The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it will host a technology roundtable in September to discuss ways to promote stability in markets that rely on increasingly complex and interconnected trading systems.
Nearly all trading in the equity and options markets depends on the reliable performance of highly automated systems used by investors, broker-dealers, exchanges and other trading systems. “Reliance on technology has enabled the markets to achieve extraordinary levels of speed and efficiency,” said SEC Chairman Mary L. Schapiro. “But with technology comes a responsibility for getting it right, minimizing errors and protecting the interests of investors.”
“The roundtable is part of the SEC’s ongoing effort to keep pace with the rapid changes in market structure and technology over the last several years,” said Chairman Schapiro. “I look forward to hearing the views of experienced technologists on how we can strengthen the stability of our market structure while still preserving the many benefits of electronic trading.”
The discussions will be focused on the design and control of all types of automated market systems. When these systems do not work as intended, the failures can directly harm not only the operator of the system but in some cases a range of other innocent parties.
The roundtable, “Technology and Trading: Promoting Stability in Today’s Markets” will take place on September 14. Experts on designing, operating, and controlling the systems that form the core of our market’s infrastructure will be presenting.
The Commission conducts a variety of roundtables, forums, summits, and other public meetings. Some of these are available as webcasts. The dates and topics of these events are announced ahead of time on the SEC site.
For details and updates, go to: http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2012/2012-153.htm or http://www.sec.gov/news/otherwebcasts.shtml