In this episode, we interview Doug Cifu, the CEO of Virtu Financial, one of the most successful, high-frequency trading (HFT) firms in the world. We dive deep into the world of market making, digital assets, and his outlook on SEC regulations. Doug covers a range of topics, from the insights and challenges of running an HFT firm and the driving forces behind the establishment of Virtu to the impact of AI on market making, and his take on the current SEC regulations and proposals. He also describes his experiences running a sports franchise and how it has shaped his perspective on business and leadership. This episode gives viewers an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of high-frequency trading, the process of price discovery, and the potential future developments in market making.
0:00 - Introduction
2:54 - Discussion of SEC legal matter
6:54 - Regulation by enforcement in digital assets
12:54 - Did Gensler make a "left turn"? Speculation on political influences
15:34 - Overall arc of market execution over the years
22:44 - Misconception around market-making
23:04 - Explaining market making and "infinite liquidity"
28:44 - Flash Boys book and misconceptions about HFT
31:24 - How retail brokers route orders and assess execution quality
35:54 - Payment for order flow
40:44 - Market making during volatile events
42:54 - Investment thesis behind Virtu's stake in IEX exchange
45:54 - Prospects for a Bitcoin ETF approval under Gensler
49:54 - Impact of AI/machine learning on trading
52:44 - Doug's journey from lawyer to Virtu CEO
58:54 - Growth trajectory and key milestones for Virtu
1:11:54 - Doug's approach to hiring and leadership
1:16:54 - Owning the Florida Panthers hockey team
1:20:54 - Doug's perspective on Virtu stock valuation