Finatext UK

Finatext UK, established in 2016, operates in the competitive fintech space with a focus on simplifying currency trading for a broader audience. The firm's flagship product is Pipster, a mobile application designed to make forex trading accessible, particularly targeting millennials and those new to trading.

The company's strategic approach is centered on education and gradual immersion into the complex world of currency markets. The Pipster app allows users to begin with a virtual portfolio, enabling them to practice and hone their trading skills in a risk-free environment before committing real capital. For those ready to engage in live trading, the platform permits entry with a relatively low initial investment, starting from as little as £50.

A significant milestone for the company was the 'Bull Run' competition held in November 2018. This event involved 75 students from four London universities who were given a virtual £10,000 to trade over 30 days. The participants, many of whom had no prior trading experience, collectively generated a virtual profit of £22,000, demonstrating the potential of non-professionals when equipped with the right tools. This initiative underscored the company's thesis that trading expertise is no longer the exclusive domain of City professionals.

The Pipster app provides users with features such as currency selection, trading tips, and relevant news feeds to inform their trading decisions. The service aims to disrupt the traditional brokerage model by empowering individuals, suggesting that the future of trading may lie with individuals in informal settings rather than in the high-rises of financial districts. The development of Pipster was spearheaded by CEO Rob Brockington, who brought his experience from working on trading floors and managing trading platforms at major financial institutions like HSBC and Deutsche Bank. His background provided the insight that the sophisticated algorithms used by banks could be adapted for a mass-market audience.

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