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Khalifa Butti Bin Omeir, majority shareholder and founder of OFM, will take an equity stake in AxiCorp as part of the deal
Combined operation will bring AxiCorp among the top 10 FX and CFD global providers
DUBAI, UAE: Australian-owned Forex (FX) and Contracts For Difference (CFD) trading provider AxiCorp has announced that it will acquire UK-headquartered One Financial Markets (OFM). The deal is predominantly cash-based and will be subject to customary regulatory approvals. It will see AxiCorp strengthen its Middle East footprint significantly, thanks to OFM’s strong brand and established presence in the region.
OFM brings with it a reputation as one of the pioneers in FX trading in the Middle East, with a track record of more than 10 years operating in the region. Headquartered in Dubai, in 2017, One Financial Markets (DIFC) Ltd reinforced its position the region when it secured a full retail licence from The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Its Dubai office represents a major hub for OFM and will complement AxiCorp’s existing footprint reaching from East to West. Together, the combined regional entity will form one of the largest online trading platforms for FX, CFDs, Commodities and other financial instruments, providing market-leading products and services to clients across MENA.
The deal will also see majority shareholder and founder, Khalifa Butti Bin Omeir, the Chairman of diversified investment group KBBO Group, take an equity stake in AxiCorp.
“We established AxiCorp a decade ago to provide Australian FX and CFD traders with a home-grown option. Our clients now span the globe, so we see the acquisition of a London-based competitor, with its complementary regional presence in the Middle East and Asia, as a milestone both for us and the industry as a whole,” said Rajesh Yohannan, AxiCorp’s Chief Executive.
Filippo De Rosa, Chief Executive Officer Middle East Region for AxiCorp, added, “We are excited to be joining forces with such a well-respected brand in our market. The deal represents a significant strengthening of AxiCorp’s presence in the Middle East and reinforces our long-term commitment to the region.”
Founded in 2007, AxiCorp is a global online trading platform for FX, CFDs, Commodities and other financial instruments. It now ranks among the top trading companies in the world with a presence in Australia, the UK, Middle East and Asia.
The deal is a result of more than 12 months of talks between the two companies. The move also comes amid anticipation of further consolidation in the global CFD and FX industry due to upcoming regulatory changes.
The acquisition will strengthen AxiCorp’s foothold in a number of key markets including the UK, and Asia, as well as the Middle East. The combined operation will deliver an estimated US$ 2 trillion annual trading volume and cement the company’s position among the top 10 CFD and FX providers globally.
Under the deal, AxiCorp will acquire all the staff, operations and licenses of OFM, a privately-owned FX provider. AxiCorp will retain the OFM brand, which has strong presence in the Middle East, Europe, South America and Central and South East Asia. The quality of its service and offering in the Middle East is regularly recognized with industry awards including IAIR’s Broker of the Year, Online Trading – Middle East; Saudi Money Expo’s Best Institutional Broker and Top International FX Broker; and CN Forex’s Best FX Services Broker.
Ashley Clarke, Chief Executive Officer at One Financial Markets (OFM) said: “After building the OFM brand and network in several key markets, this (acquisition) is a great opportunity to get to the next level of growth. And it’s a privilege that we will be part of the global AxiCorp family as we pursue other markets.”
He added: “Given AxiCorp’s focus on continued growth and expansion, we look forward to a stronger presence in the FX and CFD markets.”
Sydney-based AxiCorp has been expanding its global footprint since Yohannan took the CEO role more than two years ago. The company had also secured significant strategic investment from private equity firm RGT Capital.
Based on some recent industry reports, Axicorp has experienced higher revenue and EBITDA CAGR growth in the last 2 years than many of the largest publicly listed companies in the FX and CFD sector.
“We have laid a solid and strategic foundation for global growth in recent years and we’re now delivering against this plan. Expansion will be fuelled by a combination of product development and acquisitions across the industry” Yohannan added.
“Overall demand for forex products is still rising, helped by market volatility and popularity of the product in emerging markets,” Yohannan said. “But with new regulations coming into force this year, we believe consolidation will remain a key theme and expect to have the opportunity to make further strategic acquisition in due course.”
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About AxiCorp
AxiCorp is a wholly Australian-owned and award winning Financial Services company and is a recognised emerging force in the global FX and CFD industry.
Founded in 2007, AxiCorp is a global online trading platform offering FX, CFDs, Commodities and other financial instruments to retail and institutional clients across the globe. It now ranks among the top trading companies in the world with presence in Australia, the UK, Middle East and Asia.
AxiCorp is fully regulated by respected governing authorities around the world, including The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) in Australia, The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand and The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in Dubai.
About One Financial Markets
One Financial Markets is a global, award winning, online broker providing 24/5 trading facilities to retail and institutional investors in forex and CFDs on indices, commodities, energies, bonds and futures.
Established in London in 2007, C B Financial Services Ltd (trading as One Financial Markets) is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and in South Africa by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. The Company has wholly owned entities based in Hong Kong and Dubai that are regulated respectively by the local regulatory body.
The Company offers global presence with local expertise through its wholly owned and affiliate offices throughout the Middle East, Europe, South America and Central and South East Asia.
For more information or if you want to interview Rajesh Yohannan, please contact:
Margaret Flanagan
+971 55 4185732
margaret.flanagan@bm.com
Sophie Mcnulty
+971 4 4507 672
sophie.mcnulty@bm.com
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