See how it works
Book Aggelos with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Aggelos is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Aggelos
Aggelos is an NUJ-accredited journalist based in London. He has worked for many media companies since 2005. He specialises in economics, politics, finance and business reporting, while he has been producing stories focusing on the environment, human rights violations and gender equality issues. He holds a Master's degree in Journalism, Media, and Globalisation from Aarhus University and he majored in Finance and Business Reporting at City University London. Aggelos currently works for the financial technology magazine, Waters. He also contributes to other publications in the UK and abroad on a freelance basis. He is highly interested in multimedia projects, short docs, and long-form stories.
Greek
English
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Portfolio
R3, FCA Collaborate on Mortgage Transaction Reporting DLT Prototype
R3 and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have collaborated to develop a prototype for mortgage transaction reporting using distributed ledger technology (DLT). The prototype, built on R3's Corda platform, aims to address issues in the mortgage transaction lifecycle. Charley Cooper, managing director of R3, noted that the project resulted from discussions with the FCA, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and another global bank. The initiative highlights the potential of DLT in improving financial transaction reporting.
TGE Launches New Trading System Ahead of Harmonization Push
The Polish Power Exchange (TGE) launched a new trading platform with enhanced features and new tools, provided by Nasdaq. The upgrades include market-maker support, derivatives market strategy execution, market data processing, and risk management improvements. TGE's president, Pawel Ostrowski, emphasized the platform's role in complying with European regulations and enhancing portfolio management options. The upgrade will be completed in phases, with the second phase enabling TGE to operate as a cross-border, day-ahead market, aligning with the Price Coupling of Regions project to harmonize the European energy market.
Europe’s Far-Right Exploits COVID-19 for Anti-Refugee Propaganda
My online portfolio of selected work samples
Putting the Fintech House in Order
The fintech sector, once a burgeoning industry with intense competition, is now moving towards self-regulation and integration into the broader financial industry. The International Organization of Securities Commissions (Iosco) will hold a closed-door conference in Madrid to discuss global regulatory strategies.
AFTAs 2017: Best AI Technology Initiative—FIS
FIS' AI platform, Control Center, has been recognized for its innovative integration into financial corporations' technology stacks, enhancing operational efficiency through automation and machine learning. Northern Trust, one of the first adopters, uses the platform for global fund accounting, benefiting from streamlined processes and improved management of regulatory and reporting requirements. FIS plans to expand the platform's capabilities and its AI applications across other areas within its ecosystem.
AFTAs 2017: Best Front-Office Initiative—State Street Global Exchange
Lawrence, a researcher for portfolio managers, developed the Quantextual Idea Lab with State Street Global Exchange to address the challenge of portfolio managers not being able to effectively consume research. The platform is a research aggregator that combines machine-learning algorithms with human expertise for intelligent curation. It uses classification algorithms and natural-language processing to categorize research and allows collaborative communication among users. The Lab also employs researchers to provide human-curated conclusions, ensuring research summaries maintain nuanced perspectives.
2017: The Year Mifid II Grinds into Gear
WatersTechnology extensively covered Mifid II, highlighting its complexities and significant implications for European markets. The past year saw collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among tech providers and financial institutions due to Mifid II. New entities within established firms were created to gain regulatory status, such as approved publication arrangements (APAs).
The Battle of Paris: How Esma Fought to Save Mifid II
The implementation of Mifid II has been a challenging journey for both market participants and regulators, particularly for the European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma). Despite its limited resources, Esma was tasked with developing the technical standards and official opinions necessary for the regulation. The article highlights the difficulties faced by Esma in this process.
Side Technology Awards 2017: Best Fund Administrator—SEI
SEI has been recognized as the Best Fund Administrator in the Buy-Side Technology Awards 2017, continuing its winning streak since 2010. The firm's success is attributed to its innovative management and rebranding of administrative services, particularly through the SEI Trade platform, which enhances middle and back-office operations. SEI has focused on digitizing subscription processing and improving data analytics, with significant enhancements to its investor dashboard. Jim Warren, head of solutions, strategy, and development at SEI, highlights the firm's commitment to advancing its calculation methodologies to improve workflow and administrative services.
Esma: Mifid III Not in the Works
The European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma) has no current plans for a third iteration of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Mifid III), despite suggestions from some quarters. Steven Maijoor, Esma's chair, emphasized that while no major reforms are planned post-Mifid II, further fine-tuning of existing legislation will occur. This news is likely to relieve market participants who are still grappling with Mifid II compliance. National regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), have indicated leniency for firms making serious efforts to comply, even if they are not fully ready by the January 3, 2018 deadline.
Nex Gains Esma Approval for Post-Brexit Trade Repository
Nex Regulatory Reporting has received approval from ESMA for its post-Brexit trade repository services within the EU27 area. CEO Collin Coleman highlights that while this addresses the need for an EMIR repository in the EU, the UK still requires clarity on its post-Brexit arrangements. The article underscores the ongoing uncertainties and regulatory challenges posed by Brexit.
Side Technology Awards 2017: Best Buy
IHS Markit successfully defended its title in the best OMS category at the Buy-Side Technology Awards 2017, showcasing the strategic value of its acquisition of thinkFolio. The platform, known for its fixed-income capabilities, is gaining traction in equities, bonds, derivatives, and bank loans. Significant investments have been made in expanding asset class coverage, analytics, and user interface capabilities, including the introduction of open APIs and an optimized TBA functionality. Future plans include migrating thinkFolio to an HTML 5 front-end and developing an investment book of record solution.
JPMorgan Deploys Platform from In-Residence Graduate Mosaic Smart Data
Mosaic Smart Data, founded by Matt Hodgson, developed the MSX platform to provide a consolidated perspective for investment banking users. The platform, described as a 'financial GPS,' helps users understand their trading activities and anticipate future demand. JPMorgan, led by Oliver Harris, has adopted this platform as part of its in-residence program, which supports fintech startups. The collaboration aims to optimize productivity and profitability in JPMorgan's fixed-income trading business, highlighting a trend where large banks prefer external solutions for specific challenges.
Blake Grossman Joins Axioma's Board of Directors
Blake Grossman has joined Axioma's Board of Directors, drawing parallels between Axioma's vision and the development strategy of Barclays Global Investors. Grossman, who previously served as CEO of Barclays Global Investors and vice chairman at BlackRock, is currently chairman of Financial Engines and a managing member of CHJ Capital and Thirdstream Partners. He expressed excitement about Axioma's potential to offer scalable, systematic investment solutions at a lower cost.
Greece’s Deus Ex Machina Play
Pantelis Lamprou, director of strategic communication and markets analysis at the Athens Stock Exchange, discusses the ongoing impact of the 2009 financial crisis on Greece's financial services industry. The conversation highlights the persistent challenges and the current state of the local market.
FCA Urges Buy Side to Make Assumptions on Mifid II Provisions
Regulators expect the industry to make all reasonable efforts to comply with Mifid II by January 3, 2018, despite some parts of the directive remaining unclear. Firms are advised to make sensible assumptions and document them, with the FCA indicating no punitive action for firms that tried and failed based on these assumptions.
Will Europe’s Unbundling Rules Expand to the US?
The article explores the potential expansion of Europe's unbundling rules, specifically those under the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Mifid II), to the US. It highlights the initial resistance and eventual acceptance of these rules in Europe, the unpreparedness of the buy side, and the growing belief among US asset managers that similar regulations will soon be enforced by US regulators. The article also discusses the increased demand for transparency in research payments and the expansion of research aggregator RSRCHXchange to North America, indicating a permeation of unbundling practices in the US market.
Mifid's Architect: Esma Chair Steven Maijoor
Steven Maijoor, chair of Esma, emphasizes the importance of compliance with Mifid II by the January 3 deadline, noting that market participants had ample time to prepare. He discusses the role of national regulators in enforcement and the challenges posed by Brexit, including the need for contingency plans and the potential relocation of UK market participants. Maijoor also addresses the European Commission's proposal to grant Esma new powers, which has faced criticism but aims to enhance regulatory consistency across Europe. Esma's funding remains a concern as it seeks to fulfill its expanded responsibilities.
Nasdaq Merges Baltic CSDs for Final T2S Migration Wave
Nasdaq has merged its Baltic central securities depositories (CSDs) as part of the final wave of the T2S migration. Indars Ascuks, head of the Nasdaq Baltic Market and CEO of Nasdaq CSD, explains that the merger was driven by technological demands and regulatory requirements in Europe. The transformation reflects significant changes in the European markets over the past decade.
Setl Launches Blockchain Platform for Funds Record Keeping
Setl has launched a blockchain platform named Iznes for fund record-keeping, collaborating with major French buy-side players including OFI, Groupama, La Financière de l’Échiquier, and Arkéa Investment Services. These firms joined the project in late 2015 to provide insights on industry challenges and solution requirements. Peter Randall, CEO of Setl, highlighted the collaborative effort in developing the platform.
Waters Rankings 2017: Best Reconciliation Management Provider—Electra Information Systems
Over the past year, Electra Information Systems, based in New York, has enhanced its reconciliation capabilities and formed strategic partnerships with Linedata and Eagle Investment Systems. These collaborations have expanded the platform's efficiency and scope, integrating with Linedata’s Mfact for complex reconciliations. Key upgrades include intra-day processing and n-way capability, particularly beneficial for hedge fund users. Electra is also developing robotic process automation to streamline manual processes in reconciliation.
IHS Markit Unveils Solution for RTS 28 Compliance
IHS Markit has developed a solution to assist asset management firms with compliance for RTS 28, a regulation that requires detailed reports on execution venues used for trades. This regulation is part of Mifid II and will be activated three months after Mifid II takes effect. John Jannes, director in the trading services business at IHS Markit, comments on the complexity of the process and the aim of their solution to simplify it.
Axe Trading Targets the Buy Side with New EMS
Axe Trading has developed a new execution management system (EMS) aimed at asset managers in the fixed-income markets, enabling them to act as price makers. The system was built from scratch, incorporating elements from their sell-side product to benefit investment managers. Mark Watters, a director at Axe Trading, emphasized the importance of creating the EMS without preconceived notions of its design.
Waters Rankings 2017: Best Mobile Solutions Provider—TS
The article highlights the winners of the Best Mobile Solutions Provider category in the Waters Rankings over the past few years, with TSNext being the current winner. Previous winners include Morningstar, Bloomberg, and Morgan Stanley, showcasing the industry's adaptation to mobile technologies.
Wiener Börse Feels the Need for Speed with T7 Upgrade
Wiener Börse, also known as the Vienna Stock Exchange, has completed a significant technical upgrade by replacing its legacy infrastructure with a new system developed by Deutsche Börse. This upgrade, one of the most substantial in the exchange's long history, now supports most asset classes traded on the platform. CTO Ludwig Nießen highlighted the importance of this development.
Waters Rankings 2017: Best Reporting System Provider—Vermilion Software
Vermilion Software, based in London, has been recognized for its excellence in reporting systems, maintaining a strong track record with multiple awards in the Buy-Side Technology Awards. The company, known for its quality that distinguishes it from competitors, was acquired by FactSet in November of the previous year.
Artificial Intelligence Takes Over CRM as GDPR Looms
As the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) approaches, institutional asset managers in Europe face increasing complexity in client data management. Alan Underdown of Satuit Technologies highlights the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) in CRM platforms to enhance investor acquisition, retention, and personalization. Machine learning and natural language processing are being utilized to optimize marketing actions and streamline meeting note entries. The industry is influenced by trends in regulation, competition, and globalization, with asset managers seeking operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and secure yet accessible data management solutions.
IHS Markit Launches Service for Mifid II Research Payments
IHS Markit has launched a new service to help buy-side firms comply with Mifid II research payment regulations. The RPA Manager service offers tools for research budget calculation, tracking, and payment management, integrating with other IHS Markit services. Compliance with Mifid II, set to take effect on January 3, 2018, remains a challenge for many firms, with varying levels of preparedness reported. Tom Conigliaro of IHS Markit emphasizes the importance of an integrated solution to simplify the compliance process for portfolio managers, analysts, and traders.
Artificial Intelligence Helps Tackle Regulatory Conflicts
Mark Holmes, founder of Wayfinder, observed that financial firms struggled with understanding the regulatory landscape and compliance projects. He noted that end-users manually highlighted relevant regulations in paper form. The article discusses the role of artificial intelligence in tackling regulatory conflicts in the financial industry.
Thomson Reuters Starts Integration Drive, Equips Redi Users with Eikon Messenger
Thomson Reuters has initiated the integration of its Redi and Eikon platforms by introducing messaging functionality to its buy-side community, thereby expanding the network of financial professionals. Brennan Carley, head of Enterprise Solutions at Thomson Reuters, noted that this development addresses the lack of standard messaging capability for Redi users.
The Case of Portugal’s Blockchain
Blockchain technology has endured both hype and criticism, evolving into a standard business tool similar to AI. Despite initial excitement and subsequent frustration, its significance remains undiminished.
IHS Markit Launches Outreach360 for Mifid II Outreach and Repapering
IHS Markit has launched Outreach360, a solution aimed at addressing the repapering mandate of Mifid II. Darren Thomas, managing director and head of IHS Markit’s Counterparty Manager business, highlights the significant resource investment required for banks to comply with the mandate, which involves reaching out to and collecting data from thousands of counterparties.
Indata Adds API Layer to iPM Epic Solution
Indata has introduced an API layer to its iPM Epic solution, enhancing its capabilities by enabling real-time data connection with other systems through a secure API. This addition leverages big data technologies, particularly in-memory computing, to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The API can be used to extend current software programs, create new ones, and generate custom reports and mobile-friendly applications.
×
Aggelos'
confirmed information
✓
Phone number
Verified Dec 2016
✓
Joined
Dec 2016