Sam Boughedda
LeapRate Analyst
October 01, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

CME Group Set to Launch Yen- and U.S. Dollar-Denominated Micro Nikkei Futures

These new micro-sized contracts, valued at 50 yen and $0.50, respectively, "will allow traders to capture Japanese benchmark trading opportunities with greater precision and will add to CME Group's existing suite of standard and E-mini Nikkei contracts," said CME Group. They will complement CME Group's existing suite of standard and E-mini Nikkei contracts. "The addition…

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October 01, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

Standard Chartered's Head of CFCC Tracy McDermott to Retire

McDermott has been with Standard Chartered since March 2017, holding various leadership roles, including Group Head of Corporate, Public and Regulatory Affairs, and taking on responsibility for Compliance and Financial Crime in subsequent years. To fill McDermott's position, Standard Chartered has appointed David Howes as Group Head, Compliance, Financial Crime and Conduct Risk (CFCR), effective…

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Robinhood
October 01, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

Robinhood Crypto Launches Crypto Transfers in Europe

The feature allows users to deposit and withdraw over 20 cryptocurrencies, including major players like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). “With the launch of crypto transfers in Europe, we’re making self-custody and entering DeFi simpler and more accessible for our customers,” commented Johann Kerbrat, VP and GM of Robinhood Crypto. “Support for deposits…

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saxo bank revenues
September 30, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

Saxo Shuts Hong Kong Office Amid Shifting Business Landscape

The decision comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and a broader economic slowdown. This was a "necessary decision," Saxo Bank stated in a press release. The firm said it will prioritise a "smooth offboarding process" for its affected clients, with new account openings ceasing immediately and restrictions placed on existing accounts starting November 1st. The closure,…

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September 30, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

XS.com Announces Partnership With Brokeree For Advanced Copy Trading Solutions

The integration of Brokeree's copy trading solution is a step forward in XS.com's ongoing effort to equip clients with cutting-edge tools. The feature allows traders to mirror the strategies of experienced and successful market participants in real-time. The development is, according to the broker, particularly valuable for new traders seeking to learn from seasoned professionals…

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September 30, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

CME Group to Launch Spodumene Futures Contract

This expansion of its battery metals suite aims to provide the market with enhanced hedging capabilities and better price risk management tools. "The spodumene futures contract launch with the CME Group marks a significant step forward for the lithium market," commented Raju Daswani, Chief Executive Officer at Fastmarkets. "With this contract, the industry gains a tool…

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FCA
September 27, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

FCA Proposes New Rules to Protect Customers of Payments Firms

The FCA explained that while the use of payment firms has grown in recent years, it "continues to see poor safeguarding practices from firms," putting customers at risk of losing their money. While funds held by these firms are not directly protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), firms are required to have safeguards…

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Visa
September 27, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

Visa to Acquire AI Payments Protection Firm Featurespace

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Visa's portfolio of fraud detection and its ability to combat fraud and financial crime. Featurespace, founded at Cambridge University, utilises advanced algorithms to analyse transaction data and detect even sophisticated fraud attempts. "Since its inception out of Cambridge University's engineering department, Featurespace has developed innovative algorithmic-based solutions to analyze…

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Stripe obtains $600M funding at $95B valuation
September 27, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

Stripe Expansion Aims to Accelerate Canadian Business Growth

The company said in its press release that the expansion reflects the city's growth as a tech hub and reinforces Stripe's commitment to the Canadian market. The company has seen significant growth in Canada over the past few years, with payment volume from Canadian businesses increasing by more than 50% between 2021 and 2023. Stripe…

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SEC
September 26, 2024 BY Sam Boughedda

Merrill Lynch and Harvest Volatility Management Hit with $9.3m Penalty By SEC for Ignoring Client Instructions

According to the SEC's complaint, Harvest, as the primary investment adviser and portfolio manager for the Collateral Yield Enhancement Strategy (CYES), allowed numerous client accounts to exceed their designated investment limits. It led to higher fees, increased market exposure, and ultimately, investment losses for clients. Merrill Lynch, which introduced clients to Harvest and received a…

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