Leadership Changes: R3, iSAM Securities and More
By: Tom Hazan
Fintech, forex and cryptocurrencies have seen a decline in the number of executive appointments this week. This trend demonstrates the ever-changing nature of financial technologies.
Recent leadership changes highlight important appointments and transitions in the financial sector. The following are recent leadership changes in the financial industry: R3 welcomes Bob Wigley to its Board of Directors; iSAM Securities Appoints Aaron Brown as Sales Director to Strengthen its MENA Representation; TerraPay Names Ruben Salzar Genovez as President; BidX Appoints Liam Bonfield as Chief Financial Officer; and Valutrades says goodbye to Bonfield after eight years as CFO.
These leadership actions are deliberate strategic changes and innovative initiatives that drive expansion and development in various areas of the financial sector.
Our weekly roundup takes you into the exciting world of leadership changes in FX, cryptocurrency and fintech. Explore the ever-changing landscape of leadership transitions in the financial technology industry.
Executive Change of the Week
R3 Appoints Ex-Merrill Lynch Chairman to Accelerate Blockchain Adoption
R3, a blockchain company, has welcomed Bob Wigley to its board. He was previously Chairman of Merrill Lynch EMEA. Wigley’s extensive experience includes senior roles at UK Finance, previous board positions at organizations such as the Bank of England and his previous board roles, giving him invaluable expertise in further developing R3’s digital finance strategy. His appointment coincides with R3’s launch of the R3 Digital Markets product range, designed to help financial institutions adopt digital currencies and assets. Wigley’s industry connections and knowledge will support R3 in its efforts to digitize global markets.
Kate Karimson, R3’s new Chief Commercial Officer, has been appointed as a member of Wigley’s leadership team. R3’s commitment to innovation is reflected in the launch of its R3 Digital Markets Suite, which leverages the Corda platform to integrate digital assets into capital markets operations. R3 is committed to creating a connected financial environment. Recent collaborations aim to accelerate the growth of the fintech industry worldwide.
Learn more about R3’s innovative solutions and strategic appointments driving blockchain adoption in the financial industry.
Aaron Brown, formerly of IXO Prime, joins iSAM Securities to strengthen its MENA team
iSAM Securities has appointed Aaron Brown as head of sales to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA). Brown has over 20 years of experience and brings extensive knowledge to iSAM Securities from his previous role as Head of Institutional Sales MENA for IXO Prime. Brown’s extensive institutional sales experience and understanding of client needs in this region position him to support iSAM Securities’ growth plans. Brown’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative products and services to customers worldwide.
iSAM Securities recently promoted Samuel Johnson to Managing Director and Ryan Poole to Chief Investment Officer. Brown’s addition to the team aligns with the company’s ambitious growth strategy and demonstrates its commitment to exceptional service. Brown’s expertise and recent iSAM Securities executive promotions will enable the company to meet the growing demand for services in the MENA region while maintaining high standards and innovation.
Find out more about iSAM Securities’ strategic appointments and expansion plans in the MENA region.
TerraPay appoints former head of Visa Direct, Ruben Salazar Genovez, as president
TerraPay has appointed Ruben Salazar Genovez as president. Genovez brings to TerraPay his extensive expertise in the payments sector from Visa, Citibank Barclays and Mastercard. With the appointment of Genovez, TerraPay is focused on expanding its cross-border money movement and non-traditional payment capabilities.
Genovez is expected to lead TerraPay into a new era of growth and strengthen its position within the industry. TerraPay’s collaboration with Papara and recent acquisition of the license of a major payment institution in Singapore demonstrates TerraPay’s commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border transactions.
TerraPay is a London-based company that provides a single interface to a vast network of cross-border payment systems, enabling money transfers around the world. TerraPay, in collaboration with Papara, an innovative fintech company from Turkey, aims to meet the increasing demand for cross-border money transfers in Turkey’s digital payments sector. TerraPay’s recent Singapore licensing enhances the company’s global payment solutions and positions it as a key participant in the changing landscape of international money movements.
Learn more about TerraPay’s hiring of Ruben Salazar as President, as well as its strategic partnership and regulatory milestones to advance global cross-border payments.
Liam Bonfield appointed Chief Financial Officer at BidX Markets
BidX Markets is a multi-asset B2B trading and liquidity technology provider. It has appointed Liam Bonfield as chief financial officer. Bonfield will be responsible for BidX Markets’ financial operations. He is known for his strategic and financial acumen. As BidX’s new CFO, Bonfield will be responsible for all financial operations at BidX, including planning, reporting and analysis.
Simon Blackledge expressed his excitement about Bonfield joining the leadership team. He cited his expertise and strategic vision, which he said would be instrumental in supporting BidX’s growth trajectory and enhancing its innovative trading solution for brokers, hedge funds and family offices. Valutrades confirmed Bonfield’s resignation from his role as chief financial officer after eight years at the London-based retail brokerage.
Learn more about BidX Markets’ strategic financial initiatives and the appointment of Liam Bonfield as CEO.
Liam Bonfield, CFO of Valutrades, is leaving the company after eight years.
Valutrades is a London-based retail brokerage that is saying goodbye to Liam Bonfield after eight years. Bonfield’s plans for the future remain a secret. In his closing statement, Bonfield expressed confidence in the company, citing recent technology investments. Bonfield began his tenure in April 2016 after working at GMOZ.com and London Capital Group. Graeme Watkins, CEO of Valutrades, acknowledged Bonfield’s contribution and highlighted his crucial role in the company’s journey.
The departure is in line with ongoing efforts to rebrand Valutrades, spurred by new investments last October. Valutrades, which operates under licenses from the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Seychelles Regulatory Authority, offers trading services in various asset classes. The British company’s sales rose significantly in 2022, but rising expenses negatively impacted pre-tax profit. Bonfield’s exit marks a transition period for Valutrades as the company copes with organizational changes and changing market dynamics.
Learn more about Valutrades’ strategic changes, financial performance and leadership changes.
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