Compensation from broker for Russian CFD (contract for difference)

The UK Financial Ombudsman has ordered Interactive Brokers (IB) to compensate an investor that invested in a Russian CFD (contract for difference). In this case the CFD was for 10.000 Sberbank ordinary shares. Interactive Brokers refused to close the position because they could not trade the underlying Sberbank shares Interactive Brokers had bought to cover the CFD contract. From March 2022 onwards, IB raised the margin required for the position to 100%. By August 2024 the interest alone charged on the position had amounted to around USD $12,000.  The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) introduced a margin close-out rule in 2018 that states that CFD providers have to close positions once the net asset value in the investor's account drops to 50% of the required margin. The Financial Ombudsman ruled that Interactive Brokers was required to stop charging interest and other charges on the CFD position once they had to close the position on the basis of the ESMA 50% margin...

EAHCISS' guide to distribution of Evraz NTMK shares

On July 22, 2025, the Arbitration Court of the Moscow Region approved the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s request to suspend EVRAZ plc’s corporate rights over NTMK.

As a result, NTMK shares can be allocated among EVRAZ plc shareholders according to their ownership percentage, following Federal Law No 470-FZ. Russian citizens or residents holding EVRAZ plc shares must directly acquire NTMK shares, while non-residents may choose to do so. The shareholder register as of July 22, 2025, determines eligibility for NTMK share distribution for most transaction in the Russian Federation. Holders outside of Russia would normally need to have acquired the shares before on the 5th of August 2022. Eligible EVRAZ plc shareholders as of July 22, 2025, can apply for NTMK shares by submitting the required documents by November 24, 2025, as specified by regulation. EAHCISS created a guidance document to help investors. Investors can also use the paid assistance that is offered by a Russian law firm that EAHCISS has good experiences with. More information on this offer can be found in the guide. The guidance document can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zsRI1hTjwFFXeyWe446WaqusL0OG7uzI/view?usp=drive_link