Former Xero engineering executive Nigel Fernandes will take the helm of Pepperstone's technology operations as the company deepens investments in proprietary systems and expands into crypto and new markets.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pepperstone, a Melbourne-based global online trading and fintech provider serving clients across more than 160 countries, has appointed Nigel Fernandes as Chief Technology Officer, effective 1 October 2026.

The hire comes as Pepperstone accelerates a strategic shift toward owning a greater share of its technology stack. The company is building out a broader fintech ecosystem that encompasses cryptocurrency, AI-native engineering, and institutional-grade infrastructure. The move reflects a broader industry trend in which online brokers are investing in proprietary platforms to reduce reliance on third-party trading software and differentiate on speed, reliability, and customization.

Fernandes brings over two decades of technology leadership spanning financial services, retail, media, and enterprise software. He joins from Xero, where he currently serves as SVP and Executive General Manager of Engineering, overseeing a global organization responsible for cloud platforms, customer identity, and data. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Publicis Sapient, Coles Group, SEEK, and Envato.

"I'm excited to be joining Pepperstone at such a pivotal time for the business," Fernandes said. "My focus will be building on the quality global brand that traders have trusted for years, investing in the technology we own to scale an AI-native engineering foundation that gives clients faster, more reliable access to the tools they need."

Group CEO Tamas Szabo emphasized the centrality of technology to the firm's roadmap: "The technology underpinning our client experience is core to everything we do. We're expanding Pepperstone into a genuine fintech ecosystem that opens access to crypto and new markets, while investing in our own technology to give clients a more personalised experience."

Szabo added, "Nigel's track record building high-performing engineering teams at some of the world's best technology companies makes him the right leader to help us build that."

In his capacity as CTO, Fernandes will oversee engineering, architecture, security, and data on a global basis. He will report directly to Group CEO Tamas Szabo and will be based at Pepperstone's global headquarters in Melbourne.

About Pepperstone

Pepperstone is a global fintech and CFD broker serving traders in more than 160 countries. The company offers access to forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and digital asset markets through a combination of industry-leading platforms, competitive pricing, and a strong regulatory framework.