Liquidnet is breaking into the US equity options space as part of its multi-asset strategy expansion.
The company launched its multi-asset trading desk in August 2024, led by Balraj Briah.
READ MORE: Liquidnet creates multi-asset services division
The US equity options market has grown rapidly, buoyed by retail flow, and is attracting both exchange and broker entrants.
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Liquidnet reports average daily liquidity of US$93 billion, and more than 1,000 member firms. It competes with execution brokers including Fidelity, Interactive Brokers and KCx for market share.
Earlier this month, the firm began offering a new service giving the buyside access to bilateral liquidity in partnership with market makers including XTX Markets.
READ MORE: XTX, ELPs out of blocking network in new bilateral workflow, Liquidnet says
Andrew Arnold and Jason Lichten will lead the new division from New York. The pair joined Liquidnet as senior execution traders in April. Arnold covers high touch US equity options, and Lichten low touch US equity options.
During his close to 20-year career, Arnold has held senior equity derivative sales roles at Credit Suisse, Cantor Fitzgerald, Bay Crest Partners and Tullett Prebon.
Lichten has more than 25 years of experience, including over a decade as director of equities and listed derivatives trading strategies at Wolverine Execution Services. Prior to this, he was vice president of electronic trading strategy at RBC Capital Markets.
