Firstrade, CFI and PayPal: Executive Changes for the Week
Leadership transitions in fintech, forex and crypto have created significant changes this week.
Webull has appointed Anthony Denier as Group President, XTB UK named Kathleen Brooks as their Research Director, B2C2’s new Group CEO is Thomas Restout, and Eren Eraslan is now the Head for Northern Europe at IG Europe GmbH. These appointments showcase the growing importance of skilled executives driving growth and innovation in the financial technology industry.
Stay updated on all the latest executive changes over the past week by delving into our comprehensive weekly roundup.
Executive Change for the Week
Don Montanaro
Firstrade Welcomes Don Montanaro as President
Don Montanaro, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in online trading, assumes the role of President at Firstrade, a US-based online brokerage. His vast expertise in strategic planning, marketing, risk management, and regulatory compliance makes an excellent fit for this position. With previous key roles at Ally Financial, Velocity Capital, and 8 Securities, his influence is expected to bolster Firstrade’s customer support and growth endeavors.
Firstrade is a USA FINRA member, offering fee-free IRAs and commission-free trading to retail investors, ensuring accessibility for all. Their forthcoming plans to introduce fractional share trading aim to align with current industry trends, providing added value to their customers.
Louis Bridger is Head of Business Development at CFI
Louis Bridger Appointed as Head of Business Development at CFI
CFI Financial, a prominent MENA online trading provider, has selected industry veteran Louis Bridger to lead their Business Development department. Bridger’s enviable career spanning more than 17 years has seen his instrumental contributions to renowned brands such as IG, ICE, Travelex, Wonga, and Betfair. His extensive leadership experience and strategic acumen position him as a key driver in CFI’s global expansion and market presence efforts.
Simon Bladon, UK CEO, PayPal, Source: LinkedIn
PayPal Appoints Simon Bladon as UK CEO
Simon Bladon, a seasoned executive with over a decade of experience at Barclays, is set to lead PayPal’s UK operations. His extensive background at Barclays, including his pivotal involvement in the establishment of Barclays Ventures, underscores his capabilities in driving financial and technological transformations.
Michael Passaro BTIG
Michael Passaro, New Strategic Hire at BTIG
BTIG, a prominent financial services and products firm, has made a significant addition to its team with the appointment of Michael Passaro. His wealth of knowledge and leadership skills position him to be an invaluable asset to BTIG, further driving their strategic initiatives and vision.
iSAM Securities appoints Ryan Poole as CIO, replacing the previous Quant Trading Head. This appointment is aimed at strengthening iSAM Securities’ focus on global sales of financial products. Poole has a strong background in quantitative trading and will use this expertise to lead the company in its global sales strategies. His ability to think systematically and strategically makes him a valuable asset to the iSAM Securities team. Learn more about Ryan Poole’s appointment and iSAM Securities’ global sales focus.CIO at iSAM Securities
iSAM Securities (formerly ISAM Capital Markets) has announced promotions to its leadership team. Samuel Johnson has been promoted from the position of Global Head of Sales to Managing Director. He joined the company in September 2023 and served as global sales manager. Ryan Poole has also taken on the role of Chief Investment Office (CIO). Previously, he was Head of Quantitative Trading for the past five years.
Samuel Johnson’s professional career is remarkable. He began his career at UBS and rose steadily for fourteen years. He has held various positions at UBS, from analyst to director. This included key features such as credit repo trading and FX spot trading. Johnson’s appointment as Managing Director at iSAM Securities underscores the company’s commitment to driving innovation and attracting the industry’s top talent.
Ryan Poole is the newly appointed CIO. He brings extensive experience in quantitative trading, gained at institutions such as Deutsche Bank and BNPParibas. His promotion reflects iSAM Securities’ proactive approach to adapt to changing market dynamics and client needs in an increasingly competitive environment.
Learn more about iSAM Securities and its future strategic vision.
Sara Cass is Chief Compliance Officer of IFX Payments
Sara Cass takes on the position of Chief Compliance Officer at IFX Payments
IFX Payments has made a strategic decision to strengthen Compliance efforts have been strengthened with the appointment of Sara Cass as Chief Compliance Officer. Cass has more than 15 years of experience in the financial sector and is a proven leader in compliance functions. She was recently appointed Chief Compliance Officer of REGIS TR UK, a global fintech innovator. Her role demonstrated her ability to develop and implement comprehensive compliance strategies. She was a key member of the compliance and risk department at Heronbridge Investment Management LLP.
Cass’s expertise in compliance was further developed during her time at WorldFirst, where she held key positions including Head Group Compliance and Regional Compliance Officer for EMEA. Cass’s academic background is underpinned by her Bachelor of Science in Geology, which she obtained from Imperial College London. She will lead the compliance team at IFX Payments to maintain the company’s high standards. Cass is expected to strengthen IFX Payments’ position as an industry leader. Will Marwick expressed confidence that Cass will be able to raise compliance standards. He highlighted their passion and experience in fighting fraud.
Learn more about Sara Cass, the role she plays in IFX Payments’ commitment to best industry practices, and her role as Compliance Officer.
Anton Tikhomirov is a member of the board of Admirals Group AS
Admirals Group restructures board, removes CRO from board
Admirals Group AS in Estonia is a leading Broker for foreign exchange and contracts for differences (CFDs). It has recently undergone major changes in the board structure. Anton Tikhomirov, Daniel Skowronski and other board members were involved in these changes. Tikhomirov was promoted from the Supervisory Board to the Executive Board effective January 4, 2024. Daniel Skowronski was also removed from the board.
The Supervisory Board advises and is involved in the appointment process. In the corporate hierarchy, the board oversees the company’s business and determines its strategic direction. The supervisory board initiated the reshuffle of the Admirals board. Sergei Bogatenkov and Andres Ioannou are also on the Admirals board. The supervisory board includes Alexander Tsikhilov, Anatolii Michhalchenko, Dmitria Laus and Priit Rahumaa.
Anton Tikhomirov began his career in 2012 when he joined Admirals Markets Group as Regional Director for LATAM. He then expanded his business in Spain and Latin America. He was general director of the Russian branch of the Admirals before joining the Estonian group. He started his career in Russia at UMIS.
Find out more about the potential impact of Admirals Group AS’s strategic changes on the Forex and CFD brokerage sector.
Dianah Njeri Igati is Regional Head of Compliance at Pepperstone. Source: LinkedIn
Dianah Njeri Igati joins Pepperstone as Regional Head Compliance
Pepperstone, an international Forex and CFD broker, has made a strategic decision by appointing Dianah Njeri Igati as Regional Head for Compliance. In Igati’s new role, she will oversee the compliance functions for regulatory compliance and AML/CFT risks across multiple regions, including Australia, UAE Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and the Bahamas.
Dianah Njeri Igati has extensive legal and compliance experience. Their responsibilities include compliance with regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities & Investment Commission and the Dubai Financial Services Authority. She is also responsible for the Securities Commission of the Bahamas and the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius. Her experience as Chief Compliance & MLRO, General Counsel & Chief Compliance at Scope Markets of Kenya demonstrates her knowledge of governance, operations and compliance implementation.
Her work as Head of Compliance at EGM Securities and Money Laundering Reporting Officer highlights her expertise in monitoring and implementing financial crime controls. Pepperstone’s appointment of Igati demonstrates the company’s commitment to strict regulatory compliance, which is a critical aspect of the financial industry.
Learn more about Pepperstone’s strategic decisions and the focus they place on compliance in global financial markets.
Kathleen Brooks
XTB UK strengthens leadership with finance veteran from GAIN Capital, FOREX.com
Kathleen Brooks has been appointed Research Director at XTB UK. Brooks has almost 15 years’ experience in financial markets,.
Brooks’ new role will be to lead the research team at XTB UK. It will provide valuable analysis on global financial markets and help clients make informed decisions about their investments.
Find out more about Kathleen Brooks and her role at XTB UK and the company’s expansion into the financial industry.
Thomas Restout
Thomas Restout replaces Nicola White as CEO of B2C2 Group
Thomas Restout, the new Group CEO of B2C2, a leading cryptocurrency market maker owned by Japan’s SBI Holdings succeeded Nicola White. Restout was previously CEO for EMEA. This is an internal action. According to her LinkedIn profile, Nicola White quietly left the company. She joined B2C2 back in July 2021 and was then promoted to her current position in November 2022. Details about her next professional venture are not disclosed.
Max Boonen commented on Restout’s appointment. “Thomas was an early supporter and rising star of B2C2 when we first met on the trading floor ten years ago. His outstanding career at TradFi gave him an excellent foundation to help our clients in the crypto space.” Restout is one of the first B2C2 investors and brings extensive wealth experience. He previously worked for institutions such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.
Restout’s appointment reflects B2C2’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading liquidity provider in the crypto markets. SBI Holdings acquired the company in 2020. The company has quickly gained traction in the OTC cryptocurrency market and market making space, positioning itself to benefit from the growth of institutional crypto trading.
Discover Thomas Restout’s vision of B2C2 as it continues to play a role in the digital asset ecosystem.
Eren Eraslan is Head of Northern Europe for IG. Source: LinkedIn
Eren Eraslan becomes Head of Northern Europe for IG
Eren Eraslan is an experienced financial professional who has taken on the position of Head of Northern Europe for IG Europe GmbH. This role demonstrates his leadership skills. Eraslan has had a career full of notable contributions and achievements.
