GFT Global Markets, a new division of US firm Global Futures and Forex, has opened a London office offering spot FX, spread betting and contracts for differences.

Broker ODL is to establish an FX spread-betting operation to target UK consumers early next year, the company said.

Barclays Stockbrokers has launched a financial spread-betting service for retail investors to trade on upwards and downwards movements in share prices.

Irish-owned financial spread betting company Delta Index has claimed to have tripled its valuation to €22m following a new €2m funding round led by existing shareholders and new investors.

Financial agency The Gate has retained the £2m media planning and buying account for financial services company City Index in a two-way pitch against Ptarmigan.