Saxo Bank Sells Majority Stake in Saxo Australia to DMA

 A Strategic Shift

Saxo Bank has taken another big step in reshaping its global business by selling an 80.1% stake in its Australian division to South African financial firm DMA. The deal, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025 pending regulatory approval, is part of Saxo’s broader strategy to optimize its global operations.

Despite selling the majority stake, Saxo Bank will retain a 19.9% share in Saxo Australia, allowing it to maintain a presence in the market while handing over operational control to DMA. This move reflects Saxo’s ongoing efforts to review and adjust its international strategy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Why is Saxo Bank Selling?

For the past six months, Saxo Bank has been exploring “strategic opportunities” across its global operations, including a potential sale of certain assets. This sale of Saxo Australia follows similar recent industry moves, such as OANDA’s acquisition by FTMO and eToro’s U.S. IPO filing.

Saxo Bank appears to be focusing on refining its business model, optimizing resources, and potentially exiting or restructuring certain regions to strengthen its position in core markets. The company has a strong global presence, and by selling shares in some of its divisions, it could be positioning itself for future growth in key areas.

What This Means for Saxo Australia Clients

Clients of Saxo Australia will see no immediate changes. The company will continue using Saxo’s award-winning trading technology and platforms, ensuring smooth service with no disruption. The current leadership, including CEO Adam Smith and the existing team, will remain in place to oversee the transition.

For now, Saxo Australia will continue operating under its existing name. However, after a transitional period, a new brand identity reflecting DMA’s ownership will be introduced.

What’s Next for Saxo Bank?

Saxo Bank’s decision to sell part of its Australian business could be just one of many moves in a broader restructuring effort. The company may continue reviewing its global operations, either selling stakes in other regions or forming new strategic partnerships.

CEO Kim Fournais emphasized that Saxo remains committed to its core strength—providing scalable, multi-asset trading infrastructure. By working with DMA, Saxo sees an opportunity to expand in the Australian market while freeing up resources to focus on other areas.

As the financial industry evolves, Saxo Bank is clearly making calculated decisions about where to invest and where to divest. The sale of Saxo Australia is a major step in this direction, and it will be interesting to see what moves Saxo makes next.