Stock trading platform TradeOff has announced the appointment of gaming and esports expert Mike Rufail as its new CEO.
TradeOff’s approach allows users to earn real money and rewards by competing in various contests – including free-to-enter and subscription-based tournaments with prize money.
The platform – set to launch this fall – will feature daily contests, seasonal leagues, one-on-one challenges and educational content.
In launching the platform, the company aims to address the lack of accessible entry points for learning stock and crypto trading without risking personal capital.
Commenting on these goals, Rufail stated: "TradeOff is going to change how financial brands reach and connect with new audiences, borrowing the best elements of what made playing and streaming video games widely popular and giving people opportunities to explore trading, learn, practice and compete in fun new ways with low-risk, high-reward potential."
Rufail joins a leadership team that includes fintech and gaming entrepreneur Sarne Lightman, serial entrepreneur Rob Kuck, technology expert Ram Ramanathan and trading strategy developer Mark Helweg.
With regard to Rufail’s appointment, Sarne Lightman, Global Managing Director of GG Poker, said: "Mike's passion as a self-taught trader paired with his roots in building communities around emerging forms of entertainment, social connection and competition make him the ideal leader for TradeOff.
"We believe TradeOff can be to stock trading what fantasy sports, mobile betting and online poker were to sports and gaming: an invitation to new audiences to participate and emotionally invest in and learn about the game."
Upon initial unofficial enquiries from Gambling Insider, Rufail brings a positive reputation from the world of esports; his appointment follows a similar trend to that of Mike Ybarra at PrizePicks – video gaming meeting fantasy gaming.
