In this exclusive interview Andreas Orphanou, Co-Founder & CEO at novusalpha, shares with fintechview his journey in the world of finance, the challenges in the forex brokerage space, the multi-layered processes required to secure a license, the approach to building industry relationships and the ability to evolve with market trends.
How do you see the forex brokerage arena in 2025? Your views.
The challenges in the forex brokerage space mainly consist of regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and evolving client expectations. Success in 2025 will be defined by securing the right licenses in emerging jurisdictions and strategically positioning businesses where their clients are. Businesses that adapt to market demands and regulatory shifts will set themselves apart from the competition, ensuring long-term growth and industry leadership. Brokers that fail to adapt to regulatory updates, compliance standards, and digital transformation will struggle. Meanwhile, those that embrace innovative solutions, automation, and diversified revenue streams will gain a competitive edge. As markets evolve, brokers must be more than just trading platforms, they need to offer added value through education, proprietary technology, and localized solutions. Our novusalpha team is currently helping brokers navigate this shifting landscape by providing personalized strategies that ensure they stay compliant, optimize operations, and establish a strong market presence.
What are the licensing challenges brokers should have in mind?
Securing a financial license is a complex, multi-layered process that requires careful planning. One of the biggest challenges from our experience is choosing the right jurisdiction. The market is shifting rapidly, and brokers are looking for jurisdictions that offer global access while maintaining strong regulatory credibility. Beyond jurisdiction selection, brokers must evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio of acquiring a license. Some licenses take longer than others, requiring patience and strong financial planning. Timelines for approval, ongoing compliance obligations, and market entry strategies should all be accounted for. Another challenge is finding reliable, trustworthy partners. Whether it’s legal firms, technology providers, or banking partners, having a strong network of trusted associates can make the licensing process significantly smoother. Our goal at novusalpha is to guide our clients through the entire journey, ensuring they select the right jurisdiction, navigate compliance seamlessly, and establish a foundation for long-term growth.
Which jurisdictions are the ones with high potential according to your experience?
The licensing landscape is shifting, and financial institutions are looking for jurisdictions that offer flexibility, global market access, and strong regulatory frameworks. Traditional hubs like the UK and Cyprus are experiencing a slight dip in interest, with brokers seeking more strategic alternatives. South Africa is emerging as a top jurisdiction due to its regulated but accessible structure. These markets allow brokers to tap into global clientele while maintaining compliance with international standards. We are also witnessing increased demand for licenses in Greece, Kuwait, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These regions offer unique advantages, including access to expanding retail trading communities and less saturated regulatory landscapes.
How many years of experience does Andreas have in the industry? Share with us your entrepreneurship journey and challenges?
The journey in finance began long before novusalpha was founded, shaped by experiences in top-tier firms and fintech startups, including FXPro, Saxo Bank, Exness, EasyMarkets, TradeSocio, and ZuluTrade. Through years of working across multiple verticals, from trading platforms to strategic business consulting, the foundation for novusalpha was built. In this case, success wasn’t self-made but rather people-made, as it was built through mentorship, collaboration, and a strong industry network. One of the biggest challenges in finance is execution. Having the right idea is just the starting point, turning it into a thriving business requires precision, adaptability, and long-term strategic planning. novusalpha was built on these principles. The company’s success is a result of strong industry relationships, the ability to evolve with market trends, and a commitment to delivering measurable results
..success wasn’t self-made but rather people-made, as it was built through mentorship, collaboration, and a strong industry network.
Could you share information on the services you offer at novusalpha?
At novusalpha, we take a boutique approach to consultancy, offering personalized solutions for the financial industry worldwide. Our expertise spans from licensing and acquisitions to revenue generation, ensuring that our clients not only secure the right license but also have the tools and resources to scale effectively. We specialize in license applications and jurisdictional advisory, guiding financial firms through complex regulatory landscapes while identifying the best markets for expansion. But our work doesn’t stop at licensing. We’ve built an ecosystem that includes payment solutions, educational academies, networking events, digital marketing, and high-impact video and podcast production. One of our key initiatives at the moment is the novusalpha Networking Event “Alpha Connect” on April 10th, designed to bring together industry leaders, partners, and investors in an exclusive setting. Our goal is to connect businesses with the right opportunities, ensuring sustainable success in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
How big is your team and what’s coming up next for novusalpha?
Our headquarters in Cyprus is home to an eight-person core team, while our South Africa office has over 20 professionals. At the moment, both teams continue to expand. Our global network of partners and associates allows us to scale efficiently and deliver best-in-class financial consulting solutions. As for what’s next, we are focused on expansion, innovation, and deeper industry impact. We are strengthening strategic partnerships and rolling out new solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our clients in the financial industry. An important project our team is currently working on is the novusalpha Networking Event on April 10th, bringing together partners, investors, and industry leaders to explore new opportunities in an exclusive setting.
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Who is Who
novusalpha is built on a diverse team of specialists dedicated to innovation, growth, and market impact. Led by Co-Founder & CEO Andreas Orphanos and Co-Founder & COO Andy Said, the team combines expertise in financial services, consulting, and strategic execution. Key leadership includes Nefely Alexandrou as Marketing Manager, Eliza Solomontos as Business Development Manager, and Pantelis Savvides as Senior Graphic Designer, each contributing to the company’s success. Prodromos Antzoulis leads 249 Productions, delivering high-quality media and content solutions. 249 Productions is an extension of the novusalpha services, providing our clients with high-quality video content, podcast room services, as well as digital marketing solutions for brand and reputation management. With novusalpha South Africa, LaunchPad serviced offices, and a global network of partners, our team provides fully personalized solutions that empower businesses to solve, innovate, and grow in their respective markets.