A new proprietary trading firm, named “Ru The 1,” has been initiated, with its roots in the UK and officially founded in November 2024. The firm is strategically set in the London area, a prominent global financial hub. The decision to establish the firm in this jurisdiction was driven by the intention to navigate potential regulatory shifts within the proprietary trading sector more effectively. The UK is regarded for its stringent regulatory framework and well-structured governance, providing a solid foundation for financial operations.
Prior to this establishment, significant expertise was amassed in the finance domain over several years. A freelance business consultant role taken up in 2016 encompassed providing guidance on matters such as EU financial services law and the intricacies of electronic money regulations. This consultancy journey led to engagements across Europe and various regions, enhancing insights into diverse market environments.
Additionally, a significant position as a Non-Executive Director at MEXEM Europe, held since 2016, contributed to this rich experience. In this capacity, involvement in crucial processes, including license applications and strategic board meetings, facilitated ongoing support to the company’s management and its stakeholders, further buttressing a diverse skill set in corporate governance.
In recent corporate roles, significant positions were assumed at several prominent firms. From October 2023 until November 2024, a tenure as Managing Director at ActTrader Technologies involved shaping operational strategies while emphasizing process optimization and company-wide efficiencies. Prior to this, the leadership role of CEO at Magnum FX involved overseeing day-to-day functions, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates, and spearheading strategic initiatives, including notable partnerships within the sports industry.
The journey through the fintech landscape also included a pivotal position as Executive Director at AlgoPay from 2015 to 2016, spearheading operations related to payment services and risk management functionalities. Further experience encompasses a tenure as Head of Front Office at Saxo Bank from 2013 to 2014, addressing trading operations and the implementation of new financial products while ensuring adherence to relevant regulations.
Earlier in the career arc, handling trading operations as the Head of Trading at Lembex Global Investment in Israel from 2008 to 2012 showcased capabilities in managing client relationships, overseeing the dealing desk, and evaluating risk assessments pertinent to trading activities.
The proprietary trading landscape is currently exhibiting optimism for the year 2025. A report compiled by Acuiti, in collaboration with Avelacom, indicates that a significant percentage of executives are forecasting favorable trading conditions. The survey, which garnered insights from 120 executives across 103 firms, reveals that approximately 64% are anticipating above-average market conditions, largely influenced by expected volatility and advancements in technology.
Particularly, firms specializing in ultra-low latency trading have expressed heightened optimism, with 47% of surveyed executives expecting an exceptionally productive year. This positive sentiment is reflected in the investment strategies adopted by these firms, as about 65% are planning to increase budgets with a focus on enhancing latency, improving market data quality, investing in algorithmic trading tools, and strengthening colocation infrastructure—vital elements empowering trading strategies.
In summary, the establishment of a new UK-based proprietary trading firm aligns with current positive projections in the trading sector, driven by regulatory considerations and a history of extensive experience in the financial industry. With various leadership roles across fintech and trading companies contributing to a robust foundation, the firm is well-positioned within a landscape that looks forward to potentially advantageous market conditions in the near future.