Nomura-owned agency brokerage Instinet has named John Comerford from its parent company as as EVP, Global Head of Trading Research.
In this newly created role, Comerford, who will be based in the firm's San Francisco office, will lead Instinet's development of algorithms, transaction cost control and measurement tools, and market microstructure research.
Comerford previously held a similar role at Nomura Securities International, Inc. (NSI), where he served as Managing Director, Head of Global Quantitative Trading.
"John and his team have developed an extremely sophisticated and well-respected suite of algorithms and measurement tools for our parent, Nomura," says Anthony Abenante, co-CEO of Instinet. "We believe that clients will find great value in these tools as we begin to incorporate them into Instinet's agency-only offering."
Comerford adds that "Instinet has a tremendous heritage as an innovator of trading technologies. I'm hopeful that we'll build upon that legacy as we continue to introduce advanced algorithms and research tools to some of the world's most sophisticated clients."
Prior to joining NSI in 2003, where he led the development of the firm's algorithmic trading and TCA products, Comerford spent eight years at Symphony Asset Management LLC, serving in various positions including Portfolio Manager and Equity Trader. Before that, he served as Portfolio Manager for National Investment Services of America.
Comerford is a graduate of Duke University and is a CFA charterholder.