.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Pepperstone, one of the leading brokers in the forex/CFD market worldwide, is seeking to hire a new Chief Technology Officer to lead the launch of its new spot crypto exchange, which will be built in its own building. The hiring for this position is an indicator that Pepperstone's crypto expansion may finally begin entering into a later stage of development.
What has occurred
On December 2, 2025, the publication Finance Magnates announced that Pepperstone was actively recruiting for the Chief Technology Officer position. The appointed Chief Technology Officer will be responsible for developing Pepperstone's primary infrastructure, including order books and matching engines, and for supervising and/or coordinating Pepperstone's overall operations (over 300 employees).
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Pepperstone, this hiring is considered "one of the final steps" towards launching Pepperstone's spot crypto exchange. Before this announcement, an earlier announcement from the November 2025 AusCryptoCon stated that the launch was imminent.
What does it mean?
For clients: Pepperstone's entry into the spot crypto market represents a transition from traditional forex/CFD trading to a full-service crypto exchange. This may result in lower costs, faster execution speeds, and wider asset access for Pepperstone clients.
As it pertains to the broker community, this continues the trend of regulated foreign exchange brokers expanding into cryptocurrency. Additionally, this will create further confusion between the traditional broker and exchange segments of the market and further competition with native crypto exchanges.
Regulatory aspect
Although Pepperstone holds the proper licensing to operate the foreign exchange and contract for difference (CFD) business about the foreign exchange market and forex/CFD business in relation to ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (United Kingdom) and others, a separate, specific license will need to be obtained for the new crypto exchange. Further, there are currently no indications of which regulatory body will oversee Pepperstone's new spot crypto exchange.
WikiLix says
This is noteworthy for two reasons. First, a fully regulated broker launching its own crypto exchange adds further legitimacy to the idea that cryptocurrency trading is part of the traditional finance industry. Second, greater legitimacy of regulatory authorities may improve safety and compliance protections for customers, but it will create uncertainty regarding oversight, jurisdiction, and customer protections. Traders should monitor updates on the regulatory framework governing Pepperstone's new cryptocurrency exchange.
