Rob Boardman

Main Day 1 | 22nd April

9:25 Liquidity Access & Transparency Panel Debate: Navigating fragmented market structure - How is European equity trading evolving, and can new liquidity models support transparency, access, and execution?

As bilateral trading volumes grow and new venue models emerge, the structure of European equity markets is being reshaped. Can the shift to new liquidity models improve execution without eroding transparency and price formation?

This debate will explore whether bilateral and alternative liquidity models can meet the long-term needs of the buy side – or whether public markets must preserve lit price formation as a foundation. With more flow executed via direct streams, speakers will examine the future role of algos and whether equities could move towards an FX-style request-for-stream model. Panellists will weigh the implications for execution quality, access, and the sustainability of market integrity as more trading shifts off-exchange.

13:15 Keynote Interview: Buy-side desk pressures: Navigating structural change: What must trading desks prioritise to stay competitive?

In this keynote interview, Huw Gronow, Head of Dealing at BNY Investment Newton and Rob Boardman, CEO of Virtu Execution Services, share a candid buy-side and liquidity provider perspective on the pressures reshaping trading desks- from sourcing the right liquidity and managing rising tech and compliance costs, to decisions around outsourcing, multi-asset consolidation, and AI adoption. The discussion also explores how trader skillsets must evolve in an increasingly automated, data-driven environment.

TradeTech Europe 2026

Main Day 1 | 22nd April

9:25 Liquidity Access & Transparency Panel Debate: Navigating fragmented market structure - How is European equity trading evolving, and can new liquidity models support transparency, access, and execution?

13:15 Keynote Interview: Buy-side desk pressures: Navigating structural change: What must trading desks prioritise to stay competitive?