Latest news with #longtermsuccess
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Embracing calculated risks while steering clear of the unavoidable: Octa Broker on trading and market dangers
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 August 2025 - Risk is an unavoidable part of our life, present in every decision we make or choose not to make. Nowhere, however, is the risk more pronounced than in the fast-paced world of financial markets. Indeed, the constantly shifting economic landscape, marked by the rapid dissemination of news and the inherent volatility of prices, makes risk so pervasive that it's often synonymous with the market itself. However, Octa, a global financial broker, emphasises that not all risks are equal and that a deep understanding of different types of risk is crucial for mitigating potential losses and achieving long-term trading success. Definition of risk To better understand risk, one can recall the common phrases we often use in life: He who dares, wins Look before the leap Fortune favours the bold Nothing ventured, nothing gained The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for These sayings capture the dual nature of risk: it can lead to reward or ruin. Even inaction carries risk, as the world continues to evolve around us, potentially leaving us vulnerable to unforeseen changes. Either way, here's a hard fact that Octa analysts learned over the years of providing access to financial markets for traders: without venturing into the unknown, significant rewards are out of reach. But what exactly is risk? A formal definition from the Oxford Learner's Dictionary describes risk as 'the possibility of something bad happening at some time in the future; a situation that could be dangerous or have a bad result'. In finance, this translates to the possibility of suffering a loss. While this might sound daunting, the key is to recognise that not all risks are equal. According to Octa analysts, while each risk type presents unique challenges, a strategic approach to risk management is the first step toward success in trading and investing. Main Types of Risk in Financial Markets 1. Market Risk Market risk refers to the potential for losses due to various factors affecting the overall performance of the financial markets. It's often broken down into three primary subtypes: Price Risk. This is the most common form of risk for traders. It's the risk of losses due to adverse changes in market price of an asset—whether a stock, a commodity, or a currency pair. Interest Rate Risk. This is the risk that borrowing costs might increase. This type of risk is particularly relevant for bond investors, as a rise in rates typically causes the value of bonds to fall. However, the risk also affects currencies' exchange rates, as changes in relative monetary policy of different countries can influence the flow of international capital. Currency Risk. Also known as 'exchange rate risk', is the risk that a foreign currency might devalue, negatively impacting an investment made in that currency or the price of that country's products. This is the primary focus for a company that exports or imports large amounts of goods and services or has direct investments overseas. 2. Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk relates to potential losses that might occur when a financial instrument or an asset cannot be bought or sold quickly enough without a significant change in its price due to low trading volumes. Highly liquid markets, like major currency pairs, have many buyers and sellers, making entering or exiting a position easy. Conversely, the market with fewer participants might force a trader to accept a much worse price than expected to complete a transaction, leading to a loss. This risk is especially relevant when dealing with large positions in relatively illiquid markets (for example, third-tier cryptocurrency) or during periods of market stress (for example, when important news is released during late-trading hours). 3. Operational Risk Operational risk involves potential losses from inadequate processes, systems, people, or external events, including fraud and cyberattacks. This can comprise anything from human error in data entry, technical failures in a trading platform, or system breakdowns that prevent a trade from being executed. While it might seem less prominent than market risk, it's still a critical consideration. 4. Counterparty Risk Counterparty risk is the risk that any party in a transaction will fail to fulfil its obligations. This is one of the most critical risks for a retail trader. Additional types of risk worth noting include inflation risk (erosion of purchasing power, impacting long-term investments), political/geopolitical risk (for example, sanctions or elections causing market disruptions), systemic risk (the potential collapse of an entire financial system due to interconnected failures, often amplified by leverage and contagion), and basis risk (occurs when hedging instruments don't perfectly correlate with the underlying asset). Minimizing risks Risk is unavoidable, but it can be managed, which means that it can be minimised and a trader can partially protect himself or herself from it. Octa recommends applying two key principles for managing risk: Principle 1. Maintain a reasonable amount of leverage and margin It's important to monitor an account's total margin usage in real time. Continuously adjusting a balance to reflect current profits and losses allows a trader to always see their available leverage and monitor their risk level. Principle 2. Minimise losses by setting stop-loss orders. Stop-loss orders allow traders to easily define an exit point for a trade before placing it, whether based on a specific price level or a monetary value. Risk avoidance Some risks are beyond the trader's control and are best avoided altogether. For example, a sudden glitch in a trading platform during a high-volatility event could cause a trader to lose a significant amount of money if they cannot close a position. Likewise, in the event of a broker's bankruptcy, there is a very real possibility of losing the entire investment, regardless of trade performance. This risk is not something a trader can manage with a stop-loss order; it's a risk trader must avoid entirely. In this regard, choosing a reliable broker is essential. Look for brokers that are regulated which offer transparent trading conditions with no hidden fees, and have a track record of fast execution and fast withdrawals, confirmed by positive reviews on independent platforms. By selecting a stable and client-focused broker, traders can minimise avoidable risks and focus on profitable opportunities. In conclusion, risk is the shadow side of opportunity in financial markets and trading. By understanding risk types and applying risk management techniques, individuals can navigate these waters with greater confidence and success. ___ Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities. In Southeast Asia, Octa received the 'Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024' and the 'Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023' awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively. Octa
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Rethinking business incorporation: IFZA's CFO shares insights
Image: Supplied We are living in times where global expansion has never been easier. It was often thought that international expansion is complicated, but new growth models and strategies are emerging that mean the reverse is true. The traditional location-bound approach to business incorporation is fast becoming obsolete. Where once it was the norm to register and operate a business solely within one's domestic market, today's entrepreneurs face a different reality — one that demands a global mindset from day one. With access to the right set of tools and with the willingness to adopt a new mindset, building a global workforce can actually be the competitive advantage that sets your business up for long-term success. The new paradigm: Incorporation beyond borders Globalisation, digital transformation and evolving consumer expectations have reshaped the business landscape. Startups no longer serve just their immediate regions; they serve global communities. From the earliest stages of development, founders of startups must consider how to structure, scale and optimise their operations with international competitiveness in mind. The shift from local to global is no longer optional – it is essential for survival and growth. In the past, business incorporation was mostly a function of geography – that is, business founders incorporated businesses in their home markets, where their suppliers or customers were, or where the regulation seemed familiar. While your market, supply chain, or team might still be a local concern, limiting where you start your business can affect your ability to tap into talented people, capital, and markets around the world. Rather than simply setting up in domestic markets, founders are increasingly choosing to incorporate in places that offer greater convenience, flexibility, funding opportunities, efficiency, or access to global markets. Some view a global mindset as a model where every company must operate across multiple countries from day one. In reality, it's about embracing the idea that the best business decisions shouldn't be constrained by location — and that founders should feel empowered to think globally from the start. Free zones: The smart launchpad for global-minded entrepreneurs One of the most effective tools founders can utilise to achieve global readiness is incorporating in a free zone – which are specially designated areas offering business-friendly environments and have emerged as innovation hubs and strategic gateways to international markets. The UAE, and particularly Dubai, has become a beacon for such zones. These Dubai's free zones alone account for 60 per cent of the city's total goods exports, showcasing the crucial role they play in driving trade and economic growth. IFZA exemplifies the advantages of this approach by offering a streamlined incorporation process and a world-class infrastructure. Free zone benefits Many free zones offer favourable tax regimes, including tax benefits and 100 per cent repatriation of profits. For startups, this can be a game-changer. Lower overhead costs and tax efficiencies mean founders can reinvest more into growth, talent acquisition, and product development. Free zones also offer ease of incorporation and compliance and typically involve less red tape than mainland. Furthermore, the regulatory frameworks within free zones are often tailored to encourage innovation and agility. This allows startups to operate with a level of flexibility not always possible in more rigid regulatory environments. Free zones are magnets for international entrepreneurs, experts, and service providers. Incorporation gives founders immediate access to a vibrant ecosystem of potential collaborators, mentors, and investors. This ecosystem can be instrumental in accelerating product-market fit, raising capital, and entering new markets. From local to global – A strategic shift By building a business with a global mindset, you open up a world of possibilities. The reality is simple: where you incorporate can significantly impact your access to capital, talent, and markets. CFOs understand that incorporation isn't just a legal formality – it's a strategic financial decision. The right strategy for expansion can enhance cash flow, reduce compliance burdens, and strengthen credibility in the eyes of investors. The financial advantages of thinking global from day one A founder with a global mindset must consider: Market access: Will this structure allow me to trade or expand internationally with ease? Agility: Does the environment enable flexibility, or will an attempt to scale be weighed down by complex and rigid administrative processes? Capital efficiency: How does investment support long term value creation? Is the business setup aligned with financing goals? Cost structure: Will operational costs and taxes allow me to scale sustainably? For CFO's, these questions should be approached not just from a cost-saving perspective, but with a bigger picture in mind. Thinking global means building the foundations to scale internationally when the time is right. From the earliest stages, founders and CFOs should be aligned on choosing a location that supports their business vision, growth trajectory, and financial strategy. Choosing a free zone is not only about convenience — it's about making a deliberate decision that enables growth, reduces friction, and creates opportunities for the future.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What founders need to know before choosing their exit — straight from Jai Das and Roseanne Wincek — at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Startups face more exit options — and more uncertainty — than ever before. That's why we're bringing this essential conversation to the Going Public Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening October 27–29 in San Francisco's Moscone West. Whether you're already eyeing a liquidity event or just starting to scale, this is your chance to hear what top VCs are looking for and how to set your company up for long-term success. Two of the best in the business — Roseanne Wincek of Renegade Partners and Jai Das of Sapphire Ventures — will break down the decision-making process, from when to make a move to how to be ready when the moment comes. Why this session belongs on your calendar Startups can no longer afford to treat exit planning as an afterthought. Between tighter capital markets, shifting investor expectations, and growing regulatory complexity, founders need a smarter playbook — and this conversation delivers just that. You'll get real talk on key timing considerations, market signals to watch, and how to structure your business for optionality, whether you're thinking IPO, acquisition, or just keeping your head down and building. It's a candid, high-level look at how the best founders are preparing for every possible outcome. Meet the experts leading this conversation Roseanne Wincek is a venture capitalist, early-stage founder, and co-founder of Renegade Partners. A veteran of IVP and Canaan Partners, she's invested in game-changers like Glossier, MasterClass, Looker, Spekit, and Daily — and brings a sharp lens for what makes companies truly ready for scale and exit. Jai Das is Co-Founder, President, and Partner at Sapphire Ventures. He's led investments in more than a dozen IPOs and two dozen acquisitions, with a deep focus on enterprise tech and AI-driven SaaS. His portfolio includes Netskope, ThoughtSpot, MuleSoft, and CircleCI, among many others. Get in the room where high-impact decisions start TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 brings together over 10,000 startup and VC leaders from around the world, and this session is your front-row seat to one of the most important conversations founders will face. Register now to get your pass for Disrupt (with savings of up to $600+) and take the guesswork out of your exit strategy.
TechCrunch
08-08-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
What founders need to know before choosing their exit at Disrupt 2025
Startups face more exit options — and more uncertainty — than ever before. That's why we're bringing this essential conversation to the Going Public Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening October 27–29 in San Francisco's Moscone West. Whether you're already eyeing a liquidity event or just starting to scale, this is your chance to hear what top VCs are looking for and how to set your company up for long-term success. Two of the best in the business — Roseanne Wincek of Renegade Partners and Jai Das of Sapphire Ventures — will break down the decision-making process, from when to make a move to how to be ready when the moment comes. Why this session belongs on your calendar Startups can no longer afford to treat exit planning as an afterthought. Between tighter capital markets, shifting investor expectations, and growing regulatory complexity, founders need a smarter playbook — and this conversation delivers just that. You'll get real talk on key timing considerations, market signals to watch, and how to structure your business for optionality, whether you're thinking IPO, acquisition, or just keeping your head down and building. It's a candid, high-level look at how the best founders are preparing for every possible outcome. Meet the experts leading this conversation Roseanne Wincek is a venture capitalist, early-stage founder, and co-founder of Renegade Partners. A veteran of IVP and Canaan Partners, she's invested in game-changers like Glossier, MasterClass, Looker, Spekit, and Daily — and brings a sharp lens for what makes companies truly ready for scale and exit. Jai Das is Co-Founder, President, and Partner at Sapphire Ventures. He's led investments in more than a dozen IPOs and two dozen acquisitions, with a deep focus on enterprise tech and AI-driven SaaS. His portfolio includes Netskope, ThoughtSpot, MuleSoft, and CircleCI, among many others. Get in the room where high-impact decisions start TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 brings together over 10,000 startup and VC leaders from around the world, and this session is your front-row seat to one of the most important conversations founders will face. Register now to get your pass for Disrupt (with savings of up to $600+) and take the guesswork out of your exit strategy.
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Branding Is Such A Critical—Yet Often Overlooked—Asset
Victoria Marshall, Creative Director at Whether you're launching a disruptive startup or steering an established corporation, attention naturally gravitates towards tangible metrics: product innovation, sales charts and operational streamlining. These are, of course, the engines of commerce. Yet, working quietly beneath them all is a foundational force, an asset so fundamental that its neglect can subtly unravel even the most meticulously crafted strategies. I'm talking about a company's brand. It's a common mistake—seeing branding as secondary when, in truth, it's often one of the most potent drivers of long-term success. The Misunderstanding Around Branding Mention "branding" and for many, the mind still conjures up images of a new logo or a snappy tagline. While these visual cues are indeed part of the toolkit, to equate them with the entirety of branding is to see only the tip of the iceberg. True branding is far more than that; it's the overall system of perception surrounding your company. It's the narrative woven through every interaction, the values that genuinely shine through, the distinct experience you offer and the promises you consistently uphold. It's that almost intangible quality that makes a customer choose you, even when a competitor's offerings seem identical on paper. Your brand becomes the chief storyteller of your online presence and a key determinant of your reputational resilience. The Importance Of Branding In A Company's Early Stages When you're just starting out, kind of like learning to walk, your brand is what helps people notice you in a really crowded space. Think of it as your first hello, the first impression you make on people who could end up being your biggest fans down the road. It really just means getting crystal clear on why you're doing what you're doing: What's the heart of your business? What's your main goal, and what are the values you're built on? Once you've got that clear, the next step is to make sure that "why" genuinely shines through in every single thing your business does, so it feels totally real and people can see you mean it. How A Strong Brand Helps Companies Grow Once a business grows from a new venture into a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), good branding really becomes a secret weapon for growth and helps you stand out. Think about it: When customers have tons of choices, a clear brand shines like a friendly light, drawing people in and making them feel like they know and can trust you. This connection you build, this customer loyalty, is gold. It means you're not just stuck competing on who has the lowest price. Instead, it sets you up for steady, healthy growth. The real trick to making this happen. Being consistent. Every single time a customer interacts with your business—whether they're clicking around your website, seeing your posts on social media or talking to your team—they should get the same clear vibe about who you are and what you stand for. To accomplish this, I suggest to pretend you're a brand new customer. Go through all the steps they would. Does everything feel like the brand you want to be? Or are there spots where things feel a bit off or confusing? Leading From A Solid Foundation For big, well-known companies, having a strong and lively brand is like having a solid foundation. It helps them stay relevant year after year, build deep trust with everyone they work with (from investors to customers) and keep attracting the best people to join their team. It's no secret that today, both customers and employees are looking for companies that have a clear purpose and do things with honesty. Beyond just that, a really solid brand gives large companies a much-needed guide for handling how the public sees them and for staying in control of their own story—which is super important when even one small slip-up online can spread quickly and cause big headaches. When your company has a clear and genuine voice, you're the one leading the story about who you are. Ignoring the strategic imperative of branding isn't a neutral act; it often creates a vacuum. Businesses can find their messaging becoming diffuse, their unique value proposition lost in translation. They might attract customers who aren't the right fit, find themselves perpetually battling on price points or face an uphill struggle to rebuild if their public image takes a hit without a deep reservoir of brand equity to draw upon. Taking Your Brand To The Next Level So, how do you begin this vital work or, perhaps, re-ignite it? It often starts with introspection, asking those important questions: What do we genuinely want our name to evoke? How do our customers, employees and partners really see us today? Are these views in harmony with our aspirations? What is the unique compact we offer our audience, and are we honoring it with every action? When you are getting started with this, create safe channels for honest feedback—from your team and your customers. These unvarnished insights are pure gold for understanding your brand's current standing. Branding is not a one-and-done project with an official end date. It's a continuous commitment and a living part of your business strategy. It's an unseen foundation, that supports and shapes every visible success a business will have. Think of it this way: When you put effort into your brand, you're really investing in where your company's headed. You're making it stronger for when tough times hit, and you're building real, lasting bonds with your customers—the kind that mean something. I've found it honestly doesn't matter if your business is tiny or huge, or what industry you're in; realizing that your brand is this super important foundation, this core part of what you're building, is the very first step. Once you see that, you can really start to unlock all the amazing things a strong brand can do for you. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
