Episode 97: C-Level Execs Talk Bitcoin, Fintechs, Cognitive Computing & Open-Source Technology

Waters Wavelength

Since it’s the week of Thanksgiving in the US and there’s little news to be found, this week on the podcast we’re going to do a “Best Of” episode from interviews we’ve conducted on the podcast over the last six months. (3:00) First we have Bryan Harkins, head of US equities and global FX at Cboe Global Markets, talking about the firm’s acquisition of Bats and how the exchange is attempting to launch a bitcoin futures contract. (6:50) Next, Oliver Harris, head of JPMorgan’s In-Residence Program, explains why the bank launched this fintech accelerator, and he gives two specific success stories to come out of the program. (17:45)Batting third, Marc Andrews, vice president of Watson Financial Services Solutions for IBM, explains how cognitive computing can help answer some of Mifid II’s regulatory challenges and then gives his thoughts on if an all-encompassing industry utility for AML/KYC is on the horizon. (23:30) Finally, Neal Pawar, chief technology officer at AQR, talks about the impact and growth of open-source projects in the capital markets and how his nearly $200 billion hedge fund is using these increasingly popular technologies to both improve its offering and to attract talent.