Quantitative Brokers, an independent global provider of advanced agency algorithms and data-driven analytics to clients in the Futures and US Cash Treasury markets, has appointed Ralf Roth as Chief Executive Officer. The company also named Thomas Ascher as Executive Chairman.
Ralf Roth brings a wealth of experience to Quantitative Brokers, recently serving as Equities Division CTO at IHS Markit Ltd (NASDAQ:INFO). Previously he served as Global Head of Elektron at Thomson Reuters and worked at Deutsche Bank as Global Head of Fixed Income Electronic Trading and Equity Electronic Trading businesses. Roth will be based in Quantitative Broker’s New York offices, reporting to the Board of Directors, which he will join. Roth will begin as CEO effective December 18th.
Ralf Roth replaces Quantitative Brokers co-founder Christian Hauff in the CEO chair. Mr. Hauff will continue on as a member of QB’s Board and Executive Committee, and will oversee the firm’s client and industry relationships.
Christian Hauff said of the new CEO:
After a comprehensive search process, we are thrilled to appoint Ralf Roth as CEO. Ralf brings strong leadership and experience with machine learning and cloud computing that will help us scale and expand on the innovation that defines QB in the market. Ralf is very well placed to succeed me in the role of CEO and I look forward to assisting him in his efforts.
Ralf Roth commented:
The firm’s focus on advanced algorithms and analytics have clearly helped its clients achieve better executions. QB’s TCA and pre-trade analytics will further empower its customers. I am honored to lead the exceptional group at QB into the next chapter of growth and expansion.
“Ralf’s advanced mathematical training, technology knowledge and securities industry experience are the perfect complement to QB’s existing team,” added co-founder Robert Almgren, who will continue in his roles as President and Head of Research. “We look forward to his leadership to drive us forward.”
New Executive Chairman Thomas Ascher brings more than 30 years of experience across the financial technology and exchange industries. Ascher has served in a range of roles, including President and CEO of pari-mutuel software firm Longitude LLC, Chief Strategy Officer at ISE, and Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee at the CBOE, as well as serving on numerous industry boards, including the CBOE and Direct Edge Holdings.
“The appointment of Ralf marks the next step in our plan and vision for QB’s growth,” said Ascher. “Our advances in trading strategies for futures and cash treasuries have driven more demand for QB’s products and services. Ralf provides the executive leadership the firm needs to meet this demand and build on QB’s culture of innovation.”
The executive appointments come as Quantitative Brokers experiences rapidly increasing demand for its algorithmic solutions and TCA analysis for asset managers, hedge funds, CTAs and banks. In July, Quantitative Brokers announced a $24 million strategic investment from Centana Growth Partners. The capital infusion enables Quantitative Brokers to build on its established foundation as a world leading provider of agency algorithms. Through its dynamic, collaborative environment, the firm is continually focused on technological and financial innovation to empower futures and fixed income traders with execution expertise and analytics.