CMTrading celebrates its 10th anniversary in nautical style

Johannesburg, 20 July 2022: South Africa’s best-performing broker, CMTrading, has turned 10 years old. And the brokerage has come a long way since its establishment in 2012. Over the last decade, CMTrading has created a singular niche by bringing online trading to everyday people around the world and in particular to Africa and GCC countries. And for the first time since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMTrading’s global leaders came together in Limassol, Cyprus, where they set sail on a catamaran to reflect on the success story the “Local International Broker” has become. And it all happened because of a leap of faith taken by CMTrading Co-Founder Ibrahim Aita. 

Aita reflects on the “lightbulb moment” that brought CMTrading to life: “in 2011, after many years of experience in the financial services industry working for prominent firms locally and internationally, my business partner and I decided over lunch one day to establish our own investment firm. 

“We were so excited and confident about the idea that we resigned from our very senior positions in a month and launched a roadshow to raise money for our new venture. As it turned out, this was not as easy as we thought it would be. 

“Ten years later, we’ve evolved into a growing global business running in South America, Africa and the Middle East. I can proudly say our business has stood the test of time, thanks to not only the founders, but also the dedicated and talented team. Their contribution to the business was undeniable and admirable.” 

To celebrate its 10-year milestone, CMTrading’s global leadership team came together for the first time since the outset of COVID-19, taking to the Mediterranean sea on a catamaran for a luxurious cruise to mingle with counterparts from CMTrading offices around the globe, including South Africa, Nigeria, Cyprus, Tel Aviv and Bulgaria. 

CMTrading South Africa’s Regional Manager, Lionel Clinton Baird, reflects on the experience: “CMTrading's 10th anniversary could not have come at a better time, as the COVID travel restrictions had eased up and allowed us to meet our colleagues on the other side of the world – in many cases for the first time face-to-face. 

“I have known many team members for over four years via video conferencing platforms, but this experience allowed us to connect in-person aboard a beautiful catamaran, surrounded by the spectacle of Cyprus and its amazing culture.” 

What are the secrets to CMTrading’s success? According to Co-Founder Ibrahim Aita, it’s a human touch and belief in emerging economies that have made the most significant difference. 

“We believe in emerging countries. We understand the challenges their people face – unlike many western and developed countries with significant technological advantages, financial means, better welfare and more. 

“We are committed to giving emerging countries better service, education and new investment opportunities. Education is one of the most valuable tools we offer our clients. And we ensure they only trade when they are confident enough to invest. We are always there to help, which has enabled us to build long-lasting loyalty among our one-million-plus subscribers.”

Tope Ijibadejo, CMTrading’s Nigeria Region Manager, adds, “CMTrading's 10th anniversary celebration was perfectly timed for when COVID travel restrictions had been reduced in most parts of the world, and the opportunity was opened up to meet people I would have loved to meet much earlier. 

“It was a great pleasure meeting the world-class team I've been working with for almost two years in person at last. We had the chance to bond, build life-long relationships and work with the Cyprus team for a few days. We learned more about their powerful work ethic and strategies, which will be applied in my own area, the Nigerian office. It was also a pleasure to use my local experience and presence to close some business for the Cypress team. 

The catamaran sail was an exciting and unforgettable experience. I experienced how the global team works hard and plays even harder! The stay in Cyprus was very hospitable and filled with many good memories.” 

Since its somewhat humble beginnings, CMTrading has emerged as the largest broker in South Africa and a formidable force in the international markets it has expanded into. As it continues to grow its presence around the globe, the next decade is likely to be even bigger than the first. 

Aita concludes, “Our journey to get here has not always been easy. But the excitement we have about the industry has never stopped. We are grateful to our clients, who continue to have faith in us, and we will keep providing the best service because nothing matters more than they do. Here’s to the next decade!” 

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For more information on CMTrading, visit their official website at www.cmtrading.com or call +27 10 157 19 89, and one of their friendly staff will assist you. 

CMTrading is the brand name of Global Capital Markets Trading Ltd (A Seychelles company, company no. 104785)