Sam Boughedda
LeapRate Analyst
BNP Paribas and market maker GTS extend collaboration to US Equities
April 17, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Impax Asset Management Subsidiary Enters Into Advisory Agreement with BNP Paribas Asset Management Europe

Under the terms of the agreement, IAMI will provide investment advisory services to BNPP AM Europe in relation to an investment fund.  The firm explained that the deal forms part of an ongoing distribution arrangement between Impax and BNP Paribas Asset Management across several international markets. As part of the agreement, BNPP AM Europe will…

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FINRA's 2018 volume tops 2017 activity by 87%
April 17, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

FINRA Fines Sonenshine & Company LLC

According to a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) published by the regulator, the New York-based investment banking firm failed to establish and implement policies and internal controls reasonably designed to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act.  Notably, FINRA says the firm did not respond in a timely manner to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network…

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April 16, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

OKX Launches in the US, Roshan Robert Joins as US CEO

The expansion includes the launch of OKX’s centralised exchange and OKX Wallet, with regional headquarters established in San Jose, California.  As part of the expansion, the firm said existing OKCoin users will be migrated to the OKX platform, gaining access to “deeper liquidity, lower fees, and advanced trading tools.” “I’m thrilled to announce the launch…

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April 16, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Cboe Begins Trading in S&P 500 Equal Weight Index Options

The move expands its suite of equity derivatives products aimed at both retail and institutional investors. The new options, which began trading on 14 April, are said to be based on the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, where each constituent is weighted equally at 0.2% following quarterly rebalancing.  Cboe explained that, unlike the traditional capitalisation-weighted…

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Hong Kong
April 16, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

Ant International’s WorldFirst Launches World Card

The solution is said to be designed to simplify global commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  The firm said in a press release that the new offering aims to streamline cross-border transactions and reduce operational costs, providing enhanced global reach, security, and cost efficiency. They added that the World Card allows users to pay…

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April 16, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

GTN and Webull Partner On Fixed Income for APAC Investors

Announced on Wednesday, the collaboration is said to let Webull users in APAC invest in fractionalised US Treasuries and a broader selection of fixed income assets via GTN’s integrated single API framework.  The firm explains that the technology enables access to market data, trading, and account management — all through Webull’s mobile trading platform. “…

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CME Group
April 15, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

S&P Global, CME Group to Sell OSTTRA to KKR for $3.1 Billion

In a press release on Sunday, CME noted that the post-trade solutions provider, formed in 2021, has grown into a critical infrastructure player in the global over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market. The enterprise value of the transaction will be split equally between S&P Global and CME Group, which each hold a 50% stake in OSTTRA.  The…

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Plum logo
April 15, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

BBVA Backs UK Fintech Plum with £15 Million Venture Debt Deal

The funding is expected to support Plum’s expansion plans and ongoing efforts to scale its business, particularly as it grows its user base across the UK and Europe.  The London-based fintech, which uses AI to help users manage savings and investments, now serves over two million customers and has helped set aside more than £5…

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StoneX
April 15, 2025 BY Sam Boughedda

StoneX to Acquire R.J. O’Brien for $900m

The move is expected to significantly expand StoneX’s global derivatives presence. Announced on Monday, the acquisition will be paid through a mix of $625 million in cash and 3.5 million shares of StoneX common stock.  StoneX will also assume up to $143 million of RJO’s debt. The transaction is expected to close in the second…

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