Ultima Markets, a fast-growing global brokerage firm, has significantly bolstered its executive leadership with the appointment of Gareth Derbyshire as Chief Strategy Officer. The move follows the company’s recent regulatory milestone—securing a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) licence in the United Kingdom—as it prepares for a full market entry in 2026.
Strategic Expansion into the UK Market
This high-profile hire comes as Ultima Markets gears up to launch services in the UK’s highly competitive retail trading space. The firm’s FCA authorisation marks a pivotal step in its expansion strategy, allowing it to bring its services to one of the most mature and regulated markets in the world.
While the UK market is dominated by long-established players such as IG and CMC Markets, Ultima Markets sees room for innovation and differentiation.
About Gareth Derbyshire: A Proven Compliance Veteran
With nearly 25 years of experience in financial services compliance, Gareth Derbyshire brings deep industry knowledge and regulatory insight to his new strategic role.
He entered the retail trading sector in 2010, serving as Head of Compliance for the UK and Europe at CMC Markets, where he oversaw operations during a pivotal growth phase. He later took up senior compliance roles at Plus500 UK, and subsequently joined ETX Capital (later rebranded as OvalX) as Head of Compliance and MLRO. His tenure at these firms cemented his reputation as a trusted leader in navigating complex regulatory environments.
OvalX, formerly ETX Capital, ceased operations in 2023, with its client book acquired by Capital.com.
A New Contender Among Industry Titans
Ultima Markets’ entry into the UK retail trading landscape signals growing confidence from international brokers in challenging long-standing incumbents. With regulatory approvals already in place in South Africa and Mauritius, the company’s expansion into the UK is part of a broader global strategy—focused especially on the high-growth Asia-Pacific region.
The addition of Derbyshire is expected to help Ultima navigate the intricacies of UK regulation while shaping long-term strategy for market differentiation and growth.
With the appointment of Gareth Derbyshire and its newly granted FCA licence, Ultima Markets is positioning itself as a serious contender in the UK’s retail trading sector—signalling not only ambition, but also a commitment to regulatory integrity and strategic growth.