Trading Tales with STA’s Jim Toes: Bitcoin ETFs, Round-the-Clock Trading, and the SEC’s Market Structure Proposals

The “vanguard of Vanguard,” Gerry O’Reilly, stops by to chat with Ronan and JR to discuss the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ($1.6 trillion in AUM), his 30 years at the firm, and how the industry has evolved during his tenure. The three also touch on the proposed updates to Reg NMS by the SEC, AI, and cryptocurrency in a broad-ranging hot topics segment. Not to bury the lede, but Gerry also makes Boxes and Lines history as our first guest who is a former Olympian and talks about his experience representing Ireland in the men’s 1500 meters at the 1988 Summer Olympics. All this – plus Ronan making it through an entire episode without swearing – on Boxes and Lines. Recorded March 6, 2024.

The man, the myth, the legend - market structure expert Larry Tabb joins Ronan and JR to talk shop about crypto, AI, and hot-button topics including access fees, tick increments, and the SEC's regulatory direction. They also discuss the challenges of moving to T+1 settlement and whether sub-dollar trading is a “scam.” It’s a must-listen episode for the true market structure (and carpentry) wonks out there. Hit play and pull up a chair at the Larry Tabb table. Recorded February 1, 2024.

This week, Ronan and JR are joined by Ellen Correia Golay, a Treasury markets advisor at the New York Federal Reserve Bank and an expert in U.S. Treasury market structure and fixed income. Ellen dispels the gold heist myths of Die Hard 3, takes a closer look at all-to-all trading in Treasury markets, and discusses the SEC’s recent adoption of rules that could require principal trading firms to register as dealers. Recorded February 7, 2024.

Ronan and JR welcome back Chris Ekimoff and Kurt Wolfe, co-hosts of the 'inSecurities' podcast, to talk shop about the latest in securities regulation. With Chris's forensic accounting expertise and Kurt's background in law and SEC enforcement, they discuss the SEC's cautious stance on predictive analysis, industry reactions, and the effects of what some call the SEC’s 'regulation by enforcement' approach in the crypto space. Later in the show, they discuss how lawyers can protect their mental health in an industry where 24/7 work and availability is the norm, as well as the financial advice they’d give to their younger selves. Recorded January 16, 2024.

Join us for a special episode of Boxes and Lines, featuring Neal Freyman and Toby Howell of the wildly popular newsletter, the Morning Brew. Listen as JR and Ronan learn how they’ve helped re-shape business news, making it digestible for millennials and Gen Z - or should we say, Zillennials - from its humble beginnings as a cheat-sheet at the University of Michigan to becoming a digital media powerhouse under Business Insider. Neal and Toby discuss the changing habits of media consumption, the craft of simplifying complicated or niche business and financial news, and the time Toby accidentally purchased $40,000 worth of Sherman Williams stock. Tune in for a lively conversation on the impact of media in finance and the work that goes into a daily podcast and newsletter, starting with arriving to the office at an eye-watering 4:45 a.m. Recorded January 11, 2024.

Join Ronan and JR as they kick off 2024 with Dave Nadig, a “Financial Futurist” for ETF Trends and ETF Database, and an all-around expert in the ETF industry. In this episode, Dave shares his predictions for the year, discussing the election's impact on investments, the prospects of ESG and clean energy, the implications of SEC-approved Bitcoin ETFs, challenges in active ETFs, insights on Cathie Wood’s ARK in 2023, and the role of AI in finance. Get out your crystal balls out and compare your notes on what lies ahead with Dave on this special episode. Recorded January 9, 2024.

Shelley Eleby, Managing Director and Head of Marketing for Electronic Trading at BMO Capital Markets, joins Ronan and JR to talk strategy and the key to strong branding in an era of shrinking screen sizes and attention spans. An industry veteran, Eleby discusses her wariness of AI and the “shiny penny” effect it seems to be having across all aspects of business, including finance. Eleby and BMO’s focus is, instead, on market microstructure, an area where the company is experimenting to understand how new trading tactics play out in real markets. She reflects on her career journey, the role of corporate culture, and the importance of diversity in finance. Her advice for women in the industry: know your product deeply and always ask 'why.' Recorded December 7, 2023.

Amy Magnotta brings her expert take on the state of equity markets to the pod as we approach 2024. The Co-Chief Investment Officer at Ategenos Capital sheds light on everything from the fed's stance on interest rates, alpha drivers and the promising outlook for Japan, and potential tailwinds from the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As 2024 looms as a “spicy” election year, Amy shares her strategies for navigating these politically choppy waters. Recorded December 5, 2023.

Ronan and JR are joined this week by Michael Seigne, a finance industry veteran with extensive experience in equity execution, and the founder of Candor Partners Limited. Listen as Michael breaks down the intricacies of corporate share buybacks and how these hotly debated practices influence shareholder value and corporate governance for public companies. Recorded November 16, 2023.

While you were still sleeping, the stock market was busy getting ready for the day. Ramon “Ray” Gonzalez, Head of Technology Operations for IEX Exchange, joins Ronan and JR to walk us through the checklist his team goes through every day – starting at 4 am – to get the market ready for smooth sailing. Plus, they delve into “bare metal” infrastructure, data centers, and the potential for exchanges to move into the cloud. Recorded January 31, 2022.