Alexey Kirienko is one of three co-founders of EXANTE, alongside GatisEglitis and Anatoliy Knyazev. Kirienko, whose Bloomberg profile can be found at: https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/19349359.
Kirienko has decades of financial expertise formed during his years as a trader and now as CEO of Cyprus-listed broker EXANTE. Kirienko’s experience in the markets begins at university, where he studied various related disciplines that developed the technical skills used in trading. This was followed by a period working as a trader himself, and finally his business-focused role building out EXANTE with the other founding partners. Kirienko’s company has received various awards and operates in over twenty countries worldwide.
Kirienko’s passion for mathematics and mathematical statistics led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics, where he developed a keen interest in probability and game theory. However, he soon realised that theoretical knowledge of statistical arbitrage was not enough. Seeking real-world applications for his expertise, Kirienko began trading securities during his second year of college. This practical experience allowed him to put his theoretical knowledge to the test and develop sophisticated investment strategies, profiting off small price differences between derivatives contracts and their underlying securities. This form of trading relies on both advanced statistical methods and constant monitoring of financial markets for very small price discrepancies, relying on sophisticated, usually automated software to execute trades at pace.
Kirienko’s talent and insights quickly propelled him forward, and by 2003, he was promoted to work on a derivatives trading desk dealing with global markets. Most derivative products are used to manage risk exposure, either as a hedge for existing positions or business operations or as speculative investments in their own right. Trading international derivatives requires a good understanding of both the financial mathematics of the relevant contracts and the economic and financial conditions in the global markets you trade. Acquiring this experience broadened Kirienko’s understanding of global financial markets and emphasised the importance of diversifying risks across different geographies, a principle continued by EXANTE.
One of the stated aims of EXANTE is to provide a single interface where professional clients can execute trades across asset classes and across geographies. With a strong network of local offices and access to many of the world’s major financial markets, EXANTE offers clients the opportunity to trade internationally with ease.
EXANTE was founded in 2011 when Kirienko met Eglitis and Knyazev. Initially the broker operated out of Malta (regulated by the MFSA) before expanding into Cyprus (obtaining authority from the CySEC), Hong Kong (regulated by the SFC) and the United Kingdom (FCA-authorised). These multiple listings ensure the most exacting standards for client money segregation, reporting and client privacy. The company experienced rapid growth, attracting professional clients looking for access to global markets, and as of 2023 has over $2 billion under management. This expansion hasn’t come easily: Kirienko played a crucial role in developing EXANTE’s business model, envisioning the company as a broker that facilitates connections between investors, traders, and exchanges across the globe.
Today EXANTE has a footprint in over 20 markets worldwide, and specialises in allowing traders to access foreign markets simply and hassle-free, with a strong focus on privacy. Another particular focus of EXANTE under Kirienko’s management has been the development of an unparalleled customer service team, with a three-minute max wait time for clients to speak to a human agent, on a system operating 24/7.
Over the past decade, EXANTE has garnered numerous accolades and awards across various award categories, showcasing both EXANTE’s technical capabilities and commitment to innovation. These accolades include investment awards, diversity in finance awards, and the prestigious titles of ‘Best Trading Platform’ and ‘Best CEO 2020/21’ from European Business Magazine. Kirienko expressed his gratitude for these achievements, highlighting the dedication of the company’s employees and their continuous efforts to stay ahead of the curve. This recognition emphasizes EXANTE’s commitment to excellence and employee growth. Rapid expansion of the EXANTE team during Kirienko’s tenure as CEO is another demonstration of the growing reach and complexity of the organisation.
Aside from his role at EXANTE, Alexey Kirienko is widely recognized as an expert in global financial markets and derivatives trading. His expertise has led to invitations to speak at specialized conferences around the world, sharing his expertise on finance, globalisation and cryptocurrency. Additionally, Kirienko utilizes his expertise to identify promising fintech startups in their early stages, and is a renowned expert on cryptocurrency adaptation. With his profound knowledge and experience in the financial industry, Alexey Kirienko continues to shape the success and reputation of EXANTE while contributing to the general development of seamless, international financial markets.