GFI Group’s FENICS has appointed Julian Cook as head of quantitative research. In his expanded role, Cook will now be responsible for devising and executing GFI FENICS’ ongoing maths strategy. This will include proprietary models as well as the ongoing relationships with third-party model providers. Cook will also oversee bespoke projects for clients, ensuring that these meet GFI FENICS’ standards for performance, accuracy and transparency.
Richard Brunt, global head of GFI FENICS, added, “Over the last few years, the size and the scope of the GFI FENICS product offering has increased dramatically with the introduction of enterprise server solutions, sales workflow functionality, and transactional capabilities. However, at the core of GFI FENICS product has always been its maths models. GFI FENICS has invested heavily in this area over the years and we continue to increase this budget to keep our models ahead of the market. The creation of this new role is a natural extension of this investment, to ensure that our models continue to be developed in a way that maintains our reputation for accuracy, openness and innovation, which helps maintain FENICS Professional as the market leading FXO system.” Brunt added, “Julian was the perfect candidate for this role. His experience within the GFI FENICS group and previously as a market practitioner gives him unique insight that all GFI FENICS users can benefit from.”
Cook, who is based in New York, was previously head of development. He will report to John Molloy – global head of GFI FENICS Product.
Cook, who has over 20 years experience in the derivatives business, began his career as a quantitative analyst and FX options trader at JP Morgan. He previously worked for GFI FENICS as a product specialist from 1994-1997 before rejoining the group as head of development in 2006. In between, Cook was product manager for FX options at FNX.
