Episode 178: MEMX’s CEO & COO

This week, Jonathan Kellner, chief executive officer, and Tom Fay, chief operating officer at the Members Exchange (MEMX), join Tony on the podcast. They talk about why there's a need for a new exchange in the US (https://www.waterstechnology.com/management-strategy/4082911/challenging-us-exchanges-will-be-uphill-battle-for-memx-experts-warn), the work that has gone into getting it off the ground, and what else needs to be in place before launching.  1:30 – Wei-Shen and Tony briefly highlight some of the stories new to the website this week, including a deep-dive into API security (https://www.waterstechnology.com/technology/4774536/apis-frontier-of-a-new-threat)and how the likes of UBS and BlackRock are looking to break into the Chinese market (https://www.waterstechnology.com/management-strategy/4772186/asset-managers-look-for-partnerships-to-expand-in-china). MEMX 4:30 – Jonathan and Tom join the podcast and talk about what MEMX is all about. 9:00 – Then, Jonathan explains how MEMX fits into the already-fragmented exchange marketplace in the US. 14:00 – Tom explains what has been done and what else needs to happen before MEMX can go live. 21:30 – How is MEMX unique from a technological standpoint, and which aspects will be built internally or outsourced? 31:00 – Jonathan explains how culture will drive the exchange’s success. 37:00 – Then, he talks about his brief dalliance with Coinbase, and what he thinks of cryptocurrency and digital assets. 38:30 – They wrap things up by talking about the pressures that the buy-side and sell-side want answers for in 2020.