The growing attention surrounding cryptocurrencies should
not distract brokers from the markets their clients continue to trade,
according to Jason Hughes, General Manager at IC.
Speaking at iFX EXPO Asia 2026 in Hong Kong, Hughes joined
industry executives to debate whether digital assets are delivering on their
commercial promise, or whether established markets such as gold, precious
metals and major FX pairs remain the backbone of the brokerage business.
The discussion, “From Bitcoin to Bullion: Where Is
the Real Revenue?”, examined a question facing brokers across Asia and
beyond: where should firms direct their next round of investment as client
demand, trading technology and market conditions change?
“For brokers, the priority is not choosing between
traditional and digital assets. It is ensuring clients can access the markets
they want to trade, supported by reliable infrastructure and consistent
execution standards,” Hughes said.
While digital assets have opened new opportunities for
brokers, the discussion also raised questions about the commercial case for
investing in new products and technologies, particularly when established
instruments continue to attract trading activity.
The panel examined the challenges of 24/7 trading, from
liquidity provision to execution quality, and the implications for brokers
expanding their product offerings.
For Hughes, the wider issue is how firms balance innovation
with the fundamentals of their business. New products may attract attention,
but their long-term value depends on client demand and the infrastructure
needed to support trading activity.
Hughes also took part in “Inside the Deal: The
Future of Financial Brands in Sport”, a separate discussion on the
commercial value of sports partnerships.
Drawing on IC’s involvement in motorsport and esports, he
discussed why financial brands need to look beyond sponsorship exposure and
consider how partnerships support their broader business objectives.
“The value of a sports partnership goes beyond visibility.
It comes from the relationships you build, the audiences you reach and the
trust you develop over time,” Hughes said.
He noted that while brand awareness remains important, its
direct commercial impact can be difficult to isolate. For IC, engagement with
business partners and the opportunity to build relationships are also important
measures of value.
IC participated in iFX EXPO Asia 2026 as part of its
engagement with the international trading industry, contributing to discussions
on brokerage strategy, market access and the commercial priorities shaping the
sector.
About IC
IC is one of the world’s largest online
trading providers, offering access to a wide range of trading instruments
across Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Founded in 2007 in Australia, IC is known for its deep liquidity, ultra-low
spreads, and advanced trading technology, trusted by traders in over 200
countries. Ranked No. 1 globally for retail FX/other volumes (Finance Magnates
Q4 Report), IC continues to invest in innovation, infrastructure, and strategic
partnerships as it expands across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and
Latin America.
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This article was written by IL Contributors at investinglive.com.