A new UK-based proprietary trading firm has recently been established, named “Ru The 1,” which marks a strategic entrance into the financial industry. This venture is situated in the London area and opened its doors in November 2024. The firm has positioned itself to navigate potential regulatory changes in the proprietary trading landscape by being incorporated in the UK, a location recognized for its stringent regulatory framework and solid governance.
Prior to launching this trading firm, significant experience in the financial services sector was amassed. Since 2016, there was a focus on providing consultancy services across Europe, emphasizing areas such as EU financial services law and electronic money institution regulations, as well as advising on company acquisitions. This consultancy experience allowed for an extensive breadth of knowledge and connections within the financial landscape.
In addition to consultancy duties, involvement in a Non-Executive Director role at MEXEM Europe since 2016 provided insight into corporate governance and strategic decision-making. This part-time position enabled engagement in processes critical to acquiring licenses, taking part in board meetings, and sustaining support for management and stakeholders.
Recent professional undertakings included serving as Managing Director at ActTrader Technologies from October 2023 until November 2024, where operations management and process improvement were top priorities. The experience also includes a role as CEO of Magnum FX between 2018 and 2020, where oversight of daily operations and regulatory compliance formed part of the responsibilities, alongside initiating strategic partnerships.
A history of leadership in fintech and trading environments is evident in previous positions. As Executive Director at AlgoPay from 2015 to 2016, the focus was on steering the startup’s operations, particularly in the realms of payment services and risk management. Moreover, a critical role as Head of the Front Office at Saxo Bank from 2013 to 2014 allowed for management of trading operations, along with handling regulatory compliance and product development.
The early years from 2008 to 2012 as Head of Trading at Lembex Global Investment in Israel involved managing a dealing desk while fostering client relations and conducting risk assessments, reinforcing a foundation of skills relevant to trading operations.
Looking ahead, the outlook for proprietary trading in 2025 appears promising according to recent reports highlighting the sentiment within the industry. A survey conducted with Avelacom indicated that a significant portion of proprietary trading firms anticipates favorable market conditions, influenced by expected market volatility and advancements in technology. Specifically, 64% of executives surveyed believe that the conditions will surpass average expectations for their firms.
The enthusiasm is notably higher among ultra-low latency firms, with nearly half of those executives expecting their performance to be substantially above average. This optimism translates into budgetary planning, with 65% of firms indicating intentions to increase their financial allocations for areas such as market data, algorithmic trading tools, and infrastructure enhancements aimed at reducing latency, thereby improving overall trading efficiencies.
The establishment of the new trading firm and the broader positive sentiment in the proprietary trading sector reflect a dynamic and adaptive environment where strategic positioning and technological investments are key to success. Through these developments, the firm seeks to carve out a significant niche in the competitive trading landscape, ready to leverage the evolving market conditions and regulatory environment for future growth.