Executive Moves of the Week: Broker and Crypto Firms Strengthen Leadership for Regional Expansion

This week’s executive appointments highlight a continued focus on growth, technology, and regional expansion across the brokerage and digital asset sectors. From Kraken and HFM elevating experienced leaders to key executive positions, to EC Markets and TenTrade reinforcing their commercial teams, firms are investing in leadership capable of driving operational excellence, revenue growth, and market development. The moves also reflect the increasing crossover between the FX/CFD and crypto industries, as companies seek experienced executives with strong regulatory, technology, and business development expertise to support their next phase of expansion.

Kraken Promotes Former Pepperstone Executive Stavros Vassiliades to EU COO

Crypto exchange Kraken has promoted Stavros Vassiliades to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Director for its European Union business. Based in Cyprus, Vassiliades joined Kraken in 2025 after serving as Executive Director of Pepperstone EU for three years. He brings extensive experience in brokerage operations, compliance, and regulatory management, with previous roles at MPS Marketplace Securities and MAP Fintech.

In his new position, Vassiliades will oversee Kraken's European operations and regulated activities through Payward Europe Digital Solutions. The promotion reflects Kraken's strategy of strengthening its European leadership team with executives from the FX and CFD brokerage sector as the company continues expanding its regulated financial services offering across Europe.

HFM Appoints Technology Executive Georgios Papassavas as CEO

Multi-asset broker HFM has appointed Georgios Papassavas as Chief Executive Officer. Papassavas officially assumed the role in February after nearly ten years with the company, most recently serving as Chief Information Officer, where he led HFM’s technology infrastructure and digital development initiatives.

Prior to joining HFM, Papassavas worked in software engineering at Amdocs and later held technology leadership roles at FxPro. His appointment reflects a broader trend in the trading industry of technology executives moving into top leadership positions, as brokers increasingly prioritize innovation, automation, and AI-driven capabilities in their growth strategies.

EC Markets Promotes Ploypapat Pukhutmanosage to Sales Director

EC Markets has promoted Ploypapat Pukhutmanosage to Sales Director, recognizing her contributions to the firm's regional sales and business development efforts. Pukhutmanosage has played a key role in market expansion and client engagement initiatives, particularly across Southeast Asia.

In her new position, she will lead sales strategy, support business development activities, strengthen relationships with clients and partners, and help drive growth across key markets. The promotion reflects EC Markets' focus on strengthening its commercial leadership team and expanding its presence in high-growth regions through enhanced client engagement and partnership development.

TenTrade Appoints Andreas Andreou as CRO and Marios Morfakis as CSO

TenTrade has expanded its senior management team with the appointments of Andreas Andreou as Partner and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Marios Morfakis as Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Andreou joins from INGOT Brokers, where he served as Chief Sales Officer, and previously held senior commercial leadership roles at BDSwiss and HFM. He will be responsible for revenue growth, commercial strategy, and global expansion initiatives.

Morfakis also joins from INGOT Brokers, where he was Global Head of Business Development, following a two-year tenure as Global Head of Sales at BDSwiss. In his new role, he will lead sales strategy and business development efforts. The appointments support TenTrade’s focus on accelerating client acquisition, strengthening partnerships, and expanding its international market presence.