ADVFN UK Market News

Tag: Director

  • Crypto.com Deepens Talent Grab from CFD Sector with Latest High-Profile Hire

    Crypto.com Deepens Talent Grab from CFD Sector with Latest High-Profile Hire

    In a move that underscores the shifting tides between traditional finance and digital asset platforms, Crypto.com has appointed Nicolò Pagliari as its new Global Vice President of Growth and Media. Pagliari, a seasoned executive with seven years at Saxo Bank, becomes the second major CFD industry veteran to join the Singapore-based crypto exchange in just two months.

    Pagliari’s departure from Saxo, where he most recently served as Head of Marketing for Asia-Pacific, marks a growing trend of talent migration from legacy brokers to crypto and proprietary trading firms. “It took one of those opportunities that you can’t say no to,” Pagliari shared in a LinkedIn post announcing his move.

    This latest hire follows Crypto.com’s recent onboarding of Kevin Algeo, former CEO of IG Group, as Senior Vice President of Capital Markets. The company also acquired Cyprus-based Allnew Investments Ltd to secure a MiFID license, signaling its intent to expand into regulated financial products including CFDs for forex and other markets.

    Pagliari’s transition is emblematic of a broader industry shift. As crypto platforms diversify their offerings and proprietary trading firms gain traction, traditional CFD brokers are facing mounting pressure. A recent FYI study revealed that 40% of brokers currently have vacant marketing leadership roles, highlighting the competitive squeeze for top-tier talent.

    Other notable moves include Michael Kamerman’s appointment as CEO of FTMO’s brokerage division and Riana Chaili’s new role as COO after stints at IC Markets and TechFinancials. Meanwhile, executives like Yassin Mismar, Zoltan Nemeth, and Andreas Andreou have also pivoted to prop firms and crypto ventures.

    Crypto.com’s aggressive hiring spree aligns with its push into conventional finance. The firm plans to launch CFD trading in Q3 2025, leveraging its newly acquired MiFID license. “His extensive experience in financial services and regulated markets will be instrumental in our mission to build a full-service and fully regulated suite of financial products,” said Eric Anziani, Crypto.com’s President and COO, referring to Algeo’s appointment.

    This strategy mirrors similar moves by competitors. Kraken has launched regulated derivatives trading under MiFID II, while Coinbase acquired Deribit to bolster its derivatives footprint.

    The migration of talent reflects deeper structural shifts. Crypto exchanges are acquiring regulated entities to fast-track licensing, while prop firms benefit from lighter regulatory frameworks. Traditional CFD brokers, meanwhile, grapple with tighter rules on leverage and marketing, making the crypto and prop sectors increasingly attractive for executives seeking growth and innovation.

    Pagliari will be based in Singapore, leading global user acquisition efforts for Crypto.com, which now boasts over 140 million users. His remit includes campaign development, media partnerships, and team leadership across international markets.

    As the executive exodus from traditional brokers continues, the battle for market dominance between legacy finance and digital disruptors is heating up—and Crypto.com is clearly playing to win.

  • Hans Buehler Steps Down as Co-CEO of XTX Markets

    Hans Buehler Steps Down as Co-CEO of XTX Markets

    In a notable leadership shift at one of the UK’s most profitable financial firms, Hans Buehler has officially resigned from his role as Co-Chief Executive Officer of XTX Markets. Buehler, who joined the electronic trading powerhouse in 2022 as Deputy CEO and was elevated to Co-CEO in 2023 alongside founder Alex Gerko, has also vacated his position on the board of XTX’s corporate entities.

    During his tenure, Buehler played a pivotal role in steering XTX’s growth trajectory, helping solidify its reputation as a leading market maker and proprietary trading firm. His departure marks the end of a chapter that saw XTX’s profitability soar, with Gerko now ranked among the UK’s wealthiest individuals and top taxpayers.

    Prior to his time at XTX, Buehler spent 14 years at JPMorgan in Hong Kong and London, where he held senior roles including Global Head of Equities Analytics, Automation, and Optimization. He also previously led equity derivatives quantitative research at Deutsche Bank.

    According to an XTX spokesperson, Buehler plans to return to academia, building on his previous experience as a Visiting Professor at the Technical University of Munich. He holds a PhD in Financial Mathematics from Technische Universität Berlin.

    His exit leaves Gerko as the sole CEO, with industry watchers keen to see how XTX navigates its next phase of innovation and expansion.

  • Markets.com Cyprus Appoints Andreas Kyriacou as New CEO Following Leadership Transition

    Markets.com Cyprus Appoints Andreas Kyriacou as New CEO Following Leadership Transition

    Markets.com Cyprus has announced the appointment of Andreas Kyriacou as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Stavros Ch. Anastasiou, who recently stepped down from the role. Kyriacou will oversee operations exclusively for the Cyprus-based entity, Safecap Investments, which operates under the CySEC regulatory framework.

    Kyriacou brings over a decade of experience in financial services, with a strong background in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, tax planning, and risk management. Prior to joining Markets.com in December 2024, he held senior roles at FXGlobe and IronFX, and began his career at PwC Cyprus. He is a Chartered Accountant certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

    His appointment comes amid broader changes at Markets.com, including the recent surrender of its FCA license in the UK, signaling a strategic pivot toward jurisdictions with more flexible regulatory environments. The company continues to operate under licenses in South Africa and St Vincent and the Grenadines, though leadership for those entities remains unconfirmed.

    Markets.com has also expanded its offerings in recent years, partnering with TradingView and Worldpay to enhance its trading platform and global payment capabilities.

  • ATFX Reinforces LATAM Strategy with Michael Mirarchi

    ATFX Reinforces LATAM Strategy with Michael Mirarchi

    In a strategic move to deepen its institutional presence in emerging markets, ATFX Connect has appointed Michael Mirarchi as Managing Director of Institutional Sales for Latin America. The announcement underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and delivering tailored solutions to professional clients across the region.

    Mirarchi brings over 15 years of experience in institutional sales, brokerage, and trading technology. His career began in New York, where he supported the early growth of margin FX trading and liquidity provision. He has since held senior roles at major financial institutions and helped launch regulated entities across the UK, EU, and Latin America. His expertise also spans digital asset infrastructure and Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licensing, making him a key figure in bridging traditional finance with emerging technologies.

    In his new role, Mirarchi will spearhead efforts to expand ATFX Connect’s institutional coverage in Latin America, focusing on white-label brokerage offerings, digital asset trading, and the rollout of regional non-deliverable forwards (NDFs). He will also lead initiatives to strengthen the firm’s regulatory presence in the region.

    “Latin America’s online trading sector is evolving rapidly,” Mirarchi said. “We’re focused on delivering institutional-grade solutions that meet the unique needs of professional clients in this dynamic market.”

    Wei Qiang Zhang, Managing Director of ATFX Connect, added: “Michael’s appointment is a pivotal step in our long-term strategy. His deep understanding of the LATAM market and institutional expertise will accelerate our growth and enhance our service offering.”

    ATFX Connect, the institutional arm of the ATFX Group, continues to expand its reach by combining global infrastructure with local insight. The firm offers bespoke liquidity solutions across FX, indices, commodities, and precious metals, serving hedge funds, banks, asset managers, and other professional traders.

  • Moneta Markets Unveils Prop Trading Venture, Launches Executive Search

    Moneta Markets Unveils Prop Trading Venture, Launches Executive Search

    Moneta Markets is preparing to enter the proprietary trading space with the launch of a dedicated prop trading firm. The initiative, led by CEO and Founder David Bily, is nearing completion, with the company now actively recruiting a General Manager to spearhead operations.

    In a recent LinkedIn announcement, Bily described the ideal candidate as a “results-driven” leader capable of scaling the new venture into a competitive force within the industry. The role will encompass team building, operational oversight, performance management, and strategic growth.

    “The product is nearly ready,” Bily stated. “Now I just need the right person to scale it into a fierce industry competitor.”

    The firm is targeting candidates with proven experience in proprietary trading, strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities, and a deep understanding of risk management and trader support. Sales and marketing expertise are also key, with a preference for candidates based in Dubai or willing to relocate.

    This move signals Moneta Markets’ broader ambition to diversify its offerings and tap into the growing demand for structured trading opportunities.

    Industry Recognition

    Moneta Markets has earned multiple accolades at the ADVFN International Financial Awards, including Best Low Cost Broker and Best Forex Trading App in 2025. These awards underscore the firm’s commitment to delivering accessible, high-performance trading solutions to a global client base.

    About Moneta Markets

    Founded in 2009 and headquartered in George Town, Cayman Islands, Moneta Markets is a multi-asset trading platform offering access to over 1,000 instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and ETFs. The company operates globally with regulatory oversight from the FSCA and SLIBC, and it maintains client fund security through segregated accounts and negative balance protection.

    Moneta Markets handles over $100 billion in monthly trading volume and supports a suite of platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProTrader, and AppTrader. With a client base exceeding 70,000 accounts and more than 1.5 million trades executed monthly, the firm has positioned itself as a trusted name in the online trading space.

    For a detailed comparison of brokers, you can check ADVFN Broker Listing.

  • Webull Names Walter Bishop Independent Director

    Webull Names Walter Bishop Independent Director

    Webull Corporation (NASDAQ: BULL) has announced the appointment of Walter Bishop as an independent director on its board, effective June 8, 2025 .

    Mr. Bishop brings extensive experience from across the financial sector. His career spans senior leadership roles at Deutsche Bank—including U.S. COO and Chairman of DB Trust Company Delaware’s board and audit committee (1997–2019)—as well as positions at Barclays Bank U.S. (Chief Administrative Officer), Nordbanken U.S. (Deputy General Manager & CFO), and KPMG Peat Marwick (audit manager)

    In his new role, Bishop will serve on Webull’s key oversight bodies: the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee

    Currently, he also holds positions as Lead Independent Director and Audit & Governance Committee Chair at Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPTX), plus previous board roles at Highline Management Inc. (2019–2024) and advisory work with Thunder Bridge Capital Acquisition II / Indie Semiconductor

    Mr. Bishop’s academic qualifications include an MBA from St. John’s University and a Bachelor’s in Public Accounting from Baruch College, CUNY

    His addition increases Webull’s board to six members, including two independent directors—a move reinforcing stronger governance and oversight as the fintech firm continues its expansion.