The growing attention surrounding cryptocurrencies should not distract brokers from the markets their clients continue to trade, according to Jason Hughes, General Manager at IC.
Speaking at iFX EXPO Asia 2026 in Hong Kong, Hughes joined industry executives to debate whether digital assets are delivering on their commercial promise, or whether established markets such as gold, precious metals and major FX pairs remain the backbone of the brokerage business.
The discussion, “From Bitcoin to Bullion: Where Is the Real Revenue?”, examined a question facing brokers across Asia and beyond: where should firms direct their next round of investment as client demand, trading technology and market conditions change?
“For brokers, the priority is not choosing between traditional and digital assets. It is ensuring clients can access the markets they want to trade, supported by reliable infrastructure and consistent execution standards,” Hughes said.
While digital assets have opened new opportunities for brokers, the discussion also raised questions about the commercial case for investing in new products and technologies, particularly when established instruments continue to attract trading activity.
The panel examined the challenges of 24/7 trading, from liquidity provision to execution quality, and the implications for brokers expanding their product offerings.
For Hughes, the wider issue is how firms balance innovation with the fundamentals of their business. New products may attract attention, but their long-term value depends on client demand and the infrastructure needed to support trading activity.
Hughes also took part in “Inside the Deal: The Future of Financial Brands in Sport”, a separate discussion on the commercial value of sports partnerships.
Drawing on IC's involvement in motorsport and esports, he discussed why financial brands need to look beyond sponsorship exposure and consider how partnerships support their broader business objectives.
“The value of a sports partnership goes beyond visibility. It comes from the relationships you build, the audiences you reach and the trust you develop over time,” Hughes said.
He noted that while brand awareness remains important, its direct commercial impact can be difficult to isolate. For IC, engagement with business partners and the opportunity to build relationships are also important measures of value.
IC participated in iFX EXPO Asia 2026 as part of its engagement with the international trading industry, contributing to discussions on brokerage strategy, market access and the commercial priorities shaping the sector.
About IC
IC is one of the world’s largest online trading providers, offering access to a wide range of trading instruments across Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2007 in Australia, IC is known for its deep liquidity, ultra-low spreads, and advanced trading technology, trusted by traders in over 200 countries. Ranked No. 1 globally for retail FX/other volumes (Finance Magnates Q4 Report), IC continues to invest in innovation, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships as it expands across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
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