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, 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.
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.
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.
In a bold move signaling its ambitions on the global stage, emerging brokerage firm NeoMarketshas 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.
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 Broker
Football Club
Type of Sponsorship
Year
iFOREX Europe
Ferencvárosi TC
Back-of-shirt sponsor
2025
EC Markets
Liverpool FC
Global Partner
2025
IUX
Fulham FC
Official CFD Trading Partner
2024
ZERO Markets
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Digital & interactive sponsor
2025
Libertex
FC Bayern Munich
Premium club partnership
2024
eToro
Slavia Prague
Shirt sponsor
2024
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
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.
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.
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, 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.
