Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global fintech landscape, technological innovation, trading security, and global market connectivity are becoming key areas of focus across the financial industry. To explore market developments and emerging opportunities from diverse perspectives, WikiEXPO has launched a global interview series under the theme “WHY CYPRUS”, engaging voices from the broker, fintech, and expert communities to gain insights into the new opportunities emerging across European and global financial markets.

In this edition, we speak with Ethan Carter, Marketing Director at A.P. Standard Chartered, who shares his perspectives on the financial industry today, covering trading security, AI, customer value, and opportunities for international collaboration

01 | Starting with Trading Safety: Advice for Investors

Q: When choosing a forex trading platform, what do investors often overlook but should pay the most attention to?

A: One of the most important aspects investors often overlook is the regulatory framework behind the trading platform.

Many traders focus primarily on spreads, leverage, bonuses and trading conditions, without properly assessing the broker's regulatory status, transparency and client protection arrangements.

A trading platform may offer advanced technology and competitive pricing, but what truly matters is the credibility and operational integrity of the financial institution behind it.

At A.P. Standard Chartered, we strongly believe that regulatory compliance, transparency and proper risk management are fundamental to building trust in the financial markets.

Investors should always verify a broker's authorisation with the relevant regulator, understand the applicable client fund protections and review the terms before committing their capital.

Q: AI is transforming financial trading. What real opportunities and risks do you think it brings to traders?

A: Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly transforming the financial industry, creating significant opportunities for traders, brokers and financial institutions.

AI can improve market analysis, process large volumes of information, support risk management and help financial institutions make more informed decisions.

For brokerage businesses, AI also offers opportunities to enhance compliance monitoring, detect unusual transactions and improve operational efficiency.

However, technology also introduces new risks. Overreliance on automated systems, inaccurate data, algorithmic errors and a lack of transparency can lead to significant financial consequences.

Our view is that AI should support professional judgment rather than replace it.

The future of financial services will depend on achieving the right balance between technological innovation, human expertise and responsible regulatory oversight.

Q: If you could give just one piece of advice to people who are new to forex trading, what would you want them to remember most?

A: My most important advice would be simple: understand the risks before focusing on the potential returns.

Forex trading offers opportunities, but it also involves significant financial risks, especially when leverage is involved.

New traders should invest time in understanding how financial markets operate, learn the principles of risk management and ensure they are dealing with properly authorised financial institutions.

They should never trade with money they cannot afford to lose or make decisions based solely on promises of quick profits.

At A.P. Standard Chartered, we believe that financial education, transparency and responsible participation are essential for developing a more sustainable financial industry.

Successful participation in financial markets starts with knowledge, discipline and informed decision-making, not unrealistic expectations.

02 | From Technology to Services: How Financial Services Firms Create Customer Value

Q: What are your company's flagship products or services, and what specific problems do they help customers solve?

A: A.P. Standard Chartered specialises in providing comprehensive corporate, regulatory and business advisory solutions, particularly within the international financial services industry.

Our core services include financial licensing, the establishment and acquisition of regulated entities, corporate structuring, banking and payment solutions, regulatory compliance, AML support and ongoing corporate administration.

We work with businesses operating in sectors such as forex brokerage, investment services, fintech, digital assets and payment services across multiple jurisdictions.

One of the biggest challenges our clients face is navigating complex regulatory requirements while simultaneously establishing a commercially viable business.

Our role is to simplify that process by offering coordinated solutions covering the different stages of a company's development, from its initial structure and licence application to operational setup and ongoing support.

Our objective is to provide clients with a single, reliable point of contact for their corporate and regulatory needs, allowing them to focus on developing their businesses.

Q: What goals does your company aim to help its customers achieve, and how do you measure the value you deliver to them?

A: At A.P. Standard Chartered, our primary goal is to help clients establish, expand and operate their businesses with confidence, efficiency and regulatory awareness.

We recognise that every client has different commercial objectives. Some are looking to establish a new regulated brokerage, others wish to acquire an existing licensed entity, enter new international markets or strengthen their compliance and operational structures.

Our approach begins with understanding each client's business model and long-term strategy, rather than simply offering a standard service or licensing solution.

We measure the value we deliver through practical outcomes: achieving agreed project milestones, helping clients navigate regulatory requirements, improving operational readiness and providing reliable support as their businesses evolve.

For us, success is not simply obtaining a licence or incorporating a company. It is helping clients establish a sustainable business with the appropriate structure, resources and ongoing regulatory support.

We believe that the strongest measure of our success is the long-term success and trust of our clients.

Q: In your field, what are some common misconceptions customers have, and what professional advice would you offer to help them better understand the issues?

A: One of the most common misconceptions is that obtaining a financial services licence automatically means a business is ready to operate.

In reality, licensing is only one part of the process.

A regulated financial institution must also consider corporate governance, compliance, qualified personnel, operational infrastructure, banking arrangements, technology and ongoing regulatory obligations.

Another misconception is that obtaining a licence in one jurisdiction automatically allows a company to offer its services globally. Each market has its own legal and regulatory requirements, and international expansion must be carefully assessed.

Our advice is to approach licensing as part of a broader business strategy rather than as a standalone objective.

At A.P. Standard Chartered, we encourage clients to consider not only where they can obtain a licence, but also whether that jurisdiction aligns with their target markets, financial resources and long-term commercial objectives.

The right regulatory structure should support business growth rather than become an unnecessary operational burden.

Q: What investments does your company make in its products, technology, or services that may not be immediately visible to the public but are essential to delivering value to customers?

A: A significant part of the value we provide comes from work that is not immediately visible to clients or the wider public.

This includes continuous regulatory research, monitoring changes in international legal frameworks, detailed compliance assessments, coordination between specialist teams and ongoing communication with clients regarding their operational requirements.

The financial services industry changes rapidly, and maintaining current knowledge across different jurisdictions is essential.

We place particular importance on professional expertise, efficient coordination and the development of long-term relationships with clients and relevant industry service providers.

For us, delivering value is not only about providing a solution today, but also about helping clients anticipate future challenges.

The quality of the work behind the scenes is what allows us to provide practical, reliable and commercially focused advice.

03 | Choosing Cyprus: Connecting Global Decision-Makers and Exploring the Future of Transparent Trading

Q: What motivated your company to become a partner of WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026, and what value do you see in this partnership?

A: Our motivation to participate in WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026 is closely connected to our commitment to supporting the development of a more transparent, innovative and internationally connected financial services industry.

Cyprus has established itself as an important European centre for financial services, particularly in the forex, investment and fintech sectors, making it a valuable meeting point for industry professionals and international businesses.

At A.P. Standard Chartered, we work with companies seeking to establish regulated financial operations, expand into new jurisdictions and navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments.

WikiEXPO provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen professional relationships and engage with businesses that are shaping the future of financial services.

We particularly value the opportunity to contribute our experience in international licensing, regulatory compliance and corporate structuring while learning from other industry participants.

For us, this partnership is about more than visibility. It is about building meaningful relationships, sharing expertise and contributing to the long-term development of the financial services ecosystem.

Q: Through WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026, which industry players are you hoping to connect with, and what potential collaborations would you like to explore?

A: We are particularly interested in connecting with forex brokers, investment firms, fintech entrepreneurs, liquidity providers, payment institutions, banking partners and regulatory technology providers.

We also welcome discussions with investors and business owners exploring the acquisition of existing licensed financial entities or opportunities to establish operations in new jurisdictions.

Given our international advisory activities, we see considerable potential for collaborations involving financial licensing, banking and payment solutions, brokerage infrastructure, regulatory compliance and cross-border business expansion.

We believe the most valuable partnerships are those that combine complementary expertise and create practical solutions for clients.

Our objective is to establish relationships that extend beyond the exhibition and develop into long-term, mutually beneficial business collaborations.

Q: If you could recommend WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026 to the global financial community in just one sentence, what would you say?

A: "WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026 is an excellent opportunity for financial industry professionals to connect, exchange knowledge, explore innovative solutions and build meaningful partnerships that will help shape the future of global financial services."

WHY CYPRUS?

Markets are evolving, technology is advancing, and the ways in which the global financial industry connects continue to change.

For businesses, new markets bring new opportunities. For the industry as a whole, however, sustainable opportunities are built on security, transparency, trust, and lasting connections.

As an important gateway connecting Europe with global markets, Cyprus has continued to attract the attention of fintech companies, brokers, and industry organizations. For businesses seeking to expand across Europe and into international markets, Cyprus offers not only new business opportunities, but also an important vantage point for understanding global market trends and exploring cross-border collaboration.

For A.P. Standard Chartered, participating in WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026 is more than an opportunity to engage with the European market. It is also a chance to connect with partners across the global financial industry and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration.

On November 6, 2026, WikiEXPO Cyprus 2026 will take place in Limassol, bringing together businesses and professionals from across the global financial, fintech, and trading sectors to explore emerging trends and new opportunities across the European and global markets.

Sparking Opportunities, Trading Safely.