, with recent additions covering multiple asset classes. In February 2025, the firm added Edgewater Markets to the platform, extending access to precious metals, FX, and NDFs. In mid-2024, it integrated Cypator to expand cryptocurrency liquidity options for retail brokers.For MatrixNET clients, the firm says access comes through the same FIX API interface they already use, with Gold-i handling the order flow normalization on the back end. Finalto embedded MatrixNET into its ClearVision infrastructure in 2023, one of the more prominent third-party deployments of the platform.Brokers Eye DeFi as Institutional Appetite BuildsThe broader question of whether DeFi infrastructure can hold up under institutional demand is gaining urgency. An Ostium executive predicted earlier this year that the global CFD broker market faces serious disruption from decentralized finance within five years, a timeline that is pushing some traditional infrastructure providers to act rather than wait.Higgins said Gold-i plans to keep adding venues on both sides of that divide. "As interest in DeFi grows, Gold-i plans to support both centralised and decentralised liquidity venues," he added, "giving clients the benefit of flexibility, efficiency, and seamless multi-venue access."How much demand brokers actually have for DeFi-sourced liquidity at scale remains an open question. But by routing it through an interface clients already know, Gold-i is at least removing the on-ramp friction that has kept most institutional players on the sidelines. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Retail prop trading faces regulatory scrutiny in the US, Canada, and Europe due to reliance on challenge fees more than actual trading. As scrutiny intensifies, prediction markets are drawing more traders. Are they the next stop for retail speculation, or something different? Why Are Traditional Prop Firms Under Pressure? Retail prop trading expanded quickly in the early 2020s as firms began selling access to “funded” accounts through paid evaluation challenges. In most cases, traders operate on simulated accounts, while firms earn revenue from challenge fees rather than trading activity. The model operates in a regulatory gray zone. Because firms typically do not hold client funds or execute trades on real markets, many operate without the licenses required for brokers or investment firms. Regulators have started paying closer attention to the sector, particularly when platforms market large funded accounts to retail traders. In the United States, enforcement actions such as the case against MyForexFunds have already signaled that authorities are willing to intervene. Operational vulnerabilities have also become clear. Many prop firms rely on MetaTrader infrastructure through white-label arrangements. When MetaQuotes tightened licensing policies in 2024, an estimated 80–100 prop firms shut down, roughly 13–14% of global operators. What Makes Prediction Markets Look Like an Alternative? Prediction markets have expanded quickly. A 2025 analysis by Keyrock and Dune estimated global trading volume at roughly $44 billion, with Polymarket accounting for about $21.5 billion and Kalshi for $17.1 billion. Unlike most prop platforms, prediction markets operate through tradable contracts tied to real-world outcomes. Each contract pays a fixed amount if the event occurs and expires at zero if it does not. Prices move between those two outcomes and reflect the market’s implied probability. This structure also changes how platforms earn revenue, shifting the focus from participation fees toward trading activity. For companies operating in the retail trading ecosystem, this model has clear appeal. It replaces simulated trading with real contracts and ties revenue more directly to trading activity. That is why prediction markets are increasingly discussed not only as a new asset class, but also as a possible structural pivot for parts of the retail trading industry.Are Prediction Markets a New Asset Class — or Just a Different Wrapper? The rapid growth of event trading has revived a familiar debate in retail finance. When a new speculative market appears, the key question is whether it represents a genuinely new financial instrument or simply a familiar model presented in a different form. Prediction markets are built around a simple structure. Contracts are tied to clearly defined outcomes and settle automatically once the event occurs. Prices trade in an order book and represent the market’s implied probability of that outcome.Yet the behaviour of traders looks familiar. Retail traders are speculating on short-term outcomes around elections, economic releases, or major sports events. As the contracts resolve in a simple yes-or-no result, some observers see parallels with earlier retail products built around binary outcomes. Others argue the comparison misses an important distinction. Unlike many earlier retail trading products, prediction markets link trading directly to verifiable real-world events rather than to internally priced derivatives. How regulators answer that question will shape the market’s future. If event contracts are treated as financial derivatives, prediction markets may evolve into a new class of tradable instruments. If they are regulated primarily as betting products, the industry could develop along a very different path.Could Prop Firms Pivot to Event Trading?If pressure on the traditional prop model continues, some firms may begin exploring prediction markets as a possible direction for expansion. The idea would not necessarily be to abandon prop trading entirely, but to adapt the business model around real event contracts instead of simulated trading accounts. Industry surveys suggest that interest among professional traders is already emerging. A 2025 study by Acuiti found that 10% of proprietary traders were already trading prediction contracts, while 35% expressed interest. Among U.S. firms, 75% said they were trading or planning to trade them.One option is to treat prediction markets as an additional product. Firms that already operate trading platforms or communities could allow their users to trade event contracts alongside other speculative instruments. In that scenario, the firm shifts from selling evaluation challenges to earning revenue from trading activity. Another possibility is deeper integration. Some companies in the retail trading ecosystem could move closer to the infrastructure layer by partnering with existing prediction market exchanges or providing liquidity and trading tools for those markets. A more ambitious path would involve building proprietary platforms for event trading. In that case, the firm effectively transitions from a prop challenge provider to an operator of a trading venue centred on event contracts. Whether any of these paths will materialise depends on several factors, including regulation, liquidity, and the willingness of traders to move from simulated accounts to real-money event trading. What Are Regulators Actually Worried About? For regulators, the central question is how to classify event contracts. Depending on the jurisdiction, they may be treated as financial derivatives, betting products, or something that sits between the two. That classification determines which rules apply and which authorities oversee the market. Some industry participants argue that clearer regulation would help bring prediction markets onshore rather than pushing them into offshore platforms.Great to see bipartisan support for federally-regulated prediction markets in the US. Without CFTC oversight, these markets will only exist offshore - completely unregulated. Important work being done here and glad to be a part of it. https://t.co/AyKAlMKXGI— Kris | ai.com (@kris) January 13, 2026Regulators are also concerned about retail participation. Prediction markets often revolve around highly visible events such as elections, economic releases, or major sports competitions, which can attract large numbers of retail traders. Authorities, therefore, pay close attention to marketing practices, risk disclosures, and whether speculative trading is presented as entertainment. Market integrity is another concern. Because contracts settle on specific outcomes, regulators worry about the misuse of non-public information or attempts to influence the events on which contracts are based. Structural Shift — or a Familiar Cycle? Retail trading has a history of reinventing itself when existing models come under pressure. Over the past two decades, the industry has moved through several phases—from FX and CFD brokers to binary options, and more recently to retail prop trading platforms. Binary options alone generated billions in retail trading volume before regulators shut down much of the industry in the late 2010s. Prediction markets may represent the next stage in that evolution. They combine elements of financial trading and event-based speculation while operating through tradable contracts rather than simulated accounts. However, Some market observers remain skeptical.Are prediction markets slowing down?$94B total volume sounds massive. But $436M in the last 24 hours is the new daily reality, down 80%+ from peak days during the election cycle.And the most viral prediction market story this week isn't about some brilliant crowd-sourced… pic.twitter.com/LzjukrJ1RV— LunarCrush (@LunarCrush) March 1, 2026At the same time, the underlying dynamic has not changed. Retail traders are still drawn to markets that offer clear outcomes, simple structures, and the possibility of quick gains around high-profile events. A 2026 survey by Coalition Greenwich found that 43% of financial professionals viewed prediction markets positively, while 60% said their data could complement traditional macro indicators. Whether prediction markets become a durable new asset class or simply another format for retail speculation will depend on how the industry develops over the next few years. Regulation, liquidity, and platform design will all play a role in determining which path the market takes. One thing is already becoming clear: as the traditional prop model faces increasing scrutiny, parts of the retail trading ecosystem are beginning to explore what might come next. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

The Perils of PredictionsIt didn’t take Nostradamus to work out that sooner or later, prediction markets would be beset by allegations of trading on insider or privileged information.These concerns have come to a head since the US attacked Iran in late February, with users of these platforms staking hundreds of millions of dollars on events ranging from the date of the first attack to the date of a nuclear detonation.Analytics platform Bubblemaps stated that half a dozen suspected ‘insiders’ had bet more than one million dollars on the timing of the strike on Iran, and other research firms have suggested that wagers placed on the fate of Iran’s supreme leader shared patterns with insider trading activity.A statement issued by the Israeli government in mid-February confirmed that an undisclosed number of individuals had been arrested for placing bets based on classified information.It seems strange that prediction market firms would allow themselves to be embroiled in such controversy for relatively little return at a time when regulators are taking a close look at their activities.Read more: "We just launched our non-custodial crypto wallet, which also includes prediction markets," said eToro CEOJust over a week before the first US missiles landed in Iran, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed a legal document in the case of North American Derivatives Exchange v. State of Nevada. The CFTC has long held the view that it has sole jurisdiction over prediction market regulation in the US, despite the efforts of various state bodies to impose their own rules.“This power grab ignores the law and decades of precedent,” said CFTC chairman Michael Selig.“Event contracts allow businesses and individuals to hedge event-driven risks, enable investors to manage portfolio exposure, and provide the public with information about the outcome of future events. These products are commodity derivatives and squarely within the CFTC’s regulatory remit.”The founder and CEO of Polymarkets, one of the leading providers of prediction markets, has suggested that prediction markets serve a powerful informational function and value proposition, including in war zones.“There is still a lot of resistance to innovation that kind of seems jarring to begin with,” he said in an interview at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. “That is what makes it innovative and disruptive.”Don’t Ignore This Side of the PondThe phrase ‘Britain and America are two countries divided by a common language’, attributed to either George Bernard Shaw or Oscar Wilde (both of whom were Irish, by the way), is used to describe the cultural, vocabulary, and spelling differences between British and American English.A similar divide has built up in equities in recent years as investors have focused on the US market amid perceptions of the UK as an ‘old world’ economy. But it would be a mistake to assume there is no value in Blighty.Since the middle of the last decade, fund providers have been reducing their allocations to domestic stocks for UK investors, meaning that in some cases these investors have as little as 4% of their allocation in UK stocks.Meanwhile, the tech-fuelled market boom in the US has led some investors to believe that, while America has embraced digital, the UK remains analogue. But the reality is rather different – since the start of this decade, the UK stock market has delivered higher returns and lower volatility.One investment manager suggests that UK value should be a cause for celebration for the country’s domestic capital base and says the fact that it is rarely treated as such (or even acknowledged) shows the extent of the lack of alignment within that capital base.He adds that regional valuation charts suggest it would be more than reasonable for that outperformance to continue, and that in some cases, underlying clients don’t realise the extent to which these changes have taken place. In other words, they think they own more UK stocks than they actually do and, even allowing for that, would like to own more.No one is suggesting that just because an investor is based in the UK, they should allocate the majority of their investments to domestic stocks. However, there is a case to be made that current allocations are too low and that some adjustment to reflect actual market returns would be a prudent move.Private Markets Attract Public WarningsAllocations to private markets continue to reach new heights. Assets under management now stand at $6.5 trillion, and private markets account for one in every eight dollars allocated to portfolios globally.As geopolitical tensions contribute to fluctuations in public markets, investors are turning to private markets to diversify their portfolios, manage risk, and pursue greater returns.But as numerous market observers have noted, as private markets expand, the associated transparency challenges will also increase. Inconsistent and unclear data result in inaccurate valuations and delayed decision-making, made worse by manual procedures.Related: Retail Investors Get Private Company Investment Access via Trade RepublicAn experienced adviser suggests many investors in private credit, in particular, are suffering from buyer's remorse at the moment as they find themselves locked into positions, watching risks accumulate in slow motion.His view is that recent developments at Blue Owl Capital (where the firm’s share value fell below its listing price amid investor concerns over redemptions and exposure to companies vulnerable to AI disruption) and the business development companies sector – specialised, publicly traded investment firms that provide debt and equity financing to small- and mid-sized private companies, often operating in a similar way to private equity – are reminiscent of the early stages of the collateralised debt obligation market meltdown in 2007.Of more concern than volatility, which offers the prospect of upside, is the danger of permanent loss of capital. Downside volatility allows investors to enter positions cheaply and increase their returns.Another potential issue is that when the big push for retail comes, which is already evident in the rising share of ETFs in collateralised loan obligation products, many retail investors will lose money. This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

The best brokers in LATAM in 2026 include Tickmill, EBC, AvaTrade, Pepperstone and eToro. These firms combine strong global regulation, multi-asset platforms and Spanish/Portuguese support, making them suitable for traders across major Latin American markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Argentina.Latin American traders increasingly look for brokers that go beyond basic access to forex and CFDs. Local language support, region-friendly payment methods, educational content, and clear disclosures around risk and regulation are now key decision factors. Recent comparisons of brokers in LATAM highlight the importance of Spanish/Portuguese customer service, diverse deposit options and a mix of global and regional oversight to ensure a fair, transparent trading environment.This guide focuses on five widely used international brokers that serve LATAM clients and are frequently recommended by independent reviewers. It outlines how we selected them, what each broker offers in terms of regulation, platforms and LATAM-friendly features, and how traders in the region can choose the option that best fits their goals and risk tolerance.How We Selected the Best Forex Brokers in LATAM in 2026The brokers in this list were chosen based on regulation, regional access, trading platforms, and LATAM-friendly features.First, we focused on well-regulated, globally recognised brokers.Tickmill, EBC, AvaTrade, Pepperstone and eToro all operate under multiple regulators (for example, CIMA, CBI, ASIC, FSCA, CySEC and others), which helps ensure stronger oversight and clearer client protections.Second, we checked LATAM access and localisation. These brokers actively serve traders in Latin American countries, and external reviews highlight their availability in markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Argentina, along with Spanish and/or Portuguese support, regional education and suitable funding methods.Finally, we considered platforms and product range. All five offer at least MT4/MT5 or a strong proprietary/multi-asset platform, access to major FX pairs and CFDs, and, in most cases, additional assets such as indices, commodities, shares or crypto. This combination makes them relevant candidates when comparing the best brokers in LATAM in 2026.Best Brokers in LATAM 2026 – Quick OverviewTickmill: Multi-entity CFD broker offering Classic (commission-free) and Raw (tight spreads + commission) account options, with a $100 minimum deposit and support for MT4/MT5 (availability and conditions can vary by entity).EBC: Globally regulated broker with growing focus on Asia and Latin America, multi-asset offering and institutional-grade infrastructure.AvaTrade: Multi-regulated FX and CFD broker with authorisation from Colombia’s SFC and an expanding presence in LATAM.Pepperstone: Global CFD broker known for tight spreads, multiple platforms (MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView) and growing outreach to LATAM traders.eToro: Social and multi-asset investment platform available in many countries including Brazil and Argentina, combining CFD trading with long-term investing.Top Brokers in Latam 2026: Detailed OverviewTickmillTickmill is a multi-asset broker offering Forex, CFDs and Futures through several regulated entities. Tickmill’s disclosures show these entities being regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa) and the FSA (Seychelles), which matters for LATAM traders because account terms and protections can differ depending on which entity services your account.Tickmill offers trading primarily via MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and presents two common pricing structures: a Classic account with zero commission (spreads from 1.6 pips) and a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips plus commission (shown as $3 per lot per side). Tickmill also offers integration with the popular TradingView with their Raw account. A $100 minimum deposit is stated across account types. For LATAM localisation, Tickmill supports multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, and has dedicated websites for both. As with all brokers in this guide, traders should verify country availability, the exact entity they will be onboarded under, and the relevant risk disclosures before funding an account.EBC Financial GroupEBC Financial Group is a multi-asset broker operating through a group of entities regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CIMA (Cayman Islands) and the FSC in Mauritius, among others. It offers trading in forex, stock indices, commodities, metals and other CFDs, with pricing sourced from institutional liquidity and a focus on narrow spreads and low-latency execution.Clients can access EBC’s services via MetaTrader platforms and web-based interfaces, supported by segregated client fund arrangements, participation in dispute resolution schemes and additional insurance coverage at group level. Independent reviews note that the broker keeps account-related fees relatively low and uses a raw-spread-plus-commission model on its professional accounts.In recent years, EBC has been expanding its presence in Latin America, including sponsorships and participation in regional events such as Money Expo Mexico and iFX EXPO LATAM, and initiatives like LATAM-focused trader education and community programmes. It also acts as the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, a partnership that supports brand visibility in markets across LATAM, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.AvaTradeAvaTrade is a long-established forex and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Ireland (CBI), Australia (ASIC), Japan (JFSA/FFAJ), South Africa (FSCA), the British Virgin Islands and others. It offers trading in over 1,000 instruments, covering FX, indices, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies and options on platforms such as MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaOptions and its proprietary mobile app.For LATAM traders, a key milestone was AvaTrade’s authorisation from Colombia’s Financial Superintendence (SFC) in 2024, allowing the firm to promote and operate services under local oversight. This approval strengthens its regional profile and adds to its existing global regulatory framework. The broker complements this with multilingual education and support, making it a relevant option for traders in Colombia and other Latin American markets who want a multi-regulated, multi-asset broker with a mix of standard and proprietary platforms.PepperstonePepperstone is a well-known forex and CFD broker regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA and SCB. It offers more than 1,300 instruments across forex, indices, commodities, shares and cryptocurrencies, available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and its own mobile app.For traders in Latin America, Pepperstone’s appeal lies in its competitive pricing and platform choice, combined with Spanish and Portuguese customer support and region-relevant market research, including dedicated LATAM FX outlooks. This makes it a strong option for LATAM clients who prioritise low spreads, fast execution and the flexibility to trade on their preferred platform.eToroeToro is a well-known social and multi-asset investment platform that combines traditional brokerage services with copy trading. The company is regulated in several major jurisdictions, including the FCA, CySEC and ASIC, and offers thousands of instruments across stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies and CFDs on its proprietary web and mobile platforms.For traders and investors in Latin America, eToro provides access to global markets with a strong focus on social features, such as copying other investors’ portfolios and following community strategies. The platform is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, and independent reviews note that it is used in countries such as Brazil and Argentina, although product availability (for example, forex CFDs) can vary by jurisdiction due to local regulation.Comparison Table: Best Brokers in LATAM 2026*Regulation summary is simplified and based on publicly available information. Traders should always verify the latest licences and product availability on each broker’s official website and with relevant regulators.How to Choose a Broker in LATAM in 2026Choosing the best broker in LATAM is less about chasing a “top brand” and more about matching the broker to your country, regulations and trading style.Start with regulation and local access. Check which entity you will be onboarded under and whether the broker is allowed to serve clients from your specific country. Look for clear information on licences, client fund protection and risk warnings on the broker’s official website, and avoid unregulated offshore-only setups.Next, review costs and trading conditions. Compare typical spreads, commissions, overnight financing (swaps) and any inactivity or withdrawal fees. Make sure you understand the difference between standard and raw/ECN-style accounts, and test execution on a demo or small live account before committing more capital.Platform choice also matters. Decide whether you prefer MT4/MT5, more modern platforms like cTrader or a proprietary/web platform. Check mobile usability, charting tools, order types and whether the platform supports the instruments you actually want to trade (forex, indices, commodities, shares, crypto, etc.).Finally, consider LATAM-friendly features: local language support (Spanish/Portuguese), deposit and withdrawal methods you can realistically use (cards, local bank transfers, e-wallets), and the quality of education and research in your language. A broker with solid support and transparent communications in your language will usually be easier to work with over the long term.Final Thoughts – Best Brokers in LATAM in 2026The brokers covered here “Tickmill, EBC, AvaTrade, Pepperstone and eToro” are all internationally regulated firms that actively serve traders across Latin America. Each offers a different mix of platforms, asset classes, pricing models and regional focus, which means there is no single “best” choice for everyone.EBC stands out for its institutional-style model and growing LATAM presence,Tickmill for its MetaTrader offering and clear Classic vs Raw pricing structures (entity-dependent), AvaTrade for its broad regulation and new Colombian licence, Pepperstone for tight spreads and platform variety, and eToro for social trading and multi-asset investing.The most effective approach is to shortlist two or three brokers that fit your regulation, platform and asset needs, open demo or small live accounts, and compare their execution, support and funding flows in practice. From there, you can decide which broker is the best match for your trading goals and your situation as a LATAM-based trader.FAQAre forex and CFD brokers legal in all LATAM countries?Regulation varies by country. Some regulators allow locally authorised brokers or foreign entities under clear rules, while others restrict or prohibit certain CFD or derivative products. Before opening an account, traders should check local regulations and confirm that the broker is allowed to serve clients from their specific country.Which broker is best for beginners in LATAM?It depends on your needs. AvaTrade is often considered beginner-friendly due to its broad platform and education ecosystem, while Tickmill offers a straightforward MT4/MT5 setup with clear account structures (Classic vs Raw). Always start with a demo or small live account and review risk disclosures.Which broker is best for low spreads in LATAM?Brokers such as Pepperstone and EBC are typically known for competitive spreads and raw/ECN-style accounts, especially for active forex and index traders. However, real trading costs also include commissions and swaps, so traders should always compare account types and test conditions on a demo or small live account.Can I trade stocks and crypto with LATAM-friendly brokers?Many of the brokers in this guide offer more than just forex.Tickmill, AvaTrade, Pepperstone and eToro all provide access to stock CFDs or real stocks (depending on region), and some also offer crypto CFDs or spot crypto in certain jurisdictions. Product availability can change by country and regulator, so always check the broker’s product list for your region.How do I deposit and withdraw money from a broker in LATAM?Most international brokers serving LATAM support bank cards, international bank transfers and popular e-wallets, and some also offer local bank transfer options or regional payment providers. Before funding an account, traders should review processing times, any fees and whether withdrawals must be sent back via the same method used for deposits.How can I check if a broker is regulated and safe?Go to the broker’s official website and note the legal entity name and licence numbers, then cross-check them on the website of the stated regulator (for example, FCA, ASIC, CySEC, local LATAM regulators, etc.). Be cautious of clones or websites using similar names but different entity details, and avoid brokers that cannot clearly show who regulates them. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

With the zero payout denials policy live globally, Hola Prime has strengthened payout integrity across all accounts, setting a new operational benchmark for fairness.Hola Prime rolled out the Zero Payout Denials Policy on 10th October 2025. In the prop firm industry, it has established a landmark commitment, setting a new benchmark ensuring that no legitimate payout request is rejected if all trading rules are followed. The trader‑built firm focused on trader outcomes and performance continues to lead the evolution of prop trading through transparent systems and global accountability.In an industry where traders trade with intention and have their trust often broken at the payout stage, Hola Prime’s zero denial policy eliminates ambiguity, discretionary reversals, and post-profit reviews that have historically eroded trader confidence. The policy guarantees that once traders have met the clearly defined rules, their earnings are processed efficiently and transparently, within one hour.“Payout denials have long been an enormous fracture in prop trading trust,” said Somesh Kapuria, CEO of Hola Prime. “But I am happy to report that since 10th October 2025 we've had ZERO Payout Denials. Yes, not even a Single Payout Denied. And more than 99% of our payouts are processed in less than one hour. As traders ourselves, we’ve experienced the anxiety that comes when profit turns into uncertainty. This policy is our defining statement: a clear, structured commitment that every trader who earns will always be paid. It reflects the operational integrity we’ve built from the ground up.”The policy rollout follows a successful internal validation phase, during which Hola Prime’s payout infrastructure and compliance systems demonstrated strong performance and scale readiness. The firm’s average payout time since 10th October 2025 stands at 33 minutes and 48 seconds, with an average payout amount of $3,943. In 2024, Hola Prime was the first Prop firm to launch 1-Hour Payouts. With 1-hour payouts, Hola Prime has eliminated the core issue of delayed payouts that plague the prop firm industry.To further enhance transparency, Hola Prime publishes its Daily Payout Transparency Report, detailing every payout processed, the total payout value, and the exact time taken from request to completion. This report is designed to remove uncertainty, build confidence, and reinforce the firm’s commitment to operational transparency. In addition, Hola Prime maintains a live payout dashboard and real-time transparency reports, allowing traders worldwide to track performance with full visibility.Reinforcing its leadership in payout speed and reliability, Hola Prime was named “Fastest Payout Prop Firm - MEA 2026” at the Ultimate Fintech (UF) Awards MEA, held during iFX EXPO Dubai. This recognition establishes the firm’s growing reputation for operational efficiency and trader-first innovation.“Our commitment goes beyond speed,” added Kapuria. “It’s about setting a system-driven benchmark for fairness. By removing discretionary payout denials, we’re shifting trust from being personal to being procedural, ensuring every Hola Prime trader experiences clarity, predictability, and respect for performance.”With the Zero Payout Denials policy live globally, Hola Prime continues strengthening its position as the most transparent and trader-aligned prop firms in the market, redefining payout trust through operational accountability.About Hola PrimeHola Prime https://holaprime.com/ is a global proprietary trading firm, headquartered in Dubai and operating across multiple regions. The firm combines deep trading expertise with cutting-edge fintech infrastructure to create a fair, fast, and transparent trading environment. Hola Prime’s mission is to empower traders worldwide with access, trust, and opportunity, transforming how performance translates into real reward. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Brokeree Solutions has introduced a new Integration API to help financial institutions embed its Social Trading technology into their existing infrastructure. The company said the interface allows firms to connect the copy trading system to platforms beyond MetaTrader and cTrader.The move follows earlier efforts by Brokeree Solutions to expand cross-platform functionality. The company connected its Social Trading system with cTrader, developed by Spotware Systems, enabling signal copying across MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader servers. In a separate initiative, Broctagon Fintech Group linked its AXIS FX CRM with Brokeree’s copy trading software, combining client management and automated trade copying across platforms.Copy Trading Gains Popularity Among BrokersThe company said the API is designed to reduce the time and cost of launching copy trading services. Brokers, investment firms, and crypto companies can integrate the system directly into proprietary platforms or other trading environments.Andrey Kamyshanov, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Brokeree Solutions, said the update removes platform-related limitations. He stated that “brokers are no longer limited by platform-specific barriers” and that the API provides “a direct path to integrate our flagship Social Trading with their infrastructure.” He added the development opens access to the firm’s copy trading technology across different systems and may support a more interoperable trading technology ecosystem.Copy trading has drawn steady interest from retail traders in recent years. Public indicators such as global search activity show rising interest. Search volumes have reached record levels since mid-2025, suggesting the feature is becoming more common among brokers.Brokeree API Streamlines Multi-Platform Copy TradingThe API also targets companies operating proprietary trading platforms. Instead of building custom integrations for each deployment, institutions can connect their systems to Social Trading more quickly. Features include customizable copying modes, proportional risk management, and flexible fee structures, allowing brokers to define how strategies are copied and fees applied.Brokeree’s Social Trading platform also includes a mobile application for managing copied trades and a Ratings Module that displays signal providers’ performance through real-time data. Since early 2025, the company has expanded platform integrations, extending products previously limited to MetaTrader to the cTrader platform, including PAMM technology, and adding support for DXtrade and TraderEvolution as part of broader multi-platform infrastructure. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Russia's retail investment market presents a stark paradox: while the number of brokerage accounts has soared to a record 40.1 million, but 86% of these accounts are effectively empty, holding less than 10,000 rubles (less then $130). The market's real activity and capital are overwhelmingly concentrated in the hands of a small but rapidly growing segment of qualified, high-net-worth investors. This "market of two realities" is detailed in the latest "Review of Key Brokerage Indicators" from the Central Bank of Russia for the fourth quarter of 2025. Retail investors added a record 2.5 trillion rubles (over $32 million) to brokerage accounts in 2025, the largest annual inflow since records began, according to the Central Bank.Russia’s Retail Brokerage Market: Accounts vs Real CapitalThe Illusion of a Mass Market On the surface, the numbers suggest a massive retail boom. The 40.1 million unique clients registered on the Moscow Exchange now represent 53% of Russia's economically active population. However, the Central Bank's data reveals a different story. The number of clients with meaningful assets (over 10,000 rubles) is just 5.5 million. This massive gap is largely the result of aggressive marketing campaigns by major banks, which often offer free shares or other perks simply for opening a brokerage account, creating the illusion of a mass market without genuine capital participation. The Real Engine of Growth: Qualified Investors The true engine of the market's growth is its elite tier of qualified investors. Despite the threshold for qualification being doubled from 6 million to 12 million rubles in early 2025, the number of qualified investors grew by 10% to nearly one million people. This small group now dominates the market. They control 77% of all retail investment assets and account for 70% of the record 2.5 trillion rubles in new funds that flowed into brokerage accounts in 2025. The growth is most pronounced at the very top. The number of clients with accounts between 1 million and 100 million rubles grew by 20%, while the number of affluent investors (over 100 million rubles) also increased significantly, with their total portfolio value rising to 5.7 trillion rubles. The average account size among funded investors remains high at around 2.2 million rubles, highlighting how assets are concentrated among a relatively small group of active clients. A Strategic Shift into Bonds The report also highlights a major strategic shift in investor behavior. As deposit rates fell, investors poured a record amount of new money into the market. However, this capital is not flowing into equities. Experienced investors, anticipating a future easing of monetary policy, have been moving heavily into government (OFZ) and corporate bonds to lock in high yields. As a result, the share of equities in retail portfolios has fallen, while the share of bonds has surged to 38%. At the same time, brokerage commission revenues have been declining for two consecutive years, according to the Central Bank, underscoring the importance of attracting higher-value clients. For brokers, the message from the Central Bank's report is clear. The mass-market acquisition game may be good for headline user numbers, but the real business—and the real money—lies in catering to the sophisticated needs and capital of the rapidly expanding qualified investor segment. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Spotware Systems said today (Wednesday) it has signed a technology agreement with TFunded, a small prop firm targeting retail traders across Latin America, making cTrader the platform of choice for TFunded's clients on mobile, desktop and web.The deal adds TFunded to cTrader's growing roster of prop firm integrations. The platform now serves more than 300 brokers and prop firms globally, according to Spotware, and claims a user base of over 11 million traders.Prop Firms Keep Migrating to cTraderSpotware has been adding prop firms to its network at a steady pace. FunderPro previously integrated cTrader into its offering, while UK-based OneFunded also came onto the platform more recently. The Funded Trader received approval to offer cTrader to US-based clients, and FTMO and Instant Funding began using Spotware's demo account infrastructure for prop firm operations on cTrader.TFunded structures its product around a two-phase evaluation process. Traders who meet defined risk and performance criteria qualify for a funded account, and the firm says those traders can retain up to 90% of generated profits. Binvank, a LATAM-focused brokerage, provides execution infrastructure for the operation.LATAM Becomes a Target for Prop Trading ExpansionLatin America has drawn increased attention from prop firms looking for retail trader populations that lack easy access to institutional capital, a pitch TFunded's management leans on directly."At TFunded, our mission is to professionalize access to capital for LATAM traders," said Pablo Vargas, the firm's COO. "We believe talent exists everywhere, but capital access does not. By combining strict risk parameters, transparent evaluation standards and institutional-grade technology through cTrader, we are creating a structured pathway for traders to operate at a higher professional level."Vargas added that TFunded's arrangement with Binvank is central to the overall setup, saying the brokerage partnership provides "reliable execution infrastructure, operational transparency and a more integrated capital management experience for traders across the region."Trust Issues Hang Over the Wider Prop SectorThe prop trading industry has faced mounting scrutiny in recent years. Italy's securities regulator Consob has previously warned consumers that retail prop trading challenges can result in financial losses, describing them as online trading simulations, a characterization at odds with the way most firms in the sector market their products.Spotware says it tries to address that credibility gap through its vetting process. The company applies what it describes as a strict KYC review and says it works only with prop firms that meet its reliability standards, whether as cTrader clients or as listings on the cTrader Store. That marketplace, which Spotware says draws more than 10,000 daily visitors, features a dedicated section for prop challenges where traders can compare evaluation criteria, drawdown limits, profit splits and pricing.Yiota Hadjilouka, COO of Spotware Systems, said the TFunded agreement fits within that framework. "TFunded is building an environment where clear risk management and operational transparency are central, which closely reflects Traders First approach," she said, adding that "supporting traders of all experience levels, the partnership with cTrader sets a higher benchmark for trading standards and ethical practices across the region."Mobile Becomes the Entry Point for LATAM TradersSpotware is positioning cTrader's mobile application as a key draw for TFunded's trader base. The company says cTrader Mobile recently received a Best Mobile Trading App award and is available across global app stores. For Latin America, where smartphone access is widespread and many retail traders rely on mobile as their primary point of market access, the distribution channel carries practical weight.Beyond mobile, cTrader supports more than 100 third-party FX and CFD integrations through APIs and plugins, according to Spotware, and allows firms to build custom functionality through UI add-ons. Brokeree Solutions has integrated prop trading tools into cTrader, and Hoorah also expanded its offering through a cTrader integration, reflecting a continuing build-out of third-party infrastructure around the platform. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.