“Once primarily focused on other asset classes, like stocks and options, retail traders are realizing the benefits of futures and are seeking the best tools to engage with this dynamic and exciting asset class. We’re anticipating this interest to continue and have bolstered our leadership team with top talent to deliver for our community of 1.7M users. Each of these leaders bring a unique set of skills and a shared passion for innovation, which will be critical as we continue to grow and enhance our platform.”
NinjaTrader has added four experienced executives to its leadership team as part of its efforts to enhance the futures trading platform amid increased interest from retail traders.
It was in 2021 that the company launched a non-clearing Futures Commission Merchant to provide access to futures trading for retail users. The provider of trading software and brokerage services introduced NinjaTrader Clearing, LLC, to cater to self-directed traders and simplify access to global futures markets with its FCM.
“Retail traders are realizing the benefits of futures”
NinjaTrader supports 1.7 million active traders that leverage its high-performance trading software, discount brokerage, and real-time support.
Martin Franchi, CEO at NinjaTrader, said: “Our recent executive hires reflect NinjaTrader’s dedication to investing in top talent to advance our leading position within the retail futures trading space. The global surge in interest from retail traders looking to enter futures trading continues unabated.
“Once primarily focused on other asset classes, like stocks and options, retail traders are realizing the benefits of futures and are seeking the best tools to engage with this dynamic and exciting asset class. We’re anticipating this interest to continue and have bolstered our leadership team with top talent to deliver for our community of 1.7M users. Each of these leaders bring a unique set of skills and a shared passion for innovation, which will be critical as we continue to grow and enhance our platform.”
NinjaTrader’s new EVP of Growth, CTO, GM of Evaluation, VP of Product
To make its expansion strategy come true, NinjaTrader will now rely on four new executives, playing the roles of Executive Vice President of Growth, Chief Technology Officer, General Manager of Evaluation Services, and Vice President of Product.
For these roles, the financial technology and brokerage company hired Ryan Pitylak, Aditya Nishandar, John O’Neil, and Michael Krafft.
Ryan Pitylak joins NinjaTrader as Executive Vice President of Growth. A veteran executive with over 15 years of experience in marketing, strategy, and operations, Pitylak previously held key roles at ZenBusiness, where he was pivotal in driving the company’s valuation to $1.7 billion and securing over $275 million in funding. His know-how will be invaluable to build offerings focused on trader education, social experiences, and partner networks, according to the announcement.
Aditya Nishandar joins the futures trading platform as Chief Technology Officer after a successful career supporting trading at Goldman Sachs for 12 years, where he served as the Senior Director of Carta Liquidity, leading a team of engineers in building and maintaining a regulated marketplace for private stock trading.
John O’Neil joins NinjaTrader as General Manager of Evaluation Services to build experiences for retail proprietary traders. His extensive background includes futures trading as he led FXCM through a period of rapid growth and global expansion, through to its transition from a private firm to a $1 billion public company.
Michael Krafft joins as Vice President of Product after roles at TrueML, Alight Solutions, and American Express, where he drove innovation, developed machine learning-powered decision engines, and delivered impactful client-facing applications and solutions.
