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deeper collaboration with portfolio managers and analysts on areas where we can drive meaningful value.
Because of how the market structure has changed over the years, today, we have a high degree of confidence that we can deliver best execution for any size trade, whether it ' s a small odd lot or a larger trade.
Last year we automated about 45 % of our investment grade tickets, but this only accounted for 2.5 % of volumes. In high yield we automated approximately 10 % of our tickets, which is less than 2 % of volumes. We recently moved automation to our FX spot market as well, there’ s a clear plan to continue to adapt and innovate as market structure evolves looking forward.
In your opinion what makes a trader stand out? What skillsets do you look for when you ' re looking to hire onto the desk or to promote someone? The fact is we come into work every day in this highly competitive environment and the bottom line is that we ' re trying to get the best returns for our clients- and that involves collaboration among the traders, the portfolio managers, and the
“ At Columbia Threadneedle more than 60 % of corporate credit volume is still traded voice, and trading is still very much a trust business.” analysts. In essence we want a real team player with a maths background. Maybe most important, is someone who is intellectually curious and genuinely enjoys the markets.
At Columbia Threadneedle, our traders are embedded in the investment process within each team. Everyone has a different skill set, and I wouldn’ t say that we ' re looking specifically for one skill set over another, but that overlay of a good maths background in someone who ' s demonstrated their ability to work in a team environment is something that we look for.
For me personally, my attention is always on changing market structures. We must innovate and
“ I ' ve run across some who are working harder at finding the next job than being really good in their current role and that’ s a mistake.”
adapt as markets don ' t stand still. We want to be at the forefront of all technology, all innovation – that’ s truly what results in better client outcomes.
What should the buy-side as a whole have front of mind right now? When it comes to looking ahead and planning for the future is hindsight a trader’ s best friend or worst enemy? It feels like almost every day there ' s something I could have done differently from the previous day. That’ s a constant, that ' s what markets are. For me it’ s so fascinating and so rewarding that every day is different.
For the buy-side, I think leveraging technology is going to be a continued focus- it provides uncertainty, but also a lot of opportunity. Right now, across the markets we’ re seeing the return of volatility, and I think that volatility will continue to be here as AI makes its way through business.
However, I ' m optimistic- technologies have increased our productivity and overall raised our standard of life, and so I have all confidence that AI will do the same. It ' s going to change all businesses; it’ s going to change the entirety of the financial services and there’ s real opportunity for productivity gains.
When it comes to the trader ' s desk it will of
20 // TheTRADE // Q1 2026