Freetrade has appointed Jenny Zhao as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the start of a new leadership chapter after the planned summer departure of former CEO Viktor Nebehaj. Zhao’s promotion coincides with IG Group’s recent acquisition of Freetrade, a deal valued at £160 million that positions Freetrade as a standalone entity within IG’s expanding investment portfolio.
Prior to taking the helm, Zhao took a nine-month sabbatical from executive roles during which she advised purpose-driven organizations and reflected on her leadership journey. Her career includes senior positions at Farewill, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s acquisition by Dignity, holding titles such as Managing Director of Legal Services, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Commercial Officer.
Zhao’s background also spans nearly five years at Bulb, where she advanced from marketing leadership roles to overseeing international growth as Vice President International. Before Bulb, she held client-facing leadership positions at Manning Gottlieb OMD, collaborating with high-profile clients including Google Nest and Airbnb.
Freetrade, known for promoting accessible investment platforms, gains a CEO with extensive experience in marketing, growth, and scaling businesses. Zhao described joining Freetrade as an opportunity to work with a talented team focused on simplifying trading for a broad range of investors.
The acquisition by IG Group extends the firm’s reach into the UK direct investment market, complementing its existing trading services while allowing Freetrade to maintain operational independence. Zhao’s appointment reflects a strategic effort to build on this foundation and drive further expansion in a competitive fintech landscape.