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  • 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.

  • IG CEO’s $4.5M Payday Overshadowed by Plus500’s Lavish Executive Payouts

    IG CEO’s $4.5M Payday Overshadowed by Plus500’s Lavish Executive Payouts

    IG Group Holdings plc (LSE:IGG) has reported a strong financial performance for fiscal year 2025, with CEO Breon Corcoran earning a total compensation of £3.35 million ($4.46 million). Despite this, Corcoran still earns less than his counterparts at Plus500, where executive pay has sparked shareholder backlash for the second consecutive year 

    IG Group delivered £1.08 billion ($1.39 billion) in total revenue for FY25, up 9% year-over-year. Net profit surged 24% to £380.4 million ($490.7 million), driven by strong trading volumes, the acquisition of Freetrade, and a growing customer base 

    Key highlights from IG’s FY25:

    • Adjusted profit before tax: £535.8 million, up 17%
    • Active customers: 820,000 (up 137% YoY, including Freetrade users)
    • EPS: 114.1p (up 26%)
    • Capital returns: £397 million via dividends and buybacks 3

    Corcoran’s compensation included:

    • £896,000 ($1.19M) in base salary
    • £2.45 million ($3.27M) in bonuses and incentives 1

    Despite the impressive numbers, Corcoran’s pay package remains modest compared to peers in the online trading sector.

    At Plus500 Ltd (LSE:PLUS), CEO David Zruia and CFO Elad Even-Chen each earned $4.97 million in FY24, with $1.09 million in fixed salary and the rest in performance-based bonuses 

    This represents a 33% increase from the previous year.

    Yet, Plus500’s FY24 revenue was $768.3 million, significantly lower than IG’s. Net profit stood at $273.1 million, also trailing IG’s bottom line 

    The disparity in pay has not gone unnoticed. In May 2025, 51% of Plus500 shareholders voted against the company’s executive remuneration report—the second consecutive year of such opposition

    Despite the criticism, Plus500 continues to expand aggressively:

    • Entered the UAE and Japan markets
    • Acquired Mehta Equities in India
    • Became a clearing member of ICE Clear US
    • Reported $415 million in H1 2025 revenue, up 4% YoY 

    Executive Pay vs. Performance: A Growing Debate

    The contrast between IG and Plus500 highlights a broader debate in fintech and trading circles: Should executive pay be more closely tied to shareholder returns and company performance?

    While IG’s Corcoran is praised for strategic execution and disciplined cost control, Plus500’s leadership faces scrutiny for high compensation amid mixed user growth and declining engagement metrics

    Still, both firms remain profitable and debt-free, with strong cash positions and global expansion plans.

    IG Group plans to increase Corcoran’s base salary by 3% in FY26 to £824,000 ($1.1M), with a potential bonus of up to 200% of salary 

    The company is also revamping its long-term incentive plan to better align with shareholder value creation.

    Meanwhile, Plus500 has raised its FY25 guidance, citing strong Q1 results and a 106% increase in average customer deposits 

    However, it remains to be seen whether the company can sustain growth while addressing governance concerns.


    As fintech firms scale globally, executive compensation will remain a focal point for investors.

    IG’s performance-driven pay model may offer a blueprint for balancing growth with governance, while Plus500’s high-reward structure continues to test shareholder patience.

  • eToro Launches 4% Stock-Back Debit Card for UK Customers

    eToro Launches 4% Stock-Back Debit Card for UK Customers

    eToro has unveiled a compelling new incentive for UK users of its Visa debit card: up to 4% cashback in the form of UK-listed stocks. The initiative allows cardholders to earn equity rewards on everyday purchases, with a monthly cap of £1,500 in stock value.

    The programme enables users to select from a curated list of UK equities to receive as cashback. These stock rewards can either be held as investments or sold at the user’s discretion. According to Doron Rosenblum, Executive Vice President of Business Solutions at eToro, the offering is designed to integrate spending with long-term investing goals.

    “Eligible eToro UK clients can now manage their money efficiently while building their investment portfolios through everyday spending,” Rosenblum noted.

    Dan Moczulski, Managing Director of eToro UK, added that the initiative aims to “redefine cashback” by turning routine purchases—from coffee to groceries—into incremental stock ownership.

    The launch follows eToro’s recent public listing on Nasdaq, which raised $403 million. The company’s aggressive push into the debit card space reflects a broader trend among brokers to enhance user engagement through financial incentives. Competitors such as IG Group and NAGA have also introduced interest-bearing features on idle cash balances to attract and retain clients.

    eToro’s stock-back debit card is part of its broader mission to lower the barriers to investing and foster habitual wealth-building through accessible tools.

    About eToro

    Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Israel, eToro Group Ltd. is a global multi-asset investment platform known for pioneering social trading. The company enables users to trade and invest in equities, cryptocurrencies, commodities, currencies, and options—either directly or via derivatives. With over 38 million registered users across 140 countries, eToro combines traditional investing with innovative tools like CopyTrader™ and thematic portfolios.

    eToro operates under regulatory oversight from the FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), and FinCEN (US). In 2025, the company went public on the Nasdaq under the ticker ETOR, achieving a valuation of $5.5 billion. Its ecosystem includes eToro Money, eToro Academy, and a growing suite of financial education and trading tools.

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  • CMC Markets Insider Activity Draws Attention Amid Share Price Pressure

    CMC Markets Insider Activity Draws Attention Amid Share Price Pressure

    A recent regulatory filing has revealed that Victoria Fineberg, a person closely associated with David Fineberg, Deputy CEO of CMC Markets, has sold approximately £252,000 worth of shares in the London-listed brokerage. The transaction, disclosed via the London Stock Exchange, involved the disposal of 100,000 CMCX shares over four trading sessions beginning last Monday.

    This development comes at a time when CMC Markets’ stock has been under pressure, having declined by roughly 13% since the release of its FY25 financial results. Despite reporting a 33% increase in pre-tax profit to £84.5 million, the company’s performance in the final quarter of the fiscal year fell short of expectations, contributing to the recent share price weakness.

    Diverging Insider Moves

    Interestingly, while Victoria Fineberg has reduced her exposure, Deputy CEO David Fineberg has continued to increase his stake in the company. Earlier this year, he acquired over £420,000 worth of CMCX shares through his self-invested pension plan and continues to receive additional shares through the firm’s incentive scheme.

    This divergence in insider activity has sparked interest among market watchers, particularly given the broader context of CMC’s evolving business strategy and market positioning.

    Ownership Structure and Strategic Direction

    Lord Peter Cruddas, the company’s founder and CEO, remains the dominant shareholder, holding approximately 64% of the company’s equity. Institutional investors such as Aberforth and Schroders each maintain stakes of around 5%, while the remaining shares are distributed among retail investors, employees, and other stakeholders.

    CMC Markets operates both retail and institutional trading divisions, offering a wide range of CFD products and white-label solutions. Notably, the firm powers trading services for platforms like Revolut and has expanded its reach through partnerships such as its white-label deal with ASB Bank in New Zealand.

    Embracing Innovation

    While CMC has expanded into areas like DeFi, Web3, and white-label partnerships with fintechs such as Revolut and ASB Bank, many investors appear unconvinced that these moves are translating into sustainable growth. The company’s Q4 FY25 results fell short of expectations, triggering a 13% drop in share price and reinforcing concerns about execution risk and earnings volatility.

    Adding to the unease, analysts have issued a “Reduce” consensus rating, with a 12-month price target of GBX 192, implying a potential 24% downside from current levels. This bearish outlook reflects doubts about the company’s ability to deliver consistent returns amid a rapidly evolving trading landscape.

    Despite a 33% rise in pre-tax profit, the company’s final quarter underperformance and reliance on founder Lord Cruddas, who holds a 64% stake, have raised questions about governance and strategic agility. Some investors worry that the firm’s heavy founder ownership may limit responsiveness to market pressures or shareholder input.

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  • Singapore Traders Gain Access to Fractional Shares with Saxo

    Singapore Traders Gain Access to Fractional Shares with Saxo

    Saxo has introduced fractional trading for its clients in Singapore, allowing investors to purchase fractional units of over 1,000 instruments across multiple asset classes.

    This new feature enables traders to invest in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of capital, making portfolio construction more flexible and accessible.

    Fractional shares allow investors to buy portions of a stock rather than full units, helping them optimize their available funds and diversify their investments more efficiently.

    The service is integrated across all Saxo platforms, ensuring seamless access for users on desktop, web, and mobile interfaces.

    Saxo’s initiative aligns with its broader strategy to democratize investing, providing tools that cater to both beginners and experienced traders.

    The company continues to expand its offerings, reinforcing its commitment to making global financial markets more accessible.