The TRADE sits down with Peter Welsby, head of Europe FICC trading at Manulife Investment Management, to explore how trading desks are evolving with the times and continuing to add value, touching on harnessing data, leveraging artificial intelligence, and building trust with portfolio managers. 

The TRADE sits down with Christian Beinert, FX trader at MEAG, to explore the next stage of options trading including new automated strategies, clearing, and the need for greater collaboration between OEMS and trading platforms. 

Annabel Smith sits down with head of foreign exchange trading at T. Rowe Price, Toby Baker, to unpack why he chose a career in FX, the asset class’ role in the wider markets and the innovations he expects to make waves on the trading desk in the near future.

Claudia Preece sits down with Fidelity International’s global FX desk – winner of the 2024 Foreign Exchange Trading Desk of the Year – to explore the key ingredients for a successful team, highlighting their focus on well-rounded traders, the importance of a hands-on approach to technology, and plans for further expansion.

Finger of blame is being pointed in each direction between custodians, non-US traders and settlement system CLS over FX cut-offs, with last minute decisions and confusion meaning some asset managers are now left facing operational challenges, pre-funding trades and balancing settlement security with best execution obligations.

Following a string of new NDFs platforms launched into the market – particularly in Asia – and volumes continuing to grow, Annabel Smith explores demand for NDF algorithmic trading capabilities on the buy-side, unpacking the need for greater liquidity and transparency to take automation mainstream.