The launch of Fx Global Code (FXGC) in May 2017 was one of the major changes in the global Fx industry of recent times. It required market participants to sign and adhere to the commitments to the FXGC principles that binds them to promote the integrity and effective functioning of the wholesale FX market. This resulted in increased operational complexities with regard to compliance and reporting activities that every player had to follow.
Banking on this opportunity of increased demand for specialized services by Fx market players for their ongoing adherence to the Global Code, two industry veteran, Nick Downes and Julian Gladwin have teamed up to launch FXGC Consultancy firm Axiom Global Advisor. The firm will be based out of London and will address the gap of requirement of specialized services by various market participants and will provide independent analysis and recommendations, using specialist FX market expertise
Both the co-founders are experienced industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the global Fx market. Nick Downes is currently the CEO of FX Advisory Ltd that specialises in optimising clients Fx trading workflows through its extensive knowledge of FX, e-commerce and technology and generating meaningful business insights based on Fx data analytics. Earlier Nick has held several senior-level roles in Sales, Trading and eFX at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citibank, UBS and EBS.
Nick Downes commenting on the code said: “The FX Global Code is a positive development for the FX market, but it should not be seen as a box-ticking exercise. Adherence is only the first step, and as the market evolves, so will the Global Code. Market Participants need to consider how and when they are going to review their adherence.”
Julian has worked on different assignments in the financial markets for over 30 years and is an Associate at Elixirr. He brings his broad knowledge and understanding of the financial markets solutions and risk mitigation to the firm. Previously he had worked with CLS, the FX settlement financial market utility as Director of Relationship Management. His professional career includes multiple international roles at Standard Chartered Bank, Northern Trust, Lehman Brothers and PaineWebber.
Julian Gladwin, Co-Founder, elaborating on Axiom’s launch said, “There is significant demand for a service that reviews adherence to the Global Code. Nick and I were originally approached by a regional Bank, which wanted an independent company to conduct a review of their FX procedures in relation to the Code. They contacted us because they specifically wanted a company with expertise in Wholesale FX, including execution, FX operations and technology.”
