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CTO Interview: Today?s guest is?James Spooner, VP of Trading Platforms at Maxeler Technologies. In this segment, he discusses:

  • An overview of his background in the financial market, as well an overview of what he does at Maxeler Technologies.
  • If he has seen an increased demand for your products in the wake of Dodd/Frank?
  • How Maxeler Technologies will custom design hardware to meet the specifications of a customers? algorithm
  • His take on the recent criticisms regarding potential abuses of those networks raised by Michael Lewis and other authors?
  • What he thinks of the introduction of artificial delays in HFT networks in an attempt to stifle abuses?
  • If he thinks we are seeing growing concerns over a lack of synchronization in the financial markets, is this a concern for Maxeler as well?
  • What new products or developments can we expect from Maxeler in the coming months?
  • Hot Topics in Tech: Clients are fleeing Barclays ?dark pool? in the wake of a US lawsuit alleging the bank misled them about high frequency activity in its private trading venue.
  • Is there too much noise in social media and financial analytics? T+2 may lead to more failed trades.

The Inbox: Listener questions and comments

  • Question from Athlas: Seems like the front of the focus on HFT gaming in on the equity markets. I know you have discussed the penetration, or lack thereof, of this type of gaming into derivatives on earlier podcasts. My question is, why do you think this sort of gaming has not penetrated significantly into options and futures? Does the complexity of these instruments vs single price instruments, like stocks, make them less susceptible to latency issues and flickering quotes? Or is there something else at work here?
  • Question from Rance Barber: I am a long-time listener to all of the Options Insider Radio shows and often hear Mark quote trading volume statistics. Have you identified any aggregate, reliable source for stock market trading volume data? I am looking for the data by month (2003-present) and it needs to include both traditional public exchanges as well as dark pool trading volume information. Any advice you can provide as to where I could find this data would be much appreciated. Thanks, Rance.
  • Question from Guled – Hi! Which options software has the capability to automate the unusual options volume? E.g. with filters such as, on bid/ask, above/below open interest. Have found two professional grade LiveVol and Trade Alert, but do not know if they automate the process? Would be grateful for any help, many thanks in advance Thanks, Guled.