Asset Classes

The past week saw a newly created US equities position, a head of market making appointment, and the hiring of an industry stalwart into a relationship-focused role. 

The TRADE sits down with Ralph Achkar, head of digital currency strategy at Deutsche Börse’s 360T, to explore the role of cryptocurrencies in traditional markets, comparisons with FX and the challenges associated with the integration of this asset class.  

The service launch follows a successful proof of concept involving 13 sell-side FX options desks.  

The UK’s bond CTP tender winner, Etrading Software, tells The TRADE the application is a strong signal to market participants to continue their preparations for the launch of the UK tape, while the legal challenge proceeds in parallel.

Incoming hire spent more than 24 years at Morgan Stanley, holding senior roles including COO and head of strategy for reinvestment, global head of sales strategy. 

The past week has seen a head of trading departure and a head of markets appointment, as well as hires across equities sales and fixed income.  

Individual has also previously worked at JP Morgan, Rowan Dartington, ADM Investor Services and Hargreaves Lansdown.  

The offering has been tailored to suit T. Rowe Price’s specific needs and is expected to address data fragmentation and efficiency across the entire bond deal lifecycle.  

Individual will be based out of London in his new role and has also previously worked at ALMIS International.  

The hires are expected to help build out the firm’s UK and European presence and follow further appointments into the European equity sales trading team in recent months.