AvaTrade Hired Former NAGA Group Executive as CFO
The appointment of Jeremy Schlachter signals a shift toward acquisition-led growth for the global brokerage firm.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you trust that hiring executives focused on corporate consolidation will ultimately lead to company growth?
AvaTrade has appointed Jeremy Schlachter as its new Chief Financial Officer. The move follows Schlachter's departure from The NAGA Group in August 2026 and coincides with AvaTrade's ongoing assessment of potential acquisitions, including a recent offer for Stratos.
Why it matters
The leadership change reflects a strategic pivot toward corporate transformation and retail brokerage expansion. As AvaTrade streamlines its European footprint, the firm is prioritizing executive experience in managing complex acquisitions.
Sari Hemmendinger steps down after an 11-year tenure, while AvaTrade shuttered its 6-year-old Polish branch. The firm is actively navigating growth via potential acquisitions, including an offer submitted for Stratos in June 2026.
The players
AvaTrade
A global retail brokerage firm providing trading services in various financial markets.
Jeremy Schlachter
A finance executive with a background as Group CFO of Finalto and NAGA Group.
The NAGA Group
A financial technology company offering a social trading platform and brokerage services.
Stratos
A brokerage entity currently identified as a potential acquisition target for AvaTrade.
Sari Hemmendinger
The former AvaTrade executive who concluded an 11-year tenure with the company.
The details
Jeremy Schlachter assumes the CFO role with prior experience as Group CFO of Finalto and his most recent leadership stint at The NAGA Group. AvaTrade is concurrently restructuring its European presence, opting to close its Polish branch and migrate client service functions to its broader international operations. This structural refinement is designed to prepare the brokerage for scaling through M&A activities.
Timeline
2025: Jeremy Schlachter joined The NAGA Group management team.
June 2026: AvaTrade submitted an acquisition offer for Stratos.
August 2026: Jeremy Schlachter departed The NAGA Group.
October 4, 2026: Jeremy Schlachter announced his appointment as AvaTrade CFO.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows a broader pattern of brokerage firms centralizing operations and seeking inorganic growth through acquisitions. It aligns with the current consolidation trend among mid-tier retail brokerage firms looking to scale in an increasingly competitive sector.
Operators should monitor how the transition affects service continuity as AvaTrade shifts support from the shuttered Polish branch to international channels. The focus on M&A suggests that partners and competitors should prepare for potential changes in the brokerage’s market share.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at brokerage firms often signal impending shifts in operational capacity or acquisition strategy. Business owners should track whether incoming executive appointments correlate with moves toward centralized regional support models.
Further reading
For more on shifts in financial executive leadership, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Finance Magnates.
Live Poll
Do you trust that hiring executives focused on corporate consolidation will ultimately lead to company growth?
