News Nuggets | 8 August: Tradeweb Introduces FX Swap Workflow; Nagakura Joins 26 Degrees

BitPay Enable Users to Pay Bills with Crypto

BitPay has launched a new service that allows users to pay their bills using cryptocurrencies. The Bitcoin and crypto payments service provider said with the new service; users can pay their bills directly from the BitPay app.

Commenting on the service, BitPay's CEO, Stephen Pair, said: "Paying everyday bills without a bank account is a monumental step for the crypto and unbanked community. BitPay customers are some of the most prominent crypto spenders in the world, so we believe this will be a game-changing solution for both crypto users and service providers."

Panda Trading Systems Integrates AI for Online Brokers

The technology company providing services for online brokerage companies, Panda Trading Systems, has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its solutions. Among the services offered by the company is an AI-enabled document verification module for customer relationship management services.

Additionally, the firm has unveiled an AI-powered marketing campaign module for Panda CRM. This service enables the development and personalization of messages for customers.

Circle Unveils Web 3 Wallets for Developers

The stablecoin issuer Circle has launched digital wallets for Web 3 developers. The new platforms provide developers across the globe with technical infrastructure to create online wallets for their users. Additionally, the wallet supports non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Jeremy Allaire, the CEO and Co-Founder of Circle, said: "Circle's programmable wallets are part of a new, core pillar of our strategy to advance global, mainstream utility and the adoption of digital assets like USDC and public blockchain payments."

Barclays Names James Edmonds as Global Head of Sustainable Project Finance

Barclays has appointed James Edmonds as the Global Head of Sustainable Project Finance under the bank's Corporate and Investments Banking division. Edmonds will be based in New York and report to the Global Co-Heads of Capital Markets, Travis Barnes and Tom Johnson.

According to a statement issued by Barclays, Edmonds will forge collaborations in project financing. Previously, he served as the Head of Real Assets Finance for the Americas at HSBC.

Tradeweb and LSEG's FXall Introduce FX Swap Workflow

Tradeweb Markets Inc. in collaboration with LSEG's FXall platform for global currency products has unveiled an innovative FX Swap Workflow. This digital solution aims to streamline the trading process in local currency, emerging markets bonds and FX swaps , offering users greater transparency and efficiency.

"Facilitating the connection of our EM bond marketplace with FXall's liquidity pool provides buy-side traders with access to enhanced and efficient local currency EM trading workflows," Enrico Bruni, the Head of Europe and Asia Business at Tradeweb, commented.

"Clients trading EM products can now take advantage of markets that are increasingly interlinked, while also benefitting from seamless execution and STP. This latest innovation underpins our commitment to creating solutions that cater to the needs of our EM clients, and help them move risk more efficiently," Bruni added.

Hiroaki Nagakura Has Become Head of 26 Degrees Prime Services

26 Degrees Global Markets welcomes Hiroaki Nagakura as Japan's new Head of Prime Services. Nagakura, a veteran in the FX industry with over 30 years of experience, was previously at Rakuten Securities Inc.

The CEO, Gavin White expressed excitement over Nagakura's appointment and its potential for the company's future endeavors.

"With such deep experience in multiple senior roles at some of the largest brokerages globally, we are very excited to welcome Nagakura-San to the team. 26 Degrees Global Markets' ability to attract top talent such as Nagakura-San speaks volumes to the growth we have experienced over the past decade, and the great opportunities that lie ahead for our powerhouse team, one of those being the Japanese brokerage market," White added.

LiteFinance's Homepage Redesign

LiteFinance has unveiled a refreshed look for its homepage aimed at enhancing user experience. The team plans on improving the website to ensure its timeliness and efficiency in addressing client needs.

A screenshot of the revamped homepage is available below:

cTrader Mobile 4.7 Release Highlights

cTrader Mobile has released its 4.7 version, featuring a dark theme for Android users and several improvements to its cTrader Copy functionality. The update provides detailed information on open and closed positions and offers enhanced insights into different copy strategies. Users can download this updated version from their respective app stores.

FCA Warns against GRANDFXOPTION

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned against GRANDFXOPTION. According to the financial market watchdog, the company may be offering financial services without proper authorization.

Those interacting with the firm will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for complaints. It is important to be cautious, as unauthorized firms can provide false contact details and appear legitimate by mimicking other entities.

ASL and Finastra Strengthen Fintech Presence in Hong Kong

Automated Systems Holdings Limited (ASL) has entered into an exclusive partnership with global financial software provider, Finastra. ASL is now the sole service provider of Finastra's Kondor solution in Hong Kong and Macau. This alliance is set to solidify ASL's position in the fintech sector, capitalizing on pro-fintech policies and strategies in the region.

"Industry focus has been a pivotal business strategy for ASL. This partnership not only enhances our unified service in the fintech sector but also lays a solid foundation for providing industry-as-a-service," Wang Yueou, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Automated Systems Holdings Limited, commented.

UBS's Strategic Retention of Credit Suisse Bankers

UBS Group AG is capitalizing on its takeover of Credit Suisse by retaining 12 of its bankers to spearhead its global banking endeavors in the Americas. This move is expected to help UBS intensify its competition with Wall Street rivals, leveraging Credit Suisse's longstanding history and influence in the US.

Vienna Stock Exchange Data on TradingView

TradingView has added the Vienna Stock Exchange to its list of data providers. With a history spanning over 250 years, the exchange continues to be a significant player, offering a myriad of financial instruments and supporting several European exchanges.

"Data from the Vienna Stock Exchange is accessible on TradingView: open the symbol search, type in the 'VIE:' prefix, and see all the stocks, indices, funds, bonds, depositary receipts, and warrants available for analysis," the company stated in the press release.