The ability to ensure quick purchase and sale of assets at the expected price without sharp slippage is a key parameter that directly affects the income and reputation of the crypto exchange. At the same time, high liquidity can be achieved through custom crypto exchange architecture that prioritizes matching engine configurations, microservices, and high-throughput aggregation. [...]
Nonprofit initiative advances blockchain and AI infrastructure to support transparent, mission-focused social solutions
The crypto marketing landscape in 2026 looks nothing like the hype‐driven world of 2021. Regulatory clarity through frameworks such as MiCA, the rise of AI‐powered discovery and chat engines, and the maturation of blockchain communities have changed how projects compete for attention. Building a blockchain company today means telling a clear story, delivering value, and [...]The post Top 10 Crypto Marketing Agencies to Follow in 2026 appeared first on TechBullion.
Smart contracts are already operational, but combining AI with account abstraction will make them ubiquitou
Introduction: What Is ECN Trading?ECN trading refers to trading through an Electronic Communication Network. It is a system that connects traders directly to liquidity providers, which typically consist of banks, hedge funds, and large financial institutions. Unlike traditional brokers that act as middlemen, ECN trading allows your buy or sell orders to be matched electronically with the best available prices in real time.This method is known for its tight spreads (the differences between buying and selling prices), fast execution (meaning trades are completed quickly), and transparency (referring to clear pricing). These features make ECN trading popular among professional traders and those who want direct access to the market.Example: If you want to buy the EUR/USD currency pair at a price of 1.0800, the ECN will match your order with another participant who is selling at that price, whether that participant is a bank, a hedge fund, or another trader. The trade happens instantly, often with lower costs compared to traditional brokers.This approach has become more accessible to everyday traders thanks to specialized brokers that offer trading platforms like MT4 and MT5, connecting you directly to these electronic networks.How Does ECN Trading Work?ECN trading works by removing the middleman and directly linking buyers and sellers in the market. Here’s a simple step-by-step explanation of how it works:Order Matching: When you place a trade through an ECN broker, your request goes to the Electronic Communication Network. The system automatically finds the best available price from another participant to fulfill your buy or sell order.Transparent Pricing: Rather than receiving prices from a broker, you can view live bid and ask prices from various liquidity providers. This usually means tighter spreads for you.Execution Speed: Since orders are processed electronically, trades are generally completed faster and are less likely to be re-quoted compared to market maker brokers.Commissions: Instead of widening the spread (increasing the difference between buy and sell prices), these brokers typically charge a small commission for each trade. This helps keep spreads closer to the actual market levels.Market Depth (DOM): Many ECN platforms show a Depth of Market (DOM) window, which displays available buy and sell orders at different price levels. This gives traders insight into supply and demand beyond just the current price.Example: If you place a buy order for 1 lot of GBP/USD at 1.2500, the ECN finds a matching sell order at that price from a bank. The trade executes instantly without any dealer intervention, and you pay a small commission to the broker.ECN vs. Market Maker BrokersTo better understand ECN trading, it helps to compare it with market maker brokers, which are the most common type of retail brokerage.Key Takeaway: ECN brokers offer direct market access, which makes them more transparent and efficient, but traders must pay commissions.Market makers may be simpler for beginners, but they often have wider spreads (larger differences between buy and sell prices) and less transparency in how trades are executed.Tip for beginners: If you prioritize low spreads, speed, and transparency, consider ECN trading. If you prefer simplicity and fixed costs, starting with a market maker broker might be easier.Why Choose ECN Trading? (Advantages)Many active and professional traders choose this method due to its distinct advantages over traditional brokerage models:Tighter Spreads: Prices come directly from liquidity providers, meaning spreads are often much lower than those offered by market makers.Faster Execution: Orders are processed electronically without dealer intervention, which reduces delays and the chances of re-quotes.Greater Transparency: Traders can see Depth of Market (DOM) data, which shows available buy and sell orders at different price levels.No Conflict of Interest: An ECN broker does not take the opposite side of your trades, which means it earns money from commissions and its interests align with yours.Access to Market Liquidity: ECNs gather liquidity from banks, hedge funds, and other traders, giving you access to better pricing and more options.Suitable for All Trading Styles: Scalpers (traders who make many quick trades), day traders, and algorithmic traders often prefer ECN accounts due to low spreads and quick order execution.Example: A scalper who opens and closes many trades in the EUR/USD currency pair during a single session can save significantly on costs with ECN spreads (e.g., 0.2 pips + commission) compared to wider spreads at a market maker.Risks of ECN TradingWhile this trading style offers advantages, it also presents certain risks that traders should consider:Commission Costs: Instead of including costs in the spreads, these brokers charge a fixed commission for each trade. For traders who make many trades, these costs can add up.Variable Spreads: Although ECN price differences are usually tighter, they are not fixed. During times of low liquidity (when there are fewer buy/sell orders) or high volatility (when prices change rapidly), price differences may increase unexpectedly.Slippage: In fast-moving markets, your trades may execute at a price slightly different from what you requested. This is called slippage.Increased Initial Deposit Needs: Some ECN accounts may require larger initial deposits than standard accounts, which can make them less accessible for beginners.Complexity of Trading Platforms: Trading on an ECN often involves using advanced platforms that have features like Depth of Market (DOM), which might be overwhelming for new traders.Volatility Risk: Direct access to the market means you will experience unfiltered price fluctuations. This can be both an opportunity and a risk, especially if you do not manage stop-loss orders carefully.Tip for beginners: ECN accounts are generally better suited for traders who have some experience and know how to manage risk effectively.Who Uses ECN Trading?Many traders choose ECN trading for its direct market access, transparency, and fast execution:Experienced Traders: Experienced traders prefer ECN accounts for their low spreads, deep liquidity, and fast execution, especially when trading large volumes.Scalpers and Day Traders: Because ECN brokers offer narrow price differences and quick order processing, scalpers and day traders can minimize costs while executing multiple trades daily.Algorithmic Traders: Algorithm-driven trading methods (like Expert Advisors and trading bots) perform best in environments with low latency (quick response times) and transparent pricing, making ECN trading ideal.Institutional Traders: Banks, hedge funds, and investment firms use ECNs to trade against other major market players, benefiting from clear pricing and liquidity.Retail Traders Seeking Transparency: Individual traders seeking to bypass dealing desk models and access true market pricing often move to ECN brokers once they gain more experience.Example: A forex scalper trading EUR/USD might execute 20 trades in a single session. With an ECN account offering spreads close to 0.0 pips plus commission, trading costs remain much lower than with a traditional market maker.How to Start ECN Trading – Step by StepStarting with ECN trading is simple if you follow these steps:Choose a Regulated ECN Broker: Select a broker that clearly states it offers true ECN accounts. Verify the broker’s license with financial authorities like FCA, ASIC, or CySEC.Open an ECN Account: Register with your chosen broker and select an ECN account type. Some brokers may offer different account options (e.g., Standard, ECN, Pro).Fund Your Account: Deposit funds using your preferred method (bank transfer, credit card, or e-wallet). Be aware that ECN accounts often require larger initial funding amounts compared to standard accounts.Download a Trading Platform: Most ECN brokers provide access through platforms like MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Install the platform and log in with your account details.Practice on a Demo Account: Before risking real money, practice on a demo account to learn how ECN execution works and to understand spreads, commissions, and tools like Depth of Market (DOM).Place Your First Trade:Buy (Long): If you think the price will rise.Sell (Short): If you think the price will fall.Set stop-loss and take-profit levels to manage your risk.Monitor Costs and Performance: Keep track of your profits and trading costs, including both price differences and commissions. Adjust your position sizes and strategies as needed to ensure you remain profitable.Beginner Tip: ECN trading can be very rewarding, but discipline is essential. Start with small trades and always consider commissions when calculating risk and reward.Quick Glossary of ECN Trading TermsECN (Electronic Communication Network): A system that electronically matches buy and sell orders from traders, banks, and institutions.ECN Broker: A broker that provides direct access to the ECN without a dealing desk.Liquidity Provider: Banks, hedge funds, and other large institutions that supply buy and sell quotes in the ECN.Depth of Market (DOM): A tool showing the available buy and sell orders at different price levels in real time.Raw Spread: The true bid-ask difference provided by liquidity providers, often close to 0.0 pips.Commission: A fixed fee charged per trade by ECN brokers instead of increasing spreads.Slippage: When a trade executes at a slightly different price than requested due to rapid market movements.Latency: The time it takes for an order to be sent and executed; lower latency means faster execution.Stop-Loss (SL): A pre-set level where a losing trade closes automatically to limit risk.Take-Profit (TP): A pre-set level where a winning trade closes automatically to secure profit.Scalping: A trading strategy that involves making many small trades to capture tiny price movements, popular with ECN accounts.ECN Trading ExamplesTo illustrate how ECN trading works in practice, here are two simple examples.Example 1: A Winning TradeSetup: You trade EUR/USD through an ECN broker. The raw spread is 0.1 pips, and the commission is $7 per lot.Action: You buy 1 lot (100,000 units) of EUR/USD at 1.1000 and set a take-profit at 1.1020.Outcome: The price rises to 1.1020, and your take-profit triggers.Result: Gain = 20 pips ($200) − $7 commission = $193 profit.Example 2: A Losing TradeSetup: Same market, EUR/USD.Action: You buy 1 lot at 1.1000 with a stop-loss at 1.0980.Outcome: The price falls to 1.0980, and your stop-loss triggers.Result: Loss = 20 pips ($200) + $7 commission = $207 loss.Lesson: While ECN accounts offer very low spreads, remember to factor in commissions when calculating your overall trading costs. For frequent traders, this pricing model is usually more cost-efficient than wider spreads from market makers.Final Thoughts / Next StepsThis trading method provides direct market access, clear pricing, and fast execution, making it a popular choice for scalpers, day traders, and professional traders. With tight spreads and deep liquidity, it presents distinct benefits compared to traditional dealing desk models.However, it also presents challenges such as fees for each transaction, variable spreads, and higher deposit requirements. For beginners, the learning curve may feel steep compared to standard accounts.If you’re thinking about this trading method, here’s a smart approach:Start with a demo account: Learn how ECN execution and costs work without risking real money.Choose a regulated broker: Ensure your broker is licensed and genuinely offers ECN accounts, not just “ECN-style” marketing.Manage your costs: Always include both spreads and commissions when calculating the profitability of trades.Trade with discipline: Use stop-loss orders, keep position sizes manageable, and avoid overtrading.This trading approach isn’t about guaranteed profits; it's about leveling the playing field by giving you access to the same liquidity providers used by institutions. With proper preparation and risk management, it can be a powerful way to trade global markets more efficiently.Legal DisclaimerThis is educational content only. Nothing on this page is financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security, derivative, or trading account. Trading involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify broker licensing on official regulator registers.Continue Your Trading JourneyIf you want to trade safely, our next guide, What Is a Regulated Broker – A Beginner’s Guide, explains how regulated brokers work, why they matter, and the key steps to spot trustworthy providers.If you’re ready to trade with tight spreads and fast execution, choosing the right partner is essential. Visit our Best ECN Forex Brokers of 2025 page for a side-by-side comparison of trusted brokers that offer true ECN accounts.FAQsHow can we explain ECN trading simply?ECN trading connects you directly to banks, institutions, and other traders without going through a broker’s dealing desk. You get raw spreads, fast execution, and transparent pricing.What company is ECN?ECN refers to a network that links multiple liquidity providers. Different ECN brokers provide traders with access to these networks.Are ECN accounts beneficial?Yes, ECN accounts are excellent for traders who value tight spreads, speed, and transparency. They are especially popular among scalpers and professionals. However, commissions apply, and beginners may find them more complex than standard accounts.Is this trading method suitable for beginners?It can be, but beginners should start with demo accounts to understand how commissions, variable spreads, and slippage work. ECN accounts reward disciplined, cost-aware traders.How does ECN compare to standard accounts?ECN accounts usually offer lower spreads and faster execution, while standard accounts may have fixed spreads and simpler setups. Active traders often find ECN cheaper in the long run.Can you provide an example of ECN in action?A common example is when a trader buys EUR/USD at 1.1000, and the ECN instantly matches the order with a bank selling at that price. No dealer intervention is involved.What is ECN in MT5?In MetaTrader 5 (MT5), an ECN account means your broker connects the platform directly to liquidity providers through an ECN network. You’ll see raw spreads, pay commissions, and benefit from faster execution.Are there fees associated with ECN brokers?Yes. Instead of widening spreads, ECN brokers charge a small commission per trade, which ensures more transparent pricing.Is this trading method considered safe?ECN trading itself is safe, but your broker must be regulated. Always verify licensing with authorities like the FCA, ASIC, or CySEC. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.
BitcoinWorldEURCHF Forecast Soars: UBS’s Bold 0.945 Target Reveals Stunning European ResilienceIn a significant move that underscores shifting macroeconomic tides, UBS has revised its EURCHF target upward to 0.945. This adjustment, announced in Zurich on March 15, 2025, reflects a markedly improved outlook for the European economy relative to Switzerland. Consequently, this forecast revision signals potential recalibrations across global foreign exchange portfolios and carries profound implications [...]This post EURCHF Forecast Soars: UBS’s Bold 0.945 Target Reveals Stunning European Resilience first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Demands on IT executives are running high, with expectations that they’ll drive AI-fueled transformation, navigate changing economic and geopolitical conditions, calm nervous workers, and deliver wins in what multiple pundits have labeled a VUCA environment — a military term for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.Such conditions put leadership skills to the test, so it’s best to be prepared. Here, IT leaders, recruiters, researchers, and advisers share what actions CIOs can take to successfully lead through whatever lies ahead in 2026.1. Build executive presenceExecutive presence is a particularly valuable leadership trait for today’s high-stakes environment, says Eric Bloom, executive director of the IT Management and Leadership Institute.Executive presence is not any particular skill but rather the ability to inspire confidence. Some list out the “7 Cs” of executive presence as composure, connection, charisma, confidence, credibility, clarity, and conciseness. Others describe it as having gravitas.Bloom talks about it as being comfortably able to command a room, knowing how to show up and draw positive attention to what one is saying while also listening attentively to others and empathizing with them.“It’s knowing what flies and what doesn’t,” he says.This may come to some naturally, but Bloom says it can be learned and enhanced with intention. For example, he advises CIOs to study the style of speakers who command the most attention and respect from others to learn what to emulate. And he recommends studying those executives who don’t seem to have much sway to learn what not to do.2. Hone your business skillsIf CIOs are going to be effective executives, they must understand the businesses they lead. Many veteran CIOs possess the business acumen they need, which is why they’ve succeeded in their roles long term, but Bloom says many early-tenure CIOs still have much to learn.“The jobs in IT can still be very technical, so those who move up tend to be very technology-centric. But in the top role, it can’t be. You have to be a business executive first who also happens to know how to run an IT shop,” he says. “And now with AI, it’s more important than ever, because AI touches everything in the organization. That means the CIO has to have a wider understanding of the organization.”CIOs can do this, he says, by using the same strategic planning and budget tools their executive peers use, a tactic that will help CIOs align to the needs of the business; joining industry organizations and not just IT associations; and seeking opportunities to learn and master business concepts.Rebecca Gasser, global CIO at FGS Global, is on that path. More specifically, she’s studying corporate finance and digging into the nuances of how finance operates — treasury, tax, controls, audits, compliance, and how it all fits together. “One day I might want to grow into a COO or CEO, and even if I don’t, it helps me be a better business partner to our executives,” she says.3. Tune up your technical skillsThe CIO role requires both business and technical knowledge. For the past five years or so CEOs and boards were looking to hire CIOs with an equal mix of both, according to Kristen Lamoreaux, president and CEO of Lamoreux Search.But AI changed that equilibrium, she says, as organizational executives and their boards turn to their CIOs to lead the development and execution of an AI strategy.“With all things AI, the pendulum is swinging toward the best CIOs being the ones who really understand emerging technologies,” Lamoreux says.Those leading CIOs are investing time to get deep into the technology of AI and bleeding-edge tech so they can educate their colleagues on what they should know about those technologies and their potential impacts on the business, she explains, adding that she knows dozens of CIOs who are signing up for technical courses these days.She says they then are better positioned to effectively evaluate partners and vendors, knowing they can competently do so because they have a depth of knowledge in the technologies they’re assessing.4. Step up your work with professional organizationsAnother way to grow as a leader, Bloom says, is to widen and deepen your involvement in professional organizations.“The knowledge you’ll gain increases your capabilities as a thought leader,” he explains. “It also gives you external gravitas. If you’re the president of the local Society for Information Management chapter, for example, that establishes you as sort of an industry expert. It adds to your professional stature, and that in general adds to your executive presence, and people will want to listen to you.”5. Work on your agilityTechnology, business, and economic conditions can change on a dime, which makes the ability to pivot when needed a critical leadership trait, says Warren Lenard, state CIO and agency head for the Indiana Office of Technology.“An important part of any successful leader is to be able to say, ‘I’ve changed my opinion,’ as you revisit information or find new information,” he says. “That’s one of the greatest things a leader can do. You can’t let pride or ego get in the way of being able to turn. Being able to turn is a good thing.”It’s a trait Lenard cultivated, noting that “it’s something I’ve achieved as I’ve gotten mature in my career.”Lenard says being an attentive listener and open to others’ insights helps him identify whether he needs to pivot. He says his agility stems from being focused on the end goal and not being wedded to a specific pathway to that goal. It also stems from being humble enough to acknowledge when a current path isn’t leading the organization to where it wants to go. He also credits the book Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working by Dan Heath for helping him develop the ability to gracefully change course when needed.6. Get better at building great teamsCoaches are only as good as their teams; that’s as true in business as it is in sports, says Lamoreaux.She says top-notch CIOs have mastered team-building skills. They prioritize upskilling and are strategic in how they do so, as they identify staffers whose talent and dedication warrant stretch assignments and intensive courses while still finding effective, targeted training opportunities for everyone else.“They know who their key people are and ask them what they need to grow and work like crazy to give it to them,” Lamoreaux says, noting that the most successful IT leaders are also attentive to succession planning, so they’re not left with holes on their team when one of their top performers leaves.7. Be more empatheticSome 52% of workers are worried about the future impact of AI use in the workplace, and 32% think the technology will lead to fewer job opportunities for them in the long run, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey. A 2025 Reuters/Ipsos poll found 71% fear AI will cause permanent job loss, among other concerns.Although figures vary from one report to the next, research has consistently indicated that people are nervous as they head into the new year, with worries including AI-related job displacement and economic concerns.Such sentiments require leaders who understand workers’ worries.As a result, the most respected executives today have a high Human Quotient, not just a high IQ, Lamoreaux says. They’re able to deliver difficult news when necessary, understand the impact of tough decisions, and have authentic concern for those impacted.Like other traits of good leaders, empathy can be cultivated, Lamoreaux says. CIOs looking to nurture it can start by being attentive to the basic rules of relationship management (such as being an active listener). Volunteering is another way to build empathy. Lamoreaux volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House charity and knows firsthand how that changes one’s perspective.“When you’re preparing to meet a family who doesn’t know if their kid is going to make it, you see them as people first and not a name on a list,” she says. “That has a big impact on you. And you bring that back to your work with you, you bring that ‘humanity first’ back with you. It gets you to focus on other people and think about what other people are going through.”8. Sharpen all your people skillsAI is one of the most transformative technologies to come along in a long time. CIOs are instrumental in leading people through that change — and they must be better at it than they’ve been in the past, says Jason Pyle, president and managing director of Harvey Nash US and Canada, an IT recruitment and consultancy firm.“It will come down to navigating all the human elements,” he says.Pyle advises CIOs to grow their interpersonal skills, including their emotional intelligence, empathy, communication, and listening abilities.These are characteristics that can be developed, but it takes effort and a willingness to work differently, Pyle explains, adding that CIOs can work with mentors and ask peers for honest assessments to pinpoint areas for improvement.“Anytime you’re starting down a pathway of change, you have to talk to people you trust, let them know what you’re working on, and then set a measuring stick,” Pyle says. “It’s about taking steps to make adjustments and to self-assess and assess with others.”9. Serve on a boardKaren Swift, vice president of IT at Penske Media, is looking to expand her board work beyond nonprofits to for-profit entities.“I look at it as a reach goal for growth,” she says. “It is different from what my career has been, I find it really interesting to be able to shape an organization and be part of the decisions on where it’s going.”Swift also says serving on boards helps her better understand what her own company’s board may want from her as a CIO.10. Commit, plot for growthThe business notion of “adapt or die” applies to CIOs, too, more so now than ever before as transformation happens in increasingly faster cycles.That creates an imperative for CIOs to continuously change to meet current needs.So CIOs who want to keep pace and grow their leadership skills should first commit to making it happen — and then identify ways to move the needle. Growing new skills, like new muscle, requires engagement, repetition, and time.“Have that hunger and passion to learn new skills, and come up with strategies on how to execute that,” advises Thomas Phelps IV, CIO and SVP of corporate strategy at Laserfiche and an advisory board member for the SIM Research Institute.
Lease negotiations continue despite the company issuing a mass layoff notice earlier this month.
We tested a range of Linux-ready VPNs with easy-to-use apps, great server networks, and strong speeds to find the best options in the market today.
Meta, TikTok, and YouTube face a landmark trial in Los Angeles over allegations their platforms caused youth addiction and mental health issues.The post Meta, TikTok, YouTube to stand trial on youth addiction claims first appeared on The Journal Record.
Women interested in electric vehicles (EVs) are being encouraged to ditch the fear and embrace the future, as a new training initiative promises to give them real power. Professor Taneisha Stephenson says the upcoming programme at The University...
Meta, YouTube and TikTok accused of making products intentionally addictive and harmful to young peopleFor the first time, a massive group of parents, teens and school districts is taking on the world’s most powerful social media companies in open court, accusing the tech giants of intentionally designing their products to be addictive. The blockbuster legal proceedings may see multiple CEOs, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, face harsh questioning.A long-awaited series of trials kicks off in Los Angeles superior court on Tuesday, in which hundreds of US families will allege that Meta, Snap, TikTok and YouTube’s platforms harm children. Once young people are hooked, the plaintiffs allege, they fall prey to depression, eating disorders, self-harm and other mental health issues. Approximately 1,600 plaintiffs are included in the proceedings, involving more than 350 families and 250 school districts. Continue reading...