The Headhunter

Buy-Side Order Flow Could Shift Away from Dark Pools

An article in Advanced Trading suggests dark pools could start to feel the crunch.

They refer to a research note published by Tower Group that states the buy-side may shy away from broker-dealer sponsored dark pools in the aftermath of the credit crisis turmoil.

This article last week in Financial News under the headline "Buy Side Order Flow Could Shift Away From Dark Pools" has comments and opinion from key players.

Global Sales Leader - Portfolio Revaluations - based London

We represent a fast growing provider of derivatives data and pricing solutions. The business is privately owned and they have a mandate to build a global business around portfolio revaluations.

We seek a “hands on” sales leader who will play a key role in building the global business. Based in London your initial focus will be revenue generation through your own sales activity and all candidates should have a good network of contacts across Asset Managers, Product Control, Asset Services, Custodians, Prime Brokers and Fund Administrators. You will also have a thorough understanding of complex derivatives pricing, derivatives processing and risk management.

The company has aggressive growth targets. Remuneration is competitive and is geared towards success.

For an initial discussion please contact Paul Chambers.

Nasdaq OMX Launches Today

Banking Technology reports Nasdaq OMX Europe commenced trading today, six months after announcing its intent to launch a multilateral trading facility (MTF). Trading has begun in 25 FTSE 100 stocks and this is planned to be followed by a staggered roll-out of approximately 600 European securities, to be completed by the end of October.

Equity Research Analyst - Mining & Metals/Industrials - based London

Our client is a global leader in the provision of independent equity research.

Their research gives incisive analysis and rigorous valuation of publicly quoted companies across Europe.

We seek an experienced equity analyst to cover specific names across Metals and Mining as well as Industrials to be based in London. The target coverage is Pan-European Metals and Mining firms such as Anglo American, Antofagasta, BHP Billiton, Kazakhmys, Lonmin, Rio Tinto, Vedanta Resources, Xstrata. You will also research Industrials such as Cargotec, Clariant, Konecranes.

We will consider candidates with a comprehensive understanding of company strategies, a deep appreciation of sector issues and top class communication skills. Preference will be given to individuals who have worked in these sectors as analysts on the buy-side, sell-side or had appropriate strategy/finance roles within leading firms in these sectors. We would also consider individuals with a relevant sector focused strategy/consulting background.

For more information, please contact Aine Hall.

Sales/Account Management - Market Data Vendor - London and New York

Our client is a market data vendor which has experienced substantial year-on-year revenue increases through organic growth as well as through strategic market acquisitions.

We seek a Sales Executive to grow revenues within their equity derivatives business division. In this division our client has data products as well as customised index products that are built and maintained by our client.

You will sell to new clients across the buy-side and sell-side as well build revenues from an existing client base. Your territory will be UK, Benelux and Switzerland.

You will have previous sales experience and will be able to demonstrate how you are exceeding sales targets in your current role.

For a confidential discussion about this role contact Aine Hall.

Dark Pools Updates - LSE/Lehman and Deutsche Börse

FinancialNewsOnline reported earlier today that the LSE's plans to launch its Baikal dark pool, an MTF, remain on track in spite of Lehman Brothers US filing for bankruptcy. The article says the joint venture will continue as before pending clarification.

The FT reported this morning that Deutsche Börse is considering setting up alternative trading facilities to compete for business with rival stock exchanges in the latest sign of competition for European share trading. Deutsche Börse, which has already said it is considering a so-called “dark pool” crossing network, is studying whether and how to set up a more open MTF, according to people familiar with its plans.

Report that CME Plans To Withdraw From FXMarketspace

Finextra reports this morning that CME Group is planning to withdraw from FXMarketspace its joint venture with Thomson Reuters.

The partners launched FXMarketSpace as a 50/50 joint venture in March 2007, with Reuters providing trading access, trade notification and market data distribution and CME offering clearing and trade matching services.

A Euromoney exclusive states that CME Group decided to end its involvement in the venture at a board meeting on 10th September.

Global Head of Marketing - Financial Services - based London

We represent a world-leading provider of investment solutions, a company which has one of the strongest brands in the financial services sector. Entrepreneurial and dynamic, the company continues to grow at the rate of 20-30% per annum and has a well-established global footprint.

We seek a Global Head of Marketing to play a leading role in ensuring that the company is able to achieve its ambitious growth targets. You will be responsible for re-defining the role of the central marketing team around three critical areas; the management and development of the brand, the development of the company’s web marketing strategy and the development of the company’s database marketing strategy.

This is a high profile role and candidates should be seasoned international marketing professionals, ideally with previous experience of building a global marketing function. Experience in B2B online marketing and database marketing would be particularly advantageous.

For a confidential discussion about this role, contact Paul Chambers.

A Few Acquisitions Announced this Week

There were several acquisitions announced in our industry this week.

MarketWatch reports that Advent Software has acquired Tamale Software. The article cites that "Tamale RMS(R) complements Advent's product offerings, and the integrated solution will bridge research management and portfolio management to increase efficiency and link analysts' recommendations to investment performance".

Hedge Funds Review yesterday wrote that Markit had completed the acquisition of FCS. In the article, FCS is described as the leading provider of syndicated loan market portfolio and risk management software and services, including the Wall Street office family of products and that Markit will continue to develop solutions to improve operational efficiency and transparency in the loan markets. Click here for coverage.

Morningstar announced on Tuesday it had completed its previously announced acquisition of Financial Computer Support, Inc. (FCSI), a leading provider of practice management software for independent advisors. The press release says  FCSI’s flagship product, dbCAMS+, is a portfolio management system that allows advisors to easily track and produce client reports as well as manage client contact information and billing. Morningstar plans to rebrand dbCAMS+ and incorporate it into its Morningstar® Principia® product line, the company`s modular, CD-ROM-based investment planning suite for financial advisors.

Research Executives - new venture - based London and New York

We represent a major global enterprise which has one of the strongest brands in the world of business today.  The company has launched a new ventures initiative with a global mandate.

We seek two self-starters to join the firm as Research Executives, one based in London, one in New York. You will work closely with the senior management team and research business ideas that may be potential investment targets for our client. Your research will be multi-faceted. As well as analysing company fundamentals, you’ll also be using the web to source market intelligence and calling/arranging meetings with key players to understand market opinion. Your research will form written and face-to-face presentations to our client’s investment committee.

This role will suit individuals with strong client facing skills (you’ll be speaking with key industry players), good analytical skills, a very strong understanding of and interest in technology and very good communication skills.

For more information, please send your CV with cover letter that gives examples of your suitability for this role. To make contact click here for our e-mail address.