News and Press Coverage
“Optimising FX feeds: introducing low latency rate engine services”
e-Forex, 05 July 2010
Nik Pratt examines the various solutions available to FX dealers. GreySpark offers a comparison between in-house systems and the technology on offer from third party vendors. Traditionally, tier one banks are more likely to adopt the former, while others will look to outsource their requirements.
"GreySpark Partners Appoints Former Goldman Sachs Executive"
Cognito Europe, 17 June 2010
GreySpark Partners today announced the appointment of Jamie Lake to managing consultant, where he will develop the Investment Banking Operations practice as the firm continues to grow and expand its service capabilities.
“Techies with Integration and Change Skills Remain Hot”
eFinancialCareers, 28 May 2010
Paul Clarke looks into what is required of those with a financial technology background given continued M&A activity across the finance sector. GreySpark maintains it is essential that candidates for integration or system migration roles must have a deep understanding of every aspect of these projects; skills that are not easily sourced.
“US Regulators Call for Circuit-Breakers but Exchange Risks Remain, says Expert”
Operational Risk & Regulation, 20 May 2010
David Benyon writes about the SEC’s call for ‘circuit-breakers’ following the plummeting of Dow Jones index shares on 6th May 2010. GreySpark explains that both rules and circuit-breakers are required to protect the market as a whole. Importantly, these need to be applied to all market operators, who must also prove how much volume they can cope with in terms of peak activity.
“Prudential Resurrects Rights Issue, Considers Sales”
The Deal, 14 May 2010
Laura Board looks into the recent developments surrounding Prudential’s bid for American International Group Inc.'s Asian division, AIA. GreySpark comments on the role of the FSA in this deal and points to how the transaction could spell disaster for Prudential if handled improperly.
“Operational Risk Possible Cause of US Equity Nose-Dive”
Operational Risk & Regulation, 10 May 2010
Dave Benyon investigates the reasons behind the recent drop in US market prices. GreySpark lends its opinion to what may have caused this and why the slump was aggravated by further algorithmic trades. The firm goes on to talk about why US exchanges are at greater risk than their European counterparts.
“Were Computers To Blame?”
IndexUniverse.eu, 10 May 2010
Paul Amery examines the truth behind the slump in the US markets on 6th May 2010. GreySpark argues that quantifiable rules are required for trading, which should be standardised across the industry. The firm goes on to say that it will be harder to persuade the larger, traditional exchanges to adopt such rules, given the competition from smaller, more nimble trading platforms.
“Europe Exchanges' Pre-Trade Safety Seen at Risk”
Reuters, 07 May 2010
Jane Baird looks at the measures put in place by exchanges in order to counter erroneous trades. GreySpark talks about the challenges faced by those who try to pre-empt and stop such trades, focusing on commercial pressures and the varying trading regulations that currently exist, which according to the firm should be more standardised across the industry.
“Location, Location and Location”
Best Execution, 07 May 2010
Heather McKenzie explores various definitions of co-location and proximity services. GreySpark clears up several pre-existing misconceptions and identifies the main causes of latency issues. The firm also highlights the main advantages.
“The Next Generation”
Best Execution, 07 May 2010
Matthew Craig assesses the trends and developments across TCA. GreySpark marks out the developments in the industry up until now and indicates the various limitations of the tools available. With data acquisition and maintenance still challenging developers, the firm indicates that the next generation are at least 12-18 months away.
Industry Health Check: Prospects for Recovery
Funds Europe, 03 May 2010
Angèle Spiteri Paris examines the fund management sector in the post credit-crunch environment. GreySpark suggests fund managers should adapt their business models to accommodate further economies of scale. This is particularly true for smaller firms.
“Hedge Funds Targeted by SEC Large-Trader Reporting Proposal”
Operational Risk & Regulation, 16 April 2010
David Benyon explores the SEC’s proposals for a system to report large trading positions that would identify significant positions by hedge fund managers. Ponzo questions whether this is more about being able to track down what managers are doing rather than increasing market transparency.
"The Active-Passive Paradox"
ETFM, 07 April 2010
Matthew Craig investigates mixed opinions towards ETFs. Ponzo leads the debate around industry competition and market pressures driving greater efficiency in this area.
"Prudential Builds Army to Win AIA Campaign"
The Deal, 05 March 2010
Laura Board analyses Prudential's takeover of AIG's Asian arm. Ponzo discusses the limitations on the short selling of banks and insurers in the wake of the financial crisis.
"Algorithmic trading boom creates operational risks"
OpRisk & Compliance, 01 March 2010
David Benyon considers the recent failures of algorithmic trading and the problems that these systems can pose for exchanges and the brokers. Ponzo suggests reasons why failures often happen and what can be done to combat these in the future.
"Enterprise-wide risk now a reality for the sell-side"
The Trade, 01 March 2010
Chris Hall writes about the brokerage community and counterparty risk in 2010. Ponzo approaches this in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
"GreySpark Partners Launches to Bring Specialist Capital Markets Consulting Services to the City"
Cognito Europe, 23 February 2010
GreySpark Partners, a London-based business, management and technology consultancy specialising in capital markets, today announced its official launch.
"Europe's Stock Clearing Logjam Needs Intervention"
Reuters, 12 February 2010
Jane Baird talks about the competitive gridlock between European clearing houses, and how this is restraining competition and keeping costs high. Ponzo comments on the pressures to create exchange-related CCPs.
“Transaction Costs: the Price is Right - or is it?”
Funds Europe, 01 February 2010
Angele Spiteri Paris discovers why it is that you cannot simply define best execution into a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Ponzo elaborates on the points of cost analysis and historical data.
"Defining Liquidity Risk"
OpRisk & Compliance, 26 January 2010
David Benyon questions the relationship between liquidity and operational risk, and how they should be managed. Ponzo identifies how this can be done and why collateral management systems often fail.
“Computer-Driven Trading Boom Raises Meltdown Fears”
Financial Times, 05 January 2010
Jeremy Grant uncovers a fear that trading platforms could be knocked out by rogue trades triggered by systems running out of control. Ponzo outlines the problems that algorithmic trading can pose to exchanges and financial markets.
“Management Consultants - Bringing in the Specialists"
Funds Europe, 05 January 2010
Fiona Rintoul explores the major players in the consultancy space. Ponzo spells out the important balance between advisory services and hands-on implementation, which can be found at GreySpark Partners.
"The Decade of Electronic Trading"
The Trade, 23 December 2009
Chris Hall writes about the the noughties as a decade that revolutionised the way that the buy-side executed trades in the global equity markets. Ponzo describes the changes over the past 10 years, and lists his predictions for 2010 and beyond.
"System Woes Keep European Brokers Behind the Curve"
Reuters, 18 December 2009
Jane Baird investigates how Europe's fragmenting stock markets could cost investors profits unless brokers smarten up systems that currently fail to find the best price. Ponzo examines dated and in efficient practices in a post-MiFID environment where smart order routing is not as refined in Europe as it is in the US.
“Leaders in Innovation Awards"
Financial-i, 01 December 2009
Anita Hawser summarises the winners from this year’s extensive award process. Ponzo offers his insight into the industry as a member of the judging panel.
"GreySpark's thought leadership and original thinking ensures our clients get the best service and the most current advice."
Frederic Ponzo | Managing Partner