By Ryan Kwiatkowski, StoneX Group
2023 STA Chair
As we approach the final days of 2023, we can officially say: what a year it’s been! On behalf of the STA board and staff, I want to express my sincere thanks to all our members and sponsors for their participation and engagement throughout the year. Our organization would not exist without your support.
For us, 2023 was packed with highlights on both the national and regional levels. Our 90th Annual Market Structure Conference in Washington DC was a major success, with a record 114 sponsors onsite to discuss the biggest issues facing the securities industry today. Throughout the country, our affiliates held numerous events focused on networking, education and giving back. Two particularly notable events: Investment Traders Association of Philadelphia (ITAP) celebrated its 100th birthday, and STA Chicago will hold its 98th annual Mid-Winter Meeting next month.
It’s also been a significant year for our industry. If you receive STA emails, you’re very likely aware of the unprecedented pace of SEC regulation, new trends surrounding asset classes like options and crypto, and the potential use cases of AI both within our industry and beyond. These topics have driven much of our content in 2023, and we look forward to continuing these conversations in the year ahead.
But those are indeed conversations for 2024. Over the next two weeks, we hope you will find the time to reconnect with family members and enjoy all that the holiday season and new year have to offer. This is a time to take stock, express gratitude and set goals for the future, and we encourage you to keep this spirit of reflection in mind as you enjoy festivities and close out the year.
It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Chair for 2023. In 2024, you’ll be hearing from some new faces, led by Chair Jim Hyde of NYSE. I look forward to supporting Jim and the entire board as they chart the future of STA, including our 91st Annual Market Structure Conference in Orlando in September!
To close, I’ll keep it short and sweet: thank you, and happy holidays!
