FNG: What is Fortress Core Connect, its core mission, and the services it offers? Which regions does it operate in?

Fortress Core Connect: Fortress Core was founded on the principle that Africa’s institutional trading market was in need of a trusted bridge connecting local regulated financial entities with global liquidity providers using top-tier trading technology. Through a pure B2B introducing broker model, we empower regulated financial institutions to access advanced technology, unmatched liquidity solutions, trading infrastructure, reduced costs, all while adhering to FSCA standards.

Fortress Core is dedicated to connecting institutional clients such as CFD brokers, asset managers, and other regulated financial services providers (‘FSP’) with a top-tier liquidity provider, ATFX Connect, and well-established trading technology vendors.

Unlike traditional brokers, we never execute trades, manage client funds, or act as an ODP Provider (Over-the-Counter Derivative Provider); we function solely as an intermediary. Our mission centers on four key offerings: Top-tier liquidity solutions, fully customisable white-label systems, regulatory guidance, and risk management solutions.

Currently, Fortress Core operates in South Africa with expansion plans into Namibia, Kenya, and Botswana, helping institutions across Africa enhance execution quality, reduce trading costs, and scale competitively in global markets.

FNG: Fortress Core Connect recently announced its strategic partnership with ATFX Connect. What does this mean for the company and the South African financial market?

Fortress Core Connect: It’s a game-changer. Our partnership with ATFX Connect is a first for the institutional trading landscape in South Africa and Africa. ATFX Connect is a globally recognised multi-asset platform providing access to tier 1 bank and non-bank liquidity while it offers Prime of Prime services including full STP, Risk Management tools, and multiple GUIs & APIs.

Additionally, ATFX Connect is a licensed ODP Provider in South Africa with access to deep liquidity pools, institutional-grade trading platforms, and cutting-edge execution technology.

This unique collaboration allows Fortress Core to connect local B2B Clients with a multi-regulated top-tier liquidity provider and other well-established technology providers while ensuring full regulatory compliance under FSCA guidelines. Overall, when you work with Fortress Core, you work with a network of innovative industry leaders, highly regulated.

FNG: What are the key benefits for institutional clients working with Fortress Core Connect under this partnership?

Fortress Core Connect: B2B Clients looking to use Fortress Core’s services can benefit from turnkey solutions that include institutional-grade liquidity, advanced trading technology & infrastructure, and regulatory guidance. Through ATFX Connect, our clients gain access to multi-asset liquidity, customised pricing models, and deep liquidity pools across forex, commodities, indices, and equities. Additionally, our white-label solutions allow regulated FSPs such as asset managers and retail brokers to launch some fully branded trading platforms, and back-end systems such as CRM, client portal, emailing system, IB portal, client & partner application forms, with multiple API integrations making our white-label solution truly unique and effortless customisable. Whether it’s for a CFD brokerage, or an asset manager, Fortress Core provides the infrastructure, expertise, support, and global connectivity needed to access additional markets, enhance execution quality and reduce trading costs, ensuring great trading conditions and overall benefits to our B2B clients’ end-users.

FNG: What does the future hold for Fortress Core Connect, and how will this partnership shape institutional trading in Africa?

Fortress Core Connect: The financial landscape in Africa is evolving rapidly, and Fortress Core is at the forefront of institutional trading innovation thanks to its team of well-established & experienced finance professionals and strategic partners. With ATFX Connect, we plan to expand our reach beyond South Africa into key African markets such as Namibia, Kenya, and Botswana by end of 2025. Throughout the year, Fortress Core will of course focus on onboarding more institutional clients, but also introduce AI-driven support tools, and strengthen our offering. Additionally, we will be looking to add a few more regulatory licenses to our portfolio to further establish the brand throughout Africa while closely working with established exchanges such as the JSE and A2X to expand further our services. Our ultimate vision is to establish Fortress Core Connect as the leading premier B2B introducing broker in Africa’s institutional trading space.

About ATFX Connect

Back in 2019, ATFX stepped into the Institutional arena with the launch of its Multi-Access platform ATFX Connect. The management’s vision was to expand the broker’s global presence and continue to provide award-winning liquidity and customer service to clients within the Institutional community. With the focus on the professional Investor, the ATFX Connect platform is designed to provide an efficient automated trading venue that delivers tailored liquidity solutions to Hedge Funds, Asset Managers, Brokers, Private Banks, and other financial institutions. (ATFX Connect Website: https://www.atfxconnect.com)