GreySpark: High-Frequency Trading - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

22 April 2013

This research shows that high-frequency trading can increase liquidity, reduce volatility and enhance price discovery and price improvement in global capital markets. HFT firms are failing to safeguard their operations if they do not correctly implement the necessary risk management measures.

In this report GreySpark examines the impact of High-Frequency Trading on markets; in particular, assessing liquidity, volatility and price discovery, which in most circumstances can benefit from the presence of HFT.

Algorithmic trading creates a set of risks, and GreySpark recommends making risk management an essential element of electronic trading. Within HFT implementation of risk management techniques becomes increasingly important as the complexity of the systems being used becomes more sophisticated. As such, a holistic approach to HFT risk management at key points in markets is needed.

This study recommends that, in all cases, HFT players in capital markets must take a holistic approach to risk management. It should include business measures – a set of five checks in the risk management process – and technology measures like  high standards of design, implementation, monitoring and management. On top of recommendations for traders, GreySpark highlights the importance of HFT risk management by trading venues.

The research is based on a hands-on experience working with Tier I and Tier II banks, hedge funds and leading vendors. The analysis of HFT market trends is based on a survey of more than 50 industry participants from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle-East.

Abstract


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