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Vantage Markets Lowers Minimum Deposit Requirements for Copy Trading

Vantage Markets, a prominent multi-asset broker, has made a strategic move to lower the minimum deposit requirements for accessing Copy Trading on its platform. This decisive action comes in response to a recent survey that indicated a robust interest in Copy Trading among its clients, with over 60% of active traders expressing a desire to explore this trading strategy on the Vantage App.

vantage

The survey, instrumental in shaping this new direction, revealed that approximately 19.7% of respondents were yet to familiarize themselves with copy trading but showed a keen interest in learning more. Furthermore, almost half of the participants, precisely 47.5%, were eager to see more attractive incentives and promotions.

Acting on this valuable feedback, Vantage Markets has lowered the minimum deposit requirement for Copy Trading from US$200 to a much more accessible US$50, effective immediately. This strategic modification aims to make copy trading more accessible, allowing clients to diversify their portfolios and maximize returns at a reduced cost.

Assistant App Marketing Director at Vantage, Lian Jie, elaborated on the change: “Our clients are looking for means to expand their portfolio and maximize their returns with minimal cost. Our reduced minimum deposit provides a lower barrier for them to explore copy trading and adopt it as part of their trading strategy.”

Vantage’s commitment to enhancing its user experience doesn’t end here. Acknowledging the need for comprehensive educational resources, particularly among novice traders, Vantage is geared up to unveil a series of educational tutorials and user guides in the upcoming months.

These resources aim to empower traders with essential knowledge and practical guidance, covering a breadth of topics from account opening, and mastering the fundamentals of copy trading, to navigating advanced trading tools.

Lian Jie further added, “User satisfaction is a huge part of our work, and our in-app client surveys have allowed us to remain attuned to our clients’ trading needs and experiences. Our additional educational materials will be beneficial to all our traders, from the novice to the experienced.”

Vantage Markets continues to show its dedication to meeting traders’ needs and enhancing their trading experience, fostering an environment where traders, whether novice or experienced, can thrive and navigate the trading landscape with confidence and ease.

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Swissquote Mobile App Revolutionizes Daily Banking with Enhanced Features

In a dynamic move to revolutionize the banking experience for its customers, Swissquote has recently augmented its mobile app, introducing a host of new daily banking features. The app’s latest version is a one-stop solution catering to a variety of user needs, ranging from conventional banking to cutting-edge investment options in cryptocurrency.

The enriched Swissquote mobile app facilitates its users in ordering and managing the newly launched multi-currency debit cards. These innovative cards, available in both physical and virtual versions, seamlessly integrate cryptocurrency transactions, proving Swissquote’s commitment to staying at the forefront of fintech innovations. These debit Mastercards are robustly compatible with major digital wallets and come bundled with enticing cashback rewards, enhancing the overall user experience.

The introduction of eBill features within the app heralds a simplified and stress-free end-of-the-month billing process for users. Clients can manage payments with improved ease, as the app thoughtfully assimilates multiple eBanking facilities, such as payments, transfers, and a multitude of integrated payment services, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Twint.

Swissquote’s revamped app offers a comprehensive trading platform, providing users access to an impressive array of over 100,000 financial instruments. Traders can easily navigate through real-time prices, graphical representations, and essential information necessary for informed trading decisions. The app’s intuitive design allows traders to customize and monitor their preferred trading products, equipping them with powerful tools such as charts replete with technical analysis indicators.

Traders are empowered to hold over 20 different currencies within a single account, replete with individual IBANs, and benefit from favorable exchange rates. In a testament to its pioneering spirit, Swissquote was the inaugural Swiss bank to embrace Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, perpetually innovating its offerings to maintain a competitive edge. The app allows users to engage in a broad spectrum of investment avenues, from conventional stocks and ETFs to a variety of cryptocurrencies.

Swissquote’s mobile app’s newest enhancements herald a new era of convenience and innovation in the daily banking experience. The inclusion of advanced features such as multi-currency, crypto-friendly debit cards, integrated eBanking services, and a comprehensive trading platform, positions Swissquote as a leader in delivering sophisticated and seamless banking and investment solutions to its global clientele.

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China Implements New Restrictions on Offshore Trading amid Economic Pressure

In a groundbreaking move, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has issued a notice, forbidding domestic and overseas brokerages from acquiring new mainland clients for offshore trading activities. An unprecedented action, this decision symbolizes China’s steadfast resolve to regulate capital outflows and fortify its currency’s stability.

The notification, disseminated on September 28, and not previously disclosed, lacked a specific enactment date, though insiders believe the regulations were meant to be applied instantaneously. The CSRC has further stipulated an impending deadline in October for the discontinuation of apps and websites engaging mainland clientele.

Brokerage Firms Navigating the Regulatory Waters

In light of these novel regulations, brokerage firms, notably those predominantly involved in offshore trading such as Citic Securities, China International Capital Corporation, and Haitong Securities, are poised to face substantial impacts. These firms, owning considerable Hong Kong-based factions, derive a significant fraction of their revenues from offshore trading activities. At the point of releasing this report, the brokerage conglomerates had yet to issue a statement in response to inquiries from global news agencies.

The new restrictions are meticulously designed to bolster surveillance and curb new investments from existing mainland clients, ensuring a stringent adherence to China’s foreign exchange controls.

Navigating Economic Currents: China’s Economic Standpoint

China’s economic landscape has been marred by a deceleration in growth rates, triggering an escalation in overseas investments. Such overseas capital movements have exerted immense pressure on the yuan’s exchange rate, prompting the government’s active involvement in attempting to stabilize the currency and assert robust control over capital flows.

Reviewing the Regulatory Landscape of Offshore Trading

Reflecting on past occurrences, China has witnessed similar initiatives aimed at regulating offshore trading and investments. Prominent online brokerages like Futu Holdings Ltd and UP Fintech Holding Ltd have previously withdrawn their apps voluntarily in China, aligning with the government’s heightened emphasis on data security and management of capital outflows.

Conversely, Chinese investors will retain the ability to infuse capital into offshore securities through sanctioned avenues like the Stock Connect program with Hong Kong and other quota-based initiatives such as the qualified domestic institutional investor and the qualified domestic limited partnership programs.

Moving forward, the global financial spectrum will be keenly observing the repercussions of these novel regulatory measures on offshore trading and broader investment activities. The definitive impacts of these initiatives on China’s economic and financial stability will unfold in the ensuing months.

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ACY Securities Appoints Dr. Nedal Alchaar as Chief Economist in the MENA

In a significant move to enhance its capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Australia-based Retail FX and CFDs broker, ACY Securities, has announced the appointment of Dr. Nedal Alchaar as their Chief Economist. Dr. Alchaar will be operating from Istanbul, Turkey in this new capacity.

acy securities

With a stellar reputation in finance, economics, and academia, Dr. Alchaar brings to the table a wealth of knowledge in financial markets, complemented by his expertise in Islamic Finance regulatory work.

Before this latest role at ACY Securities, Dr. Alchaar served as the Minister of Economy and Trade in Syria. His distinguished career also includes pivotal roles at notable institutions such as Fannie Mae and Johnson & Higgins in Washington D.C. Additionally, he has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor of Economics and Finance at George Washington University.

Dr. Alchaar is no stranger to recognition, having authored numerous books and scientific articles on banking and financial markets, especially in the domain of Islamic Economics and Finance. Among his accolades is the coveted His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Banking Excellence in 2006. Furthermore, Arabian Business Magazine has previously ranked him the eighth most influential business figure in the Arab World. Notably, he has twice been nominated for The Nobel Prize for his significant contributions to Islamic Economics and Finance.

This latest appointment signals ACY Securities’ dedication to providing unparalleled expertise and insights to its clientele. The firm expressed confidence in Dr. Alchaar’s capacity to amplify its offerings, especially given the swiftly evolving global economic context. ACY Securities envisions his addition to the team as pivotal in their ongoing efforts to innovate and excel in the MENA market.

The hiring of Dr. Alchaar stands as a testament to ACY Securities’ commitment to navigating its clients through the complex shifts in the global economic landscape. It is anticipated that his guidance will significantly influence ACY’s growth trajectory in the MENA region.

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Interactive Brokers Centralizes European Operations in Dublin Amidst Broader Expansion

In a major strategic repositioning, Interactive Brokers (NASDAQ: IBKR) has announced the centralization of its European operations in Ireland. The consolidation will see the amalgamation of Interactive Brokers Central Europe, previously headquartered in Budapest, with Interactive Brokers Ireland.

Interactive Brokers

This maneuver is part of the company’s larger blueprint aimed at achieving heightened operational efficiency by embracing technological integration. As a result of this move, Interactive Brokers Ireland, which falls under the regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of Ireland, will oversee the unified business.

While this development marks a significant shift, the Budapest office will remain instrumental, primarily focusing on serving clients in Central and Eastern Europe. This decision has been influenced by the notable surge in client growth for both branches following Brexit, further cementing Interactive Brokers’ expansive presence across Europe.

Interactive Brokers’ CEO, Milan Galik, commented on the development, stating, “Our decision resonates with our perpetual commitment to streamlining operations via automation. This allows us to offer top-tier investment services at competitive prices, further ensuring that we retain our leading profit margins in the industry.”

Interactive Brokers, a global powerhouse in the financial sector, manages over two million client accounts. These accounts represent an impressive $377 billion in assets distributed across more than 220 countries and territories. The company’s solid financial standing is underscored by its equity capital exceeding $12 billion and a market capitalization of $30 billion. As per recent data, the company registered 1.931 million Daily Average Revenue Trades in August 2023, and despite a downturn in trading activity, witnessed a 22% rise in client equity.

  • The firm has continuously widened its client base and market scope, with one of the driving factors being periodic enhancements to its offerings. As reported by Finance Magnates in July, IBKR broadened its overnight trading scope to include an additional 10,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs. This expansion ensures that clients have access to an extensive array of US equities almost round the clock for five days a week.
  • Earlier this week, the broker amplified its Overnight Trading Hours service, providing added convenience for clients in Asia and Europe, enabling them to engage with an expansive selection of US equities in their respective local market timings.
  • Adding to its bouquet of services, IBKR recently forged a partnership with Zero Hash, a renowned crypto infrastructure platform. This alliance aims to diversify crypto trading services by seamlessly integrating Zero Hash’s comprehensive API. As a result, select clientele, especially those venturing into crypto trading, will have exclusive access to Zero Hash’s trading and custody solutions.

Furthermore, reinforcing its equity offerings, Interactive Brokers introduced fractional shares trading for Canadian stocks and ETFs in August and has since expanded this offering to specific US and European markets.

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Chris Hossain-Nelson Moves from INFINOX to Alchemy Prime

Chris Hossain-Nelson, an esteemed figure with nearly 30 years of experience in the forex and contracts for differences (CFDs) industry, has transitioned from INFINOX to join Alchemy Prime. Hossain-Nelson will assume the role of Head of Institutional Sales for eFX and CFDs at the London-based company.

Chris Hossain-Nelson Moves from INFINOX to Alchemy Prime

Alchemy Prime, founded in 2013 and headquartered in London, provides FX Prime Brokerage solutions, boasting “direct access to all Tier-1 and Tier 2 FX liquidity venues.” The company’s clientele comprises brokers, hedge funds, banks, professional traders, and money managers. Alchemy operates under the license and regulations of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

On his move to Alchemy, Hossain-Nelson remarked, “I am delighted to join Alchemy. The team is profoundly experienced in the institutional FX and CFDs arena. Given the liquidity solution in place, I believe Alchemy Prime is set on a path of growth and will soon be the liquidity provider of choice for global brokerages.”

In his extensive career, Hossain-Nelson’s most recent role was with INFINOX Global as the Head Of Institutional Sales for eFX and CFDs, the very same position he now fills at Alchemy Prime. His association with INFINOX began in April 2021, spanning over two years.

Prior to INFINOX, Hossain-Nelson dedicated about three years to Global Market Index Limited. Initially joining as the Global Head of Institutional Sales for eFX and CFDs, he was later elevated to the position of Executive Director (SMF3) and Head of eFX and CFDs Client Relations.

A significant portion of his career was devoted to FXCM, a leading brand in the retail FX/CFDs brokerage sector. Notably, he was with FXCM during the turbulent times of the Swiss franc flash crash.

Hossain-Nelson’s career journey also includes the foundation and management of a recruitment firm specializing in sales positions within the FX, Spread Betting, and CFDs industry. His professional inception was at Nat West Stockbrokers in 1994, and he later held positions at Selftrade and Blue Index.

With such an expansive and diverse career, Hossain-Nelson’s move to Alchemy Prime is anticipated to bring significant expertise and drive to the team.

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FXCM UK Announces Name Change to Stratos Markets

In a notable corporate rebranding move, Forex Capital Markets Limited, the UK subsidiary of the FXCM Group, has renamed itself to Stratos Markets Limited. The strategic change became officially documented in the UK Companies House database with the requisite documents having been submitted on September 10, 2023.

fxcm

The FXCM UK’s website mirrors this change, stating clearly that “Stratos Markets Limited is an operating subsidiary within the FXCM group of companies (collectively, the “FXCM Group”). All references on this site to “FXCM” refer to the FXCM Group.”

Furthermore, it emphasizes the continuity of the operational legality and authorization under the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, highlighting their registration number as 217689. The company maintains its registration in England and Wales with the Companies House company number being 04072877.

Adding to this shift in the business landscape, the Cyprus-based FXCM entity, FXCM EU Ltd, has also undergone a name change, emerging as Stratos Europe Ltd as reflected in the CySEC register of investment firms.

This renaming spearheads questions surrounding the possibility of a comprehensive rebranding strategy being undertaken by the FXCM group. In a bid to understand the underlying strategy, FX News Group engaged with an official spokesperson from the company.

Clarifying the motivations behind the name change, the spokesperson relayed, “The name change to Stratos is part of a restructuring of the firm to give us more flexibility. FXCM will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Stratos, similar to how Google operates under Alphabet Inc.” This statement underscores a structural reshuffling aimed at fostering greater flexibility within the organization while maintaining the operative essence of FXCM as a subsidiary under the newly established Stratos banner.

With parallels being drawn to the operational dynamics of tech giant Google under Alphabet Inc., it is evident that the FXCM Group is steering towards a corporate architecture that allows for broader strategic movements and potentially facilitating more autonomous operations of its various entities.

As the market adapts to this change, stakeholders and market watchers alike will be keen to observe the unfolding strategies and pathways that the FXCM group carves under its new identity — Stratos. This could signify a period of rejuvenation and renewed strategic alignments in a bid to enhance the group’s positioning in the highly competitive and dynamic forex market space.

While the full extent of this restructuring remains to be seen, it is a significant marker of change and progression within the FXCM Group, as it adopts a new identity in Stratos, embedding flexibility and broader horizons into its corporate narrative.

About the FXCM Group

Founded in 1999, the FXCM Group has been a pioneer in the forex trading space, offering a range of services including trading in foreign exchange markets, CFD trading, and related services. The group has been known for its customer-centric approach and has been a trusted partner for traders globally. The recent changes signal a new chapter in the group’s journey, with a vision set on flexibility and strategic expansion.

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CMC Markets Appoints Albert Soleiman as the New CFO

CMC Markets Plc, a leading global online trading and platform technology firm, confirmed today that Albert Soleiman has taken on the roles of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director, effective September 1, 2023.

CMC Markets Appoints Albert Soleiman

Albert Soleiman began his journey with CMC Markets in 2005 after gaining his Chartered Accountant credentials from KPMG. He then advanced to the position of Group Head of Tax by 2008. A brief stint as Global Tax Director at Bitfury UK Limited in 2019 followed, but by 2020, he was back with CMC spearheading the inception of CMC Invest.

CMC Invest is a crucial component of CMC Markets’ blueprint to broaden its business reach and tap into its cutting-edge technologies. This allows its clientele to amass long-term wealth via its investment platforms.

Meanwhile, Euan Marshall, the existing CFO of CMC, stepped down from the Board on the aforementioned date. However, he will stay with the company for several more months to ensure a smooth transition to the CFO position.

James Richards, CMC’s Chairman, remarked, “Albert brings profound insights about the Group, crucial for realizing our diversification plans. Our collaboration with Albert, especially during the evolution of CMC Invest, has been significant. I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration at the Board level.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Albert Soleiman stated, “It’s an honor to step into the CFO role at CMC. I’m eager to align with the Group Board to further our overarching goals. I’m passionate about contributing to the strategic direction and optimizing operations within the company.”

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IG Group’s CEO June Felix Steps Down Due to Health Concerns

London-based IG Group announced that its Chief Executive Officer, June Felix, has resigned with immediate effect owing to health reasons. She also relinquished her role as the Director of the brokerage company.

IG Group's CEO June Felix Steps Down Due to Health Concerns

June Felix, who has helmed IG Group for almost five years, took a medical leave starting from early July. With her departure, Charlie Rozes, the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of IG, has been entrusted with the top role. He will hold the interim position until the firm finds a suitable permanent CEO.

To facilitate this, IG has engaged the services of Russell Reynolds for headhunting the next permanent CEO. The firm hopes to finalize this appointment in the upcoming months.

Reflecting on her tenure, Felix remarked, “It has been a great privilege to build and lead such a talented, ambitious group of people at IG Group for nearly five years. Our combined efforts have made the company stronger and more diverse. I express my gratitude to my executive team, all of my colleagues, and the IG Group Board for their unwavering support and for this enriching journey.”

June Felix began her association with IG as a Non-Executive Director in September 2015. She was then promoted to the position of CEO in October 2018. Under her guidance, IG broadened its horizons, venturing into novel markets and introducing new products. Notably, she oversaw the acquisition of tastytrade, a U.S. based trading platform, for a whopping $1 billion.

Before her stint at IG Group, Felix held prominent positions across the globe including in New York, London, and Hong Kong. Some of her past roles include being the President of Verifone Europe and the Global Head of Banking at IBM. She also held senior executive roles at financial giants like Citibank and Chase Bank.

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Autochartist Launches Technical Analysis Software Kit for TradingView Graphics

In a significant move to bolster market analysis for traders worldwide, Autochartist has rolled out its exclusive Code Library. This new offering seamlessly brings together Autochartist’s robust technical analysis with the renowned TradingView charts. Brokers across the globe who can now offer their users enriched market insights and trading signals without diving deep into intricate coding processes.

Autochartist logo

TradingView’s charting solutions, recognized for their regular updates, optimization across a variety of devices, support in multiple languages, and the delivery of high-performance data, have been steadily gaining the trust of numerous platforms worldwide. The introduction of the Autochartist Code Library further solidifies this trust.

Autochartist stands tall as a global frontrunner in offering technical analysis for financial markets. Its global presence is notable, partnering with brokers worldwide and catering to millions of traders spread across more than 100 nations. These traders heavily rely on Autochartist for its pivotal market analyses, helping them make well-informed trading choices.

The heart of this innovative product lies in its Technical Analysis API, conceptualized exclusively for brokers who incorporate TradingView charts on their respective platforms. With this, the product aims to alleviate the often daunting coding requirements faced by developers when they integrate Autochartist’s patterns with TradingView charts.

A closer look at the Code Library’s salient features:

  • Simplified Integration: The integration of Autochartist patterns into TradingView charts is made hassle-free, ensuring that even the complex coding challenges look straightforward to broker developers.
  • Clear Guidance: Developers are equipped with exhaustive instructions, guaranteeing an efficient use of the provided code, eliminating any room for ambiguity.
  • TradingView Centric Design: The code library inherently resonates with TradingView charts’ functionality, ensuring a smooth and user-centric integration process.

By integrating this advanced solution, brokers can now breathe easy. Their development teams can save crucial time and resources. More so, they can extend the facility of chart trading signals to their users without having to code from the ground up.

In summation, this collaboration between Autochartist and TradingView appears promising. It’s not just a win for the brokers, but also a significant advantage for traders and investors. With such tools at their disposal, they’re poised to refine their market analysis skills and, in turn, make more astute trading decisions.