History
2022 was the most successful of Admirals’ 22 years of operation. The company achieved records in net trading revenue, net profit and active customers.
2022 marked a new era for the global expansion of Admirals because the Group announced its presence in Africa.
Admirals was granted licensing to operate in Africa as the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) licenced Admirals Kenya Limited as a non-dealing online forex trading broker under the Capital Markets Regulations.
Admiral Markets Canada Limited became a registered investment dealer and member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organisation of Canada (IIROC).
Admirals announced Fractional Shares under the product category – Invest.
Native trading and investing were two of the future-defining products launched by Admirals in 2022. The main goal was to provide clients with a clear and intuitive interface for trading and investing from their browser.
In 2021, Admirals registered a record number of new client applications. The number of new customer requests increased by 32% compared to 2020. Significant investments to infrastructure and IT continued, expansion into new regions and strategic services were added to the portfolio. Becoming a financial hub for various investment, trading, social trading and financial value-added services, the company launched a mobile application that enables trading regardless of location and preparation.
In 2020, the company started preparations for rebranding the company on the way to becoming a global financial hub.
On March 5, 2021, the company launched the Admirals brand. The company expanded to Jordan and South Africa and successfully positioned itself in new markets.
Launched the Refer a Friend program and introduced social investing features that allow both beginners and people with little experience in the field to take the first steps towards financial freedom.
For Admirals, financial literacy is one of the cornerstones of its long-term mission and vision, which is why it participates in a variety of educational and mentoring programs. As a strategic partner of Eesti Kontsert and Jõhvi-based kood.tech, we stand for the sustainability of Estonian culture and programming education.
In 2020, we continued to expand regions, products and world-class services. We exceeded our goals and doubled our revenue. We developed our team and adapted to the ever-changing global situation.2020 was the most successful year of operation so far. The company's net income increased to 47.1 million euros in 2020. The company's net profit was 20.3 million euros, which was 340% more than the year before. Social responsibility The company values togetherness, observing this principle in social responsibility activities, sponsorship and cooperation projects.
In the autumn of 2020, the national competition for the best student inventors was held in Estonia. In total, more than 600 exciting inventions were submitted to the competition. Admirals was pleased and honoured to participate in the event and rewarded two outstanding young inventors.
In 2020, Admirals announced the beginning of cooperation with Eesti Kontsert as the main sponsor. Admirals has been certified as a fully carbon neutral company by ClimatePartner since 2020.
By the end of December 2019, Admiral Markets Group AS had approximately 14,800 active clients per month. Compared to the same period in 2018, when the corresponding figure was close to 10,500. The active clients’ assets increased by 45%, and the total number of registered clients grew by more than 20%.
Trading instruments
In 2019, Admiral Markets expanded its share and share CFD offering across the Asia Pacific region, including stocks from the ASX500, the NIKKEI225 and Chinese ADRs.
After the latest expansion, the total number of Chinese ADRs offered as stocks and stock CFDs increased to over 100.
In total, more than 500 new trading instruments were added to Admiral Markets’ offering during 2019 and now, via Admiral Markets’ Trade.MT5 account, clients can access 4,000+ of the world’s top markets via CFDs (contracts for difference), including:
- 157 Australian share CFDs
- 196 Japanese share CFDs
- 48 CFDs on Chinese ADRs
New wallet feature
In 2019, Admiral Markets launched a new wallet feature in Trader’s Room. The Admiral Markets wallet is a central account that can link trading accounts with funds held in bank accounts, e-wallets, credit cards and more.
Implementing this feature in Trader’s Room gives Admiral Markets clients the opportunity to make deposits directly to their wallet, rather than having to fund individual trading accounts. It also means deposited funds are protected from any open positions currently held in their trading accounts.
Some additional advantages of this feature include:
- Simultaneously holding multi-currency balances in several currencies
- Keeping account balances in the preferred account currency with an internal exchange
- Withdrawing funds via available systems
- Transferring from the wallet directly to the client’s preferred trading account
- Transferring funds between different Admiral Markets Group operating companies
Premium Analytics Portal
Admiral Markets also launched its free Premium Analytics portal in 2019, featuring market news, technical analysis, economic calendars and global sentiment indicators aggregated from over a thousand sources of financial media. All content is provided by leading financial firms – Dow Jones, Trading Central and Acuity.
With this portal, Admiral Markets’ clients can learn about upcoming macroeconomic data publications and get prepared for large market moves with an easy-to-use calendar provided by Dow Jones and be informed about the dividend payouts schedule and other events related to stocks in the portfolio.
Admiral Markets help its clients to keep hands on the pulse of global markets and read all major economic and corporate news pieces from a top financial information firm, Dow Jones and get real-time updates and fundamental analysis on Forex, stock indices, commodities and securities markets.
Besides that, Admiral Markets’ clients can find various trading opportunities across virtually all major markets with just a few clicks using technical analysis from Trading Central. They can also see what the global financial media think about the most popular markets in a simple view, using the global sentiment indicator, which leverages high-end machine learning technology powered by Acuity. The global sentiment indicator represents an aggregated summary of important keywords to consider across thousands of information sources, which would otherwise take years and years to read, made available anytime in the Premium Analytics platform.
New instruments
Over 4,000 new stocks and 100 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for trading were introduced on the Admiral.Invest accounts in Admiral Markets AS and Admiral Markets UK Ltd, to diversify the Admiral Markets business and provide clients with broader investing opportunities. The Admiral Markets investing offering is characterised by many highly competitive advantages, such as free real-time market data and low service fees. About 800 new ETFs are in the pipeline.
Over 3,000 stock CFDs and 80 ETF CFDs were introduced on the Admiral.MT5 account, empowering derivative offerings and making an emphasis on MetaTrader 5, which is a successor of the world’s most popular trading platform, MetaTrader 4. The Admiral Markets MetaTrader 5 offering is currently represented by CFDs on currency pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, bonds and cryptocurrencies and thus is one of the most diverse in the online trading industry.
The new offering provides top-volume stocks and ETFs (as well as the majority of the CFDs based on the same underlying assets) from the following exchanges: Austria (VIE), Belgium (Euronext), Denmark (CSE), Finland (NASDAQ), France (Euronext), Germany (Xetra), the Netherlands (Euronext), Norway (NASDAQ), Portugal (Euronext), Spain (BME), Sweden (NASDAQ), Switzerland (SWX), United Kingdom (LSE) and the United States (AMEX, NASDAQ and NYSE).
Admiral Markets app
Admiral Markets launched the native mobile application for iOS and Android platforms with basic functionality. The Admiral Markets App is simple and secure. It gives clients access to an extensive product offering – CFDs on Forex currency pairs, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies and ETFs.
Developed by Admiral Markets, the app has a user-friendly interface and allows clients to trade comfortably on mobile devices. Clients can open a trading account that best suits their needs and trade in real-time with the world’s most popular financial instruments, demo or live, monitor their account and market quotes, manage and protect positions, use the best tools, interact with support chat, make in-app deposits and scan credit cards and documents on the MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 platform.
Incorporation of Vorld OÜ
Admiral Markets established Vorld OÜ, an IT services company whose initial purpose is the research of possibilities of developing blockchain technology solutions.
New products: cryptocurrency pairs with fiat currencies and stocks
In 2017 Admiral Markets starts to offer the possibility to trade with CDFs on five cryptocurrency pairs with fiat currencies – Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum and Litecoin. In addition, since November 2017 Admiral Markets Estonian investment company offers classic stock trading possibility. The instruments covered represent major US and EU blue chips, which are made up of a number of technological, banking, telecommunication and pharmaceutical giants, including household names such as Apple, Deutsche Bank, Netflix, Pfizer, BMW and many others.
MT5
Admiral Markets has upgraded its trading offer on the MetaTrader 5 platform which since September 2017 includes expanded coverage of markets, with all Forex instruments and CFDs on cash indices, commodities, single shares, bonds and cryptocurrencies.
“MetaTrader 5, which retains the usability and looks of the familiar MetaTrader 4’s interface, is incomparably more advanced and feature-packed software both on the client side and on the server side. This allows it to support more instruments, markets, exchanges and trading setups, with almost no limits to the flexibility and scalability of the business”, said Sergei Bogatenkov, CEO of Admiral Markets Group AS.
Bond emission
Admiral Markets Estonian investment company announced the public offering, listing and admission to trading of the subordinated bonds. Publicly, up to 50,000 bonds “Admiral Markets allutatud võlakiri 28.12.2027” were offered, with a nominal value of EUR 100 per bond and with an interest rate of 8 percent per year. The bonds were offered in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Investors subscribed for the bonds in the amount of EUR 1,826,800 and consequently, the investors received a total amount of 18, 268 bonds in their securities accounts. The maturity date of the bonds is 28 December 2027, when Admiral Markets AS shall redeem all the bonds. As of 11.01.2018 it is possible to trade with the bonds of Admiral Markets AS on Nasdaq Tallinn stock exchange.
Strategy Review
The company reviews its current global strategy and, as a result, a new strategy, with a focus on key markets and key target segments, is established
Offices
Following a review of the requirements proposed by the Russian regulator, the company decides to liquidate Admiral Markets OOO, however, it retains a physical presence through the representative office opened in Russia.
The Uruguayan and Chinese offices are closed and operations are centralised in the new regional headquarters, established in Sydney, Australia.
Black Swan
The Black Swan event yields significant losses for Admiral Markets, greatly reducing past earnings. The company concludes a full revision of its investment projects across all departments and regions. Admiral Markets focuses on the best-performing projects, which allows for greater flexibility and recovering of recent losses.
Offices
Admiral Markets strengthens its presence in Germany by establishing a branch.
Following a review of all assets, less efficient offices are closed, with the capital redirected to core markets. Due to the size of each market, the offices in Moldova, Georgia, Serbia and Slovenia are closed. The office in Portugal also closes due to extensive regulatory changes, which limit the marketing potential there.
New countries with physical representation: China
Holding Company Name Change
Admiral Markets Holdings AS is renamed to Admiral Markets Group AS.
AMTS ECN – Liquidity Agregator & Risk Management Technology
AMTS Solutions OÜ is founded in Estonia as a joint venture with private investors for the provision of liquidity solutions to Admiral Markets and its institutional customers. Over the years, AMTS Solutions OÜ becomes the sole technology provider for all core offerings, which includes a price aggregator, numerous liquidity links, and platform bridges. AMTS Solutions OÜ also delivers additional features, such as an exposure-based margining system and conditional orders.
Migration to Equinix
Admiral Markets hosts its server infrastructure at one of the Tier 3 financial data centers at LD4 Equinix in Slough. The aim of the migration is to:
- improve response time between liquidity providers and MT servers;
- position server infrastructure in closer proximity to the financial industry;
- enable strategic cross connects with liquidity providers and partners;
- increase QoS in remote markets, reach HFT markets, improve user experience;
- build secure network perimeter.
Offices
Admiral Markets changes the strategy of its network of offices and begins the process of centralising SEO (Search engine optimization), content production, marketing and advertising at the company headquarters, in Tallinn, Estonia.
The Italian office is closed due to limited market potential, and it is decided not to dedicate resources to entering the Swedish market.
The Cyprus licensed company Admiralex Ltd is renamed Admiral Markets Cyprus Ltd.
AP Global Solution Private Ltd (India), renamed from Admiral Markets PVT in 2013, is sold as the company decides not to enter the local Indian exchange market.
The company ceases its physical presence in the Middle East and sells Admiral Markets ME DMCC Ltd to Thinkforex.
FCA License
An extension of its regional presence strategy, Admiral Markets acquires a UK principal broker license from The Financial Conduct Authority of United Kingdom (FCA), thus establishing Admiral Markets UK Ltd, which has the pride of being authorised by the world’s oldest and most reputable financial regulation. As one of the toughest authorisations to obtain worldwide, FCA approval is of strategic importance as it acknowledges the high standards of financial stability and investor protection within Admiral Markets. Furthermore, having an authorised company based in London, the world’s Forex capital, is of strategic importance for the overall brand.
CySEC License
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the supervisory and regulatory body for investment services firms in Cyprus, issues a limited Cypriot Investment Firm (CIF) license to Admiral Markets. It also gets additional authorisation to provide portfolio management services, complementing Admiral Markets’ range of authorised financial services. This newly regulated investment firm continues to contribute to the international expansion and global presence of the Admiral Markets brand.
Offices
Admiralex Ltd (Cyprus) becomes a potential hub for a global MAC/MAMM offering.
Runa Systems CP, an IT company founded in Minsk to service Admiral Markets’ development needs, is established with the purpose of cutting costs and utilising the tax incentives for high-tech parks in Belarus.
Admiral Markets ME DMCC Ltd is founded in Dubai to focus on servicing customers in the Middle East with its DGCX Membership.
New countries with physical representation: United Kingdom, Cyprus, Dubai, Portugal
Trader’s Room & Partner’s Room, Second Generation
In just two short years, Admiral Markets’ IT team manages to complete 100 projects and features for the new generation of the Trader’s Room (TR2). Such developments offer a significant upgrade to the functionality of Trader’s Room 1, adding new key elements, including additional payment systems, updating with the latest regulatory changes, and many other features.
Offices
The company invests into opening official branches across Europe and Latin America, in an attempt to establish a legal foundation for a long-term local presence and the growth of potential company capitalisation.
An entry to the Scandinavian market is made by founding the representative office in Sweden.
Admiral Markets PVT in India is founded as a global customer support hub and market research centre for potential licensing in India. This comes alongside an entry into the Indian market through an MCX SX trading membership and offering.
Also in 2012, the integration of the acquired OOO UMIS in Russia is finalised, and the company is renamed Admiral Markets OOO.
New countries with physical representation: Moldova, Chile, Georgia, Uruguay,Sweden, India
ASIC License
Executing its geographic expansion strategy, Admiral Markets increases its global footprint by setting up a base for Australian and Asia Pacific operations in Sydney, Australia. The Australian financial markets regulator Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) grants an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) to the newly established operating company of Admiral Markets Group AS – thus forming Admiral Markets Pty Ltd.
Offices
With the ASIC license fully operational, Admiral Markets sets up financial operations and a user flow for the Australian branch of the company. It starts off by targeting the Australian market and attempting to tap into the partnership potential within Asia.
Spain and Germany are also added to the list of targeted countries.
UMIS (Russia) Acquisition
Admiral Markets acquires one of the oldest companies working in the Russian OTC market, which has been in operation since 1999. The synergetic effect that this brings, coupled with the unique technologies that can now be offered allow Admiral Markets to get a significant share of the local market.
Offices
After purchasing the UMIS company and expanding its geographic reach in Russia, Admiral Markets’ turns its attention to Europe and establishes its first representative offices there. All partners receive an exclusive right to represent and service the brand in each country, with an opportunity to later join Admiral Markets Group AS. The company goes on to receive a major boost in volumes, profitability and customer accounts from the Russian and European markets.
Admiral Markets Soft CPUP is founded in Belarus for the purposes of developing the second generation of the Trader’s Room and Partner’s Room.
New countries with physical representation: Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Czech, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Latvia
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EFSA Full License
In 2009, Admiral Markets AS, Estonian entity is granted a full scale “730k” MiFID Investment Firm license by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA). This license entitles the company to perform investment and brokerage activities in financial markets, including foreign exchange, stocks, futures and CFDs. This license also authorises Admiral Markets AS to provide cross-border brokerage services within the 28 member states of the European Union (EU) and the three European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Recognition as a professional market participant who complies with the highest service standards of harmonised EU financial regulation, gives an immediate boost to the business performance of the company
Trader’s Room, Partner’s Room & Affiliates Program
The initial version of the Trader’s Room 1 system is launched by an IT team for managing client related data, customer service functionalities and in-house accounting. As this is the first iteration of the Admiral Markets Trader’s Room, the IT team takes it as a good opportunity to gain valuable learning experience in preparation for the development of future iterations of the platform.
Offices
After receiving its license from EFSA on 26 June, Admiral Markets opens its doors in Tallinn, Estonia, commencing full trading operations. Onboarding of clients includes face-to-face identification along with gathering other respective information and documents from the clients to be in-line with Estonian regulations.
The aim is to achieve quick geographic and language expansion, so the company begins translating its product into more than 10 different European languages, while also searching for representative office opportunities and partners within Eastern Europe.
Admiral Markets Holdings AS is created to consolidate all future subsidiaries, branches and companies.
N.B. Later in 2014, Admiral Markets Holdings AS is renamed to the Admiral Markets Group AS that it’s known as today.
