Bats, Direct Edge Receive SEC Merger Approval
The companies say that they expect the transaction to close within days. The SEC approval was the final barrier to the two companies combining. Under the new management structure, Bats CEO Joe Ratterman will remain in his post, while Direct Edge CEO William O'Brien will become president of the new entity.
"We are pleased to reach this important milestone and look forward to leveraging the best-in-class offerings and unique resources from both organizations as we continue to work in partnership with our customers," says O'Brien.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., the new firm will operate four US equities markets currently run by the two companies ─ EDGA, EDGX, BZX and BYX. Direct Edge's exchange technology will transition to Bats's platform.
The two firms originally announced their intention to merge in August. Direct Edge's O'Brien discussed future plans at the time with Waters here.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Emerging Technologies
Banks split over AI risk management
Model teams hold the reins, but some argue AI is an enterprise risk.
Waters Wavelength Ep. 344: Hot topics for 2026
Tony and Shen preview some of the topics they think will be big this year.
Fintechs grapple with how to enter Middle East markets
Intense relationship building, lack of data standards, and murky but improving market structure all await tech firms hoping to capitalize on the region’s growth.
SimCorp–MSCI expand partnership, quantum exploration, Dora concerns, and more
The Waters Cooler: Droit launches GenAI regtech tool, bids for EU OTC derivatives tape open, and more in this week’s news roundup.
The quantum leap: How investment firms are innovating with quantum tech
While banks and asset managers are already experimenting with quantum computing to optimize operations, they should also be proactive in adopting quantum-safe strategies.
‘The end of the beginning’: Brown Brothers Harriman re-invents itself
Voice of the CDO: Firms who want to use AI successfully better start with their metadata, says BBH’s Mike McGovern and Kevin Welch.
2026 will be the year agent armies awaken
Waters Wrap: Several AI experts have recently said that the next 12 months will see significant progress for agentic AI. Are capital markets firms ready for this shift from generative AI to agents?
Editor’s Picks: Our best from 2025
Anthony Malakian picks out 10 stories from the past 12 months that set the stage for the new year.
