FNG Exclusive… FNG has learned that Vince De Castro has left his position as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Cyprus based Retail FX and CFDs broker OneRoyal, to start a new digital marketing agency called De Castro Media (see website decastromedia.agency).
Vince De Castro had joined OneRoyal last year, as was also exclusively reported at the time here at FNG, after serving in senior marketing positions at a number of other brokers including NAGA, FXPrimus, Orbex, and easyMarkets, dating back more than 10 years.
FNG took this opportunity to speak with Vince to learn more about his decision, and what he plans to accomplish at De Castro Media. Here is what he had to say.
FNG: Hi Vince, and thanks for joining us today. Please let us know a little more about your decision to leave a position like being a CMO to start over with a new marketing agency.
Vince: I’ve always been driven to create and lead, and starting my own agency seemed like the next big step. After years as a CMO, diving deep into digital marketing and really getting the hang of all the little things that make a big difference, I spotted a chance to do something new. AI is changing the game in marketing, making things not just faster but smarter and more creative. I wanted to be part of that change.
At De Castro Media, we can dive deep into AI and explore its potential to open new possibilities for our clients.
FNG: What will DeCastro Media be focusing on?
Vince: Our focus is on empowering startups and small businesses with top-tier marketing expertise, particularly harnessing the power of AI. We specialize in offering Fractional CMO services, blending strategic leadership with hands-on marketing skills. AI is at the heart of our strategy, enhancing areas like copywriting, email marketing, and funnel optimization – where we can deliver immediate, impactful results.
For businesses that may not have a full marketing department or those looking to fill specific skill gaps, we bring AI-driven insights and tactics to the table. This not only streamlines marketing efforts but also brings a certain level of experience often out of reach for smaller companies.
We will find out what your goals are and what has worked so far, and create a comprehensive marketing plan to achieve those goals. Our goal is to make high-level, AI-powered marketing accessible and impactful for businesses at every stage.
FNG: Will you just be looking for clients in the greater Retail FX/CFDs space (and in Cyprus), or beyond?
Vince: We’re setting our sights beyond just the retail FX space. With our strong grasp of technology, regulation, and B2B strategies, we’re a great fit for forex brokers, fintech firms and beyond. We implement strong foundations and innovative marketing campaigns. And yes, our expertise in fintech means we’re ready to support a range of organizations in this sector.
FNG: From your perspective as a (now former) senior manager with a number of FX/CFD brokers, what do you see as the main areas where brokers can improve on?
Vince: A few areas.
· Inadequate Market Segmentation: A lot of brokers don’t segment their market adequately. Understanding the distinct needs and behaviors of different trader segments – from novices to experienced traders – is crucial. Tailored marketing strategies for each segment can significantly improve engagement and conversion rates.
· Overreliance on Short-Term Campaigns: Many brokers focus heavily on short-term marketing campaigns aimed at quick wins, like sign-up bonuses, often neglecting long-term brand building. Balancing short-term tactics with strategies that build long-term brand loyalty is essential for sustainable growth.
· Neglecting Trader Education and Resources: Providing educational content and resources can be a powerful tool in the forex industry. Brokers often miss the opportunity to build trust and long-term relationships by educating their traders, which can lead to increased trading confidence and activity.
· Underutilizing Data Analytics: Forex brokers often underutilize the power of data analytics to understand trader behavior and preferences. Leveraging data can lead to more targeted and effective marketing strategies, enhancing both trader acquisition and retention.
· Not Embracing Digital Transformation: As the forex market evolves, some brokers lag in adopting new digital marketing technologies and trends, like AI and automation. Staying updated with digital advancements can provide brokers with more sophisticated tools to attract and retain traders in a highly competitive market.
By addressing these areas, forex brokers can enhance their marketing effectiveness, leading to better trader acquisition, retention, and overall business growth.
FNG: And how does DeCastro Media fit into that?
Vince: At De Castro Media, our strength lies in our deep experience and knowledge of the forex market. We know how to execute key improvements for forex brokers, from market segmentation to trader education and data analytics. Our approach includes the strategic use of AI, enhancing operations and marketing strategies.
Clients working with us access a wealth of expertise, not just in planning but also in executing AI-integrated strategies for immediate and sustainable success. We help brokers optimize customer journeys, use predictive analytics, and create personalized experiences, propelling them ahead in their market.
When you partner with us, you’re tapping into a deep well of expertise, getting both the plan and the action. It’s all about making an immediate impact and paving the way for lasting success in a market that’s always on the move.
FNG: What are the main areas of challenge (and also opportunity) for FX/CFD brokers going forward?
Vince: Brokers are dealing with a lot – trying to stay up to date with evolving compliance rules, finding new methods to retain customers in this ultra-competitive space and the constant rule changes of various advertising platforms.
On the opportunity side, there’s a clear potential in tapping into emerging markets. These markets are less saturated and are rapidly growing with new traders, creating a path for expansion. The increasing preference for mobile-first, intuitive trading platforms represents a unique opportunity for brokers to attract and cater to a new type of audience.
FNG: In what ways can you help?
Vince: We are well-connected within the industry. Our extensive network of third-party vendors and industry contacts allows us to provide more than just strategic advice. We can facilitate introductions and collaborations where a client’s needs extend beyond our scope.
We understand the critical importance of AI in the evolution of digital marketing. As we head into 2024, it’s clear that AI isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity for companies aiming to stay competitive. Businesses that aren’t already exploring ways to utilize AI risk falling behind.
Our focus is to help companies integrate AI into their marketing strategies effectively. We see immense potential in AI for predictive analytics, which allows for anticipating market trends and customer behaviors, enabling proactive strategizing.
That’s our plan – guiding companies through AI integration in their marketing, making sure they’re not just keeping up but also getting ahead in the digital world.
More About De Castro Media
At De Castro Media, we blend expert marketing insights with advanced AI to deliver tailored strategies for businesses of all sizes. Specializing in Fractional CMO services, we empower startups and small businesses with cutting-edge marketing solutions. Our focus: driving growth and efficiency through AI-powered content, email, and funnel optimization. We’re your partners in navigating and excelling in the digital marketing landscape.
