Admirals, Saxo Markets, Hut8 and More: Leadership Change of the Week
This week was extremely exciting. The number of executive appointments in fintech, forex and cryptocurrencies increased dramatically. This trend highlights the rapid development of financial technologies.
The dynamic financial landscape has seen notable leadership changes this week, including the leadership reshuffle at Admirals Group; Exness says goodbye to Damian Bunce, Chief Customer Officer; Hut 8’s appointment of Asher Genoot to its Advisory Board; Resignation of CEO Charles White-Thomson from Saxo Markets UK; Coinbase appoints George Osborne as its advisor; Jason Morris of Blueberry Markets joins his team; Jason Morris of LiquidityBook as President; Finalto Van Eyden is appointed CEO, Webull brings Arianne Adam on board as Chief Strategist Officer, Wedbush Securities appoints Chris Ellis as Vice President of Investments and Equiti Group appoints Sophie Squillacioti as Director of Sales for APAC. These changes reflect strategic shifts in light of changing market dynamics.
Our weekly roundup takes you through the world of dynamic leadership transitions in FX, cryptocurrency and fintech. Explore the ever-changing landscape of leadership transitions in the financial technology industry.
Leadership change this week
Admirals Group confirms leadership reshuffle: Sergei Bogatenkov steps down as chairman
Admirals Group announced major changes in its leadership structure. Both Sergei Bogatenkov and Andreas Ioannou, a board member, have resigned from their respective positions. Alexander Tsikhilov will take over the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors on March 1, 2024. Tsikhilov is ideally suited for this role due to his extensive experience. He was a board member of organizations such as the Order of Malta Foundation of Estonia. Olga Senjuskina, Eduard Kelvet and other members of the Supervisory Board have also joined, bringing their financial expertise and knowledge of compliance to the company.
Amid these changes, Anton Tikhomirov was promoted to the board, while Daniel Skowronski was removed from his position as chief revenue officer. Admirals relies on a growth strategy and good corporate governance. The Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board play a crucial role in the strategic direction and oversight of business activities and ensure that Admirals Group is competitive and resilient in the financial industry.
The strategic direction and leadership changes of the Admirals Group in the wake of changes in the industry.
Exness Chief Customer Officer Damian Bunce is leaving the company
Damian Bunce announced his resignation from Exness via LinkedIn after almost 3, Held the position of Chief Customer Representative for 5 years. Bunce thanked Exness for the growth and experiences he has had during his tenure. As Bunce reflected on his departure from Exness, he suggested that a new chapter was beginning and an era was coming to an end. His departure marks an important transition in his professional career.
Bunce, a veteran of the foreign exchange market, highlighted both the highs and lows of his career. He compared Exness’s growth trajectory to that of Goldman Sachs. AskFX contacted Bunce for comment. This was a sign that his new role would soon be confirmed. Bunce’s diverse experience at institutions such as Saxo Bank, Goldman Sachs and Exness underlines his valuable contribution to Exness’ growth and strategic initiatives.
Find out more about the departure of Damian Bunce and the changing leadership dynamics of Exness in light of the rebranding project.
Asher Genoot succeeds Jamie Leverton in the role of CEO at Hut 8.
Asher Genoot becomes new CEO of Hut 8 Corp following merger with US Bitcoin Appointed Corp. Genoot has extensive experience as a former president and director of venture capital-backed Bitcoin mining company US Bitcoin Corp. He was appointed to this position when the company’s strategic direction changed following the merger.
Hat 8 Corp. is based in Miami, Florida and operates at the intersection of infrastructure and energy. It specializes in Bitcoin mining, managed service, energy arbitrage and traditional data center operations. Hut 8 has a diverse portfolio, despite recent operational challenges that have resulted in higher losses and lower revenues. Genoot will play a key role in helping the company overcome these challenges and realize its potential in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Learn more about Hut 8’s new strategic direction and its place in the changing landscape of blockchain infrastructure.
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Charles White-Thomson
Leadership Change at Saxo Markets UK as CEO Resigns
Saxo Markets UK has announced the resignation of CEO Charles White-Thomson, leading to a significant change in leadership. White-Thomson has played a vital role in the success of the financial technology company. He is stepping down from his position as CEO and Chairman of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd. He expressed his gratitude to Saxo for the opportunity and acknowledged the exceptional talent within the company.
Saxo Bank has also made recent changes to its leadership team in order to strengthen its commitment to governance and compliance. John Carmichael has been appointed as the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, reflecting Saxo Bank’s dedication to regulatory compliance. Karina Hansen and Rasmus Bauer have also been appointed as Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Risk Officer, respectively.
Find out more about the leadership transition at Saxo Markets UK and Saxo Bank and their efforts to ensure regulatory compliance and governance.
Bitget Wallet Appoints New COO and Focuses on Global Expansion
Bitget Wallet, a Web3 trading wallet, has appointed Alvin Kan as its new Chief Operating Officer. Kan, with over 15 years of experience in the Web2 and Web3 industry, brings extensive knowledge of growth strategies and operational aspects from his previous positions at Sei Labs and LinkedIn. His appointment aligns with Bitget Wallet’s vision for global growth, where he will lead brand development, operational planning, and strategic initiatives.
Bitget Wallet aims to prioritize global expansion and rapid adaptation to emerging crypto trends, along with innovation in Web3 wallets. Kan plans to deploy local teams worldwide, capitalize on new crypto narratives, and improve user experiences through enhanced security features and AI-powered solutions.
Learn more about Bitget Wallet’s innovative features, its strategic roadmap, and the new employee driving global expansion.
Wedbush Securities Appoints Former Athletic Trainer Chris Ellis as Vice President of Investments
Wedbush Securities Inc. has named Chris Ellis as Vice President of Investments to enhance its influence in Southern California. Bringing a unique combination of coaching experiences from Pepperdine University, University of California Irvine, and CUSO Financial Services to his financial career, Ellis is well-positioned to enhance Wedbush’s customer-focused strategy. His background includes LAPD Financial Credit Union, Independent Financial Group, and CUSO Financial Services.
Ellis’s appointment, with his blend of coaching and financial expertise, underscores Wedbush’s commitment to recruiting top talent to provide tailored wealth management solutions. Chris Mone, EVP and Head Wealth Management at Wedbush, emphasized that Ellis’s appointment as a certified financial planner aligns with the company’s mission.
Learn more about Wedbush Securities’ strategic expansion and commitment to personalized wealth management with the appointment of Chris Ellis as Vice President of Investments.
Finalto Welcomes Daniel Leis as Sales Manager
Daniel Leis has been appointed as the new sales manager at Finalto, backed by Hong Kong-based Gopher Investments. Leis’s expertise will help Finalto expand its market reach from its headquarters in London, focusing on strategic partnerships and product improvements. Recent collaborations with Gold-i, PrimeXM, and PrimeXM demonstrate the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, including positions at Saxo Brokers and Interactive Brokers, as well as time at Barclays Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Barclays Investment Bank, Leis brings a deep understanding of financial markets to his new role. Finalto’s strong performance under Gopher’s leadership is reflected in its revenue growth, particularly in brokerage services and foreign exchange trading.
Learn more about Finalto’s strategic initiatives and the leadership changes as the company expands.
Exclusive: IG Asia CEO Tony Lim Departs After 9 Years
Sources claim that IG Asia CEO and MD Tony Lim will be leaving in the next few months. Lim’s departure follows a wave of executive departures at IG. Kevin Algeo resigned as IG APAC & Africa CEO amid mass layoffs. IG announced last October that it would cut 10 percent of its workforce worldwide, aiming to save 50 million annually.
IG has made new leadership appointments, with Breon Cocoran replacing interim CEO Charlier Rosa. Matthew Davidson has been promoted to CEO for the Australia and New Zealand division, while Eren Eraslan is now head of Northern Europe in IG’s German unit. IG’s financial results were challenging, with revenue down 9 percent and net trading revenue down 19 percent in the first six months of fiscal 2024 rnrn.
Highlighting the financial and leadership challenges IG faces as the industry changes.
Equiti Group’s Appointment of Sophie Squillacioti as APAC Sales Head
Equiti Group’s leadership team has been strengthened with the appointment of Sophie Squillacioti to the position of Sales Manager in APAC. Squillacioti, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, brings to Equiti her experience of managing Asian operations at renowned brokers. She has held senior positions in the financial industry at INFINOX Global and BDSwiss.
The Equiti Group continues to expand its global presence and expand its products and services. It is known for its multi-asset trading technology. Equiti is not only expanding into the payments sector through the acquisition of Cloud Invest, but is also actively expanding its activities in strategic markets. Equiti’s partnership with the Qatari holding MK Enterprise facilitated market entry in Qatar. Its physical presence in Cyprus and receipt of a local license demonstrate its commitment to serving customers throughout the European Economic Area.
Learn more about Equiti Group’s leadership advancements and strategic expansion in APAC.
Robert J. Van Eyden’s New Role at Scope Markets South Africa
Robert J. Van Eyden is a veteran in He works in the financial industry and will take over as Chief Executive Officer of Scope Markets South Africa on February 1st. Van Eyden’s extensive experience as former CEO of IG South Africa will help him expand online trading. His leadership at IG South Africa was marked by unprecedented success. He set standards for performance, customer satisfaction and market dominance. Van Eyden has also contributed to the financial profession through scholarship and literature. This further strengthens his specialist knowledge.
Scope Markets has also strengthened its team by appointing David Andres Restrepo as Global Sales Director based in London. Restrepo, who was previously Global Sales Director at Eurotrader where he led global sales, brings extensive experience to his role. Restrepo’s experience in the trading sector, spanning various roles and companies, allows him to make a valuable contribution to Scope Markets’ global sales strategies and growth efforts.
Find out more about the appointment of Robert J. Van Eyden and his vision for the growth of Scope Markets South Africa.
Robbert Booij as the New CEO of Eurex
Eurex, Europe’s futures exchange, has appointed Robbert Booij from ABN Amro as its new CEO. This signals strategic ambitions amid Brexit uncertainty. Representing a departure from the traditional German leadership style, Booij brings a new perspective to Eurex’s strategic direction. This will be particularly helpful in managing the impact of Brexit on euro interest rate swaps. Booij, who worked at ABN Amro Clearing Bank and was a former chairman of the Eurex Exchange Council before his appointment, fits perfectly with Eurex’s new approach to market dynamics.
Booij will take on the role of CEO at Eurex on July 1, 2024. He succeeds Michael Peters. Booij wants to consolidate Eurex as an important player in the European financial markets despite the increasing clearing volume on Eurex and the regulatory changes in the European derivatives market. Eurex is trying to attract traders by introducing initiatives such as profit-sharing programs and expanding its product range.
Learn more about Eurex’s strategic initiatives and Robbert’s Booij vision to address Brexit uncertainty in European derivatives markets.
Coinbase’s Expansion with Appointment of George Osborne
George Osborne, former British chancellor and member of Coinbase’s advisory board, is an important step in connecting traditional finance with cryptocurrencies. Osborne will leverage his experience in financial policy to lead Coinbase’s global expansion and regulatory strategy. Osborne will be a key player as the company navigates regulatory challenges in the U.S. and expands into European markets.
This is part of a larger trend where crypto firms are working with leading regulators to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Collaboration between traditional finance and the crypto industry continues to evolve, as demonstrated by recent appointments of U.S. regulators to prominent roles within the crypto industry. Coinbase’s proactive regulatory approach is critical rnrnto its global expansion.
Exclusive: Blueberry Markets hires former Vantage executive as head of trading and operations
Christopher Nelson- Smith, who spent eight years at Vantage as Head of Trading and Operations, is moving to Blueberry Markets. Blueberry Markets is based in Australia and offers trading services across various asset classes, including forex, metals, raw materials, cryptocurrencies, indices, and share CFDs. Nelson-Smith is a new addition to the brokerage’s leadership team. He is responsible for maximizing revenue from eFX, CFDs, and other products by optimizing trading flows across all products.
Nelson-Smith brings to his new position a wealth of experience gained through working with several retail FX and CFD brokers. Since 2007, he has held positions at Vantage Markets, City Index, and GAIN Capital. He served as Director and Head of Risk at Vantage, demonstrating both his leadership and risk management skills. Nelson-Smith’s appointment underscores Blueberry Markets’ commitment to improving its trading and risk strategy under his leadership.
Learn more about Blueberry Markets and its executives’ strategic appointments and position in the trading industry.
ConnextFX, a Seychelles-based CFD broker, has appointed Simon Andras Group as CEO
ConnextFX is an FX broker and retail CFD broker. Simon Andras has been appointed Group CEO and Executive Director. This is an important milestone in ConnextFX’s journey to develop its brand. Andras brings an extensive industry background to his new role, including positions at Tickmill, Blackwell Global, and other companies. His previous leadership positions at FXPRIMUS, Tickmill, and Blackwell Global demonstrate his knowledge of the financial industry.
Andras’ appointment signals the company’s commitment to growth and regulatory compliance. Seychelles is a region that offers a favorable environment for financial services as it has developed into a reputable regulatory center. ConnextFX’s services are restricted in some countries due to regulatory standards, risk management, and compliance.
ConnextFX is a global company operating under Connext LTD in Seychelles and Connext LLC in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both companies are authorized by the Financial Services Authority.
Learn more about Seychelles’ regulatory landscape and ConnextFX’s leadership in the financial sector.
LiquidityBook strengthens its team by hiring a new President
Jason Morris, the new President of LiquidityBook – a cloud-native buy and sell provider Side Trading Solutions – has been appointed to strengthen its management team. Morris’ appointment is consistent with the company’s growth strategy. The aim is to expand market presence and promote stronger partnerships.
Morris’ new role includes leading efforts to improve the product offering, including the embedded FIX, portfolio, order, and execution management systems. Morris’ extensive experience spans 15 years and includes leadership roles at Otttimate and Enfusion, where he demonstrated his ability to drive strategic initiatives and build high-performing teams. Kevin Samuel, CEO of LiquidityBook, has expressed his confidence in Morris to take the company forward.
The appointment of Jason Morris as President will help you learn more about LiquidityBook’s strategic expansion and related leadership enhancement.