ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Fintech

  • Investa Unveils UK’s First Zero-Commission Options Trading App

    Investa Unveils UK’s First Zero-Commission Options Trading App

    Investa has launched the UK’s first zero-commission options trading platform, designed to make a traditionally complex and costly investment tool more accessible to retail investors.

    Created by former Citi options brokers in collaboration with Freetrade co-founder Ian Fuller, the app debuted on iOS after a soft launch that processed more than 1,400 trades. An Android version is planned in the coming months.

    Despite its popularity in the U.S.—where nearly 20% of retail investors trade options—adoption in the UK remains below 2%. Investa attributes this gap to high fees, complicated platforms, and limited access, issues it aims to solve with its streamlined design.

    The app gives users exposure to over 200 stocks and ETFs and more than 100,000 listed options contracts. It features plain-language explanations and simplified tools such as “options cards.” Investa runs on a zero-commission model, though other charges may apply, and trading is limited to cash accounts rather than margin.

    During its trial phase, U.S. tech stocks dominated activity, with Nvidia representing over 20% of trades.

    “Our mission is to make the options market more approachable for UK investors, who we believe are missing out on significant opportunities,” said Alec Beasley, Investa co-founder and CEO. “By removing high costs and overly complex systems, we’re opening the door to a broader audience.”

    The launch coincides with Investa’s second crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, where it is seeking at least £1 million to support growth and fund the Android rollout.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

  • Webull Launches Crypto Trading in Australia

    Webull Launches Crypto Trading in Australia

    Webull, the U.S.-based trading platform known for its commission-free stock and ETF trading, has officially launched cryptocurrency trading in Australia, marking its third global crypto market entry after the United States and Brazil.

    The move comes just days after Webull resumed crypto operations in the U.S., following a two-year regulatory hiatus. The Australian rollout is powered by a strategic partnership with Coinbase Prime, offering access to 240 digital assets with institutional-grade custody and real-time market data

    Webull’s crypto offering features a flat 0.30% spread on trades, positioning it among the lowest-cost platforms in Australia. However, users must convert AUD to USD before trading, incurring a 0.50% FX fee, which slightly affects its competitiveness compared to platforms like Binance and Kraken

    Despite this, Webull’s integration with Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), trusts, and corporate accounts makes it a compelling option for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with digital assets

    Rob Talevski, CEO of Webull Securities Australia, emphasized the platform’s mission to empower investors:

    “The addition of cryptocurrencies and digital tokens to the Webull platform represents the next phase of our ongoing mission to provide Australian investors with the freedom to trade what they want, when they want,” he said

    Webull’s U.S. CEO, Anthony Denier, echoed this sentiment, describing the global rollout as a “full-throttle expansion into everything digital.”

    Webull’s entry into Australia aligns with its broader international strategy, with further launches expected in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The timing also coincides with Australia’s push for clearer crypto regulations, as the re-elected Labor government works to implement a licensing framework for digital asset platforms

    Industry experts believe Webull’s presence could pressure local exchanges to lower fees and enhance service offerings, sparking a new wave of competition in the Australian crypto spaceing a new wave of competition in the Australian crypto space.

  • Webull Enters EU Market

    Webull Enters EU Market

    Webull, the American trading app known for its commission-free investing platform, has officially launched its European operations by opening a new office in Amsterdam. This marks the company’s first direct entry into the European Union market, following its earlier expansion into the UK.

    The launch comes nearly a year after Webull Securities (Europe) B.V. received regulatory approval from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) in September 2024. The company spent the intervening months preparing its infrastructure, compliance systems, and user experience for the European audience.

    What Webull Offers to Dutch Investors

    Dutch retail investors now have access to:

    • European and U.S. stocks, including fractional shares
    • European ETFs
    • U.S. options
    • Extended trading hours
    • Market news, educational content, and trading tools via the Webull mobile app

    The platform aims to attract users with competitive pricing and a user-friendly interface, positioning itself as a strong alternative to other retail investment platforms like Robinhood.

    Strategic Expansion Across Europe

    Webull’s Amsterdam office is just the beginning. The company plans to expand into other EU countries in the coming months, leveraging its existing infrastructure and regulatory experience. This move adds the Netherlands as the 14th market in Webull’s global portfolio, which spans North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.

    With over 24 million registered users globally, Webull is betting on the growing demand for low-cost, accessible investing in Europe. According to Andries van Luijk, CEO of Webull EU, the European public is increasingly seeking investment opportunities that are both affordable and internationally diversified.

    A Growing Footprint in Europe

    Webull’s European journey began in 2023 with its UK launch under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) license. The Dutch expansion reflects the company’s commitment to building a strong presence across the continent.

    Anthony Denier, Group President and U.S. CEO of Webull, emphasized the strategic importance of the EU launch:

    “This expansion establishes our presence in Europe and reflects our commitment to making investing more accessible worldwide.”

  • NBA Star Jaren Jackson Jr. Joins BTCC as Global Brand Ambassador

    NBA Star Jaren Jackson Jr. Joins BTCC as Global Brand Ambassador

    In a landmark partnership bridging sports and digital finance, BTCC, one of the world’s oldest and most secure cryptocurrency exchanges, has signed NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. as its global brand ambassador.

    Jackson Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies’ defensive powerhouse and 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, joins BTCC to promote crypto education and trading accessibility. The collaboration marks BTCC’s first sports sponsorship, aiming to connect with younger, tech-savvy audiences through Jackson’s influence.

    “BTCC isn’t just another crypto brand—they’ve been in the game for over a decade,” said Jackson Jr. “Their long-term mindset matches mine perfectly.”

    Founded in 2011, BTCC is a pioneer in the crypto exchange space, known for its impeccable 14-year safety record—with zero reported hacks or breaches 

    The platform offers:

    • Spot trading for over 240 crypto pairs
    • Futures trading with up to 500x leverage across 360+ pairs
    • Copy trading and demo accounts for beginners
    • Tokenized assets including gold, silver, and U.S. stocks2

    BTCC is fully licensed and regulated in the USA, Canada, and Europe, operating under bodies like FinCEN, FINTRAC, and the Lithuanian Register of Legal Entities

    With over 9.1 million users globally, BTCC has become a go-to platform for both novice and professional traders. Its tiered VIP system rewards active users with lower fees, exclusive campaigns, and priority support 

    “Jaren brings authenticity and a championship mindset—values that mirror BTCC’s mission,” said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC.

    Fans can look forward to exclusive content, signed merchandise giveaways, and a crypto trading competition with a major prize pool. The partnership is expected to boost BTCC’s visibility and reinforce its reputation as a secure, innovative, and user-friendly exchange.

    Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash

  • FundingPips Appoints FCA Alum Andria Evripidou as Managing Director to Drive Global Expansion

    FundingPips Appoints FCA Alum Andria Evripidou as Managing Director to Drive Global Expansion

    In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its leadership and regulatory expertise, FundingPips, a fast-growing proprietary trading firm based in Dubai, has appointed Andria Evripidou as its new Group Managing Director. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the firm’s evolution as it continues to scale its global operations and enhance its trader-first model.

    A Deep Regulatory and Fintech Background

    Andria Evripidou brings a wealth of experience to FundingPips. A native of Cyprus, she previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from 2015 to 2020, where she specialized in payments policy. Her post-FCA career included a stint at Revolut as Global Authorisations Senior Manager, and more recently, she founded XDA, a startup offering crypto and banking solutions for iGaming companies.

    She also held the role of Chief Banking Officer at Xace, an alternative banking provider focused on fintech and high-growth digital sectors. Evripidou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, and both a Master’s and PhD in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics from the University of Nottingham.

    FundingPips stated that Evripidou’s appointment will “drive strategic growth, compliance excellence, and trader‑first innovation, all while fostering a high-performance leadership culture.

    Founded in 2020 by Khaled Ayesh, FundingPips has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic prop trading firms in the industry. Built on a “by traders, for traders” philosophy, the firm offers simulated trading environments where traders can earn up to 100% of profits without risking personal capital.

    Key Features of FundingPips:

    • Flexible Evaluation Models: One-phase and two-phase challenges with no time limits.
    • Profit Sharing: Up to 100% for top-tier traders.
    • Platforms Supported: MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader, and cTrader.
    • Global Reach: Over 1 million traders from 195+ countries.
    • Funding Options: Up to $300,000 in simulated capital.
    • Fast Payouts: Over $135 million paid out to traders globally.

    FundingPips operates under FP Funding LLC, headquartered in Dubai, and has earned a 4.5-star Trustpilot rating based on more than 23,000 reviews.

  • 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

  • Fiscal.ai Raises $10M in Series A Funding to Revolutionize Financial Data Access

    Fiscal.ai Raises $10M in Series A Funding to Revolutionize Financial Data Access

    London, UK — June 30, 2025 — Fiscal.ai, formerly known as FinChat, has announced the successful completion of a $10 million Series A funding round, marking a major milestone in its mission to transform how financial data is accessed and utilized across the fintech landscape.

    The round was led by Portage Ventures, with additional backing from Social Leverage and strategic investor VanEck, bringing the company’s total funding to $13 million. Fiscal.ai plans to use the capital to expand its product offerings, scale its infrastructure, and accelerate hiring across key departments.

    Founded by Braden Dennis (CEO), Ryan White (CTO), Kevin Bojan (CPO), and Adrian Iwanicki (COO), Fiscal.ai began as a conversational interface for financial data. The company has since evolved into a full-fledged data infrastructure provider, offering a developer-friendly API, a powerful terminal, and a suite of tools designed to make financial data more searchable, explainable, and actionable.

    With over 350,000 registered users and partnerships with leading fintech platforms, Fiscal.ai is positioning itself as a foundational layer for financial decision-making in the AI era. The company’s upcoming Enterprise product, expected within 30 days, aims to further enhance its capabilities for institutional clients.

    CEO Braden Dennis emphasized the company’s broader vision: “We are completely rebuilding how investors get the information they require and interact with it day to day,” he said. “Our team is committed to building beautiful, powerful products — fast”.

    The rebrand to Fiscal.ai reflects the company’s strategic shift toward serving both professional and self-directed investors, with plans to expand beyond equities into global asset classes.

    For more details, please visit Fiscal.ai’s official announcement.

  • German Fintech NaroIQ Secures $6.5M to Build a European Alternative to US ETF Dominance

    German Fintech NaroIQ Secures $6.5M to Build a European Alternative to US ETF Dominance

    Cologne-based fintech startup NaroIQ has successfully raised $6.5 million in seed funding, marking a significant step in its mission to reshape the European fund infrastructure landscape. The funding round was led by Berlin-based venture capital firm Magnetic, known for its focus on critical infrastructure investments, with participation from Redstone and existing backer General Catalyst, which increased its stake in the company.

    Founded in 2022 by Chris Püllen and Nils Krauthausen, NaroIQ is developing a digital platform designed to streamline the creation and management of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. The company’s core proposition is to empower smaller fund providers with the tools to compete against industry giants by reducing the cost and complexity of launching and operating funds.

    “We are witnessing a once-in-a-generation shift: ETFs will replace mutual funds in the retail market over the next decade, which means that margins will shrink significantly,” said Püllen, co-founder and CEO of NaroIQ.

    Addressing Europe’s Infrastructure Gap

    The European fund market, which manages approximately €22.9 trillion in assets, is still heavily reliant on outdated systems. According to a recent Ernst & Young report, the digitalization of fund servicing in Europe scores just 1.6 out of 5, highlighting a critical need for modernization. Despite an 8.8% growth in assets under management over the past five years, profits have only increased by 0.7%, underscoring the pressure on margins and the inefficiencies in the current system.

    NaroIQ’s platform leverages API-first architecture and cloud-native technology to automate fund operations that are traditionally manual and fragmented. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also accelerates time-to-market for new products, offering a lifeline to smaller players in a market increasingly dominated by a handful of large firms.

    Challenging US Market Control

    Currently, US-based firms manage two-thirds of European ETFs and handle administrative tasks for four-fifths of them. The top five ETF providers control 75% of the market share, raising concerns about concentration of power and lack of financial sovereignty in Europe.

    NaroIQ aims to counter this imbalance by offering a European-built alternative that supports local fund providers. The startup’s infrastructure is designed to lower barriers to entry, enabling a more diverse and competitive ecosystem.

    “With foundational financial services still reliant on manual, fragmented back-end processes, NaroIQ’s digital infrastructure is critical to unlocking efficiency, real-time transparency, and cost savings,” said David Rosskamp, founding partner at Magnetic.

    Strategic Vision and Next Steps

    The newly secured funding will be used to expand NaroIQ’s technical capabilities, pursue regulatory licensing, and launch its first partner integrations later this year. The company’s long-term vision is to establish a resilient, sovereign European fund infrastructure that levels the playing field for smaller asset managers and promotes innovation across the industry.

    While the road ahead includes navigating complex regulations and entrenched industry relationships, investor confidence suggests that NaroIQ is well-positioned to become a key player in Europe’s evolving financial landscape.

  • MyFundedFutures Strengthens Compliance Framework Following Global Suspension

    MyFundedFutures Strengthens Compliance Framework Following Global Suspension

    MyFundedFutures, a fintech firm specializing in futures evaluation and proprietary trading, has announced a major compliance overhaul after suspending operations in 21 countries due to regulatory concerns. The firm has now fully integrated ComplianceAlpha, a regulatory compliance platform developed by ACA Group, to enhance governance, transparency, and trader protection.

    Why the Compliance Upgrade?

    Last year, MyFundedFutures faced regulatory scrutiny that led to the suspension of its services in multiple jurisdictions. The firm’s decision to implement ComplianceAlpha is a direct response to these challenges, ensuring adherence to industry standards and reinforcing its commitment to responsible trading.

    Key Features of the New Compliance Framework

    The upgraded system introduces several critical measures:

    • Trader Safety & Oversight – Enhanced monitoring of trader communications and staff interactions to ensure a secure trading environment.
    • Market Abuse Surveillance – Advanced tools to detect manipulative or unauthorized trading behavior before it impacts the market.
    • E-Communications Monitoring – Real-time surveillance of Discord, email, and platform-based communications to bridge compliance gaps.
    • Centralized Policy Management – A structured governance system for internal policies, external disclosures, and trader resources.
    • Training & Certification – A comprehensive e-learning program covering AML/KYC, market abuse prevention, dispute resolution, and operational conduct.

    Impact on Traders & Industry Positioning

    With these measures, MyFundedFutures aims to set a new standard for compliance in the proprietary trading space. The firm’s sister company, Nortex Capital Partners, which manages live proprietary trading, will also adopt these policies to ensure consistency across operations.

    Philip Fried, Regulatory Compliance Manager at MyFundedFutures, emphasized the importance of governance, stating, “Traders suffer when firms treat compliance as an afterthought. We treat governance as a foundational pillar.”

    Future Plans & Market Expansion

    The firm has not yet confirmed whether it will resume operations in the previously restricted countries. However, with its strengthened compliance framework, MyFundedFutures is positioning itself as a more transparent and secure trading platform, potentially paving the way for future expansion.

  • Solitics Unveils Market Pulse at iFX EXPO International 2025

    Solitics Unveils Market Pulse at iFX EXPO International 2025

    Solitics, a leader in engagement automation for fintech and trading platforms, is set to debut its latest innovation—Market Pulse—at the iFX EXPO International 2025 in Limassol, Cyprus. This new feature, powered by the company’s proprietary Follow Engine, enables real-time, hyper-personalized user engagement based on live market activity.

    Unlike traditional platforms that send delayed or generic alerts, Market Pulse delivers instant, tailored messages to users based on the assets they follow, hold, or monitor. For example, a user tracking Bitcoin might receive a push notification when BTC spikes: “Bitcoin is moving. Time to act?” Similarly, someone holding Amazon stock could get an in-app alert when the price dips: “Amazon dropped—consider your next move.”

    This level of automation allows brokers to re-engage users at the exact moment market events occur, without the need for manual segmentation or campaign setup. The Follow Engine dynamically matches users with relevant market triggers and delivers content through the most effective channel—whether that’s email, push, in-app, or pop-up.

    Solitics will showcase Market Pulse at Booth 74 in Hall 1 of the City of Dreams Mediterranean venue on June 18–19. The company aims to demonstrate how this tool can help brokers boost engagement, conversion, and retention—at scale and with minimal operational effort.

    Solitics is a customer engagement and data analytics platform founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. It specializes in helping B2C companies—especially in fintech, banking, iGaming, and brokerage—deliver real-time, personalized customer experiences without the need for complex data infrastructure.

    At its core, Solitics connects disparate data sources and turns them into actionable insights. Its platform enables businesses to automate hyper-personalized messaging across channels like email, push notifications, in-app messages, and more. This is all powered by their proprietary data engine, which processes over a billion customer engagements and events daily.

    The company emphasizes a customer-centric approach and has earned multiple industry awards for its ease of use and business impact. It’s privately held, with a relatively small team of around 29 employees, and recently expanded into the UK with a registered office in London.