Who Is the Owner of Exness?
Exness, a leading name in the forex and CFD trading industry, has garnered global attention for its innovative trading platforms, competitive spreads, and client-centric approach. Founded in 2008, the company has grown exponentially, serving over 1 million active traders and achieving monthly trading volumes exceeding $4 trillion as of late 2023. Despite its prominence, one question persists among traders and industry enthusiasts: Who is the owner of Exness? This article delves into the history, leadership, and ownership structure of Exness, shedding light on the key figures behind its success and why its ownership remains partially shrouded in mystery.
The Origins of Exness: A Vision for Transparency
Exness was established in 2008 during the global financial crisis, a time when trust in financial institutions was at an all-time low. The founders saw an opportunity to create a brokerage that prioritized transparency, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. Headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus —a hub for financial services—Exness started as a small forex broker and quickly gained traction by offering innovative features like instant withdrawals, high leverage, and a wide range of tradable assets, including currencies, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, and commodities.
The company’s early focus on the MetaTrader 4 platform, followed by the introduction of MetaTrader 5 in 2012, helped it stand out in a competitive market. By 2013, Exness had achieved a trading volume of $1 trillion, and by 2020, it became the first non-Japanese broker to consistently surpass this figure monthly. Today, Exness operates in over 130 countries, holds licenses from toptier regulators like CySEC, FCA, and FSCA, and continues to expand its global footprint.
But who were the visionaries behind this remarkable growth? Let’s explore the key figures associated with Exness’s founding and leadership.
The Founders: Petr Valov and Igor Lychagov
When discussing the ownership of Exness, two names frequently emerge: Petr Valov and Igor Lychagov. These individuals are widely recognized as the co-founders of Exness, bringing complementary expertise in finance and technology to the table.
Petr Valov: The Driving Force
Petr Valov, the current CEO of Exness, is the most prominent figure associated with the company. Born in Russia, Valov has a strong background in programming, mathematical modeling, and financial markets. His vision was to create a brokerage that blended ethical business practices with scientific innovation, redefining the trading experience for retail and institutional clients. Under his leadership, Exness has prioritized client trust, transparency, and technological advancement, which have become hallmarks of the company’s ethos.
Valov’s expertise in programming and IT laid the foundation for Exness’s robust trading infrastructure, which emphasizes speed, reliability, and user experience. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in scaling Exness from a startup to a global powerhouse, competing with industry giants like Saxo Bank, Plus500, and XM. While Valov is a central figure, his public presence is relatively low-key, aligning with Exness’s preference for letting its performance speak for itself.
Igor Lychagov: The Tech Visionary
Igor Lychagov is another key figure often cited as a co-founder of Exness. With a background in technology, Lychagov reportedly played a critical role in developing the company’s initial infrastructure, which prioritized fast execution and reliable trading platforms. Unlike Valov, Lychagov maintains an even lower public profile, and his involvement in the company’s day-to-day operations remains unconfirmed by official sources. Some reports suggest he contributed significantly to the technological framework that set Exness apart in its early years, but details about his current role or ownership stake are scarce.
Conflicting Reports: Ivan Isakov?
Interestingly, some sources mention Igor Lychagov and Ivan Isakov as the primary founders, with Isakov contributing business development and marketing expertise. According to these reports, Lychagov’s programming and trading skills, combined with Isakov’s strategic vision, created a solid foundation for Exness’s growth. However, these claims are not universally corroborated, and Exness’s official communications consistently highlight Petr Valov as the key founder and CEO. The mention of Isakov may stem from industry speculation or outdated information, underscoring the opaque nature of Exness’s ownership structure.
Exness’s Ownership Structure: A Private Affair
Unlike publicly traded companies, which are required to disclose detailed ownership information, Exness operates as a privately held entity. This structure allows the company to maintain a degree of privacy regarding its ownership, focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term shareholder demands. The ownership of Exness is believed to be shared among its founders, key executives, and possibly private investors or venture capital firms, though specific details are not publicly disclosed.
Exness operates under a complex corporate structure, comprising multiple entities regulated in various jurisdictions, including:
Exness (Cy) Ltd: Regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) with license number 178/12.
Exness (UK) Ltd: Authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.
Exness (SC) Ltd: A Securities Dealer registered in Seychelles, regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Exness B.V.: Regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Exness ZA (PTY) Ltd: Authorized by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
This multi-entity structure allows Exness to operate globally while complying with local regulations. However, it also adds complexity to the ownership puzzle, as each entity may have its own stakeholders. The primary ownership is likely concentrated among the founders—particularly Petr Valov—and key management, with no public records indicating significant external institutional investors.
Why the Mystery? The Benefits of Private Ownership
Exness’s decision to remain privately held offers several advantages, both for the company and its clients:
1. Long-Term Focus: Without the pressure of public shareholders, Exness can prioritize sustainability, innovation, and client satisfaction over short-term profits. This has allowed the company to invest heavily in technology, such as proprietary algorithms and AI-powered tools, to enhance the trading experience.
2. Independent Decision-Making: Private ownership grants Exness’s leadership, led by Petr Valov, the autonomy to make strategic decisions without external interference. This flexibility has enabled rapid expansion into new markets, such as Africa and Latin America, and the acquisition of licenses in regions like Kenya.
3. Client-Centric Approach: By avoiding the demands of quarterly earnings reports, Exness can focus on delivering competitive trading conditions, such as low spreads, instant withdrawals, and robust risk management. Over 98% of withdrawals are processed instantly, a feature that sets Exness apart from competitors.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Exness’s private structure does not exempt it from regulatory oversight. The company adheres to strict standards set by regulators like CySEC, FCA, and FSCA, ensuring transparency and client fund protection. This commitment enhances its reputation as a trustworthy broker.
Key Leadership Beyond the Founders
While Petr Valov is the most visible figure, Exness’s success is also driven by a talented executive team. Notable members include:
Damian Bunce, Chief Trading Officer, who oversees trading operations and brings experience from top financial institutions like Saxo Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Barclays Capital.
Nikita Shvetsov, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the company’s technological advancements and platform development.
Maria Fedorova, Head of Risk Management, who has implemented sophisticated risk controls to ensure a secure trading environment.
This blend of financial expertise and technological innovation has allowed Exness to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
Exness’s Global Impact and Future Plans
Exness’s growth trajectory is impressive, with over 5,600 employees across six continents and a revenue estimated between $100 million and $1 billion as of June 2025. The company has expanded its presence through strategic partnerships, such as with Real Madrid and LALIGA, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, including a fintech scholarship program supporting 53 students since 2022.
Looking ahead, Exness aims to further develop AI-powered trading tools and expand into new markets. Its private ownership model provides the flexibility to pursue these ambitions without external pressures, ensuring that client needs remain at the forefront.
Conclusion: Who Really Owns Exness?
The question of who owns Exness cannot be answered with absolute certainty due to the company’s private ownership structure. However, Petr Valov, as co-founder and CEO, is the most prominent figure, likely holding a significant ownership stake alongside other key executives and possibly private investors. Igor Lychagov’s role as a co-founder is acknowledged in some sources, but his current involvement is unclear. The mention of Ivan Isakov appears to be less substantiated and may reflect industry speculation.
Exness’s private ownership has been a key factor in its ability to innovate, expand, and maintain a client-first approach. While the exact ownership details remain private, the company’s commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and technological advancement speaks volumes about its credibility. For traders, the focus should be on Exness’s performance—its competitive trading conditions, robust infrastructure, and global reputation—rather than the elusive details of its ownership.
