Trading giant appoints new chairman ahead of growth phase
CFI Financial Group has named Federico Cirulli as Chairman as the global trading business looks to scale up its international operations.
A major global trading company has appointed a new Chairman as it prepares to enter what it describes as its next phase of growth.
CFI Financial Group, a long-established name in online trading and investing, has appointed Federico Cirulli as Chairman of the Board.
The move comes after a period of record trading performance and continued international expansion for the Group.
It also marks another step in CFI's efforts to evolve its leadership and governance structure as the business grows in size and ambition.
The latest appointment follows Ziad Melhem becoming Group Chief Executive Officer in June 2025, while the Board was strengthened with new independent members in November 2025.
CFI's co-founders, Hisham Mansour and Eduardo Fakhoury, will also take on new roles as Non-Executive Directors.
Both will remain on the Board and continue to be invested in the company's future, while the existing executive management team and overall strategy remain in place.
Cirulli brings more than 20 years of experience in regulated financial services, including senior executive and CEO roles across brokerage and asset management.
His experience covers everything from business leadership and regulation to international expansion and scaling regulated financial services companies.
As Chairman, he will lead the Board and work closely with CFI's management team as the Group targets its next stage of international growth.
The focus will be on scaling the business, improving operational performance and expanding into more international markets.
Hisham Mansour, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Director of CFI Financial Group, said: "We built CFI with the ambition for it to grow beyond its founders and continue evolving for the long term. Federico's appointment is an important step in that journey.
“I have known and worked with Federico for many years; a seasoned professional in this industry, and someone with whom we share many common values about how a business should be built for the long term.
“Eduardo and I remain fully invested in CFI's success, and we have every confidence in Federico and the team as CFI enters its next chapter."
Group CEO Ziad Melhem said the company's growing international footprint makes strong governance increasingly important.
Ziad Melhem, Group CEO of CFI Financial Group, said: "Every market we enter adds a license, a regulator, and clients who expect us to be there for the long term. Growth and scale bring obligations, not just opportunities, and that is why governance matters as much as growth.
“I am delighted to welcome Federico as Chairman and to the standard he will hold us to."
Cirulli said he was taking on the role at an important moment in CFI's development.
Federico Cirulli, Chairman of CFI Financial Group, added: "CFI has built strong foundations over more than 25 years, combining entrepreneurial ambition with institutional standards.
“That reflects the vision of Hisham and Eduardo and the strength of the team they have built around them. I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman at such an important stage in the Group's development.
“As Chairman, my focus will be on working closely with the Board, Ziad, and the management team to build on those foundations, stay focused on the right strategic priorities, and ensure CFI continues to grow with discipline, strong governance, and high standards as it scales across markets, products, and services."
The appointment follows two years of changes aimed at strengthening CFI's leadership and governance, alongside continued investment in technology, products and international expansion.
The company now has an experienced executive team, an independent Board and an independent Chairman as it looks to scale further as a global trading and investment group.
A global trading business
Established in 1998, CFI Financial Group has more than 25 years of experience in regulated online trading and investing.
The company provides access to global and local markets, including equities, currencies and commodities, through operations in major financial centres including London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cape Town, Baku, Beirut, Amman, Cairo and Bogotá.
CFI says it focuses on building long-term relationships with clients and supporting traders throughout their investing journey.
The company also has some high-profile names on its roster of Global Brand Ambassadors, including Seven-Time Formula One™ World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and Tennis Legend Maria Sharapova.
Its partnerships extend into sport and culture, including collaborations with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, MI Cape Town, the Lebanese Basketball Federation and the Jordan Football Association.
CFI says these partnerships reflect its focus on innovation, performance and success, while also supporting cultural and community initiatives around the world.
With Cirulli now taking the chair, the company is positioning itself for what could be its biggest period of expansion yet.