Epic Markets Welcomes Former GS Securities CEO Zuzana Hashemi
Epic Markets, a Dubai-based CFD broker that is still preparing to launch, has appointed Zuzana Hashemi as its Head of Legal and Compliance, according to FX News Group. Hashemi is a compliance specialist in the CFD industry who previously served as CEO of Dubai-based GS Securities. The company plans to launch in late 2026 or early 2027, so the appointment comes at an early stage of its development.
What Was Announced
The appointment places Hashemi in charge of legal and compliance matters at Epic Markets. For a broker that has not yet opened its doors to clients, this is one of the most important early hires. Legal and compliance functions set the rules for how a firm handles client money, marketing, risk disclosures and reporting, and they determine whether the business can meet the obligations that come with serving retail traders.
The report does not describe Hashemi's exact remit beyond the title, so the scope of her responsibilities should be read as the job title indicates rather than as a detailed list of duties.
Who Is Zuzana Hashemi?
Hashemi brings a background that spans senior management and compliance roles at several firms in the CFD and forex space. Her career history, as reported, includes the following:
- GS Securities (Dubai): Served as CEO, the most senior executive role on her record.
- BP Prime: Held a senior management or compliance role.
- BITmarkets: Held a senior management or compliance role.
- Gulf Brokers DMCC: Held a senior management or compliance role.
- Goldenburg Group: Held a senior management or compliance role.
- ROSTRO Group (UAE unit): Served as Head of Compliance immediately before joining Epic Markets.
Moving from a chief executive position to a compliance-focused role is a notable choice. It suggests the company is prioritising a compliance structure from the outset, rather than treating it as a function to add later. Whether that approach shows up in practice will become clearer once the broker publishes its client terms and begins operating.
Founders and Business Plan
Epic Markets was founded by Kevin Kimmel and Bryan Seegers, who were previously senior managers and led the eFX business at market maker Citadel Securities. The startup plans to operate as a multi-asset retail broker in the United States and the UAE. That combination of markets and jurisdictions is worth noting: a multi-asset offering covers several types of instruments under one account, while operating in two regions means the firm will need to meet the requirements of each.
Founder experience in electronic foreign exchange trading is relevant to a broker's execution and pricing infrastructure, although the material available does not describe the company's specific trading technology or product range.
Funding and Early Stage
Epic Markets has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding from Karatage, a hedge fund and venture capital investor based in London. Pre-seed funding is typically an early round used to build a team, develop a product and prepare for launch. The size of the round and the appointment of an experienced compliance head both point to a company still in its build phase.
For readers, the key point is that Epic Markets is not yet a fully operating broker. Its launch timeline of late 2026 or early 2027 is a plan, and plans in this sector can change.
Epic Markets at a Glance
| Area | What Has Been Reported | What Traders Should Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Company type | Dubai-based CFD broker, planning a multi-asset retail offering | Confirmed product range and instruments once published |
| Leadership hire | Zuzana Hashemi, Head of Legal and Compliance | Regulatory status and licences held in each operating region |
| Launch timing | Late 2026 or early 2027 | Official launch date and whether it is met |
| Target markets | United States and UAE | Which clients can open accounts in which jurisdiction |
| Funding | $10 million pre-seed from Karatage | Further funding rounds and product development updates |
| Founders | Kevin Kimmel and Bryan Seegers, former Citadel Securities eFX managers | Team announcements and operational details |
What This Means for Traders
A leadership appointment alone does not tell you whether a broker is safe or suitable. It is, however, a useful signal to check. If you are considering Epic Markets once it opens, the following steps will help you assess it properly:
- Check the regulatory status yourself. Confirm which regulator authorises the entity you would open an account with, and search that regulator's public register rather than relying on a broker's website alone.
- Confirm the legal entity. Brokers often run several entities in different countries. The terms that apply to you depend on which one holds your account.
- Read the client agreement and risk disclosures. Pay attention to how client funds are held, how withdrawals are processed and how disputes are handled.
- Review the cost structure. Spreads, commissions, overnight financing and any inactivity or withdrawal fees all affect the real cost of trading.
- Compare with established brokers. A new entrant should be measured against brokers with a track record. Our XM Group review and Headway review show the kinds of details worth checking on any broker.
Until Epic Markets publishes its licensing details, pricing and client terms, it is too early to judge its offering. Treat the appointment as a development to follow, not as a recommendation.
Risk Reminder
CFDs and leveraged forex trading carry a high risk of losing money quickly, and they are not suitable for everyone. Only trade with funds you can afford to lose, and make sure you understand how a broker is regulated before you deposit.
About Epic Markets
Epic Markets is a Dubai-based CFD broker founded by Kevin Kimmel and Bryan Seegers. The company plans to offer multi-asset trading to retail clients in the United States and the UAE, and it has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding from Karatage. Its launch is planned for late 2026 or early 2027.
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