ATFX appoints FX liquidity management expert Chris James in times of high volatility

ATFX UK has appointed industry platform liquidity veteran Chris James as Head of Liquidity Management, based in London.

The experienced FX professional has more than 20 years in the financial markets, having spent the early parts of his career working in the middle office before moving into front office execution trading desk roles prior to entering into the world of Liquidity Management. 

Starting out at Deutsche Bank in 2001, his career includes four years at FX brokerage firm Henyep Investment (UK), also known as HYCM, where he worked on an execution only basis, quoting instant two way prices to brokers and clients using live exchange traded prices available on Reuters and Bloomberg.

Chris James’s FX roles include HYCM, Alpari UK and State Street’s Currenex

Having joined HYCM in 2004, he facilitated client trades via MT4 platform and voice trading, monitoring client trading accounts, including calculating margin/equity ratios and issuing margin calls when required.

In 2008, he moved to Alpari UK as a Senior Trader, processing clients’ transactions (FX, CFD’s and Spreadbetting) via MT4 platform and other white label solutions, with hedging required using a combination of GUI and ECN systems. According to Chris James, over time the role developed into more of a risk management position whereby a large emphasis was placed on managing the company’s market risk. Other responsibilities included maintaining and improving current sources of liquidity by analysing trade flows and liaising with a variety of liquidity providers including tier 1 banks.

In 2015, Chris James moved to the Liquidity Management team of State Street’s Currenex to manage FX liquidity for clients of the Currenex FXTrades platform.

At Currenex, he ensured both buy side and sell side clients were receiving optimal liquidity, managing the demands from both regulatory and business stand points. Using internal tools and business intelligence systems to monitor performance, he identified areas of potential improvement and opportunities for growth. According to the executive, the job was a client facing role that involved developing and maintaining relationships across the FX space with tier 1 banks, regional banks and non-bank participants alike.

Chris James brings “short-term tactical advantages and long-term strategic benefits” for ATFX clients

ATFX UK said it hired James primarily for his years of professional experience in the Forex brokerage industry. His experience will allow him to seize market opportunities and help clients make optimal decisions for their accounts and portfolios.

The brokerage firm believes that, confronted with a volatile market environment, only competitive brokers with an experienced and dedicated talent pool, high brand value, strong market power, and robust culture can succeed. Such firms will be grounded and thrive despite the challenges and market uncertainties in this new era.

Chris James, ATFX Head of Liquidity, commented: “It is a great pleasure to finally join ATFX, a brand I have researched extensively. The excellent services and forward-looking fintech innovations created by the broker amazed me. I am excited to be a part of ATFX and contribute my experience towards the broker’s future success. I will spare no effort in creating better services for ATFX clients using my experience in liquidity and capital management. I believe my experience will enable me to bring both short-term tactical advantages and long-term strategic benefits to our customers and partners. Ultimately, I want to help ATFX attain its global vision.”