Simon Steward

Head of European Equity Trading Capital Group

Buy Side Day | 21st April

10:10 Buy Side Leadership Outlook Panel: Leading the desk forward - which initiatives are buy-side leaders investing in over the next three years to set their desk up for success?

In this session, four buy-side heads of trading share unfiltered perspectives on where they’re placing their biggest strategic bets- and what they’re leaving behind. From broker list redesign and bilateral partnerships to technology stack modernisation, leaner team structures, and the evolving role of AI, this discussion will explore how desks are being reshaped to meet the demands of the next three years. Expect honest views on the future of execution, the shifting balance between quants and process-driven traders, and what it means to scale trading without scaling headcount. Whether it’s building more modular infrastructure, navigating changing order flow dynamics, or adapting to increasing product diversification- this session will surface the critical calls that are set to define the future of buy-side trading.

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.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Simon.

Download The Latest Agenda