ActivTrades, FCA, Tools for Brokers and More: Executive Moves of the Week

This week has been pivotal for the forex industry executive moves, crypto industry leadership changes, and fintech sector appointments, highlighting a dynamic shift in the financial technology landscape.

Highlighting the week are key executive shifts including Matteo Paganini at ActivTrades as Group Chief Commercial Officer, Hanna Chung as XS.com’s Vietnam Country Manager, important additions to the FCA’s Competition Decisions Committees, strategic reshuffles in Tools for Brokers’ management, pivotal changes in oneZero’s leadership, the appointment of Chris de Sibert by AlpFin, and Phil Hermon’s advancement at CME Group.

Explore these significant forex, crypto, and fintech executive shifts further in our detailed weekly roundup, showcasing the evolving landscape of financial technology leadership.

Joe Rundle

Intertrader Taps Citigroup Veterans to Bolster Event-Driven Investment Strategies

Intertrader’s institutional division, Olivetree, has made significant additions to its team by welcoming Citigroup veterans David Lackenby and Mark Brodie. Lackenby takes on the role of Head of Event-Driven Sales Trading, while Brodie becomes an Event-Driven Sales Trader. Both bring substantial experience from their tenures at financial institutions like Cantor Fitzgerald, Market Securities, Bear Sterns, Jefferies, and BTIG.

Olivetree, known for its expertise in event-driven investments, aims to leverage these hires to enhance its investment strategies and insights. These industry veterans officially assumed their roles on November 13th, 2023. Intertrader’s recent leadership changes, including the appointment of Joe Rundle as CEO, signify a strategic shift toward diversifying its offerings beyond traditional practices.

Find out more about Intertrader’s strategic moves and the impact of these veteran additions on its event-driven investment strategies.

Matteo Paganini

Paganini Brings 20 Years of FX Experience to ActivTrades’ C-Suite

Matteo Paganini has assumed the role of Group Chief Commercial Officer at ActivTrades, a renowned FX and CFD brokerage. With two decades of expertise in currencies, market making, and risk management, Paganini’s appointment signifies a significant addition to ActivTrades’ leadership team.

In his new position, he will lead the company’s global strategy, focusing on revenue growth, sales and marketing strategy, and exploring new market opportunities. Paganini will also optimize corporate processes to provide exceptional services to traders.

Commenting on the new appointment, Alex Pusco, the CEO of ActivTrades, stated: “His experience, knowledge and talent make him an excellent asset for the whole Group, and his contribution will help ActivTrades to further develop and grow while always providing a superior service to its clients.”

Under Paganini’s guidance, ActivTrades plans to introduce innovative products, including a “New Investor Profile Account,” aiming to enhance the trading experience on the ActivTrader platform.

Learn more about Matteo Paganini’s role and ActivTrades’ impressive financial and regulatory milestones.

Hanna Chung

XS.com Appoints New
Vietnam Country Manager

XS.com, a global fintech and financial services provider, has named Hanna Chung as the Country Manager for Vietnam. With over a decade of experience in financial services and a successful history of managing and growing financial markets in Vietnam, Chung is well-equipped for this role. Her appointment aligns with XS.com’s ongoing global expansion efforts and marks its entry into Vietnam’s dynamic market.

Hanna Chung expressed: “I look forward to collaborating with clients, partners, and the XS.com team to introduce innovative financial solutions to the Vietnamese market.”

Chung’s expertise and vision for innovation make her a valuable addition to XS.com as they venture into the Vietnamese financial landscape.

FCA Appoints Members to
Competition Decisions Committees

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority have strengthened their Competition Decisions Committees (CDCs) with the addition of Ulrike Hotopp and Claire Whyley. These committees play a crucial role in shaping competition law decisions, with members chosen for their extensive expertise and evidence-based decision-making track record.

Ulrike Hotopp, an economist with over 25 years of experience in both government and the private sector, brings a wealth of knowledge to the CDCs. Additionally, Claire Whyley, a seasoned professional in consumer research and policy, offers a diverse background spanning financial services, energy, retail, and more.

These appointments reflect the commitment of the CDCs to uphold high standards in competition decision-making, ensuring a balanced and informed approach.

Albina Zhdanova, CCO at Tools For Brokers

Tools for Brokers Reshuffles Management: Names New CCO and COO

Tools for Brokers, a prominent technology provider for retail brokers and hedge funds, has restructured its leadership team with the appointment of Albina Zhdanova as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Vladimir Viuchejskiy as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). These appointments signify a commitment to internal talent development.

Viuchejskiy takes over as COO, while Zhdanova assumes the newly created role of CCO. Both have extensive experience within the company and will report directly to Alexey Kutsenko, Founder and CEO of Tools for Brokers. Zhdanova will continue her role in London, while Viuchejskiy will be based in Limassol, Cyprus.

Vladimir Viuchejskiy, COO at Tools for Brokers

Albina Zhdanova, in her longstanding tenure at Tools for Brokers, transitioned from Sales Manager and Marketing to COO in 2013. As CCO, she will focus on external growth, expanding into new markets, opening new offices, and overseeing client relationships.

Vladimir Viuchejskiy, who joined in 2014 as a Technical Support Specialist and later became Head of the Technical Support Department, will now oversee internal development, including process optimization, product development, and collaborations with partners.

“The CCO position gives me the opportunity to focus on our expansion into new markets and niches,” said Zhdanova, while Viuchejskiy emphasized their clear vision for achieving company goals.

Discover more about Tools for Brokers’ strategic leadership changes and its plans for growth and development.

Alex Neo, Chief Commercial Officer

oneZero Merges Institutional and Retail Teams in Leadership Change

oneZero, a leading multi-asset enterprise trading technology solutions provider, has undergone significant leadership changes. Alex Neo, now promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, will oversee both institutional and retail teams. Neo, with six years at oneZero, previously served as EVP of Retail Products and Strategy. His background includes roles at Rubix FX, Velocity Trade, Gleneagle Securities, Global Prime, and Citi.

Alex Neo mentioned: “oneZero’s global talent pool is immense, including growing numbers of professionals with wide-ranging experience from brokerages, banks, exchanges, and prime brokerages.”

Lynnette Yeo, Managing Director of Global Relationship Management

Lynnette Yeo, the new Managing Director of Global Relationship Management, brings her experience as the Regional Relationship Manager at oneZero since 2018. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Managerial Economics from RMIT University. She emphasized its client-centric approach, offering 24/7 support.

Reflecting on these changes, Andrew Ralich, oneZero’s CEO and Co-Founder, expressed confidence in Neo’s leadership and Yeo’s commitment to maintaining exceptional customer service.

Find out more about oneZero naming Alex Neo as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

Chris de Silbert

AlpFin Announces New
Global Head of Sales & Marketing

Alp Financial Ltd (AlpFin), a prominent global trading technology service provider, has named Chris de Sibert as the Global Head of Sales and Marketing. De Sibert, equipped with a strong background in foreign exchange sales and substantial experience at major banks, is poised to make significant contributions to AlpFin’s institutional strategy.

Andrea Sanna, the Global Head of Liquidity Management at AlpFin, warmly welcomed de Sibert, recognizing his potential impact on the company’s trajectory in the face of industry challenges and opportunities.

Chris de Sibert conveyed his unwavering commitment to driving business growth and innovation at AlpFin. He aspires to turn industry challenges into successful outcomes for the company and its valued clients.

Phil Hermon

CME Group Announces the New
Head of Growth

CME Group has appointed Phil Hermon as the Head of Growth and Execution for CME FX, marking a significant move after his nearly ten-year tenure with the London team. Hermon brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Global Lead for FX Futures and the EMA Business Lead for OTC Products.

His career journey includes roles at Goldman Sachs, where he began as an analyst, followed by five years as a Captain in the British Army. He later transitioned back to finance as the EU Head of Client Solutions for OTC Clearing at Morgan Stanley. Prior to joining CME, he spent a year at RBS Markets in Clearing and Prime Brokerage Sales.

Hermon commented: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Head of Growth and Execution at CME Group.”

Hermon’s diverse background positions him well to take on this role, and his appointment reflects CME Group’s commitment to driving growth and excellence in the FX market.