Melbourne-based Pepperstone, a global online trading and fintech company with clients across more than 160 countries, has appointed Nigel Fernandes as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective 1 October 2026. The move comes as the company strengthens its focus on developing and owning more of its technology, while expanding its fintech ecosystem into areas including cryptocurrency, AI-driven engineering and institutional-grade infrastructure.
Fernandes brings more than two decades of technology leadership experience spanning financial services, retail, media and enterprise software. He joins Pepperstone from Xero, where he is currently SVP and Executive General Manager of Engineering, overseeing a global engineering organisation responsible for cloud platforms, customer identity and data. Earlier in his career, he held senior technology positions at Publicis Sapient, Coles Group, SEEK and Envato.
Commenting on his appointment, Fernandes said he was looking forward to joining Pepperstone at an important stage in the company's growth. He said his priorities would include strengthening the technology behind the established global trading brand and developing an AI-native engineering platform capable of delivering faster, more dependable access to products and services for clients.
Pepperstone Group CEO Tamas Szabo said technology remains central to the company's client experience and future strategy. He highlighted the company's plans to broaden its fintech offering, including access to cryptocurrency and new markets, while using internally developed technology to create a more personalised experience for customers.
According to Szabo, Fernandes' experience in developing high-performing engineering teams at leading technology companies positions him well to support Pepperstone's next phase of technological growth.
In his new role, Fernandes will have global responsibility for engineering, architecture, cybersecurity and data. He will report directly to Group CEO Tamas Szabo and will be based at Pepperstone's global headquarters in Melbourne.
Fernandes brings more than two decades of technology leadership experience spanning financial services, retail, media and enterprise software. He joins Pepperstone from Xero, where he is currently SVP and Executive General Manager of Engineering, overseeing a global engineering organisation responsible for cloud platforms, customer identity and data. Earlier in his career, he held senior technology positions at Publicis Sapient, Coles Group, SEEK and Envato.
Commenting on his appointment, Fernandes said he was looking forward to joining Pepperstone at an important stage in the company's growth. He said his priorities would include strengthening the technology behind the established global trading brand and developing an AI-native engineering platform capable of delivering faster, more dependable access to products and services for clients.
Pepperstone Group CEO Tamas Szabo said technology remains central to the company's client experience and future strategy. He highlighted the company's plans to broaden its fintech offering, including access to cryptocurrency and new markets, while using internally developed technology to create a more personalised experience for customers.
According to Szabo, Fernandes' experience in developing high-performing engineering teams at leading technology companies positions him well to support Pepperstone's next phase of technological growth.
In his new role, Fernandes will have global responsibility for engineering, architecture, cybersecurity and data. He will report directly to Group CEO Tamas Szabo and will be based at Pepperstone's global headquarters in Melbourne.
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