Trading platform operator and technology provider Chi-X Global has hired three executives to its Asia-Pacific management team, including a region-wide CEO, and is seeking a licence to set up a trading platform in Japan.
Ronald Gould has been named CEO of Chi-X Asia-Pacific, based in Hong Kong. Gould will become a member of Chi-X Global’s executive committee and report directly to John Lowrey, the firm’s CEO.
Gould joins Chi-X from UK regulator The Financial Services Authority, where he was a senior advisor on banking and investment matters.
He was a managing partner of Watch House Alliance, a financial services consultancy, and before that, was a founder and CEO of ABG Sundal Collier, a listed specialist investment bank. Gould has also held senior roles at AXA Investment Managers and Barclays/BZW’s asset management business.
Joseph Meyer has been appointed chief operating officer for Chi-X Japan and will be responsible for launching the firm’s Japanese trading platform. Chi-X Global is in the process of applying for a proprietary trading system licence in the country. Meyer joins from Shinsei Bank in Tokyo, where he was chief operating officer of institutional banking.
In addition, Chi-X Global has named James Baker as chief operating officer of Chi-X Singapore, where he will work on the previously announced joint-venture dark pool with the Singapore Exchange. Baker joins Chi-X from Merrill Lynch, where he most recently served as head of prime brokerage for Asia in Hong Kong.
Both Meyer and Baker report to Gould, and, along with Robert Rooks, chief administrative officer for Chi-X Asia-Pacific, and Peter Fowler, chief operating officer for Chi-X Australia, comprise Chi-X Global’s Asia-Pacific management team.
“We believe that there are tremendous opportunities for Chi-X, both in developing new market centres and in providing technological solutions to other trading venues, in Asia-Pacific,” said Lowrey in a statement. “We’re excited to build out our management ranks in the region with staff of the caliber exemplified by Ron, Joe and Jim, and look forward to them helping us deliver on our vision.”
Chi-X Global operates alternative equity trading platform Chi-X Canada; its parent – Japanese broker Nomura – owns a controlling stake in Chi-X Europe. Chi-X Global’s joint-venture dark pool with the Singapore Exchange, announced in August, is scheduled to start trading in the first half of 2010. The company announced plans to set up an Australian trading platform in February 2008, but, along with other would-be entrants, has experienced delays in obtaining a licence.
In addition to its trading platforms, Chi-X Global owns Chi-Tech, a provider of trading technology solutions.
Chi-X Global is 100% owned by agency broker Instinet, which is in turn a subsidiary of Nomura.