[ C L O S I N G B E L L ]
A quick farewell
It’ s a bittersweet feeling knowing that I write this closing bell as my last formal contribution to this magazine. This issue marks my last as reporter for The TRADE, as I leave to pursue a new career path. I initially joined The TRADE as an intern back in 2021, later becoming editorial assistant and then being appointed reporter. Writing this edition’ s closing bell has given me the opportunity to look back on what has been such an interesting journey; particularly through the lens of this specific product offering.
Writing for The TRADE’ s magazine has been a rewarding experience, and it’ s always a great sense of achievement seeing these issues come to life. Despite this being the thirteenth edition which I have contributed to, every edition has felt different, which has always kept the role exciting.
Reflecting on the features I have written over the past few years is very telling of the speed in which this industry evolves and innovates. My first feature explored phase six of the uncleared margin rules, insisting that“ the time to prepare is yesterday”. This piece feels like it was written a lifetime ago, given all the various regulatory changes that we have seen proposed or implemented since then. Other features I have written more recently are evidence of this, whether that’ s the exploration of T + 1 ahead of its implementation in the US last year, the SEC’ s equities overhaul back in 2023, as well as a look into the centrally cleared future, also initiated by the SEC last year.
My most recent feature – which appears in this edition – looks at
Wesley Bray reflects on his time with The TRADE as he looks to his next chapter.
the“ un-unified” approach that is being witnessed with respect to the expansion of trading hours in equities. Interestingly enough, I wrote a feature questioning whether we were on the way to 24 / 7 trading in equities in 2023; a time where demand for it was very much a whisper as opposed to today’ s clear indicators that we are in fact heading there. Despite that being merely two years ago, it seems a lot has changed since then, evident in the amount of major US exchanges revealing plans to implement 24 / 5 trading on their platforms. This demonstrates the way in which this industry is constantly open to change and committed to remaining competitive and innovative – something that has always kept us, as journalists, never needing to look too far for inspiration to write.
Seeing all our work beautifully translated into print by our incredible head of design, Stephan Slater, has been a huge pleasure too. It’ s such a great feeling to walk away with something tangible and representative of my journey over the past four years with these magazines, which have been produced so delicately by him. Not to mention the incredible guidance from our editor, Annabel Smith, who has always encouraged my ideas and helped nurture them into the final pieces that you, our readers, eventually consume. A special shoutout goes out to Claudia Preece too, who has also been an amazing sounding board, and for always being quick and willing to suggest a potential interviewee for a piece I’ m working on. Our publisher, Jonathan Watkins, has also been instrumental in my progression – taking me under his wing as an intern and undoubtedly helping shape me into the journalist I am today. Team TRADE is truly where it’ s at and what an amazing opportunity it has been to work among such a talented and supportive team.
I will always treasure this publication, and all the memories associated with putting together these features over the past few years. It’ s been a pleasure connecting with industry experts across the globe, navigating various time zones to lock in interviews, and reminding one another that we’ re indeed still muted. I would also like to thank all the various PR and communications teams I have worked with over the years who have helped facilitate these interviews.
As I transition from contributor to reader, I leave The TRADE in more than capable hands. It’ s been an absolute pleasure, and I look forward to witnessing this publication continue to grow exponentially.
Wesley Bray Reporter,
THETRADE
82 // TheTRADE // Q1 2025