Chris, please can you give us a brief history of iSAM Securities and the reasons why you were attracted to the firm?
iSAM Securities was established in 2014 as the brokerage arm of the iSAM Group, operating alongside iSAM Funds, the group’s $6 billion hedge fund. Over the years, the firm has undergone several identity changes—originating as iSAM Capital Markets, transitioning through iS Prime and iS Risk, and evolving into iSAM Securities; a name which we feel better reflects our sophisticated and comprehensive offering.
I joined the company in 2015 as part of the iS Prime e-Trading team. From the outset, I was drawn to iSAM’s forward-thinking approach and the incredible talent I saw within the group. The company’s emphasis on excellence, coupled with its ambitious plans for growth and development, made it an exciting prospect. What particularly attracted me to the firm is the exceptional quality of management and the deep pool of expertise within the team. It’s a group built for exponential growth and innovation, and that’s exactly what I witnessed from the start.
Throughout my time here I have also had the opportunity to work in iSAM Funds, covering over 600 markets. This has given me invaluable insights that I am able to transfer back to iSAM Securities, in my new role, helping to set us apart from competitors.Returning to iSAM Securities feels like the right move at this stage. The business has grown into a leading institutional liquidity provider and market maker, with a well-established reputation in the market. Our offering is more sophisticated than ever, going beyond a focus on volume to deliver a nuanced and comprehensive range of products . I am excited about the future in my new role and supporting the team in our continued evolution going forward.
What does your day-to-day job as Head of Trading typically involve?
In any trading role, the starting point is having a macro understanding of the state of play—the broad themes driving markets. Is the sentiment ‘Risk On’ or ‘Risk Off’? Is decision-making being influenced by equities, yields, commodities, politics, economics, or other factors? Our markets have a global reach, so it is essential to engage with our Asia team, headed by Barry Flanigan. We discuss their session and how they see the day ahead before the execution oversight is managed by London.
Taking ownership and responsibility for trading enables us to analyze market dynamics in more detail. This involves reviewing our inbound prices, addressing any issues with market participants, rolling the group’s positions according to exposures, and repatriating any PnL. Optimizing execution and showcasing our market knowledge ensures these tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently.
As the European session winds down, it is not long before our American counterparts take over. We have similar conversations with them before handing over the execution oversight. While the interactions follow a similar pattern, the underlying markets are always different, which is what makes the role exciting.
What range of products and services does iSAM Securities offer and what mix and types of clients are you providing these for?
We pride ourselves on offering a truly comprehensive suite of services designed to support our clients at every level. From liquidity provision to advanced technology and cutting-edge analytics, our goal is to empower our clients to become as profitable and successful as possible.
For one, our liquidity offering spans over 100 currency pairs, precious metals, energy, commodities and index swaps. We have continued to develop and expand upon our offering, recently adding 16 new instruments to our index swap offering and introducing our Crypto Margin Facility allowing clients to deposit digital currency as margin.
From a connectivity standpoint, we can offer iSAM Securities APEX, a state-of-the-art solution engineered to help brokers effectively manage risk while connecting to an extensive network of liquidity providers. This is designed for brokers and hedge funds of all sizes and leverages the deep expertise of our trading and operations teams to deliver reliable and scalable solutions.
With regards to analytics, iSAM Securities RADAR is our powerful risk management tool designed for real-time monitoring of book performance and profitability. RADAR provides in-depth data and actionable insights, providing clients with the tools they require to confidently make data-driven decisions.
Our client base includes brokers, hedge funds, and financial institutions of all sizes, from start-up to enterprise, and we focus on delivering tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and goals.
Do you have any developments planned for the growth of your current offering?
We have an exciting year ahead of us in 2025 as we expand our FX offering to institutional clients.
This is the culmination of several years of research and development in which we have been able to substantially improve our ability to manage retail client deal flow. Such innovation has been vital to pivot into this new client base, enabling us to show a truly differentiated mid and value additive offering to the street. Moreover, by diversifying our customer base and underlying flow, in turn, allows us to show ever more competitive spreads to the retail broker clientele, further strengthening our position as a liquidity provider in that space.
Combining our well-established position in the retail space with the expertise and technology we have as a hedge fund, we are confident that we can bring something unique to the market and deliver highly competitive, reliable and robust liquidity to all our clients, both old and new.
From a slightly different perspective, we have significantly developed our branding over the past few years to better represent our comprehensive and client-focused offering. We are continuously investing in the client experience and, as a result, will be launching our new and improved website very shortly…watch this space! Designed with our clients in mind, the site will offer improved access to information about both our products and the industry. We will continue to publish our daily Market Commentary on both our blog and LinkedIn as part of our commitment to providing transparency, expertise, and an overall positive experience for our stakeholders.
Who are the key members of your senior executive team and what responsibilities do they each have?
One of our strongest tools is our expert senior executive team comprised of industry leaders, each with extensive expertise and a deep understanding of our business. I would be here forever if I attempted to list them all, but to name a few:
James Wale – Head of Leveraged Sales Team, EMEA
James leads our EMEA-based sales team with over 20 years of experience in leveraged sales across the industry. His focus lies in expanding our reach across the region while fostering and maintaining strong and personable client relationships.
Barry Flanigan – Head of Sales, APAC
Barry recently relocated to Hong Kong to lead our sales efforts in the APAC region. His deep knowledge of the company’s ethos and operations uniquely positions him to expand our brand and strengthen our presence in the dynamic APAC markets.
Hannah Robson – Head of Institutional Sales, EMEA and Quentin Miller – Head of Institutional Sales, APAC
Hannah and Quentin are spearheading the expansion of our client base as we evolve our product range to cater to the institutional space. With a wealth of experience in FX sales between them, they are committed to ensuring that we cater effectively to our institutional clients and deliver solutions that align with their specific demands.
Jeff Wilkins – Head of Sales Americas
Jeff heads up our Sales efforts across the Americas, on both the leveraged and institutional side. He has developed an impressive network of contacts over the years along with a client-focused viewpoint, making him a crucial part of our global team.
Dennis Weissert – Head of Technology Business Development
Dennis Weissert leads the development of our technological offering at iSAM Securities, connecting cutting-edge technology with client needs. His focus is on driving innovation across our systems and ensuring we stay ahead in delivering forward-thinking tools for our clients.
Why has the business of liquidity management become a much more complex undertaking over the past few years and in what ways have client expectations about the providers they work with also changed?
Market volatility, regulatory changes, and advancements in technology are a few of the factors that have contributed to the development of the liquidity management industry over the years. Clients are looking for increasingly more stable, faster liquidity and increased security from their chosen LP. We strive to be more dynamic, adaptable, and forward-thinking than alternatives in the market in order to suit their needs.
Clients are no longer satisfied with a one-size-fits-all approach, and nor should they be. They require tailored offerings that align with their specific strategies, whether they are hedge funds, brokers, or prop trading firms. In response, providers like us have had to evolve.
We’ve invested heavily in our infrastructure and proprietary technology in order to keep us ahead of the curve. We pride ourselves on listening to feedback from clients and delivering on their requests, such as the expansion of our Index Swaps offering and the development of RADAR. With regards to security, we are regulated by the FCA, SFC, CFTC, and registered by CIMA, and are committed to adhering to applicable regulations.
iSAM Securities has invested heavily in its infrastructure and the design of your trading architecture to deliver exceptional, low latency liquidity products. Please tell us a little more about how that has enabled you to optimise the experience of your clients and differentiate yourselves from other providers.
In the ever-evolving technology landscape speed and a low latency offering are essential if you are to be taken seriously. We continually invest in networks to ensure we are competitive, making our overall offering best in class and of the quality one would associate with a top-tier financial institution.
A few months ago you also launched iSAM Securities RADAR, a real-time risk analytics dashboard allowing users to manage risk through intraday monitoring of book performance and profitability. Why does this represent a significant step forward in risk management technology?
We have a deep understanding of risk within the iSAM group. For iSAM Securities, we see the importance of risk management enabling our clients to make informed decisions and in turn maximize profitability. iSAM Securities RADAR is a significant step forward in risk management technology by offering a real-time analytics platform that provides unparalleled oversight of book performance. We have a team of highly experienced engineers with an understanding of our clients’ needs and the platform is being continuously developed to ensure we are consistently delivering results. RADAR aggregates data from multiple servers and platforms to deliver comprehensive insights ranging from firm-wide brokerage performance to detailed individual account activity.
We are dedicated to offering a competitive platform, with two standout features being:
Aftermath: This feature visualizes the profitability of each client account at prices both pre- and post-trade inception. It’s particularly powerful for identifying and addressing latency exploitation across the technology stack so that users can make better-informed decisions about their trading strategies and risk exposure.
Peer Analytics: The Peer Analytics feature offers a 20-day volume comparison, split by asset class and broker vs. market. It also highlights top and bottom-performing FX pairs and currencies with a granular view of net exposure. Clients can align their strategies with market benchmarks while leveraging detailed data to adjust positions and maximize profitability.
There is clearly an overlap between sales and trading skillsets in the systematic world. How important is iSAM Securities’ heritage of systematic and quantitative trading intelligence and insight and in what keyways have you been able to leverage it in your business?
The boundary between sales and trading skillsets continues to blur significantly in the eFX space. At iSAM Securities, our heritage of systematic and quantitative trading intelligence provides a strong foundation for this evolution. Leveraging years of expertise in data-driven decision-making and algorithmic strategies, we empower our sales teams to adopt a more technical approach, akin to the expertise traditionally found on trading desks.
In recent years, the role of eFX Sales has shifted from purely relationship-driven activities to a more hybrid model that incorporates technical proficiency. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, the growing complexity of client needs, and the competitive demand for deeper insights into execution strategies. Clients today expect more than market access—they look for value-added services like algorithmic customisation, optimisation of execution, and comprehensive analysis of liquidity and pricing trends.
By aligning our sales team’s capabilities with the systematic principles that drive our trading desks, we’ve been able to bridge the gap between the two functions. For example:
Data-Driven Conversations: eFX Sales professionals now leverage quantitative insights to provide clients with tailored execution strategies, improving transparency and confidence in outcomes.
Enhanced Client Engagement: Clients appreciate sales teams who can explain technical nuances, assess performance metrics, and adapt strategies in real time, reducing the need for multiple points of contact.
This blending of skillsets benefits clients by delivering a unified service that combines deep market expertise with technical proficiency. It ensures we stay ahead in an environment where speed, precision, and innovation define success. For us, this approach is central to maintaining our competitive edge and underscores the value of our systematic trading heritage in serving our clients’ evolving needs.
What are your opinions about the fast-evolving Digital Asset marketplace and what expectations do you have about the increased involvement of iSAM Securities with it particularly if we see more regulatory clarity and institutional engagement?
We are experiencing increasing demand from clients for robust solutions in the digital asset space, with a focus on also maintaining the highest standards of security and transparency.
We’ve also expanded our Index Swap offering to include Bitcoin and Ethereum and, while I can’t share too many details yet, I can assure you that we will not be slowing down growth in this space, driven by client demand.
Delivering excellence in our industry is not possible without the ability to build and maintain good relationships with clients and counterparties. How does iSAM Securities go about attracting the right calibre of people to work in your firm to facilitate that?
I believe that the foundation of delivering excellence lies in the strength of our people. We attract and retain top-tier talent by fostering a culture of innovation, excellence and collaboration, whilst maintaining client focus. Our team is composed of individuals who not only possess exceptional technical and market expertise but also share a commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships with our clients and counterparties.
We focus on hiring individuals with a blend of analytical rigor, strong communication skills, and an innate ability to understand client needs. We actively seek out professionals who are passionate about pushing boundaries and who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. The best example of our commitment to attracting the right calibre of people is the implementation of a Internal Recruitment Associate, a new role within the iSAM group that ensures we are able to hire the brightest minds in the business.
We also invest heavily in the professional development of our employees, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge tools and technology and creating an environment where both our clients and employees can thrive. Ultimately, it’s the combination of technical expertise, client-first values, and a forward-thinking approach that allows us to deliver excellence at every level.
Like other leading providers, iSAM Securities needs to be adaptable to market change. What work are you currently doing to roll-out new products and services to stay ahead of the curve and how important is dialogue with clients helping to inform your future product innovation?
Our approach is about being proactive rather than reactive. By anticipating shifts in the market and maintaining efficient and open communication with clients, we’re able to deliver sophisticated, forward-thinking solutions as and when our clients need them.
The Integrated Client Solutions team is central to our commitment to delivering exceptional client service. This team acts as a bridge between our clients and the various teams within our business to ensure a seamless experience from onboarding to ongoing support. Alongside this, our dedicated sales team are in constant communication with clients to further this support and feedback any suggestions for future product or feature development. This ensures that our offerings are not only relevant but also tailored to their specific needs going forward.
Which parts of the world are you currently focusing your attentions on at present to grow the business footprint of iSAM Securities?
We’re proud to have built a truly global presence across the UK, the U.S., Dubai, Hong Kong, and Cayman, allowing us to connect with clients all over the world. Right now, we’re focusing on growing our footprint in regions where we see exciting opportunities to add value.
Asia is a particularly dynamic market, and with our team on the ground in Hong Kong, we’re well-positioned to tap into the region’s rapid growth and increasing institutional engagement. Similarly, Dubai has become an important hub for us as we work closely with clients across the Middle East, where there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated liquidity solutions and risk management tools.
By having teams in key markets around the world, we can ensure that wherever our clients are, they get the same high level of support, tailored solutions, and innovative offerings that set iSAM Securities apart. It’s this personal connection and global collaboration that drives our success.
iSAM Securities1, regulated by the FCA, SFC, and CTFC, and CIMA registered, is a leading algorithmic trading firm and trusted electronic market maker, providing liquidity, technology and prime services partner to institutional clients and trading venues globally. The firm offers full-service prime brokerage and execution via its cutting-edge proprietary technology, as well as market leading analytics. For further information, please visit, isam-securities.com. 1iSAM Securities (UK) Limited, iSAM Securities (HK) Limited, iSAM Securities (Global) Limited, iSAM Securities (USA) Inc., iSAM Securities Limited
