Waters Wavelength

Dan talks with IEX president Ronan Ryan about his new role at the exchange (2:10), how the phase-in period has gone (2:45) and the exchange’s short- and long-term goals (5:00). Ronan then discusses how IEX will be scalable despite not having some traditional revenue streams exchanges typically have (8:45), what he feels is misconstrued about the firm (11:45) and his thoughts on competitors launching new features that mirror some of IEX’s (17:07). Finally, he talks about his time as Fairfield University’s mascot, Lucas the Stag (20:30), and what actor he’d want to portray him if “Flash Boys” ever gets made into a movie (23:20). Dan and Anthony wrap things up discussing some takeaways from the interview (26:55) and the new non-cleared margin rules (29:40).

Dan is joined by Edward Woodford, co-founder and CEO of Seed Commodities Exchange (Seed CX), which was recently granted SEF registration from the CFTC. Edward explains the origins of Seed CX (3:30), the difference between hemp and marijuana (5:19), regulations surrounding industrial hemp (7:22), what separates Seed CX from other SEFs (13:43), whether the exchange is interested in offering new products (16:50) and what its next steps are (20:15). Anthony and Dan then discuss the overall status of SEFs (22:54) and emerging agricultural markets (31:57). They close things out discussing director Werner Herzog’s latest move, “Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World.” (33:20)

Dan and Anthony open things open chatting about the problem with debating high-frequency trading and the defenders of both sides of the argument (:49). They then discuss each of their August features, with Dan starting things off recapping his discussion with RBC’s head of technology and operations, Bruce Ross (7:00). That’s followed by a look at Anthony’s story on the growing trend of blending ETFs and active mutual funds (12:20). Inspired by a recent Twitter hashtag, the guys share their seven favorite movies (18:11). To wrap things up, the two discuss the Ryan Lochte saga (26:35) and debate whether Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and Katie Ledecky did or did not take steroids (29:35).

Dan talks to Vijay Luthra, global head of infrastructure engineering and operations at Northern Trust, about the disruption of data centers through emerging technologies (2:48). Vijay details some infrastructure projects taking place at Northern (5:23), shares his thoughts on the public cloud (12:42) and explains how the firm balances between being innovative with its data centers while still making sure they are reliable and secure (15:45). He also talks about some of his favorite eateries in Silicon Valley (18:01) and about what he does during his regular trips out west(20:13). Vijay wraps up by giving advice to firms looking to disrupt their own data centers (27:17). Afterwards, Dan and Anthony catch up by discussing their recent vacations (29:13) and the Olympics (31:20).

Dan welcomes Paul Chou and Zach Dexter, CEO and CTO, respectively, of the bitcoin trading and clearing platform LedgerX, on the podcast to discuss the recent hack at Bitfinex that saw over $60 million worth of bitcoins stolen from the Hong Kong-based exchange. The guys review the overall hack (3:40), talk about multi-signature systems (5:50) and debate the merits of cold storage and hot wallets (9:45). They also look at how the breach could impact future regulations (12:40) and institutional firms' willingness to get involved in bitcoin going forward (18:50). They wrap things about with a discussion about why Paul and Zach can't enjoy watching shows like "Mr. Robot" and "Silicon Valley" (26:50).

With Dan away on vacation, Anthony enlisted the services of his dad, Larry Malakian, to help with the podcast. Larry spent over 40 years building and running data centers for companies like Equitable (now Axa), Cigna and Avon. For the podcast, he discusses the importance of getting a diverse array of feedback when facing a problem (~6:30), his "favorite" outage war story (~15:00), his greatest disaster recovery success (~17:00), his thoughts on his son being a journalist (~23:30), leadership qualities (~26:30) and food etiquette when in Asia (~30:00).

Dan and Anthony open things up looking at brokerage Eclipse International's decision to remove trading turrets in favor of Cloud9's platform (1:00). The conversation then turns to Sifma's recently submitted comment letter about the Consolidated Audit Trail (8:55). The guys then chat about the Republican National Convention (16:50) and break some news about the future of the podcast (26:03).

Wei-Shen Wong, WatersTechnology's new Hong Kong-based reporter, talks about her first feature for the site, which looks at how different regions in Asia are approaching regulatory oversight of fintechs (3:00). Wei-Shen discusses the difference between Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan's approach to fintech regulation. She then talks to Dan about her first trip to the US, and what she's checked out so far (15:15).

Dan and Anthony open the podcast reminiscing over the fact it's the show's 25th episode. They then discuss their July features. They start with Dan's story of user experience projects at large banks and asset managers (2:40). The two then switch gears to talk about Anthony's profile of the buy side know-your-customer (KYC) space (14:05). The guys also talk about the recent news involving Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and the overall state of the US presidential election (20:40). Finally, they talk about Kevin Durant signing with the Golden State Warriors (28:29).

Dan and Anthony chat with Richard Johnson, vice president of market structure and technology at Greenwich Associates, about his recent report “Blockchain Adoption in Capital Markets” (2:30). Dan and Anthony also discuss the “Game of Thrones” season finale and where the series ranks among their all-time favorites (15:00).

Dan and Anthony open things up briefly recapping Blackstone’s Bill Murphy’s appearance on the podcast last week (:58). They then talk about Brexit and the impact it will have on the industry, specifically in the technology space (2:45). The guys shift gears to the sixth annual Fintech Innovation Lab (8:50) and TSAM (16:18). They wrap things up chatting about the NBA Finals (20:48) and the Euros (21:50).

Dan and Anthony welcome their inaugural guest, Blackston CTO Bill Murphy. Bill discusses what bothers him about the "business vs. technology" debate (1:30), what makes a good, and bad, vendor pitch (12:00) and what he looks for when hiring someone (17:30). The guys also discuss the US Open (22:28) and the NBA finals (28:23).

Dan opens things up by discussing this year’s Toronto Financial Information and Technology Summit (:40). He touches on the topic of regulatory oversight of fintechs, which was brought up a few times at the conference (4:30). He then shares his experience with how friendly Canadians are (11:10), and wraps things up by talking about his eventful flight home (15:40).

Dan and Anthony open things up discussing the June features. They start things off talking about Dan’s story on the Consolidated Audit Trail (2:25). They briefly touch on Anthony’s profile of Garrett Asset Management’s Elliot Noma (12:00) before diving into European staff writer Aggelos Andreou’s feature looking at unbundling research in Europe (15:15). The guys also talk about the NBA and NHL playoffs (20:54), including Dan’s plan to save the NHL, and wrap things up with a heated debate on the Gawker-Peter Thiel battle (28:15).

Dan and Anthony open things up looking at BNP Paribas’ goal to grow as a global custodian (1:34). They then transition to KYC requirements for the buy side (7:27). The guys then use “Game of Thrones” as a jumping off point for dissecting spoilers via social media (16:00). Finally, Dan and Anthony fight over the possibility of a Mayweather-McGregor fight (23:06).

Dan and Anthony decide to switch things up this week by talking about some of their biggest pet peeves when it comes to dealing with folks in public relations (:58). When they finish ripping on media relations people, Dan shares his jury duty experience, including his interaction with a celebrity (21:45).

Dan and Anthony reunite after spending two weeks apart by opening things up discussing the current stream of regulations being passed in financial services (1:16). They switch to fixed income, chatting about the electronification of the space and the impact machine learning might have on it (9:13). The conversation then turns to blockchain and its never ending hype (14:35). The guys also chat about the Kentucky Derby (18:08) and the Canelo-Khan fight (24:06). Dan wraps things up by sharing a funny story from SifmaOps 2016 (30:45).

Dan starts the show off alone again and talks about Sifma Ops 2016 (1:15) and rants about the hype at the conference around blockchain (1:59). Anthony gives Dan a ring (7:11) and Dan shares some thoughts on Miami (8:00). Anthony then discusses Dan’s piece on the Internet of Things (12:20). The two chat about Dan’s cover story on Nasdaq CEO Bob Greifeld (14:07) and the work Anthony’s done on fixed income this week (19:01). Anthony also shares his expert opinion on the Kentucky Derby (21:42). Dan wraps things up making a major announcement about the future of the podcast (28:00).

Dan starts the show off by himself talking about the SEC’s decision to publish the CAT NMS plan for public comment (:53) and what that means for the overall timeline of the massive database. He then briefly touches on a story idea he has around user experience (10:10) before calling Anthony (11:04), who is on vacation. The two chat about what Anthony's missed while away from the office (13:40) and his thoughts on Tom Brady’s four-game suspension being overturned on appeal (20:00). Dan then wraps things up talking about the absurdity of the NFL Draft (25:47) and why HBO’s “Silicon Valley” is so awesome (29:50).

Dan and Anthony discuss the North American Trading Architecture Summit (2:05) and the Sell-Side Technology Awards (18:54). They also talk about the passing of music icon Prince (26:54).