ADVFN UK Market News

Author: Gurel Yurtsever

  • Orbex Shuts Down EU Operations, Surrenders CySEC License After 15 Years

    Orbex Shuts Down EU Operations, Surrenders CySEC License After 15 Years

    In a significant shift within the retail forex and CFD brokerage industry, Orbex Ltd, a long-standing player in the European financial markets, has officially ceased operations in the European Union and voluntarily surrendered its Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) license issued by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).

    The move marks the end of a 15-year chapter for Orbex in the EU, where it operated as a regulated broker offering contracts for difference (CFDs) and other trading services to retail clients across the bloc.

    A Quiet Exit from the EU Market

    Orbex’s EU website now displays a farewell message, stating that the final day of business was July 15, 2025. Clients were instructed to close all open positions and withdraw funds before the deadline. The company expressed gratitude to its European clients, saying:

    “After fifteen years in business, Orbex Ltd has decided to close our doors in the EU. We can’t fully express our deep gratitude for your business and support.”

    No official reason has been provided for the exit, although the move follows a broader trend of retail brokers withdrawing from the EU due to tightening regulations and operational constraints.

    From Regulated to Offshore

    Orbex had previously operated in the UK market by passporting its CySEC license, but exited following post-Brexit regulatory changes. The FCA register now confirms that Orbex can no longer conduct regulated business in the UK unless specific exclusions apply.

    Following its EU departure, Orbex has transitioned to operating exclusively from offshore jurisdictions, including Mauritius, Seychelles, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These regions offer more flexible regulatory environments, allowing Orbex to continue serving retail clients globally.

    Orbex’s Global Strategy and Expansion

    Founded in 2010, Orbex built its reputation on providing multi-asset trading, advanced analytics, and educational resources for retail traders. The broker has consistently invested in technology, offering platforms like MetaTrader 4, and has focused on emerging markets in recent years.

    In 2023, Orbex acquired the retail business and client base of HonorFX, a move aimed at expanding its footprint in Asia and the Middle East. This acquisition signaled a strategic pivot toward regions with growing demand for online trading and fewer regulatory hurdles.

    Industry Context: A Broader Trend

    Orbex is not alone in its decision to exit the EU. Other major brokers such as BDSwiss and FXTM have also surrendered their CySEC licenses and moved offshore, citing similar challenges. The EU’s increasingly stringent compliance requirements, including MiFID II and SFDR regulations, have made it difficult for smaller brokers to maintain profitability while adhering to complex rules.

  • LP Prime Founder Louay Amhaz Resigns and CEO Marios Antoniou Takes Lead

    LP Prime Founder Louay Amhaz Resigns and CEO Marios Antoniou Takes Lead

    In a notable leadership change within the institutional FX and CFD liquidity space, Louay Amhaz, founder of LP Prime, has officially exited the company he helped establish in 2024.

    LP Prime was launched to provide bespoke liquidity and prime brokerage solutions for brokers, hedge funds, and high-net-worth traders. The firm also offered white-label broker solutions, catering to a wide range of asset classes. Though headquartered operationally in Cyprus, LP Prime is formally domiciled in South Africa, operating under Logan Capital (Pty) Ltd, a regulated Financial Services Provider licensed by the FSCA (License No. 52610).

    Leadership Transition and Industry Background

    The company is now led by CEO Marios Antoniou, a seasoned FX executive. Amhaz’s departure marks the end of a pivotal chapter for LP Prime, which had quickly gained traction in the liquidity solutions market.

    Prior to founding LP Prime, Louay Amhaz spent seven years at oneZero Financial Systems as Director of Business Development, and previously held a global role at PrimeXM, both key players in trading technology and liquidity services.

    Industry Implications

    Amhaz’s exit may signal a strategic pivot for LP Prime as it continues to evolve under new leadership. His departure also reflects broader shifts in the FX technology and liquidity landscape, where agility and innovation remain critical.

  • CFI Financial Group Appoints Omar Khaled as Chief Marketing Officer

    CFI Financial Group Appoints Omar Khaled as Chief Marketing Officer

    CFI Financial Group, a leading global provider of online trading and investment services, has announced the appointment of Omar Khaled as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating its global brand presence and enhancing client engagement across key markets.

    Driving Strategic Marketing Growth

    With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, brand strategy, and fintech innovation, Omar Khaled is set to lead CFI’s global marketing initiatives. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company continues its rapid expansion and strengthens its position in the competitive online trading landscape.

    Khaled will oversee CFI’s international marketing operations, focusing on brand development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in amplifying CFI’s visibility and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted trading partner.

    CFI’s Continued Global Momentum

    The appointment aligns with CFI’s broader growth strategy, which includes record-breaking trading volumes, expansion into new jurisdictions, and high-profile collaborations. The company recently surpassed $1.279 trillion in Q1 2025 trading volume, reflecting its strong market performance and increasing client trust 

    CFI has also secured major partnerships, including its role as the Official Online Trading Partner of the Etihad Arena and the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, further solidifying its brand presence in the MENA region and beyond 

    About CFI Financial Group

    Founded over 25 years ago, CFI Financial Group operates across multiple regulated entities and regional offices, including London, Dubai, Larnaca, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo. The company offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, catering to both retail and institutional clients.

  • XTB Posts Strong Q2 2025 Profits Despite Flat Revenue, Driven by Record Trading Volumes and Client Growth

    XTB Posts Strong Q2 2025 Profits Despite Flat Revenue, Driven by Record Trading Volumes and Client Growth

    Leading retail forex and CFD broker XTB (WSE:XTB) has reported a robust second quarter for 2025, with net profits rising 11% year-over-year to $58 million, despite revenue remaining flat at $155 million. The company’s performance underscores its resilience amid fluctuating market conditions and continued expansion in client acquisition.

    Record Trading Volumes Fuel Profit Growth

    XTB’s Q2 trading volumes surged to an average of $382 billion per month, marking a 22% increase from Q1’s $313 billion. This growth came even as profitability per $1 million in transaction volume dipped from 144 to 128, reflecting tighter margins in a volatile market environment.

    The quarter began with heightened market activity, largely attributed to geopolitical tensions stemming from President Donald Trump’s trade war, which later subsided, allowing markets to stabilize.

    Client Base Expansion Hits New Highs

    XTB’s client acquisition strategy continues to pay dividends. In the first half of 2025, the broker added 361,643 new clients, a 55.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of active clients also soared by 69.9% year-over-year, reaching 853,938.

    CFDs on Indices Lead Revenue Generation

    In terms of asset classes, CFDs based on indices dominated XTB’s revenue structure, accounting for 46.3% of total revenue in H1 2025. This was driven by high profitability from instruments tied to the US 100, German DAX (DE40), and US 500 indices.

    Commodities-based CFDs followed, contributing 33.1% of revenue, with strong performance from trades involving gold, crude oil, natural gas, and coffee. Currency-based CFDs, including popular pairs like EUR/USD and Bitcoin, made up 15.6% of revenue, up from 10.3% the previous year.

    Cost Management Enhances Profitability

    XTB also reported a PLN 22.9 million reduction in operating expenses quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to a PLN 17.7 million cut in marketing costs. This strategic cost control helped bolster net profits despite flat revenue.

  • AETOS Capital Group Exits UK Market, Surrenders FCA Licence

    AETOS Capital Group Exits UK Market, Surrenders FCA Licence

    In a significant move reflecting broader industry trends, AETOS Capital Group, a global contracts for difference (CFD) broker, has officially relinquished its Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) licence, effectively ending its regulated operations in the United Kingdom.

    The decision, confirmed via the FCA’s public registry, indicates that AETOS UK has ceased all regulated activities and is in the process of winding down its UK business. The company cited “ceasing to trade” as the reason for the cancellation, a designation typically associated with administration, liquidation, or dissolution 

    UK Exit Follows Prolonged Inactivity

    AETOS’s UK entity had held its FCA licence since 2016 but had shown signs of declining activity in recent years. In the fiscal year 2024, the firm reported a turnover of £479,000, up from £399,000 the previous year. However, only £4,761 of that revenue came from brokerage commissions, with the bulk derived from management service fees 

    The company’s dwindling brokerage income and lack of new business appear to have prompted the strategic retreat. AETOS also filed a Solvency Statement with Companies House, a move often linked to capital restructuring or voluntary closure.

    Focus Shifts to Australia and Offshore Markets

    While AETOS is exiting the UK, it continues to operate under regulatory licences in Australia and Mauritius. Its Australian arm, AETOS Capital Group Pty Ltd, is regulated by ASIC, while its offshore operations are managed through AETOS Markets (M) Ltd, based in Mauritius 

    The group is ultimately controlled by Chinese entrepreneur Yongqiang Lu, and the brand remains active in Asia-Pacific and other emerging markets.

    Industry-Wide Trend of FCA Exits

    AETOS is not alone in its departure from the UK regulatory landscape. Several other CFD brokers, including ADSS, TrivePro, and ICM.com, have either exited the UK market or are in the process of surrendering their FCA licences. Many cite increased regulatory pressure and limited retail profitability as key factors behind their decisions 

    What This Means for Clients

    With the FCA licence now surrendered, AETOS can no longer offer regulated financial products or services in the UK. Clients are advised to contact the company directly for information regarding account closures or fund withdrawals.

  • Revolut Audi F1 Team Unveiled: Fintech Giant Enters Formula 1 Arena

    Revolut Audi F1 Team Unveiled: Fintech Giant Enters Formula 1 Arena

    In a landmark move that bridges the worlds of high finance and high-speed racing, Revolut, the global fintech powerhouse, has been unveiled as the title partner of the future Audi F1 Team, set to make its debut in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.

    The announcement marks a strategic alliance between two innovation-driven brands, both poised to disrupt their respective industries with bold vision and cutting-edge technology.

    A Fusion of Speed and Fintech

    The partnership, announced jointly by Audi AG and Revolut, will see the team officially branded as the Revolut Audi F1 Team from the start of the 2026 season. Audi, which recently completed its acquisition of the Kick Sauber F1 entry, is preparing for its long-anticipated entry into Formula 1 with a clear ambition: to use the sport as a platform for technological relevance and sustainable brand growth 

    Revolut, with over 60 million customers globally, is equally ambitious. The fintech firm is accelerating toward a target of 100 million users, and the partnership with Audi offers a unique opportunity to engage with a global audience through the spectacle of Formula 1 

    “This is a monumental partnership for Revolut and the future Audi F1 Team,” said Nik Storonsky, CEO of Revolut. “We’re bringing our customers into Formula 1 with unforgettable experiences at a pivotal time for the sport. As Revolut continues to challenge the status quo in global finance, the Audi F1 Team is set to do the same in motorsport.” 

    Innovation On and Off the Track

    The collaboration goes far beyond branding. Revolut Business will be deeply integrated into the team’s financial operations, streamlining everything from budgeting to international transactions. Fans will also benefit directly, with Revolut powering seamless checkout solutions for team merchandise, ensuring a premium and intuitive retail experience during race weekends

    “With Revolut, we have found a partner that shares our core ethos of innovation and relentless ambition,” said Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of the future Audi F1 Team. “This is more than a brand fit; it is a strategic alliance engineered to challenge conventions in motorsport.”

    The partnership also aims to redefine fan engagement. Audi and Revolut plan to introduce interactive digital experiences, exclusive benefits for Revolut users, and immersive race-day activations designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.

    Audi’s Vision for Formula 1

    Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is being led by a seasoned team, including Wheatley and Chief Operating Officer Mattia Binotto, formerly of Ferrari. The German automotive giant sees Formula 1 not just as a racing challenge, but as a technologically relevant and economically sustainable investment in its future

    “Formula 1 is a global stage that offers us the opportunity to reach new target groups and generate enthusiasm for our products,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG. “In Revolut, we have found a partner that shares our ambitions and attitude.” 

    Looking Ahead to 2026

    With the 2026 season fast approaching, the Revolut Audi F1 Team is already laying the groundwork for a competitive debut. The team is establishing a UK Technical Centre, refining its engineering capabilities, and preparing to challenge the sport’s elite with a fresh approach to racing and operations.

    This partnership is more than a sponsorship—it’s a statement of intent. As Formula 1 evolves into a more digitally connected and globally inclusive sport, the union of Audi and Revolut could well become a blueprint for future collaborations between tech and motorsport.

    Photo by Chethan Kanakamurthy on Unsplash

  • Hamak Gold Dives into Digital Assets with £1.77M Bitcoin Purchase and Archax Partnership

    Hamak Gold Dives into Digital Assets with £1.77M Bitcoin Purchase and Archax Partnership

    In a bold pivot toward digital finance, Hamak Gold Limited (LSE: HAMA) has announced the acquisition of 20 Bitcoin, marking its first investment in digital assets. The move, valued at £1.77 million, is part of a broader treasury strategy aimed at diversifying the company’s balance sheet and enhancing shareholder value.

    The Bitcoin purchase, made at an average price of £88,569 per coin, signals a strategic shift for the junior gold exploration company, which is primarily focused on African mining projects. Hamak Gold is now positioning itself as a hybrid player in the resource sector—combining traditional gold assets with the disruptive potential of digital currencies.

    Strategic Alliance with Archax

    To support this new direction, Hamak Gold has entered into a partnership with Archax, the UK’s first FCA-regulated digital asset exchange, broker, and custodian. Archax will provide secure custody and trading infrastructure for Hamak’s Bitcoin holdings, ensuring regulatory compliance and institutional-grade asset management.

    “We are pleased to be delivering on the initial plan we announced to the market just a few weeks ago,” said Nick Thurlow, Executive Chairman of Hamak Gold. “We’re excited to partner with Archax, the premier UK-regulated crypto trading and custody firm.”

    Archax CEO Graham Rodford welcomed the collaboration, noting the complementary nature of Bitcoin and gold as stores of value. “Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million units is often cited as a distinguishing feature by market participants seeking alternatives to inflation-prone fiat currencies—complementing gold’s long-standing role,” he said.

    A New Model for Junior Miners?

    Hamak Gold’s dual-asset strategy is a rare move in the junior mining space, where companies typically focus on physical commodities. By integrating Bitcoin into its treasury, the company aims to create a low-correlation hedge against traditional equity market cycles, while tapping into long-term digital asset trends.

    The initiative is part of a broader treasury framework that includes strategic reserves, liquidity tools, and non-dilutive value protection mechanisms. The company also hinted at upcoming high-level appointments to bolster its digital asset expertise.

    About the Companies

    Hamak Gold Limited is a UK-listed gold exploration firm with operations in Africa. Through its listing on the London Stock Exchange, it offers investors exposure to both traditional mining and digital asset strategies.

    Archax, based in London, is a fully regulated digital asset platform catering to institutional investors. It offers services across the digital asset lifecycle—from token issuance and fundraising to trading and custody.

  • Dominique El Khoury Takes Helm at NeoMarkets Amid Strategic Global Expansion

    Dominique El Khoury Takes Helm at NeoMarkets Amid Strategic Global Expansion

    In a bold move signaling its ambitions on the global stage, emerging brokerage firm NeoMarkets has appointed seasoned industry executive Dominique El Khoury as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made earlier today, marks a significant leadership shift as the company positions itself for aggressive growth across key international markets.

    El Khoury, a veteran of the online trading sector, brings over a decade of experience to the role. His résumé includes senior positions at SquaredFinancial, ATFX, Axi, and ADSS, where he led business development and sales initiatives across the Middle East and Africa. Most recently, he served as Global Head of Business Development at SquaredFinancial, overseeing strategic expansion in the Gulf and broader MEA region 

    Now at the helm of NeoMarkets Group Ltd, El Khoury is expected to steer the firm through its next phase of development. “We’re building something bold and future-focused,” he shared in a statement, hinting at a transformative vision for the company’s future 

    Who is NeoMarkets?

    Founded as an offshore brokerage in Mauritius, NeoMarkets has quickly evolved into a multi-jurisdictional player. The firm recently secured a Category 5 “introducers” license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), allowing it to operate through its regional arm, NeoMarkets Mena For Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis 

    NeoMarkets offers trading in CFDs and equities, with additional services such as PAMM accounts. Its client acquisition strategy is focused on Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly India, where demand for online trading platforms continues to surge

    While its Mauritius license provides a regulatory base, the company also partners with entities in the UAE and Kazakhstan, though not all of these are currently regulated. This hybrid model reflects a broader trend among fintech startups seeking flexibility in global operations.

    A Strategic Appointment

    El Khoury’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic coup for NeoMarkets. His deep regional expertise and track record of scaling brokerage operations make him a natural fit for a company with global aspirations. Industry insiders suggest that his leadership could help NeoMarkets navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of emerging markets while enhancing its credibility among institutional and retail clients alike.

    As the fintech and trading sectors continue to evolve, all eyes will be on NeoMarkets and its new CEO to see whether this ambitious startup can deliver on its promise of innovation and growth.

  • Top Mining Investment Events in 2025

    Top Mining Investment Events in 2025

    Mining investment events have become essential platforms for connecting exploration companies, institutional investors, governments, and technology innovators. These gatherings aren’t just about rocks—they’re about unlocking the minerals that power everything from smartphones to solar panels.

    List of Upcoming mining investment events in 2025, perfect for investors, analysts, and dealmakers looking to connect with mining companies and explore global opportunities:

    Mines and Money @ Resourcing Tomorrow

    London, UK – 2–4 December
    Europe’s largest mining investment forum, focused on critical minerals, ESG, and finance.

    Mining World Congress

    London, UK – 10–11 December
    Covers digital transformation, sustainability, and investment strategy.

    Discoveries Mining Conference

    Hermosillo, Mexico – 8–10 April 26
    Latin America’s top technical mining event with 85+ companies and a core shack.

    International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC)

    Sydney, Australia – 21–23 October
    Australia’s flagship mining event with global participation and an investment theatre.

    AME Roundup

    Vancouver, Canada – 20–24 January
    Focused on mineral exploration and early-stage investment opportunities.

    Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference

    Online – 23–24 July
    Virtual event with presentations from publicly traded mining companies.

    Life of Mine | Mine Waste and Tailings Conference

    Brisbane, Australia – 29–30 July
    Combines technical insights on mine lifecycle and tailings management.

    Tailings 2025

    Santiago, Chile – 3–5 September
    Focuses on tailings disposal, control, and monitoring technologies.

    Mining Indonesia

    Jakarta, Indonesia – 10–20 September
    Southeast Asia’s largest mining expo, showcasing tech and sustainability.

    Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX)

    Adelaide, Australia – 23–25 September
    Three days of networking, presentations, and professional development.

    African Mining Week

    Cape Town, South Africa – 1–3 October
    Brings together leaders, investors, and policymakers to unlock new frontiers..

  • CFD Broker Sponsorships

    CFD Broker Sponsorships

    CFD trading is a complex, often misunderstood niche of the financial industry. Unlike traditional investing, CFD trading allows individuals to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset, whether it’s stocks, commodities, or currencies. With high leverage and risk, the product attracts a very specific profile: financially curious, tech-savvy, and looking for dynamic opportunities.

    To broaden appeal and humanize their brand, brokers have turned to the world’s most passionate pastime: sports.

    • Emotional Impact: Sponsorships create a visceral connection with fans, building trust through affiliation with beloved clubs.
    • Brand Recognition: Having a logo on a jersey or stadium banner delivers visibility that digital ads alone can’t match.
    • Market Expansion: Football clubs have global followings, especially in Asia and Africa, regions where CFD adoption is rising.

    The Biggest Moves in Football Sponsorships

    2024–2025 saw a flurry of deals between brokers and top-tier football teams:

    CFD BrokerFootball ClubType of SponsorshipYear
    iFOREX EuropeFerencvárosi TCBack-of-shirt sponsor2025
    EC MarketsLiverpool FCGlobal Partner2025
    IUXFulham FCOfficial CFD Trading Partner2024
    ZERO MarketsWolverhampton WanderersDigital & interactive sponsor2025
    LibertexFC Bayern MunichPremium club partnership2024
    eToroSlavia PragueShirt sponsor2024

    Beyond Europe, brokers are also eyeing Latin American and Asian leagues, where fan engagement is intense and digital trading is expanding rapidly.

    Not Just Football: F1, Esports, and More

    While football dominates, CFD brokers are increasingly venturing into other realms:

    • FxPro and AvaTrade maintain strong visibility in Formula One, leveraging the sport’s elite image and global reach.
    • Plus500 made headlines by entering esports sponsorships, a move to connect with younger, tech-native audiences.
    • Pepperstone and IG Group have flirted with deals in rugby, cricket, and tennis, especially targeting the Australian and UK markets.

    What’s in It for the Brokers?

    These deals aren’t cheap. Industry insiders estimate that top-flight football sponsorships can cost:

    • $2–$15 million annually, depending on the club and activation level
    • Additional costs for player appearances, hospitality packages, and digital marketing

    But the return on investment goes beyond numbers. Sponsorships reinforce credibility, especially in regions where CFDs face regulatory scrutiny or low public awareness.

    Psychological Trading Meets Emotional Fandom

    There’s an oddly poetic overlap between trading and sports:

    • Both require discipline, strategy, and emotional control
    • Both offer high stakes and moments of triumph or despair
    • Both are followed passionately—whether by day traders watching candlesticks or football fans glued to injury-time drama

    CFD brokers understand this synergy. By aligning themselves with champions, they position their platforms as winning arenas for financial empowerment.

    In the battle for attention and trust, CFD brokers are no longer trading in silence—they’re cheering from the sidelines. As more partnerships emerge and the line between sport and finance continues to blur, don’t be surprised if your favorite striker ends up celebrating with a branded trading app in hand.

    Football Sponsorships

    IC Markets × La Liga & Bundesliga
    IC Markets secured sponsorships with 12 football clubs across Spain and Germany, including Real Sociedad, Athletic Club Bilbao, and Bayer Leverkusen. The deal includes LED branding, VIP experiences, and merchandise access.

    Axi × Manchester City
    Axi has been the Official Online Trading Partner of Manchester City since 2020. The partnership spans both the men’s and women’s teams, with regional activations and branded content like the “City Slickers” campaign.

    Doo Group × Manchester United
    In early 2023, Doo Group became the Official Financial Trading Partner of Manchester United, leveraging the club’s massive global fanbase for brand visibility.

    ThinkMarkets × Liverpool FC
    ThinkMarkets joined Liverpool’s sponsorship roster in 2021, focusing on digital engagement and global reach.

    Global Kapital Group × Arsenal FC
    This 2019 partnership helped Global Kapital Group tap into Arsenal’s strong presence in Africa and Asia.

    Basketball & Beyond

    • TMGM × Brooklyn Nets
      TMGM signed a multi-year deal with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, marking its first major U.S. sports sponsorship. The partnership includes courtside branding and digital content, aimed at younger, mobile-first audiences.
    • TMGM × Chelsea FC
      TMGM also extended its partnership with Chelsea FC, maintaining its role as the Official Regional Online Forex and Trading Partner in Asia Pacific.

    Formula One & Other Sports

    • FxPro & AvaTrade × Formula One
      These brokers maintain active sponsorships in F1, capitalizing on the sport’s high-performance image and global reach.
    • Plus500 × Chicago Bulls & Atalanta BC
      Plus500 has diversified its sports portfolio with deals in both NBA basketball and Serie A football, targeting fans in the U.S. and Italy

    Photo by Vienna Reyes on Unsplash