Annabel Smith
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Articles by Annabel Smith
Music
We cover live concerts and recorded projects — like EPs or albums — that are either led by musicians with a UBC connection or are of interest to readers. 10/21/2026 The subtle mastery of the Julian Lage Quartet Lage kicked off the inaugural VanJazz festival with a performance that reinforced his status as one of the world's greatest improvisers.
The subtle mastery of the Julian Lage Quartet
Standpoint Statement This article is a review, which is a story about art or culture, written from a critical perspective. Extended Byline Elena Massing was this story's backfield editor. One of the gifts of good live jazz is witnessing a song be reinvented in real time by a performer whose understanding of the tune — and their instrument — enables them to build it into something new. Last week, the Julian Lage Quartet gave the crowd at the Chan Centre this joy in spades.
‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Review: An Electric 18th Century Story
The Testament of Ann Lee © Searchlight Pictures, 2025 The Testament of Ann Lee is a musical journey that tells the untold story of Ann Lee, sometimes referred to as Mother Ann, as she leads the Shaker movement from Manchester to the open, rural lands of the Americas in the hopes of spreading their beliefs. Known for their unique movement-led worship style, the Shakers (an offshoot of the Quakers) are brought to life in this cinematic story.
‘Crime 101’ Review: Innovative, Exhilarating Crime Thriller
Crime 101 (2025) © Amazon MGM Studios Filmed and set against the juxtaposing LA landscape—beaches, high-end residences, and apartments, as well as underpasses, Skid Row, and crumbling shopfronts—Crime 101 follows expert non-violent thief Mark (Chris Hemsworth) as he endeavours to complete one last robbery.
Why Netflix’s ‘Snabba Cash’ Reminds Me Foreign-Language Shows are Elite
I consider myself to be an avid television watcher. I love a good series or two, especially when it becomes a multiverse in itself: Grey’s Anatomy, The Sopranos, Mad Men, and New Girl are perfect examples of this—all of them are my favourites to rewatch every year. Four years ago, however, a Swedish Netflix original show titled Snabba Cash appeared in my recommendations, a stark contrast to my usual viewing habits.
Leaders in Trading 2025: Editors’ Choice Awards shortlists revealed for London event
Following an extensive and lengthy selection process over the summer, The TRADE is delighted to announce the shortlists for the Leaders in Trading Editors’ Choice London Awards 2025. Following a record number of nominations for this year’s categories, our editorial judging panel compiled the list, with the winners set to be revealed at The Savoy Hotel on 6 November 2025, alongside our other prestigious awards including the EMS, Algorithmic Trading and Buy-Side categories.
OSTTRA completes first compression of USD/CNH cross currency swaps
OSTTRA has moved to expand its compression with the addition of USD/CNH cross currency swaps to its arsenal. The post-trade solutions provider confirmed that it completed its first compression run for the cross currency swaps in August, cleared via HKEX’s OTC Clear service. Five financial institutions took part including Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Crédit Agricole CIB and a total of $5.8bn in notional value was compressed during the pilot run.
Foreign exchange: The linchpin between asset classes
Head of foreign exchange trading at T. Rowe Price, Toby Baker, began his career in trading like most young traders looking to start out in this industry – grafting for work experience wherever he could and then capitalising on an empty seat on a desk as soon as one arose. He first caught the trading bug after doing work experience at the London Stock Exchange when he was 14, solidifying his desire to work within the markets when he finished school.
Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range
1 INTRODUCTION The size of individuals is critical for modelling individual vital rates, such as fecundity, growth and survival, particularly in plants (Caswell, 2001; Easterling et al., 2000; Morris & Doak, 2002; Roff, 1986; Stearns, 1992). Larger, same-age individuals are often interpreted as having a higher performance (Stearns, 1992).
Liquidnet launches bilateral liquidity solution aimed at European buy-side traders
Liquidnet has unveiled a new trading solution set to allow buy-side traders in Europe to access bilateral liquidity more effectively. Specifically, bilateral liquidity is being integrated into Liquidnet’s front-end application and also its liquidity seeking algo suite. The offering therefore provides a consolidated and controlled route to interact with leading liquidity providers.
Harris Dickinson’s Finest Films
First up on the list is a more recent release, achieving critical and audience acclaim and putting Dickinson on a new audience’s radar. Against impressively emotive performances from Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, Dickinson offers a charismatic offset to the other Von Erich brothers in The Iron Claw. The Iron Claw gave a new lease of life to the sports-focused genre whilst illuminating the incredible skill and sportsmanship it takes to wrestle professionally.
PEP talk revisited: revised UK guidance on treatment of PEPs | JD Supra
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued finalised guidance on the treatment of politically exposed persons (PEPs) for anti-money laundering purposes. There is no significant shift in the FCA’s expectations of firms, but additional guidance has been provided to help firms adopt the correct approach when identifying and categorising PEPs, establishing new business relationships and conducting ongoing monitoring.
PEP Talk Revisited: Revised UK Guidance On Treatment Of PEPs
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued finalised guidance on the treatment of politically exposed persons (PEPs) for anti-money laundering purposes. There is no significant shift in the FCA's expectations of firms, but additional guidance has been provided to help firms adopt the correct approach when identifying and categorising PEPs, establishing new business relationships and conducting ongoing monitoring.
Leaders call for councils to get £400m sports funding
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Leaders call for councils to get £400m sports funding Council leaders have urged ministers to ensure the £400m announced in the Spending Review for grassroots sports is targeted towards leisure centres and swimming pools. By William Eichler | 05 August 2025 SHARE (c) wutzkohphoto/Shutterstock Council leaders have urged ministers to ensure the £400m announced in the Spending Review for grassroots sports is targeted towards leisure centres and swimming pools.
From duty to delivery
DEVOLUTION From duty to delivery Annabel Smith sets out how to effectively embed place-led collaboration. By Annabel Smith | 01 August 2025 SHARE July was a historic month for devolution and the mission to reshape the state, moving power closer to local communities. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill promises a lot, including strengthening regional powers and promoting better collaboration across all tiers of government.
Editors’ Choice Awards nominations now open for Leaders in Trading awards in London and New York
Nominations for the 2025 Editors’ Choice and Innovation Awards across The TRADE’s prestigious Leaders in Trading and Leaders in Trading New York are now open. Don’t miss your chance to have your say in the 2025 winners across categories spanning trading venues, technology, data, market structure, retail, liquidity provision and more. Participants have until 12 September to nominate their champions across the two awards ceremonies.
Morgan Stanley sales trading specialist joins MFS Investment Management
Morgan Stanley sales trading specialist Tracey O’Shea has left the bank to join buy-side firm MFS Investment Management, The TRADE can reveal. O’Shea has swapped the sell-side for the buy-side after serving with Morgan Stanley for nearly three decades, originally joining in 1997. She joins MFS Investment Management’s European equities trading team, operating under director of international trading, Jennifer Blanchette. Morgan Stanley declined to comment on her departure.
BlackRock equity trading VP departs for CPP Investments
BlackRock equity trading vice president Zachary Goodwin has left the firm to join investment management firm CPP Investments, The TRADE can reveal. According to an update on his social media, Goodwin joins CPP Investments based in Toronto, Canada after seven years with BlackRock.
Former Barclays market structure expert Coupe lands Susquehanna fixed income trading role
Institutional broker dealer Susquehanna International Securities has appointed Matt Coupe to its fixed income trading team. Coupe joins after most recently serving at Barclays as global head of cross asset market structure, departing the bank last year after a nine year stint. In his new role, Coupe will be responsible for working with market participants to help them “capture unique opportunities” on securities trading platforms.
Redburn Atlantic execution teams undergo redraft with four additions and three departures
Redburn Atlantic’s global execution teams have undergone a redraft with the addition of four new individuals alongside three departures, The TRADE can reveal. Among the additions is Reto Meroni who has joined Redburn Atlantic’s Zurich office to build out its execution presence with Swiss accounts. Meroni joins from Sanford Bernstein and also previously served at Lehman, Goldman Sachs, UBS Investment Bank and Nomura.
Redburn Atlantic UK head of electronic trading departs for Peel Hunt
Redburn Atlantic’s UK head of electronic trading has left the firm to join UK investment bank Peel Hunt, The TRADE can reveal. Ian Cannacott has been with Redburn Atlantic for almost 10 years, assuming his most recent role in 2023. Cannacott previously served at State Street, Instinet, Dresdner Kleinwort and Credit Suisse. He replaces Nishad Vallonthaiel who is departing Peel Hunt for pastures new, as revealed by The TRADE earlier this month. A spokesperson for Peel Hunt confirmed the move.
The FCA’s revised Enforcement Guide: Key policy changes to be aware of | JD Supra
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has updated its Enforcement Guide, including its revised policy on when it will announce details of enforcement investigations. Following a consultation process that was subject to substantial scrutiny and discussion, the FCA has moderated most of its more controversial proposals.
Peel Hunt’s head of electronic trading departs
Peel Hunt’s head of electronic and program trading Nishad Vallonthaiel is departing for pastures new, The TRADE can reveal. A spokesperson for Peel Hunt confirmed Vallonthaiel’s departure and that the firm was actively recruiting to fill the role. Vallonthaiel could not be reached for comment. His next role is unconfirmed. Vallonthaiel was appointed head of electronic and program trading at Peel Hunt in 2023 after most recently serving at Numis Securities.
Former Credit Suisse trader joins BNP Paribas cash equities desk
Jack Tierney, former Credit Suisse equity trader, has joined the cash equities trading team at BNP Paribas, The TRADE can reveal. A spokesperson for BNP confirmed his appointment. He joins BNP Paribas in its cash equities trading team after most recently serving in Credit Suisse’s equity execution services division in a senior client coverage and multi-product trading role.
Cast Announced for TV Adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s ‘Off Campus’ Books
The Deal is the first in a book series Off Campus, released in 2015. Finding major success amongst book fans, spurning two spin-off book series (Briar U and The Campus Diaries), the TV world is the next step for Kennedy’s Off Campus. Ella Bright (known for BBC’s Malory Towers and The Crown) has been cast as Hannah, The Deal‘s female lead, alongside Belmont Cameli (known for Until Dawn and the Netflix original film Along for the Ride) who has been cast as Garrett.
The evolving role of transaction cost analysis in equity futures trading
When it comes to TCA for equity futures trading, how does this differ from other asset classes? Equity futures TCA has many similarities with other asset classes but there are also some key differences. Within equity futures, there is a centralised exchange, deep order books and excellent liquidity in most contracts. Unlike equities, there is no fragmentation across multiple venues and price transparency is less of an issue compared to some other asset classes or instruments.
Building success in a fragmented US
Melissa Hinmon’s extensive experience in the industry has taught her many life lessons that make her the successful director of equity trading at Glenmede Investment Management that she is today. One of the results of these experiences has been several nominations and a subsequent win at Leaders in Trading New York 2024, where she took home the award for Buy-side Market Structure Expert of the Year.
SIX exploring market’s first three-pronged pan-European trading venue
SIX is exploring the creation of a three-pronged listing venue that spans the UK, Europe and Switzerland, chief executive Bjørn Sibbern has told The TRADE. Following the completion of its Aquis acquisition, which was originally announced in November, SIX will have listing and trading venues situated in mainland Europe, the UK and Switzerland.
Xetra expands new retail trading offering with ETFs service
Deutsche Börse Xetra has further expanded its retail offering with a new ETF trading service. Launched in March, the new service is designed to offer automatic price improvement over Xetra reference market prices.
European Commission exploring US-style order protection rule among other market reforms
The European Commission is tabling the implementation of a more US-centric market structure with regards to how orders are routed, in one of a range of suggestions aimed at improving the integration and efficiency of EU capital markets.
Right-wing Christian podcaster claims that airport body scanners can turn you gay
Andrew Isker, co-host of the right-wing Christian nationalist podcast ‘Contra Mundum’, claims that airport body scanners have the capability to make you gay. 67495 Andrew Isker, co-host of the right-wing Christian nationalist podcast Contra Mundum, managed to confuse the world when he confessed that he prefers to be frisked at the airport, instead of undergoing a proper body scanner. The reason?
New report rebuts ‘unsubstantiated’ exchange responses as latest episode of market data cost saga unfolds
Market Structure Partners (MSP) has individually rebutted every complaint made by exchanges in response to their original research exploring the market data landscape suggesting several are “unsubstantiated noise”. “There is little basis for most of the feedback and […] and many of the comments are surprising, given that they are based on, and sometimes contradict, the exchanges’ own publicly available information,” said MSP in its latest report.
Broadridge unveils new Digital Assets Solutions
Broadridge has launched a new solution which aims to aid financial institutions in scaling digital asset strategies while also complying with global regulations. The global fintech has said that its Digital Assets Solutions will address the growing demand for disclosure and governance solutions for cryptocurrency and tokenised assets. Broadridge claims the solutions will bolster investment democratisation, by ensuring regulatory compliance while enhancing investor education.
Barclays Bank latest trading participant to join SIX platform
Barclays Bank has become the newest trading participant to join SIX’s trading platform. The addition makes the bank the ninety second trading member on SIX’s platform. Co-head cash markets at SIX, Gregor Braun, said: “We are delighted to welcome Barclays Bank PLC as our newest trading participant on our platform. “We look forward to supporting Barclays in leveraging the exceptional liquidity and quality of our order book for Swiss securities and wish them successful trading.
Optiver to convert to a systematic internaliser
Optiver has moved to convert into a systematic internaliser (SI) as a “natural next step” in the businesses’ growth and progression plan, The TRADE can reveal. The decision is imminent. Optiver confirmed that it will begin rolling out gradually once set-up is complete. The move comes as part of the natural progression of the business, Optiver’s head of European equity market structure, Anish Puaar, told The TRADE.
MTS launches buy- and sell-side dealer to client protocol
Euronext’s fixed income trading platform MTS has gone live with a new buy- and sell-side dealer to client protocol. Named the BondVision Dealer-to-Client (DCT), the newly launched offering is a multi-dealer buy– and sell-side focused protocol that covers rates, credit and repo. The offering was developed as part of the BondVision partnership announced by Euronext’s MTS in September last year.
Goldman Sachs and FlexTrade enhance algo offering with API order status updates
Goldman Sachs has gone live with a new connectivity that will offer clients algo order status updates delivered via API on their FlexTrade execution management system. The new offering is the first of its kind and designed to enhance buy-side visibility of algo orders throughout the trading day, building on existing capabilities in this sphere delivered via FIX connectivity. The service will give clients access to proprietary data on Goldman algos directly via EMS.
The TRADE’s Q1 Magazine: Now available online!
Spring is a time for new beginnings and that can certainly be said for both the markets and our internal day-to-day here at The TRADE. Seismic innovations in the way that stocks and shares are trading – namely the extension of equities trading hours to a 24/5 model – look set to come to fruition in the next year. While the US appears bullish with its plans to extend its trading day, the UK and Europe remain reluctant to follow suit.
A smarter regulator – the FCA’s shift in approach | JD Supra
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out its commitment to “become a smarter regulator” – one that is predictable, purposeful and proportionate. This may have been well received by firms, especially since, tonally at least, it signals a potential adjustment to the FCA’s approach in 2022-2025 which aimed to set higher standards by being “more innovative, assertive and adaptive”. It also promises operational improvements to become more efficient and effective.
Senior Fidelity equities trader departs
Senior equities trader for EMEA, Georgina Flynn, is set to leave Fidelity International, The TRADE can reveal. Flynn has been with Fidelity since 2016 when she joined as an equities trader for EMEA. “Georgina Flynn has informed us she will be leaving Fidelity International to spend more time with her family,” said a Fidelity spokesperson.
Fidelity International’s Stephen Whyman departs after seven years
Fidelity International’s head of debt capital markets for EMEA is set to leave the buy-side firm, The TRADE can reveal. According to an update on his social media, Stephen Whyman is leaving Fidelity after seven years to pursue another “entrepreneurial path”. “Leaving Fidelity has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, but I feel the time is right to pursue a more entrepreneurial path outside of the company,” he said in his update.
Fireside Friday with… Franklin Templeton Investments’ Jason Xavier
How has the trading of ETFs evolved and what role are market structure changes having in this evolution? Market structure changes, particularly regulatory reforms like Mifid I and, more specifically for ETFs, Mifid II, have significantly reshaped the European ETF trading landscape. Mifid II disrupted the dominance of traditional stock exchanges by opening the door for alternative trading venues, increasing competition, and expanding investor choice.
Industry stalwart Matt McLoughlin and Liontrust part ways
Liontrust’s chief commercial officer and former head of trading, Matt McLoughlin, has left the UK-based asset manager after 10 years, The TRADE can reveal. McLoughlin declined to comment when approached by The TRADE. His departure follows news broken by The TRADE in January that Liontrust was exploring outsourcing its trading to BNY. While it is not yet confirmed what the final agreement will be, it appears the setup will at the least be focused on covering non-UK activity.
Inside the awful Instagram accounts exploiting stolen content to create AI Down syndrome models
These accounts promote sexualised, non-consensual content and drive followers to adult platforms like Fanvue, where they profit from these manipulations without consent. 67044 An alarming trend has surfaced on Instagram, where numerous accounts are using stolen content to create fake AI-generated personas, including individuals of people who appear to have Down syndrome.
UBS makes shock exit from outsourced trading game
UBS has made a shock exit from the outsourced trading game just weeks after appointing a new head of the business, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. UBS had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publishing. The Swiss bank has given its clients a three month notice period that it will shutter its outsourced business, The TRADE can reveal.
Broadridge’s new algo co-pilot: The first tangible use case of AI in trading?
Broadridge is set to go live with its new algo co-pilot offering in the next few weeks, aimed at helping the buy-side route their orders better. Named NYFIX Algo Co-Pilot, the new product uses AI to build a picture of fils in the market to better inform traders when they look to select an algorithmic strategy, all in a bid to reduce the implicit cost of trading. Broadridge has partnered with Babelfish.com to power the AI element and Google for the cloud requirements.
Blake Lively faces backlash for calling herself Cherokee in resurfaced L'Oréal diversity ad
After a start to the year that can only be described as rough due to the fallout of a legal battle with Justin Baldoni, the actor is facing a fresh round of backlash for resurfaced L'Oréal ad. 66618 It’s been a difficult year to be Blake Lively, that’s for sure.
‘Oh My Goodness!’ Review: Short and Sweet (cycle) Ride
Oh My Goodness! follows an eclectic group of nuns from St. Benedict’s as they attempt to mentor a nun-in-training. They stumble upon a cycling contest that may help their newest recruit showcase her charitable nature. Competing for €25,000 in winnings, they’ve got steep competition in the likes of athletes and, worst of all, a rival nunnery. With a race ahead and a head nun with an agenda to meet Pope Francis, nothing will stop this chaotic bunch.
Who is Lauren Handy, the woman who kept the remains of five foetuses in her refrigerator?
It is currently being assumed that Handy decided to go dumpster diving at the organ bank of the University of Washington in Seattle to fish out foetal remains. 66292 In April 2022, the Washington police found the remains of five foetuses in the home of anti-abortion activist Lauren Handy. The then 28-year-old, who is famous for working with groups like Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, was blasted after someone tipped law enforcement off about ‚Äúpotential bio-hazard material‚ÄĚ at her home.
European equities broker wallet stops shrinking, but concentration on the rise, report finds
A shrinking number of brokers are accounting for over half of trading activity in Europe, a new report by Coalition Greenwich has found. According to Coalition’s new research, the European equity commissions wallet grew 4% to $2.3 billion in 2024 in comparison with a 14% decline in 2023. The findings were in line with a similar report released at the tail end of last year focusing on North America.
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