ADVFN UK Market News

Tag: Trading

  • 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

  • iFOREX Scores Again—Now Trading on the Pitch with Lech Poznań

    iFOREX Scores Again—Now Trading on the Pitch with Lech Poznań

    iFOREX is ramping up its brand visibility ahead of its anticipated IPO by partnering with Polish football champions Lech Poznań. The broker has been named the club’s Official Online Trading Partner and non-exclusive Official Sleeve Partner for the upcoming season. This move follows a recent renewal of its sponsorship with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, reinforcing iFOREX’s growing presence in European sports marketing.

    CEO Itai Sadeh described the partnership as a strategic step in connecting with European communities and expanding the company’s global footprint. With Lech Poznań boasting a strong domestic following and significant social media reach, the collaboration is expected to enhance iFOREX’s brand exposure across multiple channels.

    While financial terms weren’t disclosed, the sponsorship aligns with a broader trend of CFD brokers investing in sports partnerships to boost recognition. The announcement comes as iFOREX prepares for a London Stock Exchange listing, though the IPO has been delayed due to a compliance review in the British Virgin Islands.

    About iFOREX
    iFOREX is a global fintech company with over 25 years of experience, offering a proprietary online and mobile trading platform for multi-asset CFDs. With a strong presence in over 30 countries and more than 60,000 daily transactions, the platform supports 21+ languages and boasts an annual trading volume exceeding $460 billion.

    • User-Friendly Platform: Advanced trading tools, real-time pricing, and intuitive interfaces for both desktop and mobile.
    • Client Loyalty: 56% of revenue comes from clients who’ve been with iFOREX for over three years.
    • Risk Management: Features like negative balance protection and stop-loss orders help safeguard traders.
    • Education & Support: Free 1-on-1 training, market updates, and multilingual support.
    • Brand Visibility: Strategic sports sponsorships, including partnerships with PSV Eindhoven and Lech Poznań, enhance brand recognition across Europe.

    Compliance & Trust
    iFOREX Europe is regulated by CySEC and adheres to strict EU marketing guidelines. Promotions must include risk warnings and avoid exaggerated claims.

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

    Image source

  • 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.

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

  • MyFundedFutures Strengthens Compliance Framework Following Global Suspension

    MyFundedFutures Strengthens Compliance Framework Following Global Suspension

    MyFundedFutures, a fintech firm specializing in futures evaluation and proprietary trading, has announced a major compliance overhaul after suspending operations in 21 countries due to regulatory concerns. The firm has now fully integrated ComplianceAlpha, a regulatory compliance platform developed by ACA Group, to enhance governance, transparency, and trader protection.

    Why the Compliance Upgrade?

    Last year, MyFundedFutures faced regulatory scrutiny that led to the suspension of its services in multiple jurisdictions. The firm’s decision to implement ComplianceAlpha is a direct response to these challenges, ensuring adherence to industry standards and reinforcing its commitment to responsible trading.

    Key Features of the New Compliance Framework

    The upgraded system introduces several critical measures:

    • Trader Safety & Oversight – Enhanced monitoring of trader communications and staff interactions to ensure a secure trading environment.
    • Market Abuse Surveillance – Advanced tools to detect manipulative or unauthorized trading behavior before it impacts the market.
    • E-Communications Monitoring – Real-time surveillance of Discord, email, and platform-based communications to bridge compliance gaps.
    • Centralized Policy Management – A structured governance system for internal policies, external disclosures, and trader resources.
    • Training & Certification – A comprehensive e-learning program covering AML/KYC, market abuse prevention, dispute resolution, and operational conduct.

    Impact on Traders & Industry Positioning

    With these measures, MyFundedFutures aims to set a new standard for compliance in the proprietary trading space. The firm’s sister company, Nortex Capital Partners, which manages live proprietary trading, will also adopt these policies to ensure consistency across operations.

    Philip Fried, Regulatory Compliance Manager at MyFundedFutures, emphasized the importance of governance, stating, “Traders suffer when firms treat compliance as an afterthought. We treat governance as a foundational pillar.”

    Future Plans & Market Expansion

    The firm has not yet confirmed whether it will resume operations in the previously restricted countries. However, with its strengthened compliance framework, MyFundedFutures is positioning itself as a more transparent and secure trading platform, potentially paving the way for future expansion.

  • 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.