Forex Broker News Digest — August 13, 2026

Today’s digest focuses on regulatory expansion in Africa and Asia, product innovation for weekend traders, and a growing industry trend: brokers paying premium prices for Kenyan licenses. XM dominates the headlines with three major announcements, while Exness and HFM face regulatory scrutiny in the Philippines.

Top Stories

1. XM Launches GOLD24-7 for Weekend Trading

Broker / Topic: XM Category: Product

XM has introduced a new product called GOLD24-7, enabling clients to trade gold over the weekend. The offering is designed to provide greater flexibility for traders who want to react to market-moving news outside of regular trading hours. With this launch, XM aims to bridge the gap for those who previously had to wait until Monday to adjust their gold positions.

The product targets both retail and institutional clients, emphasizing accessibility and responsiveness. By extending gold trading into the weekend, XM positions itself as a broker that adapts to the evolving needs of modern traders, particularly in times of geopolitical or economic uncertainty when weekend news can significantly impact precious metals.

📰 Source: LeapRate

2. XM Secures CMA License in Kenya

Broker / Topic: XM Category: Regulation

XM has obtained a license from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in Kenya, marking a significant step in expanding its regulatory footprint across Africa. The broker, which serves over 15 million clients globally, aims to strengthen its presence in the East African region and offer more localized services to Kenyan traders.

The CMA license allows XM to operate legally within Kenya, subject to local oversight and consumer protection standards. This move aligns with XM’s broader strategy to enter emerging markets with high growth potential, while also reassuring local clients that they are trading with a regulated entity.

📰 Source: PR Newswire

3. XM Launches Partner Ladder Promotion with Up to $40,000 in Cash Rewards

Broker / Topic: XM Category: Bonus

XM has rolled out a new promotion for its partners, offering up to $40,000 in cash rewards. The “Worldwide Partner Ladder – Beat your Best” campaign is designed to incentivize both new and existing partners to increase their trading volumes. The structure rewards partners progressively as they hit higher volume milestones.

This initiative reflects XM’s focus on growing its introducing broker (IB) network and rewarding loyalty. By offering substantial cash incentives, XM aims to attract high-performing partners and encourage them to deepen their engagement with the broker’s platform.

📰 Source: FXStreet

4. Why Brokers Are Paying Big to Go to Kenya

Broker / Topic: Industry Category: Industry

An analysis by TradeInformer explores the growing trend of forex brokers seeking licenses in Kenya, despite the high costs involved. The article highlights the strategic importance of the Kenyan market, which offers a young, tech-savvy population and a relatively open regulatory environment compared to other African nations.

The CMA has become a sought-after license for international brokers looking to establish credibility in Africa. While the application and compliance costs are significant, the long-term benefits—such as access to a growing retail trading base and regional influence—make Kenya an attractive destination. The article also notes that regulatory clarity in Kenya is a key factor driving this trend.

📰 Source: TradeInformer

5. Exness and HFM Flagged by Philippine SEC for Unlicensed Trading

Broker / Topic: Exness, HFM Category: Regulation

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has flagged Exness and HFM for offering trading services without the necessary licenses. This action is part of the regulator’s ongoing efforts to protect local investors from unregulated entities operating in the country.

The SEC’s warning serves as a reminder to traders to verify the regulatory status of any broker before depositing funds. Both Exness and HFM have yet to respond publicly, but the flagging could impact their operations in the Philippines, a market with increasing retail participation in forex and CFD trading.

📰 Source: Manila Bulletin

What This Means for Traders

Today’s news highlights two important themes. First, regulatory compliance is becoming a key differentiator in emerging markets—brokers like XM are actively securing licenses in Kenya, while others like Exness and HFM face warnings in the Philippines. Traders should always check whether their broker holds a valid local license before trading.

Second, product innovation continues to expand trading opportunities. XM’s GOLD24-7 allows weekend gold trading, which could be useful for those who want to manage risk outside standard hours. However, weekend liquidity may be thinner, and spreads could be wider—so traders should approach such products with caution and understand the specific terms.

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⚠️ This news digest reports factual industry developments based on cited public sources. We do not predict market movements, recommend trades, or provide investment advice. Verify all information with official broker / regulator websites before making decisions. Trading carries high risk.

Compiled 2026-08-13 | Sources: LeapRate, PR Newswire, FXStreet, TradeInformer, Manila Bulletin