Opinion
Winning Wisdom from the Top Women in Data and Tech
The first round of winners of WatersTechnology’s Women in Technology and Data Awards have a personal, passionate investment in diversity, and are notable for their game-changing contributions to the industry.
Bitcoin Mining Has Tangible Negative Effects for Taxpayers and the Environment
Mining for one bitcoin consumes 847 kWh; processing 100,000 Visa transactions consumes 169 kWh…and the bitcoin network produces 415.14 kgs of CO2 per transaction.
The EU and US Are Playing a Dangerous Game
Bickering between regulators rarely helps anything, but power plays involving CCPs are even less helpful.
April 2018: Better Late Than Never
Victor discusses the importance of WatersTechnology's inaugural Women in Technology and Data Awards.
March 2018: Regulatory Watchdogs Show Their Teeth
After some questioned ESMA's resolve, the regulator is stepping up its enforcement efforts. Max reviews how ESMA wants market participants to know that its bite can be worse than its bark.
The Insurgents: Fintechs Are Knocking Off Incumbents
Anthony Malakian says that in just the first two months of 2018, some big headlines are proving just how effective fintechs are at competing with the big players in the capital markets space.
The Right Place at the Right Time
Technology can’t solve all of the market’s problems. But sometimes events can conspire to make it seem like it can. James warns on the propensity among technologists to believe in false prophets.
March 2018: Turning the ‘Yes, Buts’ into ‘Yes, Ands’
“Changing the culture of a large organization is hard and takes time. It is a battle you must fight on many fronts. The obstacle is not new technology—it is the willingness to try a new approach."
February 2018: See You in Court
With compliance and collusion both under the microscope, Max says law courts could play a bigger role in ensuring a healthy and competitive data marketplace.
Fidessa and Temenos—A Bold Move
WatersTechnology's editor-in-chief on the proposed Temenos-Fidessa deal, CEOs-turned-cricket umpires, and fintech maturity.
Open Platform: A Data Edge in the Cloud Age
OneMarketData's Louis Lovas outlines the key concerns facing firms considering migrating data management functions to a cloud environment.
Changing the Wheels on a Moving Car
Trying to figure out how to keep an organization moving forward, while looking forward, is one of the hardest challenges in fintech today.
Internal Dilemmas: Investing in Bitcoin & Clear Consciences
According to one estimate, the global bitcoin network will require more electricity than what is required to power the entire US by July 2019.
February 2018: All Hunky Dory in the Land of Mifid II
Despite a few teething problems, Victor says Mifid II, which took effect on January 3 this year, is a net positive for the capital markets.
Quantum Concern: Some Takeaways After Covering Quantum Computing’s Evolution
Asia editor Wei-Shen Wong has been covering the quantum space closely for over a year, and she has some thoughts on its progression.
January 2018: Getting Your Bitcoin’s Worth
Financial firms spent a lot of last year focused on Mifid II compliance, but also clearly spent significant time following the ups and downs of cryptocurrencies - and assessing whether to invest in this new asset class.
Regulatory Compliance Lessons from The Merchant of Venice
Key Information Documents—mandatory under new regulations—are coming in for criticism. Jamie Hyman asks whether compliance managers might have to decide between obeying the letter and the spirit of the law.
The Intertwined Relationship Between Humans and AI
Aggelos explores people’s fear of artificial intelligence and uses the financial services industry as an example to demonstrate that robots and humans are bound to walk together.
A Look Back at Emerging Technologies in 2017
Looking back at the big technology talking points In the past year.
The Bitcoin Futures Feeding Frenzy
Every exchange with a passing interest in commodities seems to be developing bitcoin futures, but the underlying asset is still a risky proposition for all but the most sophisticated—or ignorant—investors, James argues.
So This Is Mifid (II), and What Have You Done?
John reflects on how Mifid II has dominated the news in recent months and asks if the industry is really ready for such a sea change at a time when new regulation is now just part of doing business.
January 2018: A Step in the Right Direction
Victor discusses WatersTechnology's inaugural Women in Technology and Data Awards, which are scheduled to take place on March 9.
What to Do About Mifid II
Europe’s regulatory big bang arrives today as an evolving set of rules rather than a finished product.
December 2017: Mifid II: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
If you’ve left your Christmas shopping until the last minute, you’re not alone: Many financial market participants have also fallen behind with their plans for the holidays—and specifically for New Year, after which the second iteration of Europe’s…