Mark Lane launches FX platform for entrepreneurs in Canada

Mark Lane has launched what it describes as Canada's first foreign exchange platform designed for entrepreneurial FX professionals.

The new platform aims to allow currency professionals to leave roles at banks or brokerages and instead manage their own client portfolios, offering flexibility in hours worked and uncapped commissions.

The timing of the launch coincides with ongoing return-to-office mandates at major Canadian banks, which some employees say has led to workspace shortages and less autonomy. With these changes, Mark Lane's offering is targeted at FX professionals considering a move toward entrepreneurship.

"Professionals can make 200% to 300% of their current salary with Mark Lane while keeping the same book of business. No return-to-office requirements. No managers demanding more cold calls. No hard work overlooked," says Alfred Nader, CEO and co-founder of Mark Lane. 

Under Mark Lane's model, FX professionals-referred to as partners-retain ownership of their client relationships. The platform reports that partners earn average commissions starting at 51%, which may rise to 60% for less risky clients and payments. In comparison, traditional banking and brokerage roles typically provide limited commission opportunities and standard annual salary raises of approximately 2%.

Partners have the ability to set their own working hours and choose which clients to work with, providing increased control over both earnings and work-life balance. When a partner decides to retire, they are able to sell their book of business to another partner within the platform.

Mark Lane has sought to lower the barrier to entry for those transitioning from established financial institutions to independent entrepreneurship by partnering with private lenders, offering additional support to new partners.

The platform employs artificial intelligence to enhance its operations. According to the company, AI features are used to rapidly integrate new tools or risk assessment strategies requested by partners, as well as to distil breaking news and geopolitical developments affecting global currency markets into actionable insights. This, the company says, can take weeks or months in a conventional banking environment.

Although headquartered in Silicon Valley, Mark Lane has chosen Canada as its initial market. The move is partly due to the scale of the Canadian FX market, which sees daily turnover exceeding CAD $233 billion, according to the Bank of Canada. Much of this business is handled by large financial institutions. Mark Lane contends that many small and medium-sized businesses lack access to expert currency advice outside of the major banks, especially as new tariffs lead more companies to seek international customers.

"An estimated 85% of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada use their bank because of the convenience, and frankly, because they aren't aware of any other solution. Most Canadians are used to using the USD, but wouldn't it make sense to speak to someone who can tell you about the Mexican Peso and its pattern of fluctuation?" says Nader.

Licensing was a significant factor in the decision to launch in Canada first. Nader noted that licensing FX operations in the United States can take up to two years per state, whereas in Canada the company was able to secure a federal licence in six months and follow this with completion of licensing in Quebec.

"Obtaining FX licenses in the U.S. can take up to two years per state, while Canada allowed us to secure our federal license in six months and complete Quebec licensing shortly after, making it the ideal launch market," Nader adds. "The U.S. market remains in our sights, but for a pre-revenue startup, Canada offered the most agile path forward."

The Mark Lane platform is intended to give independent FX professionals access to the same technological, compliance, and operational tools typically available to larger institutions, while providing more transparency and flexibility to end clients.

The company's Canadian debut marks the initial phase of a broader plan, with further international expansion anticipated in 2026.