ADVFN UK Market News

Tag: Forex

  • AETOS Capital Group Exits UK Market, Surrenders FCA Licence

    AETOS Capital Group Exits UK Market, Surrenders FCA Licence

    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.

  • Dominique El Khoury Takes Helm at NeoMarkets Amid Strategic Global Expansion

    Dominique El Khoury Takes Helm at NeoMarkets Amid Strategic Global Expansion

    In a bold move signaling its ambitions on the global stage, emerging brokerage firm NeoMarkets has 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Exness Halts New Registrations in India Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

    Exness Halts New Registrations in India Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

    Global forex broker Exness has abruptly suspended new client registrations in India, sparking concern among traders and affiliate partners. The move, which took effect late last week, blocks access to account creation for users with Indian IP addresses. Visitors are now redirected to a simplified login page, with no option to sign up.

    The company has yet to issue a formal statement explaining the decision or clarifying whether the restriction is temporary. Affiliate partners were notified to cease all client acquisition efforts in India, further fueling speculation about the broker’s future in the region.

    Despite the registration freeze, existing Indian clients remain unaffected. Users with active accounts can continue trading without disruption, according to current access paths.

    India has long been a key growth market for offshore brokers like Exness, which operated locally through affiliates and introducing brokers. However, the country’s tightening regulatory landscape — including stricter oversight from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) — may be prompting a strategic retreat.

    As of now, Exness has not indicated whether similar restrictions will be applied in other jurisdictions. The situation remains fluid, with industry observers awaiting further updates.

  • eToro Secures MAS Licence, Launches Singapore Expansion

    eToro Secures MAS Licence, Launches Singapore Expansion

    Global trading platform eToro has officially entered the Singapore market following the approval and activation of its Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s Asia-Pacific growth strategy.

    The licence enables eligible retail investors in Singapore to access a wide array of financial instruments via eToro’s social investing platform, including stocks from over 20 global exchanges, ETFs, and derivatives.

    Yoni Assia, Co-Founder and CEO of eToro, hailed the development as a strategic leap: “Singapore is one of the most dynamic financial markets in Asia-Pacific and a gateway to global capital flows. By activating our CMS licence, we are advancing our mission to open the world’s markets and empower investors with the tools to grow their knowledge and wealth”.

    The expansion follows the appointment of Yaki Razmovich as Managing Director for Singapore and Asia. Razmovich will oversee regional operations and spearhead eToro’s efforts to build local partnerships and invest in talent.

    With over 40 million registered users globally, eToro continues to position itself as a leader in collaborative investing. The company’s platform allows users to interact, view portfolios, and access educational resources through features like the Virtual Portfolio and eToro Academy.

    This latest move underscores Singapore’s growing appeal as a fintech hub, even as regulators maintain strict oversight of financial services providers operating in the region.

  • 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.