Key Insights
- Ultima Markets has secured exclusive regional partnership rights with Inter Milan for the Asian market in a multi-year deal, marking the company’s first sports sponsorship.
- The partnership supports Ultima’s global expansion strategy as it moves beyond its traditional Far East focus, following its recent acquisition of UK-licensed Tiger Brokers and rebranding to Ultima Markets UK Limited.
MILAN/HONG KONG (MarketsXplora) – In a strategic move that blends the passion of Italian football with the ambitions of Asian financial markets, retail FX and CFDs broker Ultima Markets has secured exclusive regional partnership rights with FC Internazionale Milano for the Asian market, the companies announced this week.
The multi-year agreement positions the Hong Kong-managed broker as Inter Milan’s official regional partner across Asia, marking what industry observers describe as an unconventional yet calculated approach to capturing market share in one of the world’s most lucrative trading regions.
Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, though both parties emphasized the partnership extends far beyond traditional sponsorship arrangements. The collaboration will encompass co-branded content creation, digital activations, and educational initiatives specifically designed for Asia’s rapidly expanding financial and sports communities.
From Mauritius to Milan: Ultima’s Strategic Pivot to Premium Football Partnership
The partnership represents a significant milestone in Ultima Markets’ evolving global footprint. Previously operating primarily through its Mauritius-domiciled entity Ultima Markets Ltd, the broker has recently pivoted toward more regulated jurisdictions, acquiring FCA-licensed Tiger Brokers (UK) Ltd and rebranding it as Ultima Markets UK Limited.
This regulatory shift, combined with the Inter Milan partnership, signals Ultima’s intention to expand beyond its traditional Far East focus into broader international markets, despite the deal’s nominal Asian targeting.
“Football inspires millions with its dedication, teamwork, and precision. These are values we embrace at Ultima Markets, guiding how we empower traders every day,” said Gareth Derbyshire, Chief Strategy Officer at Ultima Markets. “Our collaboration with Inter Milan goes beyond brand exposure to create meaningful connections that bring fans closer to both the game and financial empowerment.
The timing appears strategic. Inter Milan commands an extraordinary Asian following, boasting over 295 million fans across the region, with China alone accounting for 154 million followers. This digital dominance extends globally, with the club’s Facebook page attracting 33 million followers and Instagram reaching 14.4 million users.
According to data from Il Sole 24 Ore, Inter Milan has achieved the second-largest growth in football fan engagement over the past five years, with a combined social media following exceeding 533 million across all platforms.
Giorgio Ricci, Chief Revenue Officer at FC Internazionale Milano, emphasized the partnership’s regional significance:
Ultima Markets embodies a forward-looking and ambitious spirit that reflects Inter’s own values. This partnership represents an important step in further strengthening our presence in Asia, where our Club stands as one of the most supported, with a fan base of over 295 million.
The collaboration draws parallels between the disciplines required for football excellence and financial trading success. Inter Milan’s storied history includes 20 league titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, and the historic 2010 treble – achievements built on what both organizations describe as shared principles of excellence, discipline, and performance.
For Ultima Markets, this represents their inaugural sports sponsorship, a departure from traditional financial sector marketing approaches. The broker’s strategy appears designed to tap into the emotional connection between football fandom and brand loyalty, particularly in Asian markets where both football and trading have experienced explosive growth.
The partnership also reflects broader trends in sports marketing, where financial services companies increasingly seek to engage younger, digitally-native audiences through sports partnerships rather than traditional advertising channels.
A formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Milan at a future date, though specific timing has not been announced. The deal follows other recent Asian corporate partnerships with Inter Milan, including a sponsorship agreement with Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD earlier this year.
Industry analysts suggest the partnership could serve as a template for other financial services companies seeking to penetrate Asian markets through sports marketing, particularly as regulatory landscapes continue to evolve across the region’s diverse financial jurisdictions.
The collaboration will launch with innovative initiatives designed to engage both trading enthusiasts and football fans, though specific program details remain under development as both organizations prepare for the official ceremony in Milan.