ADVFN UK Market News

Author: Gurel Yurtsever

  • Trading Goals: iFOREX Europe Joins Forces with Hungarian Football Giant

    Trading Goals: iFOREX Europe Joins Forces with Hungarian Football Giant

    In a bold move blending finance and football, iFOREX Europe has inked a jersey sponsorship deal with Ferencvárosi TC, Hungary’s most decorated football club and reigning national champions. The Cyprus-based trading platform will feature as the official back-of-shirt sponsor as Ferencváros gears up for its sixth consecutive European campaign this summer.

    “It’s a partnership built on shared values—resilience, preparation, and relentless ambition,” said iFOREX Group CEO Itai Sadeh, drawing parallels between elite athletes and successful traders.

    The deal was brokered by SPORTFIVE Hungary, whose CEO, András Igaz, emphasized that iFOREX’s involvement will go beyond branding, with plans for fan engagement and joint club activities.

    This latest alliance adds to iFOREX’s growing sports portfolio, which already includes sponsorships with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Lech Poznań in Poland.

    The announcement comes amid speculation around iFOREX’s delayed IPO plans on the London Stock Exchange, paused due to a compliance inspection in the British Virgin Islands.

    Looks like iFOREX is playing the long game—on and off the pitch.

    CFD brokers have been scoring big in the sports world lately.

  • Moneta Markets Launches Atlético de Madrid Sponsorship to Accelerate APAC Growth

    Moneta Markets Launches Atlético de Madrid Sponsorship to Accelerate APAC Growth

    Retail FX and CFDs broker Moneta Markets has announced a strategic partnership with LaLiga powerhouse Atlético de Madrid, becoming the club’s official online trading sponsor across the Asia-Pacific region.

    The collaboration marks another chapter in Atlético’s long-standing relationship with the trading sector, following previous deals with Plus500 and Hantec Markets. But for Moneta Markets, this move signals a bold expansion of its brand footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing trading regions.

    “We are excited to partner with Atlético de Madrid, one of Europe’s most iconic and competitive clubs,” said David Bily, Founder and CEO of Moneta Markets. “This collaboration reflects more than just a shared commitment to leading—it’s about effort, strategy, and ensuring we deliver the best possible performance for our clients.”

    Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from Australian broker Vantage, Moneta Markets has quickly evolved from an offshore brand domiciled in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to a globally recognized trading platform. The company now holds a Financial Service Provider license in South Africa and operates primarily out of Dubai, under the leadership of Bily, Vantage’s former Chief Marketing Officer.

    Óscar Mayo, Atlético’s Chief Revenue and Operating Officer, welcomed the partnership, noting that Moneta’s “global mindset, innovative approach and pursuit of excellence reflect the values that define us both on and off the pitch.”

    The deal is expected to fuel Moneta’s visibility across APAC, blending the high-octane energy of elite football with the precision and potential of online trading.

  • TMGM Joins NBA Spotlight as Brooklyn Nets Sponsor

    TMGM Joins NBA Spotlight as Brooklyn Nets Sponsor

    In a bold move that bridges Wall Street and the hardwood, Australian-based CFDs broker TMGM has announced a multiyear sponsorship deal with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, marking a significant step in its global brand expansion.

    The partnership, set to kick off with the 2025–26 NBA season, will see TMGM’s branding featured courtside and across digital platforms at Barclays Center, the Nets’ home arena. While TMGM is not licensed to operate in the United States, the firm is leveraging the NBA’s international reach—particularly in Asia—to amplify its presence in key growth markets.

    The announcement comes ahead of the Nets’ preseason tour in Macau this October, where they’ll face off against the Phoenix Suns in a pair of exhibition games. The timing aligns with TMGM’s strategic push into the Far East, Africa, and Latin America, regions where the broker has been actively expanding its footprint.

    Nick Yang, TMGM’s Chief Commercial Officer, described the partnership as “a fusion of performance and precision,” adding that the collaboration aims to promote financial literacy and create dynamic touchpoints between elite sports and global trading.

    Catherine Carlson, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships at BSE Global, echoed the sentiment: “TMGM shares our vision for global engagement and innovation. Together, we’re crafting a sponsorship model that goes beyond branding—it’s about cultural relevance and meaningful connection.”

    TMGM, headquartered in Sydney and regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission, offers trading across forex, indices, commodities, and equities. The firm has built a reputation for speed, transparency, and trader-focused tools, and now seeks to align its brand with the discipline and ambition embodied by the Brooklyn Nets.

    The deal mirrors similar moves by other brokers, including Plus500’s sponsorship of the Chicago Bulls, as financial firms increasingly tap into the NBA’s global appeal to reach new audiences.

    TMGM is positioning itself as a tech-savvy, globally regulated broker with a strong emphasis on execution speed, product diversity, and strategic branding. While it may not yet rival the educational depth of some competitors, its infrastructure and global partnerships make it a compelling choice for traders seeking performance and reach.

  • EC Markets Joins Forces with Liverpool FC in High-Impact Global Sponsorship Deal

    EC Markets Joins Forces with Liverpool FC in High-Impact Global Sponsorship Deal

    EC Markets, a leading global forex and CFD broker, has officially inked a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Premier League powerhouse Liverpool FC, becoming the club’s Official Global Partner. The strategic alliance marks a bold step in EC Markets’ international expansion, aligning the brand with one of football’s most iconic institutions.

    Under the terms of the deal, EC Markets will gain extensive visibility across Liverpool’s legendary home ground, Anfield, including pitch-side LED displays and digital advertising boards. With over 504 million global TV viewers tuning into Liverpool matches each season, the partnership offers unparalleled brand exposure.

    The broker will also benefit from access to player rights and digital marketing opportunities across Liverpool FC’s massive online footprint—boasting over 135 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

    “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Liverpool FC, a club with a rich history and truly global reach,” said Matthew Smith, CEO and Chairman of EC Markets. “This collaboration reflects our shared values of excellence, innovation, and ambition.”

    Ben Latty, Chief Commercial Officer at Liverpool FC, echoed the sentiment:

    “We want partners who share our passion and commitment to innovation. EC Markets is a perfect fit for the LFC family.”

    The sponsorship kicks off with EC Markets’ branding debut during Liverpool’s pre-season double-header against Athletic Club on August 4. The timing positions EC Markets at the forefront of the new football season, amplifying its brand across key international markets.

  • Crypto.com Appoints Saxo Bank Veteran Nicolò Pagliari as Global VP of Growth and Media

    Crypto.com Appoints Saxo Bank Veteran Nicolò Pagliari as Global VP of Growth and Media

    In a strategic move that underscores the accelerating convergence between traditional finance and digital assets, Crypto.com has appointed Nicolò Pagliari as its new Global Vice President of Growth and Media, marking another high-profile talent acquisition from the CFD and retail brokerage sector.

    Pagliari, formerly Head of Marketing for Asia-Pacific at Saxo Bank, brings over seven years of experience in digital strategy and regional campaign leadership. His transition to Crypto.com reflects a broader industry trend: seasoned executives from legacy financial institutions are increasingly pivoting to crypto platforms and proprietary trading firms.

    Pagliari began his tenure at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen as a Digital Marketing Strategist, later relocating to Singapore to lead marketing efforts across Asia-Pacific. His appointment at Crypto.com follows a series of senior hires from traditional brokers, including Chris Old (ex-IG Group) as VP of Organic Growth, Kevin Algeo as Head of Capital Markets, and Alex Ratford as Partnerships Lead.

    In a LinkedIn post announcing his move, Pagliari described the opportunity as “one you can’t say no to,” citing Crypto.com’s ambitious global expansion and commitment to innovation. “The scale of international growth and product development is at a critical turning point,” he wrote, “and I’m energized to contribute to this phenomenal journey.”

    The appointment aligns with Crypto.com’s aggressive push into regulated financial products, including CFDs, stocks, and futures. Earlier this year, the company acquired a CySEC-licensed broker (formerly BrightFX), securing a MiFID license to operate across Europe. This mirrors similar moves by competitors like Kraken, which launched derivatives trading under MiFID II, and Coinbase, which acquired Deribit to bolster its derivatives footprint.

    Crypto.com now boasts over 140 million users globally, and Pagliari will spearhead user acquisition, media partnerships, and campaign development from his base in Singapore.

    Pagliari’s move is part of a growing migration of talent from traditional brokers to crypto and prop trading firms. A recent FYI study revealed that 40% of CFD brokers lack a marketing head, as competition for top-tier talent intensifies. Other notable transitions include:

    • Michael Kamerman joining FTMO’s brokerage division as CEO
    • Riana Chaili becoming COO after roles at IC Markets and TechFinancials
    • Yassin Mismar, Zoltan Nemeth, and Andreas Andreou pivoting to prop firms and crypto ventures

    Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani emphasized the strategic importance of Pagliari’s appointment: “His extensive experience in financial services and regulated markets will be instrumental in building a full-service, fully licensed suite of financial products.”

  • ATFX Hits $862.2 Billion in Q2 Trading Volume, Cementing Global Leadership

    ATFX Hits $862.2 Billion in Q2 Trading Volume, Cementing Global Leadership

    ATFX has reported a record-breaking $862.2 billion in trading volume for the second quarter of 2025, marking a new milestone in its global growth trajectory and reinforcing its position among the world’s top-performing brokers.

    The figures, confirmed by the latest Finance Magnates Intelligence Report, extend ATFX’s streak of 20 consecutive quarters ranked in the global Top 10 by trading volume. The surge reflects the broker’s expanding market share, deep liquidity, and commitment to delivering institutional-grade execution across asset classes.

    Cross-Asset Momentum Fuels Growth

    ATFX’s Q2 performance was driven by strong activity across key product categories:

    • Precious Metals: Gold and silver trading rose 23.1% year-over-year and 15.2% quarter-over-quarter, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid persistent market volatility.
    • Forex: Currency pair trading climbed 10.14% from Q1, underscoring the appeal of ATFX’s multi-asset platform in navigating global FX dynamics.
    • Equities: Stock trading volumes skyrocketed—up 106.14% year-over-year and 54.22% from Q1—highlighting a shift in trader appetite toward equities and ATFX’s growing role in supporting diversified strategies.

    A Consistent Upward Trajectory

    The Q2 results build on ATFX’s previous quarterly achievements, including $776.5 billion in Q1 and $643 billion in Q4 2024. This sustained momentum reflects the broker’s agility in adapting to market conditions and its investment in platform performance and client support.

    Global Footprint and Regulatory Strength

    Operating in 24 locations and holding nine regulatory licenses—including from the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), SCA (UAE), and SFC (Hong Kong)—ATFX continues to expand its global reach while maintaining strict compliance standards.

    The company’s leadership attributes its success to a client-first approach, robust technology infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation. “We’re not just growing—we’re evolving with our clients,” said a spokesperson. “This milestone is a reflection of our shared ambition and the trust our traders place in us.”

    As ATFX pushes forward with product development and market expansion, its Q2 performance sets a high bar for the industry and signals continued momentum in the quarters ahead.

  • Hantec Markets Appoints Tim Hughes and Vivek Mehta to Lead Strategy and Tech

    Hantec Markets Appoints Tim Hughes and Vivek Mehta to Lead Strategy and Tech

    Global multi-regulated broker Hantec Markets has announced two high-profile appointments to its senior leadership team, reinforcing its strategic and technological capabilities amid continued expansion.

    Tim Hughes, former UK CEO of TigerWit, joins as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), while Vivek Mehta, previously Head of Technology at INFINOX, steps in as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Both executives will be based in Dubai, a growing hub for Hantec’s regional operations.

    Hughes brings over two decades of experience in retail trading, including a long tenure at IG Group and a pivotal role in TigerWit’s market entry strategy. His appointment signals Hantec’s intent to deepen its presence in competitive markets through tailored solutions and strategic alliances.

    “We’re focused on sustainable growth and delivering quality trading experiences to informed clients,” Hughes said. “This industry demands agility, and we intend to lead with ideas that matter.”

    Mehta, who also held senior roles at AximTrade, will oversee the broker’s technology roadmap, including the expansion of proprietary trading tools. “While MetaTrader remains central to our offering, we see real value in custom-built modules that enhance performance and user experience,” he noted.

    The leadership reshuffle also includes the promotion of Norayr Djerrahian to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), replacing Hayel Abu-Hamdan, who departed earlier this year to join HFM. Djerrahian will spearhead commercial strategy across Latin America and other emerging markets.

    The appointments come as Hantec Markets continues to evolve its offerings, including 24/7 crypto CFD trading and the launch of prop trading services—moves that reflect its commitment to innovation and client-centric growth.

  • Mitrade Taps Into Football Frenzy with Argentine Sponsorship Across APAC

    Mitrade Taps Into Football Frenzy with Argentine Sponsorship Across APAC

    Taipei, July 22, 2025 — As football mania grips Southeast Asia and Australia, global trading platform Mitrade has announced its official partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), becoming the regional CFD sponsor in a move that blends sport and finance.

    Launched under the banner “Rise with Champions,” the campaign reflects Mitrade’s strategic push to connect with retail investors through shared passions. With Argentina’s national team jerseys outselling traditional football giants across APAC, the timing couldn’t be better.

    “This partnership reflects our commitment to connecting with communities through shared passions,” said Kevin Lai, Vice President of Mitrade Group. “Football, like financial markets, demands analytical thinking, quick decision-making, and strategic insight—qualities our users value deeply.”

    The collaboration comes amid Argentina’s growing regional presence, including a sold-out friendly in Jakarta that drew 60,000 fans and surging support from Australian followers inspired by Lionel Messi’s World Cup triumph.

    Mitrade, which boasts over 5 million users and 44 industry awards, offers contracts for difference (CFDs) across forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and shares—all via a mobile-first platform. The company says the AFA partnership will support its mission to make trading more intuitive and accessible, while also promoting financial literacy in emerging markets.

    With football and fintech converging, Mitrade’s latest move signals a new playbook for engaging APAC’s digitally savvy, sport-loving investor base.

  • Trade Nation Surges to $217 Million Revenue in 2024, Closes Year with Profit

    Trade Nation Surges to $217 Million Revenue in 2024, Closes Year with Profit

    Trade Nation, the global retail trading platform, has reported a landmark year in 2024, with revenues soaring to $217 million, marking a significant leap from previous years and cementing its position as a rising force in the online brokerage industry.

    The company’s latest financial disclosure reveals that Trade Nation not only achieved record revenue but also concluded the year in profit—a notable turnaround from earlier years of reinvestment and platform expansion. The results reflect a strategic blend of product innovation, geographic diversification, and a renewed focus on customer experience.

    Growth Driven by Global Expansion and Product Diversification

    Trade Nation attributed its revenue growth to a surge in client acquisition across key markets, including the UK, Australia, and South Africa. The firm’s simplified pricing model and transparent trading conditions have resonated with retail traders seeking clarity in volatile markets.

    CEO Stuart Lane commented, “2024 was a transformative year for Trade Nation. We’ve proven that a customer-first approach, backed by robust technology and ethical trading practices, can deliver both growth and profitability.”

    The company expanded its product suite during the year, introducing new instruments and refining its proprietary trading platform. These enhancements, coupled with educational initiatives and real-time market insights, helped boost client engagement and retention.

    Operational Efficiency and Strategic Investment Pay Off

    Trade Nation’s profitability was underpinned by disciplined cost management and strategic investment in automation and compliance infrastructure. The firm also benefited from favorable market conditions, including increased retail trading activity amid global economic uncertainty.

    Industry analysts note that Trade Nation’s performance stands out in a sector where many competitors have struggled to balance growth with regulatory pressures and rising operational costs.

    Regulatory Footing and Future Outlook

    With licenses across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Australia’s ASIC, Trade Nation continues to strengthen its regulatory footprint. The company has emphasized its commitment to transparency and client protection, positioning itself as a trustworthy alternative to legacy brokers.

    Looking ahead, Trade Nation plans to expand into new markets and further invest in AI-driven trading tools and analytics. The firm is also exploring strategic partnerships to enhance its global reach and service offering.

    Industry Reaction

    The announcement has sparked interest across the fintech and trading communities, with many viewing Trade Nation’s success as a bellwether for the evolving retail brokerage landscape.

    “Trade Nation’s results show that the retail trading sector is far from saturated,” said one analyst. “There’s room for platforms that prioritize user experience, ethical practices, and smart growth.”

  • Maria Sharapova Joins CFI as Global Brand Ambassador in Strategic Partnership

    Maria Sharapova Joins CFI as Global Brand Ambassador in Strategic Partnership

    In a bold move that blends sporting excellence with financial innovation, CFI Financial Group has announced tennis legend and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova as its new global brand ambassador. The multi-year partnership marks a significant milestone in CFI’s evolution as a purpose-driven trading platform with global reach.

    Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic medalist, joins CFI alongside Formula 1™ icon Lewis Hamilton, reinforcing the company’s commitment to aligning with figures who embody discipline, resilience, and international influence.

    “CFI’s focus on innovation, education, and empowering individuals resonated with me,” said Sharapova. “Whether in sport or business, success comes down to being intentional, prepared, and willing to learn. I’m proud to support CFI’s mission to inform, inspire, and connect with individuals pursuing their own paths to growth.”

    The announcement underscores CFI’s ambition to deepen its emotional connection with clients and inspire broader inclusion in the financial world. Sharapova’s multifaceted career—from elite athlete to investor and designer—mirrors the values CFI champions: precision, adaptability, and vision.

    Ziad Melhem, CEO of CFI Financial Group, praised the partnership: “Maria Sharapova is a symbol of elite performance and long-term vision. Her journey reflects the mindset we promote at CFI—where ambition, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are key traits of successful traders and investors.”

    Sharapova will spearhead high-impact campaigns and strategic appearances aimed at engaging global audiences. Her presence is expected to amplify CFI’s brand visibility and reinforce its position as a trusted provider of trading and investment solutions.

    The collaboration adds to CFI’s growing portfolio of high-profile partnerships, which includes AC Milan, FIBA WASL, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. #

    With Sharapova now on board, CFI continues to redefine the intersection of finance, sport, and global influence.