ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Broker News

  • Plus500 Accelerates Shareholder Returns with $90 Million Buyback

    Plus500 Accelerates Shareholder Returns with $90 Million Buyback

    Plus500 Ltd (LSE: PLUS), the London-listed online trading platform, has launched a new $90 million share buyback programme, reinforcing its commitment to delivering robust shareholder returns and showcasing its financial strength 

    This move is part of a broader $165 million capital return initiative, which also includes $75 million in dividends 

    In the first half of 2025, Plus500 reported impressive financial results:

    • Revenue: $209.3 million
    • EBITDA: $91.3 million
    • Customer Deposits: A record $3.1 billion
    • Cash Reserves: Approximately $900 million 1

    These figures reflect the company’s strong operational momentum and cash-generative business model. The buyback programme, which allows for the repurchase of up to 5.87 million shares, will run until March 31, 2026 

    Strategic Rationale Behind the Buyback

    The buyback is designed to reduce the number of shares in circulation, potentially boosting earnings per share and enhancing shareholder value. Plus500’s board emphasized that this initiative aligns with its disciplined capital allocation strategy and long-term growth vision 

    Market Reaction and Analyst Sentiment

    Despite the announcement, Plus500 shares dipped slightly by 0.4% on the day 

    However, analysts remain optimistic. Peel Hunt recently raised its target price for Plus500 to 3,400p, citing strong performance and continued cash generation 

    The company’s shares also hit an all-time high of 3,070p earlier this month 

    Broader Strategic Moves

    Beyond shareholder returns, Plus500 continues to pursue both organic and inorganic growth. The company has maintained a debt-free balance sheet and is actively exploring expansion opportunities, including entry into new markets such as Canada’s OTC sector

    Plus500’s latest financial maneuvers underscore its resilience and strategic foresight in a volatile market. With a solid cash position, record customer engagement, and a clear focus on shareholder value, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth.

  • Ultima Markets Buys Tiger Brokers UK in Strategic FCA License Grab

    Ultima Markets Buys Tiger Brokers UK in Strategic FCA License Grab

    In a bold and unexpected move, offshore CFDs broker Ultima Markets has acquired Tiger Brokers (UK) Ltd, securing a coveted FCA license and marking its formal entry into the UK’s highly regulated financial services market.

    The acquisition comes at a time when several brokers are exiting the UK due to rising regulatory costs and competitive pressures, making Ultima’s expansion a notable exception in the current industry trend.

    The deal, finalized in July 2025, was initiated in late 2024 when Tiger Brokers, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed UP Fintech Holding Ltd (TIGR), began winding down its UK operations. Ultima Markets injected £658,000 into the business to cover operational expenses during the transition, ultimately acquiring the dormant entity and its valuable regulatory status.

    The firm has since been rebranded as Ultima Markets UK Limited, allowing Ultima to bypass the lengthy and complex process of applying for a new FCA license from scratch.

    Tiger Brokers UK had been largely inactive in recent years, reporting zero revenue from 2021 to 2024 and accumulating £4.6 million in losses. At the time of acquisition, the firm held no client funds and had ceased onboarding new customers.

    Despite its lack of commercial activity, the FCA license remained a strategic asset, offering Ultima Markets a fast-track route into one of the world’s most respected financial jurisdictions.

    Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Mauritius, Ultima Markets has built a strong presence across Asia-Pacific, particularly in China, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.

    Known for offering over 250 CFD instruments across forex, indices, commodities, and shares, Ultima operates on platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and runs a dedicated Trading Academy aimed at improving financial literacy and trading skills.

    The company also made headlines as the first CFD broker to join the UN Global Compact, signaling its commitment to sustainable finance and ethical business practices.

    With the acquisition complete, Ultima Markets plans to launch a localized UK offering in 2026, tailored to meet FCA compliance standards.

    This includes enhanced client onboarding procedures, transparent pricing models, and a renewed focus on trader education.

    A company spokesperson stated, “We believe we can find our space in this mature market and deliver value to UK traders. Becoming FCA-regulated reflects our long-term commitment to transparency and integrity.”

    Ultima’s entry into the UK contrasts sharply with the recent exits of brokers such as Tiger Brokers, Aetos, and Trive, who have cited high operational costs and regulatory burdens as key reasons for leaving.

    However, Ultima joins a small but growing group of firms—including GTN and Moneta Markets—that are betting on the long-term potential of the UK’s retail trading sector.

    The acquisition also reflects a broader trend of offshore brokers seeking legitimacy and global reach through regulatory approvals.

    For UK traders, Ultima promises a fresh alternative to legacy platforms, offering competitive spreads, fast execution, and a strong emphasis on responsible trading.

    As the UK financial landscape continues to evolve, Ultima Markets’ strategic acquisition of Tiger Brokers UK may signal a renewed wave of international interest in FCA-regulated operations.

    With its global experience and commitment to compliance, Ultima is positioning itself as a serious contender in the UK’s crowded but lucrative retail trading market.

  • Plus500 Applies for Chilean License as It Expands Global Trading Footprint

    Plus500 Applies for Chilean License as It Expands Global Trading Footprint

    Plus500 Ltd (LSE:PLUS), the London-listed global multi-asset fintech group, has officially applied for a regulatory license to operate in Chile, one of the region’s most promising financial markets 

    The application is being processed through La Comisión para el Mercado Financiero (CMF), Chile’s financial markets regulator. Plus500 is working closely with Carey Abogados, a prominent local law firm, to navigate the regulatory landscape and secure the necessary approvals 

    Plus500’s interest in Chile is not sudden. The company registered a local entity in 2024, laying the groundwork for its market entry. Key executives, including CEO David Zruia, CFO Elad Even-Chen, and Ofir Chudin, CEO of Plus500’s Cyprus entity, are listed as directors of the Chilean subsidiary 

    This move aligns with Plus500’s broader strategy of global expansion through licensing and acquisitions. In its latest half-year results, the company reiterated its commitment to entering new markets, either by acquiring local firms or securing regulatory licenses 

    Why Chile?

    Chile has emerged as a hotspot for online trading platforms, thanks to its favorable regulatory environment. Unlike the UK and EU, Chile does not impose stringent leverage restrictions or aggressive risk warnings. For instance, rival broker XTB offers leverage up to 500:1 on certain products 

    Other major players like Pepperstone have also received CMF approval and begun operations in the country, indicating a growing appetite for CFD and forex trading among Chilean investors 

    Despite its presence in major markets such as the UK, US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, and India, Plus500 has yet to establish a foothold in Latin America. Chile represents a regulatory blank spot for the broker, and entering this market could unlock significant growth potential.

    While some brokers like XM and Exness have aggressively targeted Latin America, the profitability of these ventures remains unclear. However, XTB CEO Omar Arnaout previously stated that Chile could become one of the company’s top five branches globally, underscoring the region’s strategic importance 

    If approved, Plus500 will join a growing list of international brokers operating in Chile, offering retail investors access to a wide range of trading instruments. The move could also pave the way for further expansion into neighboring markets such as Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

    This development follows Plus500’s recent licensing wins in Canada and the UAE, as well as its growing futures business in the US, which is expected to generate over $100 million in revenue in 2025 

    Plus500’s application for a Chilean license is more than just a regional play—it’s a calculated step in its mission to become a truly global fintech powerhouse.

    As Latin America continues to attract attention from major brokers, Plus500’s entry into Chile could mark the beginning of a new chapter in its international growth story.

  • eToro Profits Down 50% in Q2 2025 as Revenue Slumps for Second Straight Quarter

    eToro Profits Down 50% in Q2 2025 as Revenue Slumps for Second Straight Quarter

    Social trading platform eToro Group Ltd (NASDAQ:ETOR) has posted its second consecutive quarterly decline in revenue and profit, marking Q2 2025 as its least profitable quarter since 2023 

    Following its IPO in May, eToro reported a 44% drop in total revenue and income, falling from $3.76 billion in Q1 to $2.09 billion in Q2. Adjusting for crypto-related revenue and costs, the company’s net revenue stood at $217 million, down 4% from $227 million in Q1 and significantly lower than the $262 million recorded in Q4 2024 

    Net income also took a hit, plunging 50% to $30 million, compared to $60 million in the previous quarter.

    Despite the financial downturn, eToro saw a modest increase in funded accounts, rising to 3.63 million, and an 18% growth in Assets Under Administration, reaching $17.5 billion—boosted by strong equity and crypto market valuations 

    eToro’s stock performance mirrored its financial results. After peaking at $79.96 in early June, shares have dropped over 30%, closing at $55.30, just above its IPO price of $52 

    CEO Yoni Assia remained optimistic, highlighting product innovations and geographic expansion:

    “We delivered another strong quarter in terms of innovation, launching 24/5 trading for U.S. equities, new long-term portfolios with Franklin Templeton, and savings products in France. Our new Singapore hub also strengthens our presence in Asia.”

    Looking ahead, eToro plans to invest in tokenization and AI-driven tools to enhance retail investor engagement and unlock new growth opportunities.

  • Doo Prime Rebrands as D Prime, Launches New Cyprus Office to Drive EMEA Expansion

    Doo Prime Rebrands as D Prime, Launches New Cyprus Office to Drive EMEA Expansion

    In a strategic move to strengthen its global presence, Doo Prime has officially rebranded as D Prime, unveiling a fresh visual identity and launching its largest European office in Limassol, Cyprus.

    The rebrand marks a significant milestone for the company, which is part of the Doo Group, and reflects its evolving business model and future ambitions. The new identity includes a redesigned logo—featuring a stylized “D” and reverse quotation mark forming a “P”—and a bold new color scheme dubbed Highlighter Yellow. The revamped website now offers 3D animations, live pricing, interactive tools, localized payment options, and multi-platform access, powered by the Statamic CMS.

    The newly opened Cyprus office employs around 80 professionals and will serve as a strategic hub for operations across the EMEA region. With its Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) license, D Prime is now authorized to offer derivative products such as CFDs throughout Europe. The group also holds regulatory licenses in the US, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

    D Prime’s expansion aligns with its broader goals to enter new markets, integrate AI technologies, and introduce environmentally focused investment products.

    This move positions D Prime as a forward-thinking player in the retail FX and investment space, leveraging Cyprus’s strategic location and regulatory framework to scale its European footprint.

  • Moneta Markets Secures FCA License Through VIBHS Acquisition, Expands into UK Market

    Moneta Markets Secures FCA License Through VIBHS Acquisition, Expands into UK Market

    In a strategic move to strengthen its regulatory footprint and expand into the UK trading market, Moneta Markets, a global retail FX and CFD broker, has acquired VIBHS Financial Ltd, a UK-based firm holding a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) license since 2014 

    The acquisition allows Moneta Markets to operate under FCA oversight, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. VIBHS, previously owned by Dubai-based Indian businessman Piyushkumar Parekh, had been relatively inactive in recent years, reporting revenues of just £358,000 for the fiscal year ending March 2025 

    Moneta Markets: From Offshore Brand to Global Player

    Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from Australia-based broker Vantage, Moneta Markets was initially domiciled in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Under the leadership of David Bily, former CMO of Vantage, the firm has evolved into a standalone brokerage with a growing international presence.

    Moneta Markets now operates under multiple regulatory licenses, including:

    • FCA (UK) – via VIBHS acquisition
    • FSCA (South Africa) – FSP License No. 47490
    • SLIBC (St. Lucia) – Reg. No. 2023-00068

    The company is managed primarily from Dubai, reflecting its strategic focus on emerging markets and global accessibility.

    Trading Features and Reach

    Moneta Markets offers access to over 1,000 tradable instruments, including:

    • Forex pairs
    • Index and commodity CFDs
    • Individual stock CFDs
    • ETFs and crypto CFDs

    The broker boasts:

    • Over 70,000 active trading accounts
    • More than 1.5 million trades monthly
    • Monthly trading volumes exceeding $100 billion

    Its infrastructure includes ultra-fast execution via Equinix data centers in New York, London, and Hong Kong, and platforms such as MetaTrader 4/5, ProTrader, and CopyTrader.

    Brand Partnerships and Promotions

    Moneta Markets recently became the official sponsor of Atlético de Madrid in APAC, reinforcing its brand visibility in key regions. The broker also offers a 50% cashback bonus for new deposits over $500, converting bonus credits into real cash as clients trade.

    Industry Impact

    The FCA license acquisition places Moneta Markets among a growing list of offshore brokers seeking regulatory legitimacy in Tier-1 jurisdictions. It also reflects a broader trend of consolidation and strategic licensing in the retail trading space.

  • 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.