Former BDSwiss and Exness Executive Nicolas Shamtanis Launches Advisory Firm for Broker Infrastructure Selection

​Industry veteran Nicolas Shamtanis has introduced a new consultancy aimed at helping fintech companies, CFD brokers, proprietary trading firms, and trading platforms navigate the complex process of selecting outsourced infrastructure providers. The firm is designed to simplify vendor selection in a market increasingly crowded with payment, liquidity, technology, and risk-management solutions.

According to Shamtanis, the large number of service providers in the market often makes it difficult for financial firms to identify the most suitable partners. He noted that while many vendors claim to offer the best solutions, only a limited number deliver real value. The consultancy’s goal is to cut through this complexity by filtering out less relevant options and highlighting providers that can deliver measurable business impact.

Shamtanis explained that the firm helps companies save time, avoid expensive mistakes, and negotiate stronger commercial agreements by identifying infrastructure solutions that genuinely support business growth.

Focus on Infrastructure Vendor Selection

The new firm, Conexus IQ, positions itself as an intermediary between financial companies and infrastructure providers. Its services are focused on evaluating vendors and recommending those that can deliver clear commercial benefits.

While other consultancies also advise brokers and proprietary trading firms, many operate with a broader scope. Firms such as FutureBridge Consulting, for example, provide guidance on technology, compliance, and operational strategy, which may also include infrastructure and vendor recommendations.

Similarly, larger fintech consulting firms like Vention and Finteknology support brokerage and trading companies in reviewing their technology stacks and selecting software or infrastructure partners.

Conexus IQ offers assessments across a wide range of infrastructure components, including payment systems, crypto on- and off-ramping services, liquidity providers, trading platforms, CRM systems, bridges, plugins, integrations, risk-management tools, as well as social and copy-trading technology. The firm also provides guidance related to licensing and regulatory support.

The company says its objective is to streamline decision-making for brokers and fintech firms, helping them reduce risk and improve long-term commercial outcomes.

Leadership Background

Shamtanis co-founded Conexus IQ together with fintech executive Stathis Xenos. Prior to launching the consultancy, Shamtanis served as CEO of Red Acre Ltd until late 2024. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles including CEO and Deputy CEO at BDSwiss, as well as positions at Exness and easyMarkets.

His professional experience spans dealing operations, business development, commercial leadership, and B2B sales within the online trading industry.

Co-founder Stathis Xenos brings extensive operational and growth expertise from the fintech and brokerage sector. He previously served in dual COO roles at Netrios and Red Acre, where he managed “broker-as-a-service” and “prop-as-a-service” technology offerings designed for forex and cryptocurrency brokers.

Earlier in his career, Xenos worked as Vice President of Growth and Head of Institutional at ZuluTrade, where he led strategies related to client acquisition, retention, and institutional partnerships. He also held leadership positions including Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Growth at A-QUANT.