Executive Moves of the Week: Leadership Shifts at HKEX, Axcera, Doo Group, FundingPips and Virtu Financial

The below are selected highlights of last week's executive transitions, including significant leadership shifts across the banking, trading, and FinTech sectors.

Exchange - Zhang Yong Joins HKEX's Mainland China Advisory Group

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has appointed Zhang Yong, Managing Partner of Firstlight Capital and former Chairman and CEO of Alibaba Group, to its Mainland China Advisory Group.

The announcement, made by HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong, highlights Zhang's extensive experience in China's corporate and financial sectors. "His wealth of experience and deep knowledge in China's business and financial markets will provide invaluable support to the HKEX Board," Tong said.

Prop Tech - Prop Trading Tech Firm Axcera Appoints New COO

Axcera, a fintech solutions provider catering to proprietary trading firms and financial institutions, has appointed Gabriela Jakabova as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Jakabova, who is based in Brno, Czechia, brings over a decade of operational leadership experience to the role. She most recently served as COO at Czech networking technology company Dynanic, and previously spent 14 years at content management system provider Kentico, where she also held the position of COO.

Broker - Anca Ioana Ionescu Departs Doo Group After Key HR Leadership Role

Doo Group, the multi-jurisdictional retail FX and CFDs broker, has confirmed the departure of Anca Ioana Ionescu, Head of Human Resources for its European operations.

Ionescu, a veteran HR executive in the trading and crypto sectors, joined Doo Group in 2023 during its expansion drive in the EU. During her tenure, the company obtained its CySEC license and relocated to larger premises in Limassol.

Prop Trading Firm - FundingPips Appoints Former FCA Advisor as Group Managing Director

Prop trading firm FundingPips has named Andria Evripidou as its new Group Managing Director, signaling a strategic move to deepen compliance capabilities and expand leadership depth amid a fast-evolving regulatory landscape.

Evripidou brings a multifaceted background, having worked across fintech firms, financial regulators, and her own entrepreneurial ventures. Her most recent role was as CEO and founder of XDA, a crypto-focused iGaming and banking platform. Prior to that, she served as Chief Banking Officer at fintech company Xace.

Market Maker - Virtu Financial Appoints Moegling to Lead Digital Asset Business Development​

Virtu Financial has named Scotte Moegling as its new Head of Business Development for Digital Assets, the company announced last week. Moegling's remit will extend across cryptocurrencies, foreign exchange, precious metals, contracts for difference, and exchange-traded funds. He will be based in Austin, Texas.