The retail trading industry saw further changes this week as
brokers adjusted their brands, expanded into new asset classes and tested new
infrastructure models. Several developments highlighted a broader shift away
from traditional forex and CFD positioning, with firms increasingly moving
towards wider financial platforms covering crypto, equities, payments and
exchange-like services.
Rebranding remained a key theme, as brokers reviewed whether
traditional naming conventions still fit businesses expanding beyond their
original markets. At the same time, regulatory approvals enabled firms to
launch new products, while technology and payment infrastructure continued to
influence how brokers attract and retain clients.
Elsewhere, trading platforms faced operational challenges,
while the growing role of digital assets pushed brokers closer to
exchange-style models. The week’s developments reflected an industry adapting
to changing client expectations and expanding beyond its traditional
boundaries.
A growing number of retail brokers are
removing the word “Markets” from their brands, with IC Markets becoming the
latest firm to make the change. Blueberry, KCM Trade and Admirals have also
dropped the suffix, while IG Group made a similar move in 2012.
IC sporting its new logo at the iFX Expo Dubai 2026.
Industry
observers said the shift reflects a move towards shorter and more recognisable
brands as brokers expand beyond forex and CFDs into areas such as crypto, prop
trading and payments. However, firms including ThinkMarkets and easyMarkets
have retained the naming structure.
Rebranding can require significant
investment, involving legal approvals, technology changes and updates across
multiple markets. Experts noted that a new identity alone does not replace
factors such as execution quality and client service.
QRS Global Rebranded as Brex Capital
QRS Global, a CFD broker linked to an alleged forex trading
scandal in Thailand, has
been acquired and rebranded as Brex Capital. The new entity appointed
Sophie Squillacioti as CEO and continues using the same trading infrastructure
and client accounts, with existing users not required to register again.
Brex
Capital remains registered in Comoros and holds a South African financial
services provider licence using the same FSP number previously associated with
another broker.
A screenshot of QRS Global redirecting traffic to Brex Capital
The rebrand follows a June investigation by Thailand’s
Department of Special Investigation into QRS Global’s local operator, QRS
Education Co Ltd. Authorities arrested the company’s CEO over allegations
including fraud, unlicensed operations, false data and money laundering.
Revolut Drives Lithuania’s Rapid Growth in Cross-Border
Investment Clients
Lithuania’s cross-border retail investment client base
increased from around 500
in 2022 to more than 2.5 million by the end of 2024, according to ESMA
data. The regulator attributed the growth to a single firm, identified by
Finance Magnates as Revolut Securities Europe UAB.
The Lithuanian entity
launched investment services in 2023 under a MiFID II licence and passports
services across the European Economic Area. The growth followed the migration
of more than 1.1 million EEA customers from Revolut’s UK investment entity.
Revolut Securities Europe reported more than €3 billion in assets under
administration by the end of 2023, rising to €9.1 billion by the end of 2024.
ESMA noted that reported client figures represent cross-border relationships
rather than unique individuals.
Coinbase Expands UK Platform with US Stock Trading Launch
Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase, Source: LinkedIn
Coinbase has started rolling
out US stock trading for eligible UK users, adding access to nearly 4,000
US equities through its existing app. The service offers zero-commission
trades, fractional shares from £1 and extended trading availability five days a
week. Users can fund purchases using GBP or USDC balances.
The launch follows
the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s July 2026 authorisation allowing Coinbase
to expand beyond crypto into areas including equities and derivatives. The
company has also introduced savings and crypto-backed borrowing products in the
UK over the past year.
Coinbase said the move forms part of its broader
strategy to create an “Everything Exchange” combining crypto, stocks,
derivatives and financial services. The company joins other platforms,
including eToro, offering combined crypto and equity services to UK retail
investors.
XTB Launches Spot Crypto Trading in Chile
Omar Arnaout, CEO of XTB, Source: LinkedIn
XTB has launched spot cryptocurrency trading in Chile, offering
46 digital assets with plans to expand the selection. The service operates
24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a minimum transaction value of $2.
Chilean clients previously accessed crypto exposure through CFDs and
exchange-traded notes.
The launch follows XTB’s acquisition of a securities
agent licence from Chile’s Financial Market Commission in February 2025. The
company has also recently introduced an AI-powered analytical chat feature in
the country, making Chile an early market for product launches.
CEO Omar
Arnaout said XTB plans to expand spot crypto services into European markets.
The broker launched similar services in Cyprus in 2026 and is expected to
introduce the product in Spain before expanding further, subject to regulatory
approvals.
Plus500 Adds CME Single Stock Futures to US Product
Offering
Plus500
has added CME Group-listed single stock futures to its US offering,
including micro-sized contracts aimed at retail traders. CME launched 77
contracts covering companies such as Nvidia, Tesla and Apple on 27 July.
CME Chairman Terry Duffy
The
products are part of Plus500’s non-OTC business, which contributed around 15%
of group revenue in the first half of 2026. Plus500 did not disclose the number
of contracts available or trading terms, saying additions would depend on
demand and market conditions.
The launch follows CME’s second attempt to build
a US single stock futures market after the previous effort failed to gain
traction. Plus500 reported first-half revenue of $462.9 million, up 12% year
over year, while EBITDA reached $187.5 million.
Interactive Brokers Reports Login Issues During US Market
Hours
Interactive Brokers users reported login
and connectivity problems during US trading hours, with some traders unable
to access the platform. Finance Magnates independently confirmed access issues
during checks after reports emerged, although the overall scale of the
disruption could not be determined.
Interactive Brokers is reportedly down for some traders right now. Are you one of them? #InteractiveBrokersDown #IBKRDown https://t.co/O4CwdkxdDD
— StatusIsDown (@status_is_down) August 5, 2026
The broker’s system status page continued
to show all systems operational at the time, and no public outage notice had
initially been issued. Later, an Interactive Brokers spokesperson said a
technical issue affected “a fraction of a percent” of clients, specifically
those with accounts hosted in certain APAC data centres.
The company said a
login notice was posted within minutes and access was restored within an hour.
The incident follows similar platform disruptions across the wider brokerage
industry in recent years.
Australia Becomes Testing Ground for Broker Payment
Australia has become a
testing market for global financial firms developing new payment solutions,
supported by widespread adoption of digital payment infrastructure. The
country’s population of around 28 million provides a smaller environment for
firms to test products before broader expansion.
Real-time payment methods such
as PayID and the New Payments Platform have gained adoption among consumers.
Trading platforms including Pepperstone and Trade Nation have introduced
real-time payments through Volt for Australian clients.
Volt data showed that
nearly 73% of CFD account top-ups through the New Payments Platform occurred
outside traditional banking hours, with 21% taking place during weekends. The
data suggests traders value faster funding options and that payment
improvements may influence customer behaviour beyond simply reducing
transaction times.
Retail Brokers Move Closer to Exchange Models Through
Crypto Expansion
Retail brokers are increasingly adopting
operating models closer to digital asset exchanges as cryptocurrency
services become a larger part of their businesses. Managing crypto exposure
requires firms to handle specialist liquidity, custody, settlement and 24/7
market access, moving beyond the traditional broker role of connecting clients
with liquidity providers.
Client expectations have expanded towards
exchange-style services, including wallets, staking and tokenised products. The
growth of tokenised real-world assets could further challenge traditional
brokerage models by moving ownership records and settlements onto blockchain
networks.
However, brokers are expected to retain roles in areas such as
research, financing and regulatory support. As digital assets become more
integrated into financial markets, the distinction between brokers and
exchanges is becoming less defined.
The retail trading industry saw further changes this week as
brokers adjusted their brands, expanded into new asset classes and tested new
infrastructure models. Several developments highlighted a broader shift away
from traditional forex and CFD positioning, with firms increasingly moving
towards wider financial platforms covering crypto, equities, payments and
exchange-like services.
Rebranding remained a key theme, as brokers reviewed whether
traditional naming conventions still fit businesses expanding beyond their
original markets. At the same time, regulatory approvals enabled firms to
launch new products, while technology and payment infrastructure continued to
influence how brokers attract and retain clients.
Elsewhere, trading platforms faced operational challenges,
while the growing role of digital assets pushed brokers closer to
exchange-style models. The week’s developments reflected an industry adapting
to changing client expectations and expanding beyond its traditional
boundaries.
A growing number of retail brokers are
removing the word “Markets” from their brands, with IC Markets becoming the
latest firm to make the change. Blueberry, KCM Trade and Admirals have also
dropped the suffix, while IG Group made a similar move in 2012.
IC sporting its new logo at the iFX Expo Dubai 2026.
Industry
observers said the shift reflects a move towards shorter and more recognisable
brands as brokers expand beyond forex and CFDs into areas such as crypto, prop
trading and payments. However, firms including ThinkMarkets and easyMarkets
have retained the naming structure.
Rebranding can require significant
investment, involving legal approvals, technology changes and updates across
multiple markets. Experts noted that a new identity alone does not replace
factors such as execution quality and client service.
QRS Global Rebranded as Brex Capital
QRS Global, a CFD broker linked to an alleged forex trading
scandal in Thailand, has
been acquired and rebranded as Brex Capital. The new entity appointed
Sophie Squillacioti as CEO and continues using the same trading infrastructure
and client accounts, with existing users not required to register again.
Brex
Capital remains registered in Comoros and holds a South African financial
services provider licence using the same FSP number previously associated with
another broker.
A screenshot of QRS Global redirecting traffic to Brex Capital
The rebrand follows a June investigation by Thailand’s
Department of Special Investigation into QRS Global’s local operator, QRS
Education Co Ltd. Authorities arrested the company’s CEO over allegations
including fraud, unlicensed operations, false data and money laundering.
Revolut Drives Lithuania’s Rapid Growth in Cross-Border
Investment Clients
Lithuania’s cross-border retail investment client base
increased from around 500
in 2022 to more than 2.5 million by the end of 2024, according to ESMA
data. The regulator attributed the growth to a single firm, identified by
Finance Magnates as Revolut Securities Europe UAB.
The Lithuanian entity
launched investment services in 2023 under a MiFID II licence and passports
services across the European Economic Area. The growth followed the migration
of more than 1.1 million EEA customers from Revolut’s UK investment entity.
Revolut Securities Europe reported more than €3 billion in assets under
administration by the end of 2023, rising to €9.1 billion by the end of 2024.
ESMA noted that reported client figures represent cross-border relationships
rather than unique individuals.
Coinbase Expands UK Platform with US Stock Trading Launch
Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase, Source: LinkedIn
Coinbase has started rolling
out US stock trading for eligible UK users, adding access to nearly 4,000
US equities through its existing app. The service offers zero-commission
trades, fractional shares from £1 and extended trading availability five days a
week. Users can fund purchases using GBP or USDC balances.
The launch follows
the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s July 2026 authorisation allowing Coinbase
to expand beyond crypto into areas including equities and derivatives. The
company has also introduced savings and crypto-backed borrowing products in the
UK over the past year.
Coinbase said the move forms part of its broader
strategy to create an “Everything Exchange” combining crypto, stocks,
derivatives and financial services. The company joins other platforms,
including eToro, offering combined crypto and equity services to UK retail
investors.
XTB Launches Spot Crypto Trading in Chile
Omar Arnaout, CEO of XTB, Source: LinkedIn
XTB has launched spot cryptocurrency trading in Chile, offering
46 digital assets with plans to expand the selection. The service operates
24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a minimum transaction value of $2.
Chilean clients previously accessed crypto exposure through CFDs and
exchange-traded notes.
The launch follows XTB’s acquisition of a securities
agent licence from Chile’s Financial Market Commission in February 2025. The
company has also recently introduced an AI-powered analytical chat feature in
the country, making Chile an early market for product launches.
CEO Omar
Arnaout said XTB plans to expand spot crypto services into European markets.
The broker launched similar services in Cyprus in 2026 and is expected to
introduce the product in Spain before expanding further, subject to regulatory
approvals.
Plus500 Adds CME Single Stock Futures to US Product
Offering
Plus500
has added CME Group-listed single stock futures to its US offering,
including micro-sized contracts aimed at retail traders. CME launched 77
contracts covering companies such as Nvidia, Tesla and Apple on 27 July.
CME Chairman Terry Duffy
The
products are part of Plus500’s non-OTC business, which contributed around 15%
of group revenue in the first half of 2026. Plus500 did not disclose the number
of contracts available or trading terms, saying additions would depend on
demand and market conditions.
The launch follows CME’s second attempt to build
a US single stock futures market after the previous effort failed to gain
traction. Plus500 reported first-half revenue of $462.9 million, up 12% year
over year, while EBITDA reached $187.5 million.
Interactive Brokers Reports Login Issues During US Market
Hours
Interactive Brokers users reported login
and connectivity problems during US trading hours, with some traders unable
to access the platform. Finance Magnates independently confirmed access issues
during checks after reports emerged, although the overall scale of the
disruption could not be determined.
Interactive Brokers is reportedly down for some traders right now. Are you one of them? #InteractiveBrokersDown #IBKRDown https://t.co/O4CwdkxdDD
— StatusIsDown (@status_is_down) August 5, 2026
The broker’s system status page continued
to show all systems operational at the time, and no public outage notice had
initially been issued. Later, an Interactive Brokers spokesperson said a
technical issue affected “a fraction of a percent” of clients, specifically
those with accounts hosted in certain APAC data centres.
The company said a
login notice was posted within minutes and access was restored within an hour.
The incident follows similar platform disruptions across the wider brokerage
industry in recent years.
Australia Becomes Testing Ground for Broker Payment
Australia has become a
testing market for global financial firms developing new payment solutions,
supported by widespread adoption of digital payment infrastructure. The
country’s population of around 28 million provides a smaller environment for
firms to test products before broader expansion.
Real-time payment methods such
as PayID and the New Payments Platform have gained adoption among consumers.
Trading platforms including Pepperstone and Trade Nation have introduced
real-time payments through Volt for Australian clients.
Volt data showed that
nearly 73% of CFD account top-ups through the New Payments Platform occurred
outside traditional banking hours, with 21% taking place during weekends. The
data suggests traders value faster funding options and that payment
improvements may influence customer behaviour beyond simply reducing
transaction times.
Retail Brokers Move Closer to Exchange Models Through
Crypto Expansion
Retail brokers are increasingly adopting
operating models closer to digital asset exchanges as cryptocurrency
services become a larger part of their businesses. Managing crypto exposure
requires firms to handle specialist liquidity, custody, settlement and 24/7
market access, moving beyond the traditional broker role of connecting clients
with liquidity providers.
Client expectations have expanded towards
exchange-style services, including wallets, staking and tokenised products. The
growth of tokenised real-world assets could further challenge traditional
brokerage models by moving ownership records and settlements onto blockchain
networks.
However, brokers are expected to retain roles in areas such as
research, financing and regulatory support. As digital assets become more
integrated into financial markets, the distinction between brokers and
exchanges is becoming less defined.
www.financemagnates.com