Author: Fajar Febriansyah

Trading 212 has officially started welcoming new clients in Germany through FXFlat Bank, the BaFin-licensed broker it acquired in 2024. This move brings commission-free trading to German investors, offering access to shares and ETFs from major global exchanges, including Xetra, NASDAQ, and NYSE. The company aims to redefine the German trading landscape by eliminating traditional fees associated with investing. A New Era of Commission-Free Trading in Germany In a recent LinkedIn post, Trading 212 announced that German residents can now benefit from its zero-commission investing model through FXFlat Bank GmbH. The acquisition of FXFlat Bank allows the company to operate…

The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a penalty of £288,962.53 to Arian Financial for inadequate financial crime controls. These lapses allowed the broker’s services to be misused in connection with cum-ex trading and withholding tax schemes. Initially, the regulator proposed a fine of £744,745, but this was reduced by the Upper Tribunal after Arian admitted liability and challenged the initial amount. Understanding Cum-Ex Trading Cum-ex trading, also known as the cum-ex dividend scandal, is a tax-related scheme where multiple parties manipulate tax systems to claim refunds on taxes they never paid. The practice has been particularly prevalent…

After nearly two decades as a leading CFD broker, XTB is now working to transform into a comprehensive financial platform. CEO Omar Arnaout revealed that while CFDs still account for 98% of the company’s revenue, its vision is to develop a “super app” that caters to broader financial needs. This shift reflects the evolving profile of retail investors, who are increasingly drawn to stocks and ETFs, a trend far removed from the landscape of a decade ago. Coinbase Acquires BUX’s Cyprus Unit Coinbase, the US-based cryptocurrency exchange, has acquired the Cyprus operations of BUX and rebranded the unit as Coinbase…

European digital broker Trade Republic has reached a major milestone, reporting over €100 billion ($109 billion) in assets under management (AUM) as its customer base doubled to 8 million within the past year. Rapid Growth and Regional Expansion Based in Berlin, Trade Republic has expanded its operations with the establishment of branches in France, Spain, and Italy. This move enhances its local presence and introduces tailored banking services in these markets, including commission-free savings plans and domestic current accounts with national IBANs for French customers. The company’s French operations alone now account for over 1 million customers, highlighting the success…

Tradu has unveiled a new spread betting service tailored for UK investors, offering a tax-efficient way to trade leveraged positions. This service allows traders to speculate on market movements without owning the underlying assets, with positions calculated in “£ per point” for clarity. Tradu’s unique Spread Tracker ensures competitive spreads compared to other market providers. Simplifying Spread Betting Spread betting with Tradu covers a wide range of markets, including indices, forex, shares, and commodities. The “£ per point” structure provides a straightforward approach for traders to assess their stakes, risks, and potential returns. “At Tradu, we strive to make advanced…

The Financial Commission has announced the addition of GTCFX as its newest member, effective January 7, 2025. With this membership, GTCFX gains access to the Commission’s array of services, including compensation protection for client disputes. Enhanced Protection for GTCFX Clients GTCFX is a global brokerage offering products such as precious metals, spot forex, and indices to over 985,000 clients in more than 100 countries. As part of its membership benefits, GTCFX clients are now eligible for compensation of up to €20,000 per complaint through the Financial Commission’s Compensation Fund. The Financial Commission provides an independent dispute resolution platform to brokerages…

The U.S. retail forex market experienced a 3.6% drop in trading volumes during November 2024, reaching $509.7 billion, down from $527.8 billion in October. The decline was led by IG US, which posted a significant 28.6% decrease in monthly trading volume, according to the latest data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Sharp Decline for IG US, Mixed Results for Other Brokers IG US recorded the steepest monthly contraction among major brokers, with volumes plummeting to $42.8 billion. Interactive Brokers also saw a notable decline, with volumes falling 7.2% to $25.6 billion. Meanwhile, OANDA, a key player in the…

Saxo Bank has been fined €1.6 million by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) for violations committed by BinckBank, which Saxo acquired and later merged into its operations. The violations include failures in asset segregation, risk management, and customer treatment. Saxo Bank, as BinckBank’s legal successor, has accepted responsibility and will not contest the penalty. Background on the Merger Saxo Bank finalized its acquisition of BinckBank, an online investment platform, in 2019, completing their merger last year. The AFM announced the fine on Tuesday, citing Saxo Bank’s accountability for breaches that occurred during BinckBank’s operations under Saxo’s ownership.…

The high-tech investment world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the rise of digital platforms and a generational shift among investors. What was once the exclusive domain of institutional players and venture capitalists is now becoming more accessible, reshaping how private investments are approached and executed. Generational Shift and the Role of Platforms A recent study by the Catalyst Investors’ Club revealed that over 70% of European accredited tech investors are Millennials and Generation X. Among them, nearly half have ventured into online co-investment platforms, underscoring a growing appetite for more innovative and streamlined investment options. This trend signifies…

Eli Shirazi, a seasoned leader in the fintech and trading sectors, has launched a new prop trading firm, R u The 1, headquartered in the London area. Serving as the Founder and Director, Shirazi established the firm in November 2024 to capitalize on the UK’s strong regulatory environment and governance standards. Explaining his choice of location, Shirazi said, “I incorporated the company in the UK to strategically position it for future regulatory changes within the prop trading industry, leveraging the country’s reputation for high regulatory standards.” A Wealth of Experience in Financial Services and Trading Shirazi brings extensive experience to his…