www.wealthandfinance-news.com Q4 2025 Communify: WealthTech Provider of the Year 2025 Featuring: Pegasus Risk Management: Most Disruptive AI Human Portfolio & ETF Manager 2025
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Contents 4. News: - A fifth of wealthy over 55s unaware that pensions are set to become liable to IHT - Deel Unveils Year-End Upgrades to Simplify Planning, Payroll, and Global Compliance 7. From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Why Buying Commercial Property Makes Sense Right Now 8. Learn Crypto Global: Best Blockchain Education Platform 2025 10. Erichsen Consulting: Best Strategic Business Consultancy Firm 2025 – Europe & Most Trusted Content Elevation Specialists 2025 – Europe 11. Etherion Consulting LLP: Best Boutique Data- Driven Transformation Consultancy 2025 12. Communify: WealthTech Provider of the Year 2025 13. First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited: Best Pension Fund Custodian 2025 – Nigeria 14. AvaTrade: Most Innovative Global Trading Platform 2025 15. Lendable Capital: Best Tech-Driven Investment Platform 2025 - UK 16. ODAS Global Consulting Ltd: Most Innovative Liquidity Provider 2025 – UK & Excellence Award for Business Strategy Consulting Services 2025 18. Pegasus Risk Management: Most Disruptive AI-Human Portfolio & ETF Manager 2025 20. Speak to Shine International Ltd: Management Consultancy of the Year 2025 – South East England & Client Service Excellence Award 2025 21. SecureStream Pay Solutions: Best Payment Processing Solutions 2025 – USA
NEWS A fifth of wealthy over 55s unaware that pensions are set to become liable to IHT • 19% of high net worth individuals (HNWs) aged 55 and over are unaware that unused private pensions will be liable for inheritance tax from April 2027 • 51% are somewhat aware of these changes, but don’t know the exact details of what it means • Alarmingly, 25% of 55+ year olds are actively not taking any action to account for the pension changes • But 15% of those who are aware are spending money from their pension to reduce their IHT burden One in five (19%) HNWs aged 55 and over are completely unaware of the pension changes coming into effect in April 2027, according to new research from Charles Stanley, part of Raymond James Wealth Management. From 6th April 2027, a major change to inheritance tax (IHT) rules will affect how pension pots are treated upon death, with unused private pensions included as part of an individual’s estate for inheritance tax. This could bring millions more estates within the scope of IHT. Those aged over 55 are the most likely to be affected by these pension changes, yet are the least aware of them. While 51% say they are somewhat aware of the changes coming into effect, they have only heard of them and don’t know exactly what they are or what they mean. This means a considerable number of people are at risk of paying more IHT than expected, leaving beneficiaries of estates exposed to higher tax. Alarmingly though, of those who are aware of changes coming into effect, a quarter (25%) of 55+ year olds are actively not taking any action to account for the pension changes. 13% have not taken any action yet but plan to, while 8% don’t know what they can do to account for the upcoming changes. For those who are taking action, 15% say they are spending money from their pension to reduce their IHT liability, while 14% say they are more focused on alternative tax-efficient savings vehicles (e.g. ISAs). 13% say they have changed their financial plans to reduce the possible IHT burden they face, and another 13% have sought professional advice on what they should do. More generally when thinking about the pension changes for 2027, sentiment among those aged 55 and above is largely negative. 32% say they feel disappointed by the pension changes coming into effect, while 23% feel frustrated and 20% feel disillusioned. Conversely, 10% feel confident about the pension changes, and only 8% said they felt prepared. A further 8% said they are unbothered when thinking about the pension changes coming into effect. Harry Bell, Director Financial Planning at Charles Stanley, comments: “Pensions are among the most valuable assets people hold, yet many remain unaware of how upcoming reforms could affect their estate planning. From April 2027, unused pension pots will fall within the scope of inheritance tax, which could significantly increase liabilities for families. “While there’s no need for knee-jerk reactions, understanding the implications and planning ahead is essential. These changes alter longstanding assumptions about retirement planning, so taking advice now is crucial to avoid unexpected tax bills and ensure your wealth supports both your income needs and your legacy”.
NEWS Deel Unveils Year-End Upgrades to Simplify Planning, Payroll, and Global Compliance Deel announced a suite of new products and updates in The Deel Drop: Fall Edition, designed to simplify year-end planning and payroll while giving global HR and Finance teams a head start on 2026. As performance reviews, budgets, and payroll deadlines converge, the October release brings structure, automation, and AI-driven support to the most demanding time of the year - helping teams plan smarter, close faster, and start stronger. Key Updates from The Deel Drop: October 2025 Year-End Planning: Align Fast, Plan with Confidence • Enhanced Calibration in Performance Reviews: Improved filtering, heatmaps, and tagging for fair, consistent compensation decisions. • New Planning Cycles: Replace spreadsheets with structured timelines and collaborative approval flows. • Scenario Calculator: Model headcount and cost changes in minutes and convert approved plans into job requests with one click. • Integrated Compensation Bands: Unify pay and performance decisions across HR and Finance. Payroll Wrapped & Ready: Close Faster, With Fewer Surprises • Payroll Connect: Consolidate multi-country data into one global dashboard. • Payroll Auto-Submission: Keep runs on time with automated, policybased scheduling. • Prorated Pay & Bulk Editing: Reduce manual fixes and simplify adjustments. • Benefits Administration: Flow open enrollment data directly into payroll for cleaner year-end results. Global Operations: Streamline Mobility, Compliance, and ActionOriented AI • Business Visas: Launch short-term work trips with built-in eligibility and application flows. • Entity Management System (EMS): Centralize filings, bylaws, and shareholder data for stronger global compliance. • Deel AI Teammates: Specialized agents that handle routine HR and payroll tasks, from leave approvals to payroll audits - under your control. • Build Your Own Agent: Create no-code custom AI agents for company-specific workflows. “This release is about giving teams the infrastructure they need when it matters most,” said Kobi Eldar, Head of Product for EOR and Payroll at Deel. “This release gives teams the infrastructure to turn that complexity into clarity. Whether you’re finalizing comp plans, closing payroll across dozens of countries, or planning your 2026 workforce, these tools help you move faster, decide with confidence, and start the new year ahead.” New tools automate workforce planning, speed up payroll close, and preview Deel’s next wave of AI innovation.
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Feature From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Why Buying Commercial Property Makes Sense Right Now 2025 is a year that will go down in history for many things. The year AI became truly ubiquitous, a year of geopolitical realignment, a pivotal moment in the reshaping of global supply chains and, perhaps less recognised, one of the most opportune moments in recent history for companies to transition from tenants to owners. The fact is, for many businesses in 2025, the decision to purchase commercial property isn’t just about location and square footage anymore – it’s become a strategic move that can offer a range of financial, operational and long-term advantages over renting. The UK real estate market is currently in the midst of a recovery phase that began in mid-2022, with transaction volumes and values hitting their lowest point in 2024. The notion of an “early-mover advantage” for investors is supported by consensus among analysts and real estate firms, but the window of opportunity won’t remain open indefinitely. As prices and transaction volumes begin to recover from lows, current investors may benefit from improved yield prospects and capital appreciation over the next few years but competition and rising values may start to erode “first-mover” benefits as the recovery becomes more apparent. Beyond the upside of early positioning, there are plenty of compelling reasons to buy commercial property in 2025. For a start, there’s the opportunity for long-term cost control, which becomes increasingly appealing to business owners as uncertainty continues to mount around them. Unlike leasing, which is subject to rising rental rates, property ownership allows businesses to lock in their occupancy costs and insulate themselves from inflationary pressures. Over time, mortgage payments can be more predictable and often more economical than lease renewals, particularly in prime locations where rents continue to escalate. In many UK cities and key commercial zones – particularly in the South East – the availability of suitable freehold commercial property is limited. This scarcity has long driven competition among owner-occupiers and as businesses return to physical workplaces with new hybrid strategies and long-term location planning, those able to secure ownership now will benefit from future-proofing their operations and avoiding intensifying competition down the line. We’re seeing this first hand in the industrial development we’re currently working on in High Wycombe, where individual owners have the opportunity to purchase their own business units – satisfying the pent-up demand for smaller commercial units across the South East. The range of enquiries has come from an unusually diverse mix of occupiers. Interest has spanned everything from pharmaceutical businesses and tech firms and creative businesses (for instance, a film production company) looking for flexible industrial space. This spread of demand highlights how ownership is no longer confined to traditional industrial users – businesses from across sectors are now exploring the advantages of owning their own premises. It reflects a broader shift in sentiment: companies are thinking not only about immediate operational needs, but also about the resilience, adaptability, and long-term security that comes with property ownership. Apart from the assurance of protection from unpredictable rent hikes, purchasing a property also allows businesses to build equity rather than pour capital into a lease. This shift turns what would otherwise be a sunk cost into a long-term asset on the balance sheet – one that can appreciate in value, generate rental income from unused space, or even serve as collateral for future financing. The fact is that while many businesses delay big property decisions or favour renting during times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, investor confidence and liquidity are gradually improving. Industry sentiment suggests that more businesses and vendors are increasingly prepared to accept current pricing, recognising that macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty is unlikely to go away anytime soon. Purchasing UK commercial property, then, becomes a defensive strategy – securing assets, locking in costs, and capitalizing on the UK’s relative stability and favourable financing conditions. Beyond the market mechanics though, one of the most appealing aspects of owning a commercial space is the greater autonomy businesses have over how it is configured and used. Businesses no longer need to seek landlord approval for fit-outs, signage, structural changes, or branding. They get the freedom to tailor the property to their own operational and cultural needs, which is all the more appealing for businesses that have specialised infrastructure requirements. Customisation means that the space can support both the technical and operational needs of the business today as well as letting it scale or adapt as those needs evolve. Uncertainty may continue to be a key feature of the economic landscape, but businesses that own their property gain the confidence of knowing they can shape, adapt, and invest in their space on their own terms. If 2025 is a year that will go down in history for many things – volatility and transformation will absolutely be among them. Buying commercial property right now offers businesses more than just a roof over their heads — it offers control, stability, and strategic advantage. In a climate where waiting for certainty may mean missing the moment, many forward-thinking companies are choosing to take action even now, not despite uncertainty, but because of it. For businesses with vision and stability, purchasing commercial space isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a vote of confidence in their own future. By Andy Jansons, an experienced entrepreneur with over four decades of experience in the commercial property industry.
8 | Wealth & Finance Q4 2025 Best Blockchain Education Platform 2025 From cryptocurrency to web3, blockchain to AI and digital currencies, Learn Crypto Global is a premier provider of education to demystify the ever-evolving subjects which are becoming even more integral in our fast-paced world. With global clients, Learn Crypto Global provides first class education in blockchain, digital tech, and finance in multiple languages, all to fill the monumental skills gap between where technology is today and where it will be in the not so distant future. Founder Rick Baker told us: “There is a massive gap in the market from people who have been there, understanding risks and rewards and shaping the digital world as we know it now.” This is truly where Learn Crypto Global comes in as the award-winning education company delivers bite-size lessons for different price levels (including free of charge lessons) and in multiple languages to break down barriers and provide everyone with accessible learning. The company’s core goals are to educate, empower and onboard as many people as possible to thrive in the ever-changing digital world of web3. By making everything accessible to learners on a global basis, this shift is entirely possible and achievable even quicker than before. Covering four different languages, so far, the company breaks everything down into easily consumable, downloadable resources for people around the world. Furthermore, with the power of the platform’s development, Learn Crypto Global will soon be able to offer its modules and resources in any language. As technology evolves, translation is made easier and more accurate and will therefore be carried out digitally in a matter of hours rather than human translation which may take a matter of weeks. What’s impressive about the Learn Crypto Global’s platform is that the resources are easily tailored to the needs of each learner in a matter of hours. All a student needs to do is contact the company and explain their needs, and the Learn Crypto Global platform will respond with a bespoke training matrix that ensures they achieve and excel. Always working hard to address any pain points of its learners, around the globe, Learn Crypto Global offers access to premium content for bespoke courses and top-tier learning to minimise, and even close, the skills gap in the market. Especially concentrating on underserved communities, Rick shared: “We serve these communities by identifying what they need for digital skills in their native language and from a tech point of view. We provide bespoke learning for all people to make everything accessible.” Rick continued: “We’re not just building another platform we’re building the future of how people learn and how they prove what they know. In 2025, trust and transparency are so important across the board, we believe that education should be global, inclusive, assessable, and truly owned by the learner.” By extension, especially from an institution’s point of view, not everything can be tangibly tracked and monitored, but, with Learn Crypto Global’s technology, everything can be tracked so we can see exactly where a learner is hitting a hurdle. Rick added: “Tracking everything on the blockchain is transparent and monitorable in real time.” Using blockchain technology as a solution for learners’ success, the company has truly hit more than milestones, it has improved many individuals’ experiences of learning and achievement in the digital age. The company has truly hit more than milestones, it has improved learning and achievement in the digital age. As we balance in this pivotal moment, between the technology we know now and the technology to come – Learn Crypto Global gets us up to speed and more. With deep insights, the business’ team of three highly experienced individuals – before the team expands – ensures that learners from all communities can experience simple explanations of some of the most seemingly complex digital technologies to an outsider. Breaking down barriers to provide a platform of information, learning and achieving globally acceptable qualifications. Establishing itself as a reliable source for blockchain education, especially as learning should be accessible for everyone while enabling everyone to progress in their careers, Learn Crypto Global identifies what people want to do. If this means real estate then a module can be added in relation to blockchain technology in real estate, as an example. Adding modules can be tailored, in addition to core modules and extra learning for a multitude of disciplines for careers, hobbies, and interests. All of this, and more, has helped Learn Crypto Global to stay at the very cutting edge of its sector, especially as the world is changing so rapidly. Rick added: “The shift from the infancy of computer based technology back in the 1980’s to global domination took almost 20 years. Now there is nothing in our lives that is not dependant on a computer microchip is some way. And then the shift from cash to card technology seemed to happen so much quicker. But now the development and progression of blockchain will be lightning fast in comparison. Just even the shift to a wider acceptance of digital payments is already happening so quickly and soon the shift will be the global acceptance of cryptocurrencies. How long until every major business accepts crypto payments? Implementing things such as these is only a matter of time, and people need a way to understand and be educated. Through both free and paid courses, Learn Crypto Global are on a mission to provide the training and educational platform that is affordable for everyone from talks/lectures to building and integration into mainstream curriculums. Additionally, we offer a white label education packages for institutions and corporate companies. “This type of course is tailored to their needs to get staff trained up while also responding to the needs of school leavers and college leavers. “The Learn Crypto Global platform has the ability and flexibility to develop courses and progression tailored to their needs of individuals and businesses alike. Covering the training needs of staff through to school and college leavers. The biggest issue of the digital shift is that the entire education system isn’t ready, and individuals are having to resort to teaching themselves via social media. And the problem with the education system is that it is run by educationalist with no real business related experience. So the Learn Crypto Global platform bridges that void.” Jul25149 As the world finds itself at a pivotal moment, on the very precipice of digital revolution as never seen before, it’s of utmost importance to close the skill gap around the world – so we’re all prepared for the innovation that’s right on our doorsteps. Bridging the gap is Learn Crypto Global, and here we highlight the company’s offerings after recently recognising it in our FinTech Awards 2025. We also hear more about Founder Rick Baker below.
From individuals to corporate teams, the company continues to educate a broad range of people for web3, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and the innovative use of AI. With Learn Crypto Global, everything is more simple, streamlined, and accessible. The years to come are looking particularly exciting for the business as it responds to the shifts in the digital realm with its progressive learning platform. Rick told us: “Over the next 6 months our platform will identify bottlenecks in learning to provide extra educational materials. This allows us to reach anyone in any corner of the world in new digital technologies.” The future of digital technology is rapidly changing and, in order to evolve with the changes, it’s important to consider how you can upskill and upgrade your learning. Don’t get left behind, especially as Learn Crypto Global can offer the most up-to-date lessons for the tech revolution. Atop all of this, Learn Crypto Global will have “over 100 lessons on our platform, with downloadable resources in eight languages. We’ll be pushing this across Europe and out to the wider market around the world, via global marketing and the securing of partnerships with major universities. We’re set to attend the web summit alpha start up programme exhibition in Lisbon this November and we’ll be attending more large blockchain and web3 events as we expand the team and build exciting tech that will reshape the future of education. “As we go through a global growth and development programme over the next 6-12 months, working with different universities and institutional partners to develop full scholarships, Learn Crypto Global is set to integrate degrees in blockchain.” Especially as American universities already have blockchain courses, it’s important for that development of courses to be made available across the rest of the world. Wealth and Finance International is proud to announce Learn Crypto Global’s success in our Fintech Awards this year, and we look forward to seeing where its platform takes its learners as the digital landscape continues to shift. For expert AI powered learning across blockchain, web3, cryptocurrencies, and more, reach out to Learn Crypto Global today. Contact: Rick Baker Company: Learn Crypto Global Website: https://learncrypto.global/ Best Blockchain Education Platform 2025
10 | Wealth & Finance Q4 2025 Best Strategic Business Consultancy Firm 2025 – Europe & Most Trusted Content Elevation Specialists 2025 – Europe Since 2021, Erichsen Consulting had provided clients with business growth and marketing consultancy services distinctly focused on strategy, execution, and optimisation. Combining long-term strategic growth with day-to-day marketing execution – across areas such as Google, Ads, websites , SEO, copywriting, social media, and data-driven optimisation – the firm serves as both a strategic sparring partner and a fractional CMO for businesses seeking direction, hands-on implementation, and measurable results. Erichsen Consulting serves international and ambitious clientele, often looking to accelerate growth or expand into larger or multilingual markets. Its clients span Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the UK, France, and the U.S. – typically organisations that are serious about growth and value a structured, strategic approach. Many of these clients boast international teams, high growth ambitions, and a desire to position themselves more strongly in competitive markets. “We are customer-centric at our core; every business has unique goals, and we tailor our strategies to fit – not the other way around,” Line told us. “Integrity and transparency are equally important. We operate with honesty and professionalism, keeping our clients fully informed and ensuring our clients can trust that we always act in your best interests. As a strategic sparring partner, we work alongside our clients – sharing insights, ideas, and strategies so that we can achieve sustainable, long-term success together.” Within management consultancy, Erichsen Consulting’s solutions fall into three key areas: strategy and growth, marketing execution, and data and optimisation. On the strategic side, the firm delivers growth consulting, strategy intensives, and fractional CMO services for businesses needing direction at a senior level without hiring in-house. This is combined with executional support – running campaigns, optimising online presence, and elevating content – so clients receive both the plan and its implementation, with an unwavering focus on KPIs. Finally, everything is supported by data analysis, reporting, and conversion tracking to ensure that every action can be measured and improved. To stay ahead of the curve, Erichsen Consulting blends cutting-edge tools and a critical, human-driven approach. It prioritises continuous learning, participation in international business committees, and remaining actively engaged in global networks to stay up to date with the latest in industry trends and technologies. In this manner, Erichsen Consulting has achieved an expert balance that ensures clients benefit from the latest technologies, while never losing the professional and human touch that makes communication resonate. “I see staying updated as non-negotiable in this industry,” stated Line. “That said, I do not believe in chasing every trend. We keep a close eye on global shifts, but we apply them selectively. In that sense, we forge our own path by adapting trends to what genuinely benefits our clients rather than adopting them blindly. I would not call us pacesetters in terms of hype; instead, we are consistent in setting a pace of quality, strategy, and sustainable growth that our clients can rely on.” Looking to the future, Erichsen Consulting is focused on scaling its impact to larger companies in Europe, whilst maintaining the high standards that have come to define its work. With deep experience across marketing, multi-language expertise in Danish, English, and Spanish, and strong knowledge of both Scandinavian and Southern European markets, Erichsen Consulting is well positioned to help an even wider base of businesses attract the right leads, refine their communication, and navigate cultural and market differences with confidence. Alongside its consultancy work, the firm continues to develop practical digital resources – including guides, toolkits, and content packs – that address the challenges its clients face every day. This dual focus allows the firm to support not only its core clientele, but also a broader community of businesses seeking to elevate their strategies with precision and purpose. Leveraging this unrivalled combination, Erichsen Consulting aims to continue expanding its reach while delivering the strategic clarity, execution power, and personal attention that define its boutique approach. As Erichsen Consulting moves into its next chapter, the firm’s focus remains clear: to deliver strategic clarity, elevate content with purpose, and drive sustainable growth for businesses competing in international markets. Through its blend of strategic consultancy, fractional CMO support, and data-driven optimisation, the firm continues to guide organisations through an increasingly complex and competitive landscape. Contact: Line Krogsgaard Erichsen Company: Erichsen Consulting Web Address: www.erichsenconsulting.es As businesses scale across borders, many struggle to balance strategic ambition with hands-on marketing execution. Founded to support this gap, Erichsen Consulting delivers fractional CMO services and growth consultancy rooted in data, client-centricity, and a distinctively personal approach – helping clients attract the right leads and achieve sustainable, long-term success in their operations. We spoke to Line Krogsgaard Erichsen below, Founder and CEO of Erichsen Consulting, as the firm is bestowed with two titles in the Management Consulting Awards 2025.
AIS-Sep25011 Best Boutique Data-Driven Transformation Consultancy 2025 Etherion Consulting LLP delivers insights through storytelling - helping businesses transform data into strategies that inspire action and achieve measurable outcomes. In the wake of the firm celebrating success in the Management Consulting Awards 2025, we find out more about its ethos from its co-founders. Introduction Etherion Consulting LLP (Etherion) provides end-to-end data management solutions for small to mid-scale firms in e-commerce, insurance and healthcare domains. Solutions are tailored as per the unique problems that clients are facing, with Etherion working within a defined programme, with value-based deliverables, that are easy to measure and refine. Projects involve a range of experts with extensive industry-recognised experience in program management and data engineering to work on technical solutions that are efficient and scalable. About Co-Founders Co-founders Shweta Naik and Vaibhav Kalekar understand that start-ups and small-scale firms want to deliver value within strong economical and timely constraints, hence they aim to cut through the jargons and frameworks straight into working on solutions. Running a small team of data enthusiasts with more than a decade of industry experience, Etherion works to make sense of the evolving landscape of data engineering to bring forward immense value to start ups and small businesses. The company’s aim is to not only help startups, scale-ups and small businesses to stay in the game for long but surpass their competitors and be trendsetters. “We value the uniqueness of challenges faced by our clients and work towards creating tailored data solutions that have lasting impact,” the co-founders tell us. “We believe that there is no one size fits all solution and by working closely with clients to understand their problem statement, we can understand the underlying problems rather than providing surface level fixes.” In order to stay ahead of the curve, Etherion continuously invests in research and case studies, drawing on global experience across India, USA, Germany, and Australia. Just as importantly, the firm ensures the solutions it designs remain future-ready and scalable, so that clients can continue to grow long after project delivery. Approaching every engagement with the belief that no two clients are the same, and each has unique challenges and opportunities, the company’s role is predominantly to uncover and solve the underlying problem rather than apply generic frameworks. Their Area of Expertise “We don’t position ourselves as trend followers,” elaborate the co-founders. “Instead, we prefer to forge our own path by applying a collaborative, learning-driven approach where clients benefit from our knowledge and can walk forward with confidence even after our engagement ends.” Etherion’s approach to client service is built on a partnership mindset, working alongside its clients, treating their challenges as its own, and focusing on delivering value-based outcomes that can be clearly measured and refined over time. Prioritising transparency and communication, Etherion ensures that clients always have clarity on progress through interactive dashboards and regular updates. At the same time, it remains agile, adapting quickly when priorities shift and making sure it delivers impact in short, meaningful iterations. “What differentiates us is our ability to cut through jargon and complex frameworks, moving straight into practical, implementable solutions,” the co-founder continue. “We also focus on embedding capability within client teams, so that even after our engagement ends, clients can continue their transformation journey with confidence and independence.” Recently, Etherion was celebrated for its open and honest approach, being named Best Boutique Data-Driven Transformation Consultancy 2025 in the Management Consulting Awards 2025. Understandably honoured by the industry recognition, which validates its client-first approach, the co-founders now have ambitious plans for the future, which revolve around strengthening Etherion’s partnerships with startups and scaling firms in healthcare, insurance, and e-commerce, while also continuing to build brand visibility through thought leadership and industry-focused case studies. Latest About Etherion On the service side, Etherion is investing in custom AI agent solutions to support workflow automation, risk and compliance, data engineering, visualization, orchestration, and portfolio management, as well as enhancing its AI readiness assessments and governance packages, particularly for regulatory-heavy industries, and launching new templates, dashboards, and strategy toolkits to help clients accelerate their data transformation journey. Committed to continuous upskilling, the team will continue its pursuit in advanced certifications such as DAMA and data governance specialization, ensuring that it not only keeps pace with industry changes but also embeds best practices into every client engagement. “Looking ahead, we invite potential clients to connect with us to assess their needs,” the co-founders urge. “Every organisation’s data journey is unique, and our role is to design tailored strategies that not only solve immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for long-term success.” Contact: Shweta Naik & Vaibhav Kalekar Company: Etherion Consulting LLP Web Address: https://www.etherionconsulting.com
12 | Wealth & Finance Q4 2025 WealthTech Provider of the Year 2025 By combining design with advanced architectural standards and a deep understanding of the underlying data, Communify creates top-tier experiences that differentiates its clients in the marketplace. Using thousands of unique data sources combined with custom tools and applications for advanced analytics, calculations, and other derived content, the organisation provides high-quality data aggregation and enrichment in a fraction of the time and cost a ground-up solution would require. With the scale and leverage of its custom-build technology platform, clients can deliver the volume, speed and performance that users expect. Communify Pro+ is a wealth management go-to solution, designed to be effortlessly configured and seamlessly integrated into any wealth manager or bank’s experience. A purpose-built platform created to help financial advisors digitally engage with clients and manage their practices more effectively, Communify Pro+ is designed to support both client retention and growth by streamlining day-to-day operations, enabling advisors to scale their service without compromising quality. Within Communify Pro+ is Advisor Desktop, a centralised hub where advisors can access everything in one view, including KPIs, relationship overviews, and book insights - making it easy to identify priorities and take action quickly. The platform also includes Advisor Client Management tools, which are fully configurable to match an advisor’s preferred workflows. The firm’s intelligence engines, MIND™ AI and Communify Stories™, surface ongoing insights such as Client Financial KPIs, Relationship Overviews, and Plan Profiles. Communify’s personalised news features deliver tailored client experiences by combining the power of AI with their unique interests. Each day, users receive customgenerated podcasts summarising the most relevant news stories, ensuring they stay informed without information overload. MIND™ AI and Communify Stories™: A sophisticated AI-powered platform designed to enhance the financial advisor’s ability to deliver personalised, high quality client interactions at scale. This platform leverages over 4,000 global data sources to create dynamic narratives such as research updates, portfolio summaries and educational stories that improve client engagement, trust and understanding, turning data into meaning and meaning into stories. Communify Stories focuses on three distinct areas: Stock Stories, Client Stories and Portfolio Stories provide advisors with 24/7 access to insights derived from client data, market activity, and behavioural signals. Stories provide narrative views of data with engaging visualisations, enhanced interactivity, and need-to-know information making data more accessible and easier to understand. Stock Stories incorporates dynamic data narratives that can become powerful tools to persuade, inform or inspire action, for investors and advisors alike, whilst Portfolio and Client Stories tells of a client’s financial life, their portfolio strengths and weaknesses and how the market is affecting their financial plans. Stories contextualise what advised clients need to know about markets or their portfolio, weaving together education, interactive data visualisation and personalised nudges into an approachable, dynamic format. Advisor Education: Communify’s app leverages the power of community and social accountability to support better financial habits, grounded in behavioural science. By enabling users to share goals, progress, and milestones with trusted contacts or within curated groups, the company taps into proven benefits of social reinforcement and peer motivation. Macro Opportunities powered by the Economist: Rich microeconomic insights powered by the Economist Intelligence gives users a deeper understanding of the forces shaping individual markets, industries and consumer behaviour. From pricing trends and supply-demand dynamics to sector-specific forecasts, this app leverages data to help users make smarter decisions. Knowledge Bases: The evolution of data has meant a fundamental shift in how information is understood and acted upon. The early days of unstructured data lakes have given way to Communify’s sophisticated architecture that unifies diverse data streams into actionable intelligence. Managed Data Services and Partnerships: Communify does the heavy lifting by aggregating data, including custodial data, normalising it, and accounting for cohesive reporting. All services are delivered through a flexible, scalable model; teams handle the operational demands so advisors and leadership teams can stay focused on client experience and growth. In summary, Communify Pro+ directly responds to the challenges facing today’s advisors: the need for deeper digital engagement, actionable growth insights, and scalable business management tools. As client expectations evolve and competition intensifies, the platform offers a grounded, flexible, and intelligent foundation to help advisors thrive. By unifying operational, portfolio, and behavioural data, Communify Pro+ reduces manual data handling and enables more timely, relevant, and consistent client communications. Advisors benefit from consolidated views of their business, including client health metrics, engagement history, and portfolio signals. The platform reduces preparation time for advisors, automates insights and facilitates more meaningful relationships, especially for complex clients such as high-net-worth individuals. Contact Details Company: Communify Web Address: www.communify.com Hailed as a leading financial AI data solutions company, Communify unifies digital client and market data to provide intelligent insights for investors and investment professionals. We profile the firm as it is recognised in the FinTech Awards 2025.
13 | Wealth & Finance Q4 2025 Best Pension Fund Custodian 2025 – Nigeria A wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited was founded in 2005 to be the pension custodian of choice for people across the country. 20 years later, the company remains dedicated to this aim and thus continues to provide the best pension custodian services in Nigeria, as well as optimal protection of contributors’ assets. With First Pension Custodian being recognised in this programme, we profile it below. An integral part of the FirstBank Group (also known as First Bank of Nigeria Limited) – with subsidiaries in Nigeria and internationally – First Pension Custodian embodies the values and vision of the Group, as well as the brand promise to deliver the gold standard of value and excellence in West Africa’s financial services landscape. The company’s service is based around the four pillars of entrepreneurship, professionalism, innovation, and customer-centricity (EPIC) – an apt acronym for describing its delivery. First Pension Custodian’s excellence can be seen across the fullservice approach it takes to being a pension custodian, with offerings including pension contributions collection, trade settlements, corporate actions, safekeeping pension assets, pension/benefit payments, performance measurement/compliance management, cash management, portfolio valuations, and micro-pensions all provided by the company’s team of experts. Pension Fund Administrators and annuity clients alike benefit from these services, with just a few examples of the big names the company works with including Access ARM, PPL, and Shell CPFA. Each of these clients, as well as the more than 20 others rounding out its portfolio, benefit from the collaborative approach at the heart of First Pension Custodian, leading to demonstrable results. Bolstering this is the diligence demonstrated by the team here at every turn, which ensures that the unique needs of their clients always come first. Unsurprisingly, this forms an integral part of what First Pension Custodian calls its ‘strategic priorities’, which span its three-fold focus of more than meeting the needs of clients, leveraging the strengths of both its team and the Group, and also creating long-term value for its stakeholders. These aims fuel this high-performing company, which seeks to reward its people not just for what they do, but for how exactly they do it. The high standards adopted by First Pension Custodian also extend to corporate governance, something the team here recognise is crucial to the long-term survival of any financial institution. Upholding this is something that starts at the top with the board and management teams alike, with their shared commitment to transparency, integrity, honesty, and accountability ensuring that the assets of contributors are rigorously protected. To ensure this remains the case, policies and processes are updated near continuously. As an extension of this, First Pension Custodian is a fully licensed pension fund custodian, meaning that it works in full compliance with all of the principles laid out in the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance and by Nigeria’s National Pension Commission (PenCom). This even extends to whistleblowing, seen through the company’s detailed policies on the matter. Any instances of unethical or unprofessional conduct are always taken very seriously, and the confidentiality of the whistleblower is always respected. This ethics-driven approach is something that has remained unchanged now at First Pension Custodian for two decades, and it is this which has helped fuel the growth journey it has been on. For example, the company now has two offices: its headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, and a liaison office in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Its team and the board behind them have also faced exponential growth over the years, with both groups comprising knowledgeable and dedicated individuals with integrity and impeccable character. With these individuals to boot, the future is bright for First Pension Custodian, which is continuing to raise the bar for pension custodians across West Africa and beyond. Nigeria’s leading pension custodian, it is our pleasure to recognise the company as such with this award, officially crowning First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited the Best Pension Fund Custodian 2025 – Nigeria in this programme. More on any of the services mentioned above can be found by contacting the team through a form available at the link below. Contact: OLORUNtimilehin George Company: First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited Web Address: https://firstpensioncustodian.com/
14 | Wealth & Finance Q4 2025 Most Innovative Global Trading Platform 2025 For almost two decades, AvaTrade has served as a pioneering force in the online trading landscape, specialising in Futures, Options, and CFDs trading. The company was founded in 2006 by a team of financial professionals and experts in web commerce, born from a vision of perfecting the online experience for retail traders. Quickly gaining renown for combining a user-oriented approach with solid financial backing, it has grown significantly over the decades and now stands as a key player in the global financial market. Today, AvaTrade is a multi-asset broker and caters to around 400,000 registered customers globally, executing more than three million trades a month and creating a monthly trading volume of $60 billion. The worldrenowned trading app supports investors of all kinds with approximately 1,000 instruments – including Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Commodities, and indices trading – offering desktop, tablet, mobile, and Web-based trading with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, AvaOptions, and the awardwinning AvaTrade app. With headquarters in Dublin and additional offices in a host of cities, including Sydney, Milan, Tokyo, Johannesburg, and Abu Dhabi, AvaTrade serves a vastly global clientele. The company adheres to regulatory requirements of seven global regions – from North America through to Europe and South Africa to Asia – and has established itself as one of the most highly regulated brokers operating in the world. With AvaTrade, customers can trade in the knowledge that they are under expert care. The company is committed to clientcentricity, demonstrated through tight spreads, multilingual support, and a dedicated team ensuring that all accounts are fully segregated and transactions entirely encrypted. Upon their first deposit of £1,000 or more, traders are assigned a dedicated Account Manager who will guide them through their first trades, teach them how to utilise AvaTrade’s platforms, and inform them on all market matters. Education is an important pillar of AvaTrade’s operations. Alongside the assistance of an Account Manager, customers can also utilise AvaAcademy, the platform’s online trading academy. Over 100,000 individuals have already learned how to trade Stocks, Crypto, Forex, Indices, and Commodities on the platform thus far, with plans to educate countless more in the future – through 19 structured courses built by real trading experts, 150 multi-level lessons covering all aspects of the landscape, and the combination of 50 quizzes and a real-time trading simulator to consolidate learning. AvaAcademy is an ongoing project for AvaTrade and will undergo further developments in the coming years. At its core, AvaTrade is dedicated to ensuring that its traders are equipped with the necessary educational tools and skills for success, ultimately improving their overall trading experience and ensuring the continued prosperity of the trading landscape. Beyond education, AvaTrade’s future plans include the continuation of its partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing. The broker signed its largest-ever multi-year partnership with the company in December 2024, becoming an exclusive team partner with Oracle Red Bull Racing. Officially beginning in 2025, key elements of the partnership have included ongoing branding opportunities; a position as the presenting partner of the team’s official podcast, “Talking Bull”; and ongoing support of the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy programme. Built upon a shared commitment to maximising potential and achieving success, this collaboration will drive mutual growth and enable AvaTrade and Oracle Red Bull Racing to unite the realms of motorsport and finance. It will allow AvaTrade to leverage F1’s global platform to expand its brand awareness and customer engagement in key markets – namely the Middle East and Central and South America – solidifying its position as a worldleading online broker and ultimately driving global interest in trading. Since its inception, AvaTrade has strived to find new and innovative ways to introduce people to the world of trading. From investing ongoing educational endeavours that help it better support its clients, to forming strategic partnerships with aligned partners to increase global awareness, the broker has made significant waves across the industry since 2006 and shows no signs of slowing down. For its significant contributions to the trading sector, and its continued dedication to empowering traders around the world, AvaTrade has been named the Most Innovative Global Trading Platform 2025. Contact: Ori Matarasso Company: AvaTrade Web Address: www.avatrade.com The global online trading market is a highly competitive landscape that is continually evolving, with projections indicating that it will reach $15.62 billion by 2030. Navigating this landscape with confidence requires the support of a trusted partner that can guide traders through complex regulatory changes, increasing competition, and rapid technological advancements. AvaTrade is one such company, combining expertise with education to equip traders with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the world of trading, regardless of their initial capabilities. We took a closer look below, following AvaTrade’s recent recognition in the Investment Excellence Awards 2025.
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