Fazzaco Weekly Highlights: Regulation, Broker Strategy and Trading Technology Take Centre Stage

The global trading industry saw another eventful week, with regulatory developments, brokerage financial results, technology upgrades and digital-asset infrastructure dominating the headlines.

From ASIC setting clearer rules for trading algorithms to eToro preparing clients for an AI-centred trading experience, here are the key developments that shaped the forex, CFD, fintech and digital-asset sectors over the past week.

1. ASIC Defines Trading Algorithm, Sets March 2028 Compliance Deadline

Australia's financial regulator has formally defined "trading algorithms" under updated market integrity rules, giving market participants until March 2028 to comply with the new requirements.

The move reflects regulators' growing focus on automated execution and algorithmic trading as technology becomes increasingly embedded in modern financial markets.

2. iFOREX Posts $2.5 Million Loss in H1 2026

iFOREX Financial Trading Holdings reported a loss of approximately $2.5 million for the first half of 2026, while revenue declined by 2%.

The results put broker profitability back in focus as trading firms navigate changing client activity, operating costs and competitive pressures across the global CFD market.

3. eToro Prepares to Migrate Existing Clients to AI-Centred App

eToro is preparing to migrate existing clients to its AI-centred application from October 4, highlighting how artificial intelligence is moving deeper into the retail trading experience.

The development comes as brokers increasingly incorporate AI into market analysis, portfolio tools and trading workflows.

4. Tickmill UK Trading Revenue Falls 11% Despite Higher Volumes

Tickmill UK's 2025 trading revenue declined 11% even as trading volumes increased to $146 billion.

The figures underline an important industry trend: higher trading activity does not necessarily translate directly into stronger revenue, particularly amid changing spreads, client mix and competitive pricing.

5. TMGM and Chelsea Extend Partnership into Fourth Year

TMGM and Chelsea Football Club have extended their partnership into a fourth year, with the collaboration expanding into the Middle East.

The extension reflects the continued importance of sports sponsorships to global brokers seeking brand visibility and client acquisition across strategically important markets.

6. NYSE Taps Blockchain.com for Tokenised Securities Distribution

The New York Stock Exchange has added Blockchain.com as a distribution channel for its tokenised securities venue, marking another step in the convergence of traditional capital markets and blockchain-based infrastructure.

The development comes amid accelerating institutional interest in tokenisation and new models for issuing, settling and distributing financial assets.

7. Brokers Accelerate Adoption of AI Trading Tools

AI continued to emerge as one of the industry's defining technology themes. Brokers are expanding AI-powered analysis and execution features, although a CMC Markets survey found that only around 29% of clients trust AI-generated market insights.

The gap between rapid technology adoption and client confidence could become an increasingly important issue for brokers as AI moves from supporting tools into core trading workflows.

The Week in Perspective

This week's developments point to three trends reshaping the trading industry: tighter oversight of technology-driven trading, continued investment by brokers in AI and digital infrastructure, and growing convergence between traditional finance and tokenised markets.

At the same time, financial results from brokers such as iFOREX and Tickmill UK show that trading volumes alone do not tell the full story. Revenue quality, client mix, technology investment and operational efficiency are becoming increasingly important as competition intensifies.