ADVFN UK Market News

Tag: Traders

  • IG Group Unlocks £425 Million Through Capital Restructuring

    IG Group Unlocks £425 Million Through Capital Restructuring

    IG Group (LON: IGG) has successfully completed a capital reduction, unlocking over £425 million in reserves. This strategic move, approved by both shareholders and the UK High Court, enhances the broker’s financial flexibility without altering its share structure.

    The capital release was achieved by:

    • Cancelling a newly created class of deferred shares to free up £300 million from the merger reserve.
    • Reducing the share premium account by £125.7 million.
    • Trimming the capital redemption reserve by £3,501.

    These adjustments convert previously restricted reserves into distributable profits, enabling IG to pursue larger dividends, share buybacks, or potential acquisitions. The company is currently running a £200 million share buyback programme, expected to conclude next month.

    This financial manoeuvre follows IG’s recent £160 million acquisition of Freetrade and comes as the firm anticipates FY25 results to meet or exceed market expectations, driven by heightened trading activity amid market volatility.

    Founded in 1974 as IG Index, IG Group Holdings plc has grown from a niche gold speculation firm into one of the world’s leading online trading providers. Headquartered in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IGG), IG is a constituent of the FTSE 250 and serves over 300,000 clients across 19 countries.

    At its core, IG offers access to more than 19,000 financial markets, including forex, indices, equities, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Its product suite spans contracts for difference (CFDs), spread betting, options, and traditional stockbroking. Through platforms like tastytrade in the U.S. and Spectrum Markets in Europe, IG caters to both retail and professional traders with a focus on speed, transparency, and education.

    The company’s growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including the $1 billion purchase of tastytrade in 2021 and the £160 million acquisition of Freetrade in 2025. These moves have expanded IG’s reach into the U.S. and broadened its investment offerings, positioning it as a serious contender in the global retail investing space.

    In 2025, IG completed a capital restructuring that unlocked over £425 million in reserves, enhancing its ability to return capital to shareholders and pursue further M&A opportunities. This followed a £200 million share buyback programme and a consistent dividend policy, underscoring its strong balance sheet and cash-generative model.

    Despite its success, IG has faced challenges. Regulatory scrutiny, platform outages during high-volume periods, and legal disputes over client losses have tested its resilience. However, the firm has responded with improved risk controls, platform upgrades, and a renewed focus on client transparency.

    IG’s ESG strategy, branded “Brighter Future,” reflects its commitment to ethical operations, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment. It includes initiatives like educational funding and diversity-focused hiring, aligning the company’s long-term goals with broader societal impact.

    With a market cap of approximately £3.4 billion and a reputation for innovation, IG Group continues to shape the future of online trading — blending fintech agility with institutional-grade infrastructure.

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

  • FCA Issues Warning Over Fraudulent Broker Impersonating XTB

    FCA Issues Warning Over Fraudulent Broker Impersonating XTB

    The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning about a fraudulent firm operating under the name “XTB Online,” which is unlawfully offering financial services while misusing the branding of the legitimate broker XTB.

    According to the FCA, this unregistered entity is falsely claiming to be based at One Canada Square in Canary Wharf and is using a website and contact details that may appear credible. However, the regulator confirmed that “XTB Online” is not authorised to provide financial services in the UK and has no affiliation with the FCA-regulated XTB Limited.

    The clone firm has replicated branding elements and address details to mislead investors. The FCA emphasized that individuals dealing with such unauthorised firms are not protected by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), leaving them vulnerable to financial loss.

    Consumers are urged to verify any firm’s credentials using the FCA’s register before engaging in financial transactions. The regulator also warned against responding to unsolicited contact from firms claiming to be regulated.

    For more info please visit: https://www.fca.org.uk/news/warnings/xtb-online

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • Hantec Markets Partners with Swiset to Deliver Real-Time Analytics and Gamified Engagement Tools to Trader

    Hantec Markets Partners with Swiset to Deliver Real-Time Analytics and Gamified Engagement Tools to Trader

    Global multi-regulated broker Hantec Markets has announced a strategic partnership with fintech innovator Swiset, aiming to enhance the trading experience for its clients through the integration of real-time analytics, performance tracking, and gamified engagement tools.

    This collaboration marks a significant step in Hantec’s ongoing mission to empower traders with cutting-edge technology and actionable insights. By embedding Swiset’s platform into its trading environment, Hantec is offering clients a more interactive and data-driven approach to trading—one that supports both skill development and community engagement.

    “Together, we’re helping traders of all levels unlock their potential, backed by the technologies and tools that matter,” said Raj Naik, Chief Marketing Officer at Hantec Markets.

    A New Era of Trader Engagement

    The integration will provide Hantec clients with access to a suite of tools designed to elevate their trading journey. These include real-time trade analytics, performance dashboards, and interactive challenges that allow users to track progress, benchmark against peers, and participate in competitions.

    The first initiative under this partnership is a demo trading competition, offering participants the chance to win exclusive prizes—including a VIP matchday experience with Atlético de Madrid, one of Hantec’s key brand partners.

    Swiset’s platform is already known for its robust capabilities in portfolio management, trader performance analysis, and gamified learning environments. It supports seamless integration with popular trading platforms like MetaTrader and cTrader, enabling brokers and proprietary trading firms to deliver a more engaging and educational experience to their users.

    “At Swiset, we are building an ecosystem where traders don’t just compete—they evolve,” said Andrés Jiménez, COO of Swiset. “Collaborating with a leading broker like Hantec strengthens our commitment to excellence, community, and innovation.”

    Driving Innovation in Retail Trading

    This partnership reflects a broader trend in the retail trading space: the shift toward personalized, data-rich, and community-driven platforms. As traders increasingly seek tools that go beyond execution—tools that help them learn, grow, and connect—brokers like Hantec are responding with strategic investments in fintech partnerships.

    By combining Hantec’s global trading infrastructure with Swiset’s analytics and engagement engine, the two companies are creating a more dynamic and supportive environment for traders of all experience levels.

    The move also reinforces Hantec’s commitment to transparency, education, and trader empowerment, aligning with its broader vision of delivering a best-in-class trading experience.

    With over 500 employees worldwide, a growing list of industry accolades—including “Most Transparent Broker Global” and “Best Trading Experience LatAm”—and a strong focus on client success, Hantec Markets continues to redefine what it means to be a modern broker.

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

  • 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.