This week has been quite exciting, featuring a notable increase in executive appointments within the forex, crypto, and fintech sectors. This trend underscores the evolving landscape of financial technology.

The realm of executive moves this week witnessed notable transitions. These include Anya Aratovskaya joining FOUNT Global, Inc. as Director of Marketing; while UBS appoints Adrian Boehler as Global Head of Macro Sales; United Fintech Group undergoes a significant reshuffle in its top management; Equinix announces a leadership succession plan; iSAM Securities welcomes Hannah Robson as Sales Director; Nikolas Aresti assumes the role of Director of US/UK Operations at oneZero Financial Systems; Skilling appoints George Kyriakoudes as CFO; IFX Payments taps Millie Richardson as Non-Executive Director; Societe Generale has named John Estrada as Global Head of FX; Deutsche Börse AG has appointed Stephan Leithner as CEO; SIX has announced David Brupbacher as Head of IT. These moves underscore the industry's emphasis on leadership renewal, strategic expansion, and adaptation to evolving market dynamics.

Discover the ever-changing realm of executive changes in forex, cryptocurrency, and fintech through our weekly summary. Dive into the evolving landscape of executive shifts within the financial technology industry.

Executive Moves of the Week

Anya Aratovskaya Leaves Advanced Markets for a Startup

Anya Aratovskaya, the VP for Institutional FX Sales and Marketing at Advanced Markets Group, announced her departure to join FOUNT Global, Inc. as the Director of Marketing. FOUNT Global, a startup focusing on enterprise solutions, aims to address work friction within large businesses through its Software as a Service platform. Aratovskaya will also contribute to FXUnsensored, an educational channel/boutique consultancy she co-founded with former colleagues.

Advanced Markets UK, a subsidiary of Advanced Markets Group, demonstrated exceptional performance in fiscal year 2022, with revenue soaring 64% to $2.13 million. Despite increased administrative expenses, the company achieved a remarkable operating profit of $374,811 and experienced a year-over-year increase of 350% in net profits. Strategic partnerships with brokerage firms like Daman Securities and technology entities such as Brokeree Solutions underscore Advanced Markets UK's growth trajectory and market influence.

Discover more about Anya Aratovskaya's transition to FOUNT Global and Advanced Markets UK's strategic partnerships in the financial industry.

UBS Appoints Adrian Boehler as the Global Head of Macro Sales

UBS has named Adrian Boehler as the Global Head of Macro Sales, following his tenure as the Global Head of FX Distribution since 2019. Boehler brings extensive experience, including seven years at BNP Paribas, where he held key roles such as Co-Head of FXLM and Commodity Derivatives. His previous positions include leadership roles at HSBC and Goldman Sachs. Boehler's appointment underscores UBS's commitment to strengthening its macro sales division with seasoned industry professionals.

Amid UBS's integration with Credit Suisse, the departure of David Klein, the former Global Head of Private Funds at Credit Suisse, highlights ongoing changes in the Swiss investment banking landscape. Klein's move to TWG signifies another loss for Credit Suisse post-acquisition, with executives seeking opportunities elsewhere. The integration process has witnessed significant departures, signaling a shift in talent dynamics within the merged entity.

Display more about the strategic appointments and transformations reshaping the Swiss banking sector amidst UBS's integration with Credit Suisse.

United Fintech Shakes Up Leadership Team in Wake of Big Bank Investments

Just weeks after securing strategic investments from banking giants BNP Paribas and Citi, United Fintech Group Limited has undergone a significant reshuffle in its top management. The move, aimed at fostering further growth and emphasizing a more customer-centric approach, sees key executives taking on new roles within the company. Notably, Rasmus Bagger has transitioned to Chief Commercial Officer, while Troels O. Lindblad assumed the position of Chief Financial Officer. Luis Otero is serving as the Chief Technology Officer of United Fintech, with Marc Levin as the new CEO of Athena Systems.

As United Fintech positions itself for expansion and innovation, the strategic reshuffle underscores its commitment to leveraging top talent and capitalizing on recent investments. With a focus on acquisitive growth and customer-centricity, the company aims to strengthen its foothold in the financial services industry and capitalize on evolving market trends.

Reveal more about United Fintech's strategic initiatives and leadership transition following major investments from banking giants BNP Paribas and Citi.

Equinix's CEO to Transition to Executive Chair, Adaire Fox-Martin Named Successor

Equinix, Inc., a leading digital infrastructure company, unveils a strategic leadership succession plan slated for the second quarter of 2024. Charles Meyers, the incumbent President and CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, while Adaire Fox-Martin, currently the President of Google Cloud Go-to-Market, will assume the position of President and CEO. Fox-Martin's extensive experience in the technology sector, including roles at SAP and Oracle, positions her well to lead Equinix's global expansion efforts.

Equinix's recent appointments, including Merrie Williamson as the Chief Customer and Revenue Officer, reflect a concerted effort to bolster leadership across key divisions. Williamson's background in customer-centric roles at Microsoft and Intel underscores Equinix's commitment to enhancing customer experience and driving revenue growth. With impressive financial results in the third quarter of 2023, Equinix demonstrates strong momentum for growth under Meyers' leadership.

Investigate more about Equinix's strategic leadership transition and its impact on the digital infrastructure industry.

FX Veteran Joins iSAM Securities to Lead Sales Efforts

Hannah Robson has stepped into the role of Sales Director at iSAM Securities, bringing over a decade of experience from major financial institutions like Bloomberg, JP Morgan, NatWest, and Barclays. Her focus on execution and liquidity management will drive initiatives for growth and expand the firm's institutional client base, particularly targeting hedge funds and asset managers across Europe. iSAM Securities, regulated by multiple financial authorities, offers prime brokerage, execution services, analytics, and proprietary technology solutions globally.

iSAM Securities is actively bolstering its executive ranks to drive global expansion, with recent C-level appointments emphasizing its commitment to key markets. Aaron Brown joins as the Sales Director for the Middle East and North African region, supporting the brand's global footprint. Additionally, Samuel Johnson assumes the role of Managing Director, while Ryan Poole becomes Chief Investment Officer, marking significant leadership shifts.

Find out more about iSAM Securities' strategic hiring spree and transformation efforts in the financial industry.

Nikolas Aresti Ascends to Director of Operations, US/UK at oneZero

Nikolas Aresti's recent appointment as the Director of Operations of the US/UK at oneZero Financial Systems marks a significant milestone in his career within the financial technology sector. With over six years of experience at oneZero, Aresti's journey began as an Operations Engineer in Limassol, Cyprus, showcasing his dedication and proficiency as he progressed through various roles. His leadership within the company, including pivotal roles as the Operations Lead for the US/UK regions and the Retail Segment, has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and facilitating expansion efforts.

In 2024, oneZero Financial Systems aims to enhance trading platforms with real-time visibility into market exposure, as reported by Finance Magnates. The CEO, Andrew Ralich, highlights key development themes, including AI for forex data, value extraction from flow, and a transition to T+1 settlement in North America. These platform upgrades aim to improve profit and loss tracking with integrated analytics, meeting the demand for advanced data usage and leveraging AI for transaction analysis and identifying opportunities.

Identify more about oneZero's platform upgrades Nikolas Aresti to a leadership role in driving operational excellence at the company.

Marex Bolsters Board with the Appointment of Former CME Group's CFO John Pietrowicz

Marex, the global financial services platform, strengthens its Group Board with the addition of John Pietrowicz, the former Chief Financial Officer at CME Group. Pietrowicz's extensive experience in financial markets and regulatory oversight equips Marex to navigate complex market dynamics effectively. Recognized as a top-ranked CFO by the investing community, Pietrowicz brings valuable expertise in corporate finance, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions.

Robert Pickering, Marex's Chairman, highlights Pietrowicz's strong financial background and deal-making skills as assets benefiting Marex. Pietrowicz's leadership at CME Group, where he oversaw global derivatives exchanges' financial strategy, underscores his strategic acumen and industry knowledge. His appointment reinforces Marex's commitment to enhancing its leadership team with seasoned financial experts.

Expose more about Marex's strategic expansion and leadership development with the appointment of John Pietrowicz.

Starling Bank Poaches Energy Supplier Ovo's CEO Raman Bhatia

Starling Bank has named Raman Bhatia, the former CEO of energy supplier Ovo, as its new permanent Chief Executive Officer. With experience from HSBC and the energy sector, Bhatia's appointment aims to expand Starling's customer base in the UK and internationally. He will lead the growth of Engine, Starling's banking software platform, focusing on securing international contracts and driving revenue. David Sproul, the Chairman of Starling Bank, anticipates significant opportunities under Bhatia's leadership, particularly in the UK market and the expansion of Engine's global footprint.

Starling Bank's profitability since 2022 distinguishes it from competitors like Monzo and Revolut. However, recent share sales by Jupiter Fund Management have led to a valuation dip, presenting challenges despite impressive financial performance. While Starling aims for a public listing, slower customer growth and valuation fluctuations pose potential obstacles. Amidst these challenges, Bhatia's leadership will play a crucial role in navigating Starling's path to sustained growth and market success.

Learn more about Starling Bank's strategic shift with Raman Bhatia's appointment and its implications for the future of digital banking.

IFX Payments Taps Compliance Veteran to Steer Governance

IFX Payments has appointed Millie Richardson as Non-Executive Director. With over two decades of compliance and governance expertise from firms like AXA UK and World First, Richardson will guide IFX Payments' strategic direction and risk management. Her appointment underscores the company's commitment to industry best practices and regulatory compliance. The CEO, Will Marwick, emphasizes Richardson's invaluable contribution amid evolving opportunities and challenges.

Leadership transitions in the financial sector highlight ongoing shifts. Sara Cass's appointment as Chief Compliance Officer at IFX Payments and John Estrada's move to Head of Global FX in Societe Generale reflect industry-wide changes. Additionally, SIX's announcement of David Brupbacher as Head of IT and Fireblocks' appointment of Michal Ferguson as Chief Marketing Officer signal a dynamic landscape.

Discover more about the IFX Payments' strategic appointments shaping governance and compliance in the financial sector.

Societe Generale Appoints Credit Suisse FX Veteran as Division Head

John Estrada, a seasoned financial markets veteran with a 12-year tenure in Credit Suisse's foreign exchange (FX) division, has transitioned to Societe Generale as the Global Head of FX. Estrada's career trajectory, from laboratory researcher to FX trading roles at Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse, underscores his depth of experience. His recent move to Societe Generale highlights the ongoing personnel shifts within the financial sector. As the industry continues to evolve, key players like Estrada bring valuable expertise to their new roles, shaping the landscape of global finance.

The financial sector is witnessing a series of significant personnel changes beyond Estrada's recent move. David Brupbacher's appointment as Head of IT at SIX and Michal Ferguson's role as Chief Marketing Officer at Fireblocks exemplify the industry's dynamic nature. Mark Durrant's appointment as Chief Revenue Officer at Advertrader reflects a broader trend of talent acquisition aimed at enhancing market presence and operational efficiency. These shifts underscore the importance of experienced leadership in navigating the evolving landscape of financial services.

Display more about the ongoing personnel changes reshaping the Societe Generale's leadership landscape.

Deutsche Börse AG Names Stephan Leithner as CEO, Theodor Weimer to Step Down

Deutsche Börse AG has appointed Stephan Leithner, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024. Leithner, with a wealth of experience in financial markets, will initially serve as Co-CEO alongside Theodor Weimer until year-end. Weimer expressed confidence in Leithner's leadership, affirming their shared strategic vision for Deutsche Börse's future success. His appointment marks a significant transition as Weimer prepares to step down, having led the company through a period of growth and restoration of public trust.

Under Leithner's leadership, Deutsche Börse aims to navigate its expansion into new markets, including the crypto asset space with the recent launch of Deutsche Börse Digital Exchange (DBDX). This platform offers institutional investors regulated access to digital assets trading, settlement, and custody services. With licenses from Germany's financial regulator, BaFin, DBDX underscores Deutsche Börse's commitment to meeting evolving client needs while maintaining stringent regulatory compliance.

Reveal more about the leadership transition at Deutsche Börse AG and its strategic focus on growth and innovation amidst industry changes.

Skilling Strengthens Leadership: George Kyriakoudes Joins as CFO

George Kyriakoudes has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Skilling, a brokerage firm, as announced today by Kyriakoudes via his LinkedIn profile. With a distinguished career spanning various financial roles, Kyriakoudes brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position at Skilling.

Prior to joining Skilling, he served as an Advisory Board Member at Aria Health for approximately three years, showcasing his strategic insights and leadership capabilities within the industry. Additionally, Kyriakoudes served as the Group CFO at IronFX, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing brokerage business operations and other ventures, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned financial executive.

Meanwhile, Skilling Group's CEO, Michael Kamerman, has resigned after leading the company through a record-breaking year in 2023. With 15 years of experience at FXCM, Kamerman ascended from a Sales Associate to the Managing Director, highlighting Skilling's achievements in 2023 and expressing optimism for continued success in 2024 with a strong team in place.

Investigate more about George Kyriakoudes' appointment and Skilling's leadership changes in the financial industry.

CFD Broker Skilling's CEO Michael Kamerman Steps Down

Michael Kamerman, the CEO of forex and CFD broker Skilling Group, has resigned after leading the company through a record year in 2023. With 15 years of experience, including roles at FXCM where he ascended from Sales Associate to Managing Director, Kamerman leaves Skilling poised for continued growth. His departure marks a transition for the firm, which saw milestones in new clients, trading volume, and revenue under his leadership.

Kamerman's tenure at Skilling, starting in 2020, emphasized the company's expansion across Europe's competitive forex market. His strategic vision prioritized proprietary trading platforms and partnerships, positioning Skilling as a key player in the industry. The appointment of a new CEO underscores Skilling's commitment to sustained growth and innovation in trading technologies.

Find out more about the leadership transition at Skilling and the future trajectory of the CFD broker under new leadership.

SIX Announces David Brupbacher as Head of IT and Executive Board Member

SIX, a leading financial infrastructure provider, has appointed David Brupbacher as the Head of IT and a Member of the Executive Board, effective from July 1, 2024. Brupbacher's extensive experience in IT infrastructure management within the financial services sector positions him well for this key role. Having served in interim capacities and key leadership positions at SIX since 2001, Brupbacher's appointment underscores his invaluable expertise in guiding IT operations.

Brupbacher's succession comes as he prepares to succeed Christoph Landis, who will retire in the latter half of 2024. In the transitional period, Brupbacher will benefit from Landis' guidance, ensuring a seamless transition. Landis, recognized for his instrumental role in driving technological advancements at SIX, expressed confidence in Brupbacher's capabilities. CEO Jos Dijsselhof praised Brupbacher's appointment, highlighting his competence and deep understanding of SIX's operations, affirming his role in further advancing the company and its services.

Identify more about David Brupbacher's strategic leadership and SIX's vision for the future.