JonesTrading Institutional Services, an institutional equity block trading and execution firm based in the United States, is expanding into pan-Asian trading.
In addition to Asia markets already covered for US-based institutions, the firm will now trade equity instruments in virtually all Asian markets on behalf of local and US institutional clients, using its relationship based model. JonesTrading will now cover Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, and Japan, as well as Japanese clients trading US
The move is being made in response to market demand. The need for high-touch trading continues to grow, even as trading mechanisms such as HFT are introduced into Asia. JonesTrading will continue to focus on the often overlooked small- and mid-cap block trades.
The firm is resourcing the expansion by growing the Asia trading group. JonesTrading established its Asia trading in 2011, thanks to the efforts of Kevin Horgan, Managing Director and head of the Hawaiian branch office. The appointment of industry veterans Brian Tafaro and Khahlil Kirtman to build Asia reflects the firm’s commitment to international trading while maintaining its client focused approach. Prior to joining JonesTrading, Tafaro was Managing Director, Co-Head of Japan Shares Execution Services at Goldman Sachs. He holds a BA from Trinity College, Hartford CT. Kirtman was Vice President/Manager of International Sales Trading, also at Goldman Sachs. He is a graduate of Tufts University. They report to Alan Hill, JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC’s CEO.
Alan Hill (pictured), CEO, of JonesTrading Institutional Services, says: "Our block trading relationship based model has proven effective with clients in North America and Europe. Continued Asia expansion now means the JonesTrading covers virtually every major world market both for local and cross border trading. Clients value our ability to source liquidity with sensitivity to their intent, strategy and style. We are confident that the breadth and depth of expertise and experience that Brian and Khahlil bring to our clients and to our firm will result in success for this strategic effort.”
