Transforming Brokerage: Embrace 24/7 Markets & AI

You’ve got to shift. Markets don’t sleep. When you combine 24/7 access, AI/algorithms and changing brokerage models, staying still means getting left behind. Whether you’re representing investors, brokers or acting as the intermediary — move now.

Always-On Markets & AI/Algorithms

Exchanges are moving to full 24-hour availability and global access.
Algorithmic trading market size: will grow significantly (global algotrading market ~US$23 bn+ in 2025 and expected to rise in 2026) and AI-platforms similarly strong.
Regulatory eyes are on algorithmic risk, speed and transparency.
What you must do: Partner with brokers who offer 24/7 access and advanced execution via algos/AI — if not, you’re behind.

Brokerage Mindset Shift & The Issues Ahead

Brokers face serious changes:

Liquidity, risk in off-hours trading.
Infrastructure must support non-stop markets + advanced tech.
Regulatory/compliance demands increasing (client money rules, algorithm oversight).
Competitive differentiation will be less about “we have platform” and more about “we have smart platform + data + service”.
Costs of tech upgrade are steep — slow movers risk margin squeeze.

Why you step in:

If you’re the intermediary, you become far more valuable when you bring tech-savvy brokers to clients.
If you wait until everyone else has adapted, your leverage drops.

Safety of Funds in a Trading Account

In the UK, brokers regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) must segregate client money from the firm’s own funds. For example, with IG Group your money is held in segregated client bank accounts and cannot be used by the broker for its business. ig.com+1
A firm like Fidelity International states that cash held is placed with different banks in designated accounts and client assets are ring-fenced. Fidelity International
That said: protection is not unlimited. The UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) covers up to £85,000 for qualifying firms in certain circumstances. Fidelity International+1
What to check: Is the broker UK-authorised, is client money segregated, what’s the protection level, use of bank deposits vs platform risk.

Are You Earning Interest / Getting Perks?

Traditional savings rates are poor — your money in a trading account might not earn meaningful interest unless the broker explicitly offers it or uses it in a bank-deposit product.
Some brokers/platforms now do add perks: For example, Trading 212 (UK/EU broker) advertises “money protection” and complies with client asset and client money rules (CASS 6 & CASS 7) for segregation. Trading 212
Trading 212 also offers a debit card and other banking-style features alongside the trading account (source reference in Wikipedia summary) meaning the brokerage model is evolving. Wikipedia+1
What you must ask:
- Does the brokerage pay interest on idle cash, or is the cash swept into low-yield deposit banks?
- Are there debit-card / payment features, multi-asset account functionality?
- Are the policies transparent with respect to how your cash is handled?

Hiring Surge in Biz-Dev for Brokers

There’s evidence of increased recruitment: A job board shows “Business Development Manager (Brokerage)” roles available as of September 2025 in forex/brokerage sector. Jobs in Forex
Another source shows “broker business development manager” jobs in London with high volume as of now. Indeed
Why this matters: When brokers are hiring aggressively in biz-dev, partnerships and network growth are in focus. That signals that many brokers know they’re behind in tech, product and market access — and are scrambling to catch up.
For you, this is an opportunity: Align with brokers actively building and scaling — your intermediary role becomes prime.

Scenario with Figures (Expanded)

You manage a client book of 50 clients, each with £60,000.

You introduce them to:

Broker A: Standard access, limited perks, no interest on cash. Effective cost + opportunity cost = ~0.18% per trade due to slower execution, limited hours.
Broker B: Full 24/7 access, algorithmic execution, debit-card feature for trading account, transparent cash handling (though no high interest). Effective cost + opportunity cost = ~0.11% per trade.

Assume each client trades £30,000/year:

Broker A cost: £30,000 × 0.18% = £54 per client → Total = 50 × £54 = £2,700/year.
Broker B cost: £30,000 × 0.11% = £33 per client → Total = 50 × £33 = £1,650/year.
Savings: £1,050/year across your book simply by choosing the better broker + more advanced model. Add intangible perks (24/7 access, debit card for liquidity, better product) and you build stronger value for your clients and your commission.

Closing Thought & Soft CTA

The brokerage landscape is shifting dramatically — from hours, to tech, to how client funds are treated and how perks are structured. If you’re still operating in the old model you’re going to lag. Position yourself with brokers who offer modern access, secure cash handling, and want to scale.

Visit KyriWealth.com for frameworks to pick the right partners and keep ahead.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent market observations. It is not investment advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified adviser before making financial decisions.