Cboe named Wei Liao as its new director of derivatives market intelligence, as part of the network’s continued expansion of its 
global derivatives business. Liao will work out of Hong Kong, where she will focus on driving forward Cboe’s derivatives market and content franchise to its client base in Asia Pacific (APAC). Liao brings 15 years of macroeconomic research, trading and portfolio management experience to the new role, and before joining Cboe, she worked as a portfolio manager at CQS Asset Management. Prior to this, she was also the founder and manager of derivatives-focused hedge fund, Watercourse Macro Found. Mandy Xu, global head of derivatives market intelligence at Cboe said: “With her background as a portfolio manager and trader, Wei brings deep market expertise, a seasoned practitioner’s perspective, and a client-first mindset – all of which are critical as we work to close the education gap and support the region’s next phase of growth.”
The TRADE is thrilled to announce that Natasha Cocksedge has joined the team as a reporter, effective 7 April. In the role, Cocksedge is set to work across the publication’s offerings, including its digital content, print magazine, multimedia features, events and research. Cocksedge’s appointment follows the departure of Wesley Bray in February. Most recently, Cocksedge served at MyLondon covering local news and event. Previous experience also includes stints reporting for: The Londoners, ENDS Report, and The Farnham Herald. Annabel Smith, editor of The TRADE, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Natasha to our editorial team. She joins The TRADE at a pivotal time in our growth as we look to build on record web traffic in 2024, increase in multimedia products and the successful expansion of our Leaders in Trading event to the US.”
Wayne Barber is set to expand his role on the Janus Henderson fixed income desk to include trading, after three years working as a data analyst for the firm. In his tenure, Barber has worked with the trading team on data-related mandates including working to optimise execution for the desk. Previously in his career, he worked as a software engineer at Accenture and before that as a sales executive for WebsEdge. Speaking to The TRADE, a spokesperson for Janus Henderson said: “[Barber] was brought in to help the team with their trade data and TCA analysis. Over this time he has built a central database and a number of tools that the team rely upon daily. While working with the trading team he has developed an interest in the markets and recently his role has broadened to include money markets, rates and FX trading. He is also keenly interested in looking at automation and garnering efficiencies in our systems.”
Nikhil Rathi has been reappointed chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for a second term. He was first named CEO back in June 2020, taking up the role in October later that year. Rathi’s new term will run until September 2030, focused on leading reform in the regulatory environment, building on previous efforts such as the introduction of the ‘consumer duty’. Speaking to his new appointment, Rathi said: “I am honoured to be reappointed by the Chancellor. The FCA does vital work to enable a fair and thriving financial services sector for the good of consumers and the economy. I am proud of the reforms we have delivered to support growth, bolster operational effectiveness, set higher standards and to keep our markets clean and open.”
Paul Atkins has assumed his role as chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), having been confirmed as Gary Gensler’s successor in January 2025. Mark Uyeda had been serving as acting SEC chair in the interim. Atkins’ previous roles include a prior stint as a commissioner of the SEC – appointed in July 2002 by President George W. Bush, where he served until August 2008. Before that, he founded and became chief executive of strategy, risk management and compliance consultancy, Patomak Global Partners.