UK neobroker Freetrade, which was acquired last year by IG Group (LON:IGG) for £160 million, has announced that it has hired Jenny Zhao as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Freetrade had been in the market for a new CEO since Viktor Nebehaj stepped down from the role earlier this year. Viktor was named CEO of Freetrade in 2024, replacing co-founder Adam Dodds, who had led Freetrade since its founding in 2016. Viktor was also a co-founder of Freetrade, and served as COO before his stint as CEO.

Jenny Zhao served as CCO, COO, as well as Managing Director – Legal Services over a four year stint at online funeral and wills planning site Farewill, before leaving the company last year. She had previously worked for five years at renewable energy company Bulb, ending her tenure at Bulb as VP International.

Freetrade currently has about £4 billion in client assets under administration, up from £3.3 billion as at year-end 2025. In 2025, Freetrade revenues rose about 10% to £31 million, however the company’s net loss ballooned to £22.1 million (from £6.5 million in 2024). The company cited increased costs incurred in connection with the acquisition by IG Group, alongside higher marketing expenditure to support the Company’s growth objectives, as reasons for the large loss in 2025.

Jenny Zhao said about her new role as Freetrade CEO,

“I am excited about the opportunity to build on Freetrade’s momentum and take its growth to the next level. Viktor and the team have built an incredible product that simplifies investing and makes it accessible to everyone. Freetrade is not only attracting those investors just getting started, but their fee-free pricing model is challenging the entrenched legacy platforms’ high-priced offerings. I can’t wait to get started.”

Viktor Nebehaj, Freetrade Co-Founder and outgoing CEO said,

“Jenny brings an impressive track record with deep expertise in leadership positions at category defining consumer brands to Freetrade. I am pleased to be able to leave Freetrade in her very capable hands.

“This last decade has been an extraordinary journey, full of hard lessons and hard-won successes. It’s never easy to pick the right time to take a step back, but with Freetrade’s recent momentum building, I felt like the time was right. Thank you to our exceptional team and our customers for their trust, support, and honesty over the years.”

Michael Healy, Managing Director, IG Group, added,

“I am delighted to have Jenny on board. She has an impressive track record, combining sharp commercial thinking with a strong bias for action. I am looking forward to working with her and the rest of the Freetrade team as they continue to build momentum.”