Jim Toes is President and CEO of the Security Traders Association (STA).
What was the highlight of 2024?
STA experienced several notable highlights in 2024. Of course, the most significant outcome of the year was the election results — after months of uncertainty, the stage is set for a new regulatory landscape and a new set of legislative priorities, which is a crucial development for our members regardless of their political views. For our part, STA saw a strong rebound in terms of our affiliate events, with approximately 75 in-person gatherings taking place throughout the year. These events ranged from smaller, community-focused efforts to larger, content-rich conferences, demonstrating our commitment to fostering engagement and dialogue within the industry. Another key achievement was our successful 91st Annual Market Structure Conference held in Orlando, which combined a productive program with a resort setting to provide both professional enrichment and networking opportunities. Finally, the launch of the STA Arizona Chapter marked an important milestone for the securities industry in the Southwest, underscoring our growing presence across the country and the increasing activity in emerging or non-traditional financial hubs.
What trends are getting underway that people may not know about but will be important?
There are a number of trends that will gain momentum in 2025, and our STA Advisory Committees on Retail Trading, Listed Options and ETFs are actively working to plot our next move on emerging regulatory priorities under the new administration. Come what may, we will ensure that our members remain well-informed and ready to adapt. In particular, the impact of new legislative committee appointments in the Senate and House of Representatives should not be underestimated. These appointments often play a crucial but underappreciated role in shaping market structure and regulatory priorities. One significant update is the appointment Arkansas Rep. French Hill, a former banker, as the next chair of the House Financial Services Committee. Beyond that, STA is also driving initiatives like the expansion of our Women in Finance committee, our Grassroots Giving program and emphasizing LinkedIn for communication and engagement.
What are your expectations for 2025?
As STA moves into 2025, expectations are high. We plan to leverage our core strengths—deep industry knowledge, a national footprint and a long history of bipartisan collaboration—to respond effectively to the changes brought by the new administration. Advocacy will remain a cornerstone of STA’s mission, with particular emphasis on addressing market challenges related to capital formation. We have expressed concerns about the SEC’s recent neglect of its responsibilities in this area and intend to bring this issue to the forefront. By focusing on these priorities, we aim to deliver continued value to our members and to the broader financial community.
