Ripple And LMAX Push Stablecoins While UK IPO Market Shows Weakness

TLDR

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Ripple will finance $150M to support LMAX’s cross-asset growth plan using stablecoins.
eToro plans to lay off over 100 staff, citing AI integration as a key factor.
Swissquote forecasts 2025 pre-tax profits of CHF 420M, up from CHF 345M in 2024.
Capital.com secured a license in Kenya to expand online forex trading in Africa.

This week’s global fintech recap spotlights rising stablecoin adoption, job cuts linked to AI, broker expansion in Africa, and cautious optimism around UK IPOs. While some trading firms struggle with structural change, others report strong growth or embrace innovation to stay competitive.

Ripple and LMAX Partner to Advance Stablecoin Integration

Ripple and LMAX Group announced a partnership to expand stablecoin use in institutional trading. Ripple will provide $150 million in financing as part of LMAX’s cross-asset growth plans.

LMAX Digital, the group’s crypto exchange, already listed Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin RLUSD in 2025. The move is designed to bridge traditional markets with digital assets by improving settlement infrastructure.

LATEST: 💰 Ripple is providing $150 million in financing to LMAX Group as part of a multi-year partnership that will integrate the RLUSD stablecoin across institutional trading infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/zC4XO4T1QH
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 16, 2026

Interactive Brokers also introduced stablecoin deposits for eligible US clients. The platform enables 24/7 funding using stablecoins, which are gaining traction due to faster processing.

According to a Binance report, average monthly stablecoin volumes surpassed Visa’s in 2025. The market cap rose to $305 billion, with daily transactions hitting $3.54 trillion.

AI Drives Workforce Reductions at eToro and Others

eToro will reduce its workforce by around 7%, potentially affecting more than 100 employees. CEO Yoni Assia stated the move ensures the company aligns with long-term goals.

“eToro is ensuring we are correctly sized to meet our business needs,” Assia said in a public statement. The company had over 1,500 staff in 2024, as per its IPO filing.

The layoffs come as AI adoption accelerates across the trading sector. The parent company of FXCM and Tradu is also expected to cut a similar number of employees, partly due to automation.

Companies cite AI both as a cost-cutting tool and a future growth enabler, helping them streamline processes and reduce human error.

Swissquote Reports Strong 2025 Performance

Swissquote expects 2025 revenue to reach CHF 720 million with a pre-tax profit near CHF 420 million. This would mark an increase from CHF 345 million in profit and CHF 655 million in revenue in 2024.

These results exceed earlier guidance of CHF 700 million in revenue and CHF 365 million in profit. The company operates as a digital bank and trading platform in Switzerland and other regions.

Swissquote’s growth contrasts with the cost-cutting seen at some other brokers. It reflects the continued demand for digital finance services, especially in stable regulatory environments.

IPO Recovery Still Elusive in the UK

The UK IPO market showed limited recovery in 2025. All 20 companies that went public during the year closed with combined losses of over 3%.

Investor confidence remained low due to unstable fiscal policies and mixed economic signals. Analysts say regulatory and tax uncertainty discouraged listings.

The UK continues to struggle to attract high-growth firms, many of which choose to list in the US or Asia. Efforts to simplify listing rules have had limited effect so far.

Broker Expansion and Prop Trading Developments

Capital.com obtained a license to operate in Kenya, expanding its services across Africa. Samwel Kiraka was appointed as CEO to lead its Kenyan operations.

The firm can now offer forex and trading services under local regulation. The move reflects growing interest in under-served markets.

In proprietary trading, Arizet Labs launched a gamified trading platform tailored for prop firms. These firms often simulate trading and are not regulated like traditional brokers.

In the US, some prop firms are breaking even within six months. However, returns vary based on marketing costs and platform choice.