Stratix Consulting ranked as one of the fastest-growing IT consulting firms in Canada
The June 2008 issue of PROFIT Magazine ranks Stratix Consulting as one of Canada's fastest-growing companies with 425% revenue growth since 2002. Ranked 27th on PROFIT's Next 100 list, Stratix Consulting is a proven partner to leading companies in the Canadian financial services industry offering its clients senior-level counsel and a flexible, customized approach to delivery of management consulting and integration services.
Unstructured Hazards of Structured Products
Canadian Treasurer, February / March 2008
Mark Waugh, Director of Capital Markets and Risk
The Canadian marketplace has witnessed ongoing advancements in the creation of various types of structured financial products for short-term investment. Over the counter (OTC) or non-exchange-traded structured products have received much attention from treasurers looking for enhanced returns to cash.
Alpha Trading plans for September launch
Globe and Mail Online January 22, 2008
By Lynne Olver (Reuters)
Stratix Consulting's Bob Smythe comments on alternative Canadian stock-trading system and its planned launch next September. Alpha Trading, backed by subsidiaries of Canada's biggest banks and other investors, is gearing up to challenge the Toronto Stock Exchange and various electronic trading platforms that have set up shop in Canada in recent years.
Evolving Roles in the Global Electronic Trading World:
A Canadian Perspective
FIX Global, December 2007
Robert Smythe, VP Research & Market Development, Stratix Consulting
Mark Waugh, Director of Capital Markets and Risk, Stratix Consulting
While Canada has lagged behind the US in the use of electronic solutions for institutional trades, it has been a leader in retail electronic trading. In 1977 the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) became the first fully electronic exchange in the world. The Montreal Exchange (MX), Canada’s derivatives exchange, has also been 100% electronic since 2001 including a fully integrated clearing operation.
Reorganizing your IT department
Globe and Mail Update, October 12, 2007
Cedric Packham
For Chief Information Officers, it's as inevitable as the change of seasons or the Toronto Maple Leafs exiting the Stanley Cup playoffs: the need to reorganize the way the IT department is structured and performs. Most often triggered by a significant change from within the organization, perhaps a recent merger or acquisition, the bringing of a new product or service to market, or a change in leadership — whenever one of these events occurs it's imperative for CIOs to revisit how the IT department operates and determine whether it's structured appropriately to meet the demands of the business moving forward.
Stratix Consulting makes 2007 PROFIT list
June 2007
The June 2007 issue of PROFIT Magazine ranks Stratix Consulting, as one of Canada's fastest growing companies with 427 per cent revenue growth between 2001 and 2006. This exponential growth has earned Stratix Consulting the 27th spot on PROFIT's Next 100 – Canada's Fastest Growing Companies, Nos. 101-200 – an accomplishment achieved through offering its clients senior level counsel and a flexible, customized approach to delivering IT consulting and integration services.
FPL Canadian Electronic Trading Conference 2007
FIX Global, September 2007
Robert Smythe, VP Research & Market Development, Stratix Consulting
Mark Waugh, Director Capital Markets & Risk, Stratix Consulting
There is ongoing debate – and much confusion – concerning the definition of best execution. While regulators within respective domains are crafting legislation geared towards addressing the state of current market mechanics within their own jurisdictions, the "best execution" definition continues to vary amongst industry participants, and across jurisdictions.
Best Execution – Will it work?
Benefits & Pension Monitor, April 2007
Robert Smythe, VP Research & Market Development, Stratix Consulting
What is ‘Best Execution?’ It is often considered to be ‘Best Price,’ but this is not the case. ‘Best Execution’ factors include price, timing, certainty, anonymity, and execution costs. When optimally managed, these factors can improve portfolio performance.
What has changed in the Canadian securities marketplace that requires any action on the part of pension plans, investment managers and plan sponsors? There are two things: the emphasis on ‘Best Execution’ in Canada and globally, and the multiple trading venues that will be available in Canada in 2007.
Trading Venues in Canada – A Year of Rapid Change
FIX Global, March 2007
Robert Smythe, VP Research and Market Development, Stratix Consulting
Growth of multiple marketplaces in Canada has been slow despite an opportunity for Alternative Trading Systems (ATS) to exist since 2001. This is primarily due to limited sources of liquidity in Canada and limited interest from both the buy side and sell side to explore alternative ways of finding liquidity.
Made in Canada: Best Execution Does Not Equal Best Price
FIX Global, February 2007
Mark Waugh, Director Capital Markets & Risk, Stratix Consulting
There is ongoing debate – and much confusion – concerning the definition of best execution. While regulators within respective domains are crafting legislation geared towards addressing the state of current market mechanics within their own jurisdictions, the "best execution" definition continues to vary amongst industry participants, and across jurisdictions.
FPL Canadian Electronic Trading Conference 2006
FIX Global, August 2006
Robert Smythe, Principal Consultant, Stratix Consulting
The FPL Canadian Electronic Trading Conference held on May 31st at the Toronto Board of Trade was a sellout, continuing the success of last year's inaugural event.
FPL Canadian Electronic Trading Conference 2005
FIX Global, August 2005
Robert Smythe, Principal Consultant, Stratix Consulting
Andrea Blackman, FIM Consulting
The first FPL Canadian Electronic Trading Conference was held at the Board of Trade in Toronto on June 7th, 2005. The event was a huge success with over 350 attendees, 46 speakers and 30 exhibitors/sponsors. The enthusiasm from Canadian market participants for this, the first FPL educational forum, was unprecedented and resulted in the need for delegate and exhibitor waiting lists.