MAS Markets, an institutional trading and liquidity provider, has appointed three senior professionals to its institutional team. The company said the additions support its global expansion plans and aim to strengthen client coverage, sales leadership and relationship management across key regions.MAS Markets has appointed Michael Quirk as Institutional Account Manager. He has broad experience in institutional sales and client relationship management in financial markets.Focusing on Institutional Client AcquisitionQuirk previously served as Head of Institutional Sales at Global Market Index (GMI UK). In that role he focused on institutional client acquisition and engagement across a range of asset classes. MAS Markets expects his background in market structure, sales execution and institutional service to support its drive to offer tailored solutions and responsive support to institutional partners.“Their combined expertise, leadership, and deep institutional experience will play a critical role as we continue to expand our global institutional offering and strengthen strategic client partnerships,” said Simon Blackledge, the CEO of MAS Markets. The firm has named Jorge Darias as Head of Institutional Sales for Southern Europe and LATAM. Darias is an MBA-qualified executive with a track record in business development and institutional sales across Europe and Latin America.He most recently worked at Swissquote as Senior Officer, Head of Relationship Management (HNW). At Swissquote he helped shape institutional growth strategies and managed key regional client relationships. At MAS Markets he will use his regional market knowledge and strategic focus to push the firm’s expansion in Southern Europe and Latin America.Nicholas Chantzaras Becomes Head of Institutional SalesMAS Markets has also appointed Nicholas Chantzaras as Head of Institutional Sales. He is a sales leader with experience in fixed income, FX, CFDs and institutional business.More moves: Jason Keogh Joins Sage Capital After Fusion Capital StintChantzaras previously held senior sales roles in the brokerage sector, including Head of Sales at CPT Markets UK. There he led commercial growth and client engagement strategies for institutional and professional clients. His remit at MAS Markets covers overall institutional sales leadership and commercial development.MAS Markets is a multi-asset liquidity provider that offers bespoke trading solutions for institutional clients such as professional traders, brokers, hedge funds, family offices and corporates. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

TradersYard has rolled out a new set of trading challenges built specifically for futures traders, marking a shift away from the FX and CFD-style rulebooks that dominate the retail prop space. “We built these because most prop firms treat futures like an afterthought - same old fx/cfd rules slapped onto completely different instruments combined with unnecessary complex restrictions just to confuse users into failing their accs,” Manuel Sonnleithner, the Co-Founder and CEO of TradersYard, said.The firm confirmed the launch of futures-based challenges as part of an expansion of its retail proprietary offering, saying the product targets traders who operate on exchange-traded derivatives and who have previously had to work within conditions designed for other asset classes.CEO Criticises FX-Style Futures RulesThe rollout positions futures as a standalone segment inside TradersYard’s evaluation structure. According to the company, the new ruleset emerged after it observed that many prop trading providers apply the same framework across FX, CFDs and futures.This practice, it said, often leaves futures strategies constrained by conditions that do not reflect contract size, tick value or margining. The launch aims to address those mismatches by introducing futures-specific parameters from the outset.Related: Prop Firm TradersYard Shifts Focus from Social Network to Trading ChallengesSonnleithner added that “futures need different risk management, different scaling logic, different everything,” highlighting the need for tailored challenge design.The New Hottest Futures Prop Firm Is Here!? pic.twitter.com/qCd6K11Sev— TradersYard (@TradersYard) January 13, 2026“Futures need different risk management, different scaling logic, different everything. So we designed challenges specifically for how futures traders actually operate: position sizing that makes sense for leverage, drawdown rules and profit targets that align with typical futures moves and removal of most of the noise of weird rules other props throw at their clients.”Focus on Position Sizing and DrawdownsSonnleithner also framed the changes as a response to trader feedback around opaque rules and non-market constraints. In his announcement, he said “traders who've been waiting for proper futures challenges – they’re live now,” signalling that the firm expects demand from participants who have avoided futures programmes under mixed-asset templates. TradersYard is majorly owned by Andromeda Capital Partners Suisse, a Swiss-based private equity firm. It was founded by entrepreneurs Ingmar Mattus and Antonis Dessipris.In Finance Magnates' prediction for the news year, futures-focused prop firms have become an attractive extension for CFD-based props, particularly in the US market. Established US names such as TopStep, Apex and MyFundedFutures dominate this segment, while newer entrants like FundedNext have also moved into futures. The5ers is likewise anticipated to roll out its own futures prop trading platform. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Hong Kong has signaled that it is not moving quickly toward gold-backed stablecoins, despite growing global interest in asset-backed digital currencies. Recent reports indicate regulators have no current plans to introduce or support stablecoins linked to physical gold, reflecting a cautious approach as the city balances innovation with financial stability. The new stance may affect crypto firms that had hoped to launch gold-backed tokens in Hong Kong. Several companies have been exploring commodity-backed digital assets as part of the city’s expanding Web3 ecosystem.SFC Seminar Highlights Digital Asset ComplianceLast year, the Securities and Futures Commission participated in a seminar organised by the Association of Fund Administrators of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, focusing on regulatory compliance in the digital asset sector. [#highlighted-links#] At the same time, Chinese technology groups, including Ant Group and JD.com, paused stablecoin plans in Hong Kong following guidance reportedly issued by mainland authorities, highlighting the cautious approach to privately issued digital currencies.Fiat-Backed Stablecoins Focused Regulatory ApproachOver the past two years, Hong Kong has positioned itself as a regional crypto hub. Authorities have introduced licensing regimes for virtual asset trading platforms and promoted blockchain development through policy statements and pilot projects. ⚡ INSIGHT: Hong Kong hints that the city isn’t entertaining gold-backed stablecoins yet. South Korea’s STO pioneer risks closure. Asia Express via Cointelegraph Magazine pic.twitter.com/bGeUNID7si— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) January 13, 2026At the same time, regulators have maintained tight control over higher-risk segments of the market. Earlier proposals focused on a regulatory framework for fiat-backed stablecoins, which did not include commodity-backed tokens such as those linked to gold. Limiting the framework to fiat-backed stablecoins allows regulators to prioritize clarity and risk management, while commodity-backed tokens raise additional considerations, including custody of physical assets, valuation, and redemption rights.Hong Kong Expands Gold Trading InfrastructureIndustry interest in tokenised gold products remains. Some institutional trading platforms in Hong Kong already offer gold-pegged tokens, including Tether Gold (XAUt), to professional investors. Separately, the city has outlined plans to strengthen its physical gold trading and settlement infrastructure as part of broader financial market development. Legal analyses note that the current stablecoin framework focuses on fiat-referenced tokens and does not cover commodity-linked stablecoins, which would require future regulatory expansion or clarification. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

CySEC’s Chair, Dr. George Theocharides, has opened 2026 with a warning that Cyprus’ capital market is entering a stricter supervisory phase, as the new EU Anti‑Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), MiCA, DORA and revisions to MiFID II/MiFIR and AIFMD II reshape the regulatory landscape while local market activity continue to grow. In a new circular, Dr. Theocharides informed all supervised entities that AMLA has launched a public consultation on draft Implementing Technical Standards.By the second quarter of 2025, the commission supervised 319 Collective Investment Management Companies and Collective Investment Undertakings with total assets under management of €10.6 billion.Άρθρο του Δρ. Θεοχαρίδη με θέμα Σταθερή ανάπτυξη της κεφαλαιαγοράς υπό το βλέμμα της ΕΚΚ στον «ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟ»Article by Dr. Theocharides titled “Steady development of the capital market under the supervision of CySEC” in “Phileleftheros”. (in Greek)https://t.co/TRoNtd2Cik— CySEC - Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (@CySEC_official) January 13, 2026CySEC Chair Urges Response to AMLA Consultation"Despite the decrease in the number of management companies and collective investment undertakings, the total volume under management is increasing, which demonstrates that the sector is raising funds in a more stable and structured manner."The consultation applies broadly to most regulated firms in Cyprus, including investment firms, administrative service providers, fund managers and investment funds (including smaller and self‑managed ones), as well as crypto‑asset service providers and crowdfunding platforms.Dr. Theocharides stressed that AMLA has already started to reshape the supervisory environment. As of 1 July last year, AMLA assumed a coordinating and supporting role for national authorities on AML/CFT matters and will move to direct supervision of high‑risk entities from 2028, with powers to impose sanctions and set common European standards.You may also like: UK Watchdog Extends Consumer Duty Lens from CFDs to “Complex” Exchange Traded ProductsThe Chair highlighted that new rules for investment funds will strengthen cash and risk management, especially during times of market stress. These changes aim to make funds more resilient and protect investors when markets become volatile.MiFID II/MiFIR and Investment Services TighteningThe statement also places AML changes in the wider context of EU capital markets reforms. After several years of intense legislative activity, the EU has moved from drafting rules to implementing and evaluating them in 2025 and 2026.Against this backdrop, Dr Theocharides noted that Cyprus’ investment services sector continued to reorganise and grow in 2025, with 253 CIFs supervised by November and about 30 additional applications under review. “In an era where technological risks are as serious as financial ones, effective implementation of DORA is a key indicator of maturity."MiCA, DORA and Early Licensing of Crypto ProvidersIn his overview, Dr Theocharides highlighted the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA) in 2025 as particularly important, as it introduced uniform rules for crypto‑asset services at EU level for the first time."In general, the combined implementation of the new European rules, the enhancement of transparency and investor protection, in combination with the enhanced supervisory role of the CySEC, create a stable and safe environment. In this context, the Cypriot capital market has every reason to develop further in 2026, strengthening the economy."Related: CySEC Chair: “Honestly, No Matter What We Do, Scammers Will Find New Ways to Deceive Investors”Linked to this shift is DORA, the Digital Operational Resilience Act, which introduced harmonised requirements for the digital resilience of financial institutions in 2025Beyond regulation, the CySEC chair draws attention to structural change at the heart of the domestic market: the planned privatization of the Cyprus Stock Exchange. The relevant bill is before the House of Representatives for consultation and a vote, with the goal of selecting a strategic investor to take over the CSE’s operation. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Saxo Bank and Etihad Capital PJSC announced that they have signed a Model Manager agreement at Etihad Capital’s office. Under the agreement, retail clients in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council will be able to access professionally managed asset management products through Saxo Bank’s trading and investment infrastructure.Retail Clients Gain Professional Portfolio AccessNicholas Wright, MENA Head of Institutional at Saxo Bank, said the agreement “builds on that legacy” of partnership with Etihad Capital. He added that “through the Model Manager structure, more retail investors across the UAE and GCC will have access to diversified, professionally managed portfolios in a digital-platform-first setup.”The collaboration builds on eight years of work in digital trading and investment services, aiming to bring institutional-grade investment solutions to retail clients within a regulated, technology-driven framework.Through the Model Manager initiative, Etihad Capital will offer a range of model portfolios. These portfolios give retail investors access to strategies usually reserved for high-net-worth or institutional clients. The partnership will expand professional asset management offerings on Etihad’s platform, focusing on accessible entry points, risk-matched portfolios, and global diversification, based on Etihad Capital’s investment framework.New Model Portfolios Launch Early 2026Since 2017, the companies have worked together to provide global market access, digital onboarding, and multi-asset trading for clients in the UAE. The Model Manager initiative combines Saxo Bank’s digital infrastructure with Etihad Capital’s investment expertise.The new portfolios are expected to be available to retail clients in early 2026 and will include thematic, fixed-income, and multi-asset strategies.Saxo Bank Reaches 1.5 Million ClientsSeparately, Saxo Bank now serves 1.5 million clients, following growth in client assets to DKK 800 billion in May last year. The bank reported a net profit of DKK 1,005 million for 2024, up from DKK 260 million in 2023. Saxo is continuing to expand its professional and international services, including digital wealth management in France and industry participation in the UK, while exploring AI integration to enhance its trading and investment platforms. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

CFD broker xChief (formerly ForexChief) has entered Kazakhstan’s regulated market. The company launched an AIFC-licensed entity offering local oversight and institutional-grade services, but only to professional investors who meet strict eligibility thresholds. xChief Central Asia Ltd received authorization from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) under license number AFSA-A-LA-2025-0012. The company is permitted to act as principal and agent in investments and to arrange investment deals. The AIFC license imposes strict client eligibility criteria. Under AFSA regulations, qualified investor status typically requires a portfolio exceeding $500,000 or at least two years of documented trading experience. This restriction excludes retail traders, who continue accessing xChief services through the group's offshore entity. A regulated Presence with Clear Limits The company opened a physical office within the AIFC zone at 55/20 Mangilik El Avenue, Block C4.1, Office 230 in Astana. xChief Central Asia stated the location will serve as a regional hub for partnerships with institutional counterparties, affiliates, and influencers targeting Central Asian audiences. The broker's product offering emphasizes CFD trading on metals, particularly gold, where the company claims to provide deep liquidity and competitive spreads. The execution infrastructure relies on prime brokerage liquidity providers regulated in the UK and the EU, according to the announcement. The AIFC operates under English common law and maintains regulatory standards that sit between those of offshore jurisdictions and Tier 1 regulators such as the UK's Financial Conduct Authority or Australia's ASIC. The framework emphasizes anti-money laundering compliance and qualified client protection rather than retail investor safeguards. xChief Central Asia operates a separate Kazakhstan-facing website at xchief.kz, distinct from the group's main domain. The entity's regulatory status can be verified through AFSA's public register at publicreg.myafsa.com. The Dual-Structure ModelThe entity operates independently from the group's main offshore structure, which holds a license from the Mwali International Services Authority in the Comoros.The dual-structure model—maintaining an offshore license for retail operations while establishing a regulated entity for professional clients in specific markets—reflects a common approach among multi-jurisdiction brokers seeking to balance accessibility with regulatory compliance in emerging markets. For Kazakhstan residents, the AIFC-licensed entity provides local regulatory oversight, but the professional client threshold creates a barrier to entry that excludes most individual traders from accessing domestically regulated services. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

XRP trades at $2.058 on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, facing its seventh consecutive session of declines, the worst losing streak in two months. The cryptocurrency has fallen 13% from its $2.357 peak reached on January 6, when CNBC called it "the hottest crypto trade of the year" with analysts predicting $8 targets for 2026. Now XRP moves near a critical $2.00 support after rejecting the 200-day EMA at $2.56 for the third time, a pattern that has consistently preceded multi-week corrections.According to my technical analysis, XRP has broken below the 50-day EMA at $2.07, signaling a deeper correction is unfolding. The immediate target is the round $2.00 level, followed by November lows around $1.90, December lows at $1.80, April minimums at $1.61, and an ultimate bearish target of $1.25, representing potential 40% decline from current levels.Why XRP Price Is Going Down? Seven-Session Losing StreakAlthough XRP prices rose 0.31% during today's session, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and are defending the $2.05 level, they have behind them a series of seven consecutive declining sessions, the worst such sequence in two months.The depreciation follows after XRP entered 2026 strongly, rising five consecutive sessions from $1.84 to $2.357 on January 6, testing nine-week highs. Just one week ago, I reported XRP "crushed Bitcoin and Ethereum returns" with 25% January gains and bullish $8 predictions.However, the cryptocurrency met stronger supply resistance at the 200-day exponential moving average around $2.56, the third rejection at this critical level in recent months.XRP Technical Analysis: 40% Downside RiskAs shown by my technical analysis, we are falling below the 50 EMA at $2.02, as a result of which a correction is about to unfold. The breakdown of this key support signals momentum has shifted decisively bearish.Key technical levels:Current price: $2.058 (down 13% from January 6 peak)50 EMA: $2.07 (broken - now resistance)200 EMA: $2.33 (rejected third time)Target 1: $2.00 (psychological support)Target 2: $1.90 (November lows)Target 3: $1.80 (December lows)Target 4: $1.61 (April minimums - year low)Target 5: $1.25 (October Flash Crash - 40% decline)The first short-term target is obviously the round level of $2.00. MEXC notes "$2.00 has acted as a formidable barrier that has capped rallies in previous cycles". Losing $2.00 opens the door to $1.90 and $1.80 December lows.The next two medium-term decline levels are $1.61, matching the year low, and my ultimate target level is $1.25 per XRP, the flash crash low from October 10. As a result, from current levels, XRP could fall by as much as 40%.CFD brokers like Axi recently expanded offerings to over 150 crypto perpetual contracts, enabling retail traders to access leveraged exposure to tokens, including XRP.Crypto Market Sentiment Weighs on XRPBroader crypto market weakness explains much of XRP's decline. "Crypto markets are trading sideways and sentiment is quite low. BTC Price action has been stuck in the $84,000-$95,000 range," explains James Harris, CEO of Tesseract Group.The lack of speculative interest shows in declining metrics. "With speculative spirits very low, there is less interest in trading the markets and exchange volumes remain at lower levels," Harris notes. This reduced activity means fewer opportunities to exploit, consequently reducing demand for leverage. "So borrowing rates are lower, with lenders having to drop rates to find borrowing demand," visible in both OTC lending markets and across DeFi platforms.Despite Federal Reserve rate cuts, three in 2025 with two more expected in 2026 bringing rates to around 3.25%, the anticipated boost to risk assets hasn't arrived. "It is hoped that with this lower 'risk free rate' crypto markets will begin to look more attractive and encourage bullish, risk taking behaviour," Harris observes. "This hasn't materialised yet though."Technical indicators confirm the bearish sentiment Harris describes. Hexn.io shows 70% Bearish reading on XRP with Fear & Greed Index at 26 (Fear), well below the 41 level Harris cites for broader crypto markets. XRP had only 43% green days over the last week with 0.69% price volatility. For real-time XRP technical updates follow me on X (Twitter) @ChmielDk. I provide moving average analysis, support/resistance levels, and crypto sentiment insights.XRP Price Analysis, FAQWhy is XRP falling today?XRP fell seven consecutive sessions from $2.357 (January 6) to $2.058 (January 13), worst streak since November 2025. According to my technical analysis, XRP rejected 200 EMA at $2.56 for the third time and broke below 50 EMA at $2.02, signaling correction with $2.00 support critical.What is XRP price today?XRP trades at $2.058 on January 13, 2026, down 13% from $2.357 peak reached January 6. Price defending $2.00 psychological support after rejecting 200-day moving average resistance for third time in recent months.How low can XRP go?According to my technical analysis, XRP targets: $2.00 (immediate), $1.90 (November lows), $1.80 (December lows), $1.61 (April minimums), and $1.25 (October Flash Crash, 40% decline from current). Break below $2.00 activates deeper correction toward $1.80-$1.90 zone. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

OneRoyal has appointed Marilena Iakovou as its new Chief Marketing Officer. She has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and fintech, holding senior roles across online brokerage and financial services firms.Former Tickmill, M4Markets CMO Joins OneRoyalBefore joining OneRoyal, Iakovou served as Group Chief Marketing Officer at Tickmill for four years, where she helped shape the broker’s global marketing strategy. She later led marketing at M4Markets for three years, during which the company expanded internationally and obtained a CySEC licence. In 2023, she joined Doo Prime, part of Doo Group, as Chief Marketing Officer. Her experience includes public relations, brand strategy, digital marketing, and international expansion in regulated fintech environments.In her new role, Iakovou will oversee brand development, global go-to-market strategy, digital acquisition, partnerships, and customer experience. She said OneRoyal’s aim to build a global fintech brand “aligns strongly with my own values” and added that she looks forward to expanding into new markets.Leadership Team Expanded to Support GrowthThe company also appointed Mariliza Karrera, who previously worked at M4Markets and Doo Group. Karrera brings experience in marketing and brand management and has worked closely with Iakovou in previous roles. OneRoyal said the appointments are part of efforts to strengthen its senior leadership team and support growth in regulated markets.OneRoyal Names Poynter Chief Commercial OfficerIn addition, Dominic Poynter has been named Chief Commercial Officer. He previously served as Head of Marketing at OneRoyal in Limassol for over a year. Before joining the firm, Poynter held senior marketing roles at HYCM, Axiory, ATFX, and easyMarkets, focusing on digital strategy, brand development, and international marketing operations across multiple regions.Financial Commission Grants MembershipSeparately, OneRoyal was accepted as a member of the Financial Commission. Membership provides access to services including client complaint coverage of up to €20,000 through the Commission’s Compensation Fund. The Financial Commission acts as an independent mediator between brokers and clients, offering an alternative to arbitration or court proceedings in CFDs, forex, and cryptocurrency markets. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

XTB captured 441,500 new Polish brokerage accounts in 2025, according to data from Poland's Central Securities Depository (KDPW), extending the fintech's grip on a domestic market that crossed 2.5 million total accounts for the first time.The publicly-listed broker (WSE: XTB) added 63,500 accounts in December alone, pushing its total to 821,748 and giving it roughly 33% of all securities accounts registered with KDPW. That December figure represents the strongest monthly industry performance since April 2010, when Polish brokerages collectively added 140,000 accounts.December Spike Driven by Retirement Account RushThe December surge reflected intensified marketing around IKE and IKZE tax-advantaged retirement accounts ahead of year-end contribution deadlines. Poland's total brokerage account count jumped by 100,374 in December, more than double the 42,000 monthly average from the previous 11 months.IKE accounts offer tax-free withdrawals after age 60, while IKZE contributions provide immediate tax deductions of up to 12% for high earners. XTB introduced access to IKZE in the middle of last year, while IKE was added to the multi-asset broker’s offering in October 2024.Toward the end of 2025, Poland’s brokerage houses became embroiled in a price war to attract new clients, driven by an increasingly saturated domestic market and growing competition from abroad. As reported earlier by FinanceMagnates.com, German fintech Trade Republic entered the Polish market with the aim of shaking up the local landscape. As a result, brokerage firms began cutting their commissions on a broad scale.Market Growth Tracks Bull Run on Warsaw ExchangeThe 565,000 accounts added across Poland's brokerage industry in 2025 also coincided with a historic rally on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The WIG index gained 47% last year and crossed 100,000 points for the first time in April, while record trading volumes pushed the exchange's second-quarter revenue to all-time highs.XTB is seeking to attract new clients by promoting its brand through sports-focused marketing campaigns. To this end, the broker has recently entered into partnerships with one of Europe’s two largest mixed martial arts federations and with combat sports athletes, including Conor McGregor.Traditional Banks Show Modest GainsmBank's brokerage division finished second in the KDPW rankings with 532,928 accounts after adding 62,225 over the year. December brought 27,952 new accounts to mBank, its strongest monthly performance in the data.PKO BP's brokerage arm held sixth place with 178,873 accounts following 19,001 additions in 2025. Dom Maklerski Banku Ochrony Środowiska rounded out the top gainers with 17,402 new accounts for the year, including 5,902 in December.The KDPW figures include all accounts with access to Polish markets regardless of activity level. Brokerages periodically close dormant accounts, which can cause temporary dips in reported totals. XTB also ranks among the global leaders in terms of active clients in the CFD market. In the third quarter of 2025, eleven brokers worldwide exceeded 100,000 monthly active accounts, with the Polish broker taking the top position.XTB shares received a buy upgrade from mBank analysts in November despite third-quarter results marking the company's weakest financial performance since 2022. Analysts cited expected higher profitability per lot and the record client base expansion as drivers for the recommendation. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Sage Capital Management has hired Jason Keogh as Sales Director, bringing on a veteran with three decades of experience spanning global banks, brokerages, and digital asset platforms as the firm looks to expand its institutional client base.Sage Capital Names Jason Keogh Sales Director Keogh joins from Fusion Capital, where he spent nearly two years as international sales director building a global sales operation. At Fusion, he helped scale revenue from launch to over $500,000 monthly within six months, according to his professional profile. His new role at Sage Capital focuses on attracting hedge funds, asset managers, trading firms, and brokerages to the platform.The appointment comes as Sage Capital prepares to announce what CEO Nathan Sage described as "major news about our offering." The firm, which has operated since 2015, provides institutional clients with multi-venue execution, collateralized lending, and access to more than 200 digital assets through a single API.Keogh said he was drawn to Sage Capital's regulatory framework, balance sheet strength, and multi-product offering. "From everything I have seen to date, Sage Capital Management ticks all the boxes for what the market is looking for," he said.Three Decades Across Banks and Crypto FirmsKeogh's career trajectory mirrors the evolution of modern financial markets. He spent years in equity sales and trading roles at Credit Lyonnais, Raymond James, and Oppenheimer before moving into fintech and digital assets. More recent positions included head of digital asset sales at Skarb and counterparty management roles at EXANTE, where he worked across four regulated entities.Between 2020 and 2023, Keogh built a 12-person sales team at EXANTE's UK arm, reaching profitability within the first year. He also ran institutional equity desks at StoneX and Sucden Financial, giving him exposure to both traditional and digital trading infrastructure."Jason is very well known and highly respected in the industry, with a proven track record in driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and managing client relationships," Sage said in a statement.Prime Brokerage Competition Heats UpSage Capital competes in a crowded field of crypto prime brokers serving institutional clients. The firm recently expanded its partnership with Finery Markets to offer 10x leverage through a trilateral arrangement with Gold-i, creating unified infrastructure for trading across 200+ digital assets. Last year, Sage also partnered with EDXM to provide institutional access to perpetual futures liquidity.The new whire follows a broader trend of executive movement in the sector. Earlier this week, Arman Tahmassebi took the CEO role at savings platform Flagstone after stints at IG Group and OvalX, signaling continued reshuffling of senior talent across fintech and digital asset firms.Sage Capital operates across multiple jurisdictions, with entities regulated in Switzerland, the UK, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The firm's Swiss entity received a no-action letter from FINMA allowing it to offer spot digital asset trading, margin lending, and custody to institutional clients without a securities license. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

CME Group switched to a new margin calculation system for precious metals futures today (Tuesday), moving away from fixed dollar amounts to percentage-based requirements after gold and silver hit record highs this week.The exchange now sets margins for gold, silver, platinum and palladium contracts as a percentage of notional value rather than specific dollar figures. The adjustment went into effect after Tuesday's close following what CME described as a routine volatility review.Dollar Amount System Couldn't Keep Pace with Gold and Silver SurgeThe old system required frequent manual adjustments as precious metals rallied and price swings intensified. Gold surged to $4,568 on January 12, entering what analysts call price discovery phase with no clear resistance levels ahead. Silver gained about 20% in just the first two weeks of 2026, pushing CME to raise margins multiple times last year as speculative trading picked up.CME's notice to clearing members noted that the exchange "currently sets margins for Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium based on a dollar amount" but "with this change, CME will be setting margins for Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium based on a percentage of notional."Under the percentage method, gold futures now require 5% maintenance margin for standard accounts and 5.5% for higher-risk positions. Silver margins stand at 9% and 9.9% respectively. Platinum margins are set at 9% and 9.9%, while palladium requires 11% and 12.1%.The percentage approach automatically scales margin requirements up or down with price movements. CME made at least three margin adjustments in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone using the old dollar-based system. The exchange has been expanding its metals offerings while also growing its footprint in emerging markets.Short-Term Pressure ExpectedChristopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., said to Bloomberg the changes "may temporarily weigh on precious metals" as traders adjust to higher collateral requirements at current price levels. The percentage-based method should reduce the need for frequent adjustments going forward, though CME could still raise the percentage itself if volatility exceeds historical norms or unexpected events occur.Clearinghouses like CME require brokers to post cash margins daily to cover potential losses on client positions. These deposits help ensure clearing members can meet their obligations to customers and the clearinghouse itself. The system becomes particularly important during volatile periods when daily price swings can exceed 5% or more.CME opened a Dubai office last year as Middle East trading volumes climbed, adding another regional hub to its global network. The exchange has been dealing with elevated metals trading activity across multiple time zones as both institutional and retail participants chase the rally.Fed Crisis Fuels Haven DemandMultiple factors are driving the precious metals surge beyond typical seasonal patterns. Concerns about Federal Reserve independence emerged after reports of a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Dollar weakness and expectations for additional interest rate cuts have also supported prices. Silver faces additional speculation about potential US import tariffs, adding another layer of volatility to an already turbulent market.The percentage-based margin system mirrors approaches used for other volatile asset classes where fixed dollar amounts quickly become outdated during trending markets. CME processes millions of precious metals contracts monthly across its various gold, silver, platinum and palladium products. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Integral, a technology provider in the forex trading industry, announced today (Tuesday) that it has tripled the size of its presence in Singapore’s Equinix SG1 data facility following a significant increase in transaction volume and system load.Trading Demand Surging in the APACAccording to Integral, regional trading demand has soared, with the company now processing over one million tickets daily at Equinix SG1. Notably, the SG1 data centre serves Integral’s clients across the Asia Pacific.The tech provider highlighted that it had inked numerous client partnerships in the past year in the Asia Pacific, which was another key reason behind the increase in the size of its regional infrastructure.The expansion will allow the company to manage any increase in transaction volume without any decline in speed or performance.“For over three decades, Integral has remained resolute in its support of the growing institutional and retail trading landscape across APAC, increasing our established customer base and strengthening the local liquidity ecosystem,” said Harpal Sandhu, CEO of Integral.“Singapore has been a key market for accelerating our regional presence, and the expansion of our SG1 data facility represents our commitment to ensuring our clients have access to the most sophisticated and agile cloud-based infrastructure possible.”Apart from the increased size, the technology provider is also using Equinix’s software-defined interconnection, Equinix Fabric, to establish private and direct connections to cloud service providers.Apart from the SG1 data centre, Integral also operates infrastructure within Equinix data centres in New York (NY4), Tokyo (TY4), and London (LD3).“This growth not only reflects Integral’s commitment to meeting the rising demand in the financial markets but also underscores the trust it places in Equinix as a strategic partner,” said Equinix Singapore’s Managing Director, Yee May Leong, while highlighting Integral’s expansion.Integral’s Expansion Beyond ForexEstablished in 1993, Integral primarily provides cloud-based SaaS FX workflow solutions and targets a broad range of buy-side forex market participants, including banks, brokers, asset managers, and hedge funds.Although the company made its name in the forex trading industry, it entered the crypto space directly in 2023 with the launch of Integral Digital, a trading and client distribution platform that supports cryptocurrencies and fiat-backed stablecoins. It developed the platform by bringing Mint Exchange, an institutional crypto exchange, on board as a partner.Last year, Integral also launched a stablecoin-based crypto prime broker, where trading and settlements are done on-chain. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

David Bily, founder and CEO of Moneta Markets today announced the launch of Moneta Funded (monetafunded.com), a broker-backed prop trading firm created to give traders a clear, rules-first pathway to earn performance-based payouts. Moneta Funded introduces four distinct challenge formats, including Instant Funding, One-Step, Two-Step, and the unique Phoenix Challenge, designed to suit different trading styles and experience levels.A natural evolution for a broker built on trading infrastructureMoneta Funded represents a natural evolution of Moneta Markets’ core business: building trading infrastructure, risk frameworks, and client support at scale. Moneta Funded is positioned to leverage the group’s experience and operational maturity, while operating as a dedicated prop division with its own team, processes, and trader experience.“People have asked why now,” said David Bily, Founder and CEO of Moneta Markets and Moneta Funded. “The honest answer is we waited until we had the infrastructure to provide the best trading conditions, the technology was truly accessible, and we had the right people to build this properly. Prop is not something you can just bolt on to a brokerage. It requires a dedicated team, specific risk controls, and infrastructure you can stand behind. We have hand-picked the industry’s top talent from all corners of the globe and built Moneta Funded to be transparent, and focused on real trader outcomes, not gimmicks. With accessibility in mind, Moneta Funded makes it possible for traders to create sustainable earnings through payouts with significantly lower capital requirements than they’d typically require with a CFD brokerage.“Being backed by Moneta Markets means Moneta Funded is built around institutional-grade trading technology which means lightning-fast execution powered by fiber optics to our Equinix execution hubs, and access to tier-1 liquidity providers for the best pricing and execution, with the goal of delivering a consistent experience for performance-driven traders. We also offer MetaTrader 5 and MatchTrader platforms, catering to a broader range of traders.We built Moneta Funded to stand out from the rest with superior technology and infrastructure, straightforward challenges, and clear, transparent rules.”Across all challenges, Moneta Funded emphasises clear objectives, visible limits, and a ruleset designed to reward discipline. Traders can choose from multiple account sizes and challenge types, with features such as no time limits and overnight/over-weekend holding allowed across challenges.Key challenge highlights include:Up to 88% profit sharePayout frequency every 14 daysMultiple challenge formats - Instant Funding, One-Step, Two-Step, PhoenixUp to $2,000,000 in fundingFour paths to match how traders actually trade.Moneta Funded’s programme suite is designed to be modular and trader-centric:Instant Funding: Funded from day one, with no time limit, and a ruleset that includes a 3% daily loss limit, 6% max loss (trailing lock), 20% consistency rule, 88% profit split, and 14-day payout frequency.One-Step Challenge: A single-phase evaluation with a 12% profit target, 3% daily loss, 6% max loss (static), minimum profitable days, and a funded stage offering 88% profit split with 14-day payouts. Two-Step Challenge: A two-phase evaluation (5% then 10% profit targets) with defined daily and max loss parameters, progressing to a funded stage with 88% profit split and 14-day payout frequency. Phoenix Challenge: A rules-driven, 10-tier path positioned around “trade without time”, with a 10% profit target for each level, an 88% profit split, payouts every 14 days, and up to $2,000,000 in funding. Delivering value beyond the challenges - tools, trader, and partnership supportMoneta Funded also launches with an included resource suite, X-Tools, which includes AI Market Buzz (market insights across 35,000 tradable products), an Economic Calendar, and Featured Ideas based on pattern recognition. The firm also offers around the clock customer support and a range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. Offering one of the most lucrative affiliate programs on the market, Moneta Funded affiliates can earn commissions up to 22% on referrals as well as lifetime commissions, and receive free CellXpert access for marketing and performance data.Branding and purpose-built sustainabilityFrom a brand perspective, Moneta Funded is designed to clearly tie back to Moneta’s identity. The red and green colour language between both brands is intended to reflect the realities of trading - conviction and control, opportunity and risk, and the discipline required to perform over time.Moneta Funded’s pricing and programme design have been developed with a sustainability-first mindset, aiming to create a prop business that can support genuine profitable traders with consistent operational processes. The objective is straightforward - build a well-funded, well-operated product with next-generation technology and clearly documented rules, so traders know where they stand and what is required for them to succeed.About Moneta FundedMoneta Funded is a prop trading firm offering evaluation challenges designed to identify disciplined trading performance and enable eligible participants to earn payouts based on programme criteria. Moneta Funded Ltd is registered in Saint Lucia (Registration No. 2025-00532).About Moneta MarketsMoneta Markets is a global CFD broker regulated by the FCA, SCA, FSCA, and FSRA, offering access to a wide range of global markets, including Foreign Exchange (FX), Indices, Commodities, Share CFDs, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds, and ETFs on its MT4, MT5, ProTrader and AppTrader platforms. The brand is committed to delivering cutting-edge trading technology, low-cost trading, and best-in-class support across a secure, multi-regulated environment. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

BitGo’s push to list its shares in New York marks a fresh test of how much confidence US investors still place in crypto infrastructure after a volatile stretch for digital assets. The crypto custody company aims to raise up to 201 million dollars in a US initial public offering, targeting a valuation of as much as 1.96 billion dollars as it brings a decade-old safekeeping business to public markets.BitGo and some of its existing shareholders reportedly plan to sell about 11.8 million shares in the deal. The company set a price range of 15 to 17 dollars per share, which would yield gross proceeds of up to 201 million dollars if the offer prices at the top end.BitGo Holdings announces launch of initial public offering.https://t.co/f1vM5vl1II— BitGo (@BitGo) January 12, 2026Market Backdrop and IPO RecoveryThe offering will consist of 11 million newly issued Class A common shares from BitGo Holdings and 821,595 shares sold by current stockholders. BitGo intends to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “BTGO,” following its earlier registration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in 2025.The planned float comes as the US IPO market works to extend a cautious recovery that began in 2025. New issues face tariff-driven market swings, the impact of a prolonged government shutdown, and a late-year selloff in artificial intelligence stocks that cooled risk appetite.Even so, more crypto-focused firms are preparing to go public after high-profile stock market debuts last year by stablecoin issuer Circle and crypto exchange Bullish. Crypto exchange Kraken has also outlined plans for a listing, pointing to continued investor interest in digital asset businesses despite bouts of price volatility.Keep reading: Kraken Files for US IPO After Securing $800M FundingThe broader sector still contends with the fallout from a sharp crypto selloff in October that pressured both tokens and related equities. That setback has pushed investors to examine revenue quality, regulatory exposure, and diversification before backing new offerings.BitGo’s Scale in CustodyBitGo’s decision to advance its IPO suggests it sees room for an infrastructure-focused story that leans on fee income from asset safekeeping rather than trading volumes. The final deal size and valuation multiple will offer an early signal of how public markets now price regulatory and market risk in crypto custody.The sought-after valuation of up to 1.96 billion dollars will test how investors benchmark that scale against other financial and technology names. A successful deal would provide fresh capital for investments in technology, compliance, and expansion, while giving early shareholders an avenue to realize part of their holdings.BitGo has assembled a large underwriting syndicate to steer the offering. Goldman Sachs will act as lead book-running manager, with Citigroup serving as a book-running manager alongside it. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Ukrainian authorities have restricted access to the prediction platform Polymarket. The National Commission for the State Regulation of Communications and Informatization issued the blocking decision under a resolution, according to Forbes.While facing restrictions in Ukraine, the platform has returned to the US after being pushed offshore in 2022 over unregistered event-based derivatives. It recently launched its first U.S. mobile app, offering real-money sports markets under Commodity Futures oversight after receiving CFTC clearance. The relaunch followed a CFTC no-action letter issued to a crypto derivatives exchange and clearinghouse acquired by the platform, allowing it to offer event contracts within a regulated framework.Ukraine Blocks Platform Over Unlicensed GamblingThe Ukrainian commission said the platform does not hold a license recognized for gambling activities. Its domain name has been added to the publicly available list of prohibited internet resources. 1) ??? Ukraine has officially blocked Polymarket, according to the National Commission for Electronic Communications.The platform was blocked due to the lack of a required license, as the regulator classifies its activity as gambling.⏳ pic.twitter.com/ZuiBWBsJ5H— Alex (@Oleksan23437762) January 12, 2026Electronic communication service providers are required to limit access to online services used for organizing, conducting, or providing unlicensed gambling activities.Implementation of the blockage has varied. Some users in Ukraine have been unable to access the platform, while others can still reach it without restrictions.Against all odds. Polymarket’s U.S app is now being rolled out to those on the waitlist. We’re launching with sports — followed by markets on everything. pic.twitter.com/WOoVMszrqc— Polymarket (@Polymarket) December 3, 2025Platform Sees $270M Bets CompletedDespite the restrictions, the platform has processed significant betting activity. As of December 24, around 240 bets related to Ukraine have been completed, totaling over $270 million. There are also 120 active bets with amounts exceeding $140 million.Romania Blocks Platform Over Unlicensed GamblingThe regulatory scrutiny is not limited to Ukraine. In Romania, the National Office for Gambling directed local internet providers to block the platform, stating it operates without a gambling license. The agency noted that the platform’s peer-to-peer model meets the country’s legal definition of gambling and lacks safeguards for responsible betting and anti-money laundering. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Bakkt Holdings, backed by Intercontinental Exchange, has agreed to acquire Distributed Technologies Research, a stablecoin payments infrastructure provider. The deal marks a shift in strategy following earlier reports that Bakkt had explored a potential sale or breakup in 2024.Bakkt Agrees Stock-Based Acquisition of DTRUnder the agreement, Bakkt will issue Class A common stock equal to 31.5% of the “Bakkt Share Number,” currently estimated at roughly 9.13 million shares, to DTR shareholders, including DTR CEO Akshay Naheta. The final number of shares will be determined in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement and may change prior to closing.The acquisition is expected to accelerate Bakkt’s time-to-market for stablecoin settlement, reduce third-party dependency, and support revenue across payments and banking use cases. The transaction requires customary regulatory approvals and Bakkt shareholder consent. Intercontinental Exchange, which owns approximately 31% of Bakkt’s Class A shares, has agreed to vote in favour.Bakkt Announces RebrandBakkt also announced that it will change its corporate name to Bakkt, Inc., effective January 22, 2026, while continuing to trade under the ticker BKKT. The company plans an Investor Day on March 17, 2026.Colleen Brown, member of Bakkt’s special committee, said the acquisition “broadens the scope of what our platform can deliver across digital assets and settlement.”JUST IN: Bakkt acquires Distributed Technologies Research Ltd. (DTR) to supercharge its stablecoin settlement and programmable payments platform, accelerate go-to-market, and expand its role in global digital finance as it rebrands to Bakkt, Inc. in 2026. pic.twitter.com/DRrbysQ8SK— Cryptopolitan (@CPOfficialtx) January 12, 2026Bakkt Financials Show Improved Liquidity PositionEarlier, Bakkt reported revenue of $214.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, bringing full-year revenue to $780.1 million. The company said the results supported its liquidity position and reduced near-term operational concerns. Revenue comprised gross crypto revenue and net loyalty revenue, with crypto-related income increasing following the acquisition of Bakkt Crypto, formerly Apex Crypto. Despite the revenue growth, Bakkt recorded an adjusted EBITDA loss of $93.9 million for the year. Net loss narrowed to $225.8 million compared with the prior year. Founded in 2018, Bakkt became a public company in 2021 through a reverse merger and has since focused on crypto trading, custody, and infrastructure services. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has warned firms to tighten how they sell complex exchange traded products to retail investors, saying poor risk checks and unclear communications could breach the Consumer Duty. Double-Digit Growth in ETP TradersAccording to the agency, complex ETPs remain a small but expanding part of the market, with the number of retail traders rising 23% between July 2024 and July 2025, reflecting wider retail investing trends. Three‑times leveraged ETPs are especially popular on UK exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange, where three of the ten most traded ETPs in December 2025 used 3× leverage strategies. The review examined whether distributors offering these products on an execution‑only basis are meeting Consumer Duty standards.The regulator stressed that complex ETPs are high-risk investments and often involve leveraged and inverse structures. These products can reset exposure daily and may behave in ways that diverge from the underlying index over longer holding periods.The FCA said these features create a risk that investors who hold products beyond the recommended period see outcomes that do not match their expectations.It found that some firms had detailed processes to define appropriate target markets, assess customer knowledge and monitor outcomes over time. Those firms used structured checks on investment experience and understanding of complex product features before allowing access for retail customers.Consumer Duty Expectations for Complex ProductsThe regulator has now urged firms to review their processes to make sure they meet Consumer Duty requirements for complex ETPs. It said firms should strengthen appropriateness assessments so that they test whether customers truly understand product structures, including leverage, inverse exposure, daily reset mechanisms and recommended holding periods.Alongside its work on complex ETPs, the FCA warned last year that investors in CFDs risk losing vital consumer protections if they allow firms to classify them as professional clients. Related: Is Consumer Duty the Next Flashpoint Between the FCA and CFD Brokers?It raised concerns that some firms use high-pressure tactics to push retail investors into giving up safeguards designed to limit losses. Under the retail regime, protections such as leverage caps and loss-limiting measures prevent hundreds of thousands of people each year from risking more than their original stake in CFDs. Finfluencers and Offshore Brokers Under ScrutinyThe FCA also flagged the growing role of social media promoters in driving traffic to CFD providers. It said some “finfluencers” promote unregulated firms operating offshore and may not make clear that they are pushing services outside the UK’s regulatory perimeter. In some cases, they promise unrealistic returns if investors copy trades, sign up for managed accounts or pay for daily trading tips.The regulator said that at one firm alone more than 90,000 people lost around £75m over four years after following such promotions. It warned that these patterns show how quickly high-risk products can spread through social channels when they are marketed with simple narratives and optimistic claims. The watchdog reminded firms that they must not pressure retail clients into elective professional status or encourage them to open accounts with offshore entities to bypass UK rules. It said it will take enforcement action against firms that use such tactics to deprive consumer protections. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

“Those brokers and technology providers who have taken a step can see the impact with real tangible use cases,” said Dor Eligula, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Bridgewise.At the Finance Magnates London Summit 2025, Eligula spoke in an interview with Finance Magnates, conducted by Jonathan Fine, about how brokers can unlock growth by acting decisively on AI adoption rather than waiting for the technology to fully mature. He also shared insights from Bridgewise’s work with brokers across Asia and globally, outlined how AI is being applied in real trading environments, and detailed the firm’s roadmap for 2026.Bridgewise is an investment intelligence provider founded in 2019. The company develops AI-driven tools for equity and fund analysis, multilingual market insights, and data-supported investment workflows. Acting on AI, Not Waiting for Certainty Asked about growth opportunities for brokers in 2026, Eligula cautioned against hesitation in adopting new technologies, particularly AI. “The worst decision you can make is not having a decision,” he said, referring to firms that remain on the sidelines due to uncertainty about how AI will evolve. According to Eligula, Bridgewise sees a clear divide between firms that actively experiment with AI-driven tools and those that delay adoption waiting for clarity. “From the partners we work with, I can see how those brokers and technology providers who have taken a step can see the impact with real tangible use cases,” he said. Rather than positioning AI as a future bet, Eligula framed it as a present-day operational tool, particularly for brokers seeking to differentiate through engagement and analytics. Measuring Impact Beyond Trading Volume While revenue and trading volume remain central performance indicators, Eligula said brokers are increasingly measuring success through a wider set of metrics. “It depends on your KPI,” he said. “In the end of the day, it can be the bottom line — ARPU or trading volume — but also net promoter scores, engagement rates, session bounces, and more granular indicators.” The ability to track both financial and behavioural metrics, he noted, allows brokers to better understand how technology influences trader confidence and decision-making. Asia: From Blue Ocean to Competitive Market Bridgewise has a strong footprint in Asia, working with partners such as Rakuten Securities. Eligula noted that while the region once represented a relatively untapped opportunity, rapid AI adoption has made the landscape increasingly competitive. “Naturally, it used to be bluer,” he said, adding that the pace of AI development has since crowded the space. What now differentiates providers, according to Eligula, is the ability to demonstrate proven outcomes rather than theoretical capabilities. “Looking at how others have been successfully doing it helps brokers make a decision,” he said, pointing to live deployments and published case studies as key confidence drivers. AI Scaled from Analyst Support to Market Coverage Discussing the interaction between AI and human judgement, Eligula highlighted Bridgewise’s deployment with Rakuten Securities as a concrete example. “More than three million reports are being generated by Rakuten Securities clients every day,” he said, referring to on-the-fly reports created by users. He noted that Rakuten has publicly stated that clients feel more confident in their trading decisions following Bridgewise’s integration — a claim disclosed during the firm’s earnings call. Bridgewise’s technology aggregates multiple data sets, including fundamentals, news, sentiment, macroeconomic inputs, and technical indicators, allowing AI models to analyse markets continuously. “You can compare Bridgewise to an army of 50,000 analysts,” Eligula said. Unlike human analysts, who typically revisit instruments periodically, AI systems can reassess markets daily and at scale, while also reducing emotional bias in analysis. Why Large Language Models Fall Short in Finance Looking ahead to 2026, Eligula identified Bridgewise’s flagship project, Genie, as the firm’s primary development focus. “We are building an AI agent, an AI advisor, that can help any trader or investor in their day-to-day,” he said, describing applications ranging from portfolio construction to behavioural analysis. Crucially, Eligula said Bridgewise does not rely on general-purpose large language models (LLMs). “LLMs are not good enough for the financial industry,” he said, arguing that compliance, domain specificity, and regulatory constraints require a different approach. Instead, Bridgewise is investing in smaller, vertically focused AI models designed specifically for financial markets. “Vertical AI would be way stronger for brokers, banks, and others in the value chain,” he said, citing the need for tailored know-how and governance. AI as a Support Tool for Individual Traders While Bridgewise primarily serves institutional clients, Eligula also offered guidance for individual traders experimenting with AI tools. “I would not use AI for specific investment decisions,” he said, but suggested it can be valuable for analysing past trades, portfolio structure, and behavioural patterns. According to Eligula, using AI as a reflective and analytical tool — rather than a decision-maker — can help traders better understand their own performance and risk tendencies. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Cyprus’ Securities and Exchange Commission plans to raise the cost of doing regulated investment business on the island. It has proposed higher application and annual fees for Cyprus Investment Firms, foreign branches and market operators, while also introducing fresh charges for material change notifications and algorithmic trading activity. The consultation, published Monday, runs until 13 February and sets out a new fee grid that aligns charges more closely with firms’ size, business model and turnover. Additionally, it removes some obsolete items such as a separate crypto‑services approval fee now covered by EU MiCA rules.Under the proposal, the cost of obtaining a CIF license increases materially. Instead of a flat €7,000 for investment services, firms would pay €8,000 per investment service in most cases, and €15,000 where the business model includes dealing on own account. The fee for services which relate to operating an MTF or OTF, rises to €30,000 from €25,000.Crypto-Specific Fee Removed Under MiCAOne notable deletion concerns a specialized fee for applications to extend CIF licenses to activities involving cryptocurrency.The existing €5,000 charge for authorization extensions relating to crypto services disappears from the schedule, as CySEC notes that Regulation on Markets in Crypto‑Assets introduces a harmonized, directly applicable regime for crypto‑asset service providers across all member states, including Cyprus.The regulator argues that requiring CIFs to secure separate or additional approval under the national investment services law for crypto activities would therefore be redundant in the MiCA environment.CIFs must inform the regulator about significant shifts in clientele or market strategy, such as moving from serving only professional clients to offering services to retail clients, or starting to provide investment services in a third country. For ongoing supervision, CySEC proposes a significant reconfiguration of annual subscription fees. CIFs and third‑country investment firms operating in Cyprus through a branch would pay a higher flat component and steeper turnover-based increments once annual turnover exceeds €500,000, replacing the current lower percentages.Continue reading: Cyprus Investment Firms Must Align with EU Sustainability Laws, CySEC SaysThe flat element linked to firm type and initial capital classification increases, with the standard CIF category seeing a base level rise and investment firms engaging in dealing on own account facing an annual fee of €30,000 for that activity alone.New Annual Fee for EU Firm BranchesThe incremental percentages applied to turnover above €500,000 rise across all brackets. For turnover between €500,001 and €1,000,000, the rate moves to 2%, while the €1,000,001 to €5,000,000 band carries a 1% charge; the €5,000,001 to €10,000,000 segment is charged at 0.5%, and amounts above €10,000,001 at 0.3%.CySEC’s proposal replaces the existing model for multilateral trading facilities, regulated markets and organised trading facilities, which currently pay a six‑month subscription equal to 11% of specific revenue streams, with fixed annual charges plus turnover-based increments.In addition to third‑country branches, CySEC introduces an annual fee for branches in Cyprus established by investment firms from other EU member states. The calculation relies on the same components as for CIFs—the flat element and the turnover-based increment—but multiplies the result by 40%, effectively discounting the amount relative to domestic firms while still bringing these branches into the annual fee net. CySEC stresses that it will not grant individual extensions and that any responses submitted after 13 February 2026 will not be considered unless the submission period is formally extended through a public announcement. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Cybercrime is increasingly targeting people, not devices. Attackers are using so-called “scam-yourself” techniques across everyday channels such as SMS, email, and social media, walking users into taking harmful actions themselves. According to latest Gen Digital’s Threat Report, this new class of social engineering increasingly combines generative AI with platform distribution tools to scale rapidly and bypass traditional security defences. In many cases, victims are tricked into transferring funds themselves — without malware, phishing links, or credential theft. YouTube Deepfake “Advisors” Case One of the most illustrative examples of this broader scam-yourself trend involved AI-generated “crypto advisors” on YouTube. Cybersecurity researchers documented a campaign that used deepfake personas across more than 500 videos to promote tools designed to exploit price discrepancies between blockchain networks. Rather than delivering malware or stealing credentials, the attackers relied on user participation. Victims were instructed to copy and paste code into web-based integrated development environments (IDEs) and then fund smart contracts. In practice, the code redirected funds to attacker-controlled wallets — with users completing each step themselves. The campaign also used typo-squatted domains mimicking TradingView, such as “tradlngview.com.” These near-identical URLs were designed to reduce friction and suppress standard security warnings during code compilation, making red flags easier to miss unless users manually verified addresses. Why This Matters The YouTube campaign captures the defining feature of scam-yourself attacks described in Gen Digital’s report: defenders can harden systems, but attackers win by manipulating trust, familiarity, and routine behaviour across channels. There is no malicious file to quarantine and no credential database to reset if the user has been persuaded to authorise the transaction. As scams become more coordinated across platforms, effective defences increasingly depend on user behaviour: checking URLs, questioning step-by-step instructions, and being cautious of polished presentation. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.