In a particularly active week within the foreign exchange (FX) and contracts for difference (CFD) sector, several significant developments occurred, including acquisitions and executive appointments.
One major highlight includes the acquisition of Skilling, a brokerage with Cypriot Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) licensing. The deal involved an investor group led by a prominent trading brand, which now seeks regulatory approval to finalize the acquisition. Skilling was established in 2016 and has primarily operated under the leadership of its former CEO, with management mainly based in Cyprus.
In other news, Mitrade, an Australia-based retail FX and CFDs brokerage, announced its entry into the South African market through the acquisition of Frida Asset Managers Pty Ltd. This licensed financial services provider is regulated by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), marking Mitrade’s expansion into new geographical territories.
Furthermore, Webull, a neobroker, is expanding its presence in the UK market. Following the launch of its European headquarters in Amsterdam, Webull is set to introduce new offerings including tiered account structures and access to UK shares and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This initiative is aimed at catering to both casual and active traders across the UK.
On the institutional side, trading volumes in the FX industry witnessed an increase of 8% in September 2025, rebounding from a slower summer period. Key trading platforms like FXSpotStream and Cboe FX reported significant month-over-month increases, and FXSpotStream reached record trading levels, demonstrating a revitalized interest in the market.
Several executive movements were notable this week as well. Pepperstone welcomed Geraldine Goh as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), aiming to enhance its marketing strategies. Meanwhile, IG Group appointed David Perry as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), drawing talent from previous roles in the finance sector. Other notable appointments included hiring of sales executives at B2Prime and Valon Sermaxhaj as Vice President of Sales for Australia at Integral.
Additionally, Reno Mindemann joined DB Investing to oversee growth initiatives, while ThinkMarkets recruited Yazan Taha to lead marketing efforts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. The Admirals Group also shifted board and management roles to optimize operational effectiveness.
Several key players are actively shaping the future of the FX and CFD markets with these significant changes in leadership and strategic expansions by various brokers. The influx of new talent into critical positions underscores the ongoing competition amongst firms to enhance their market offerings and the quality of services provided to clients.
In summary, the FX and CFDs industry is experiencing a wealth of movement, characterized by acquisitions and new appointments, as firms look to expand their operations and increase market share in a competitive landscape. The response from the market, both in terms of trading activity and executive restructuring, suggests a dynamic environment that is poised for growth.