In a bold and unexpected move, offshore CFDs broker Ultima Markets has acquired Tiger Brokers (UK) Ltd, securing a coveted FCA license and marking its formal entry into the UK’s highly regulated financial services market.

The acquisition comes at a time when several brokers are exiting the UK due to rising regulatory costs and competitive pressures, making Ultima’s expansion a notable exception in the current industry trend.

The deal, finalized in July 2025, was initiated in late 2024 when Tiger Brokers, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed UP Fintech Holding Ltd (TIGR), began winding down its UK operations. Ultima Markets injected £658,000 into the business to cover operational expenses during the transition, ultimately acquiring the dormant entity and its valuable regulatory status.

The firm has since been rebranded as Ultima Markets UK Limited, allowing Ultima to bypass the lengthy and complex process of applying for a new FCA license from scratch.

Tiger Brokers UK had been largely inactive in recent years, reporting zero revenue from 2021 to 2024 and accumulating £4.6 million in losses. At the time of acquisition, the firm held no client funds and had ceased onboarding new customers.

Despite its lack of commercial activity, the FCA license remained a strategic asset, offering Ultima Markets a fast-track route into one of the world’s most respected financial jurisdictions.

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Mauritius, Ultima Markets has built a strong presence across Asia-Pacific, particularly in China, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Known for offering over 250 CFD instruments across forex, indices, commodities, and shares, Ultima operates on platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and runs a dedicated Trading Academy aimed at improving financial literacy and trading skills.

The company also made headlines as the first CFD broker to join the UN Global Compact, signaling its commitment to sustainable finance and ethical business practices.

With the acquisition complete, Ultima Markets plans to launch a localized UK offering in 2026, tailored to meet FCA compliance standards.

This includes enhanced client onboarding procedures, transparent pricing models, and a renewed focus on trader education.

A company spokesperson stated, “We believe we can find our space in this mature market and deliver value to UK traders. Becoming FCA-regulated reflects our long-term commitment to transparency and integrity.”

Ultima’s entry into the UK contrasts sharply with the recent exits of brokers such as Tiger Brokers, Aetos, and Trive, who have cited high operational costs and regulatory burdens as key reasons for leaving.

However, Ultima joins a small but growing group of firms—including GTN and Moneta Markets—that are betting on the long-term potential of the UK’s retail trading sector.

The acquisition also reflects a broader trend of offshore brokers seeking legitimacy and global reach through regulatory approvals.

For UK traders, Ultima promises a fresh alternative to legacy platforms, offering competitive spreads, fast execution, and a strong emphasis on responsible trading.

As the UK financial landscape continues to evolve, Ultima Markets’ strategic acquisition of Tiger Brokers UK may signal a renewed wave of international interest in FCA-regulated operations.

With its global experience and commitment to compliance, Ultima is positioning itself as a serious contender in the UK’s crowded but lucrative retail trading market.

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