Torchtalks: Optimizing Low-Latency Networks for Algorithmic Trading

Join the Industry Torchbearers in FinTech for a night of networking and thought-provoking conversation featuring Brian Nigito '01 of Jane Street.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain industry insights and connect with fellow alumni in FinTech!

Abstract: Over the past few years, major US exchanges have announced cloud partnerships, raising questions about the fundamental compatibility of cloud infrastructure with trading systems. Drawing from his work at Jane Street, Brian will examine why cloud platforms present significant challenges for modern trading infrastructure. He will analyze how critical requirements of trading systems—including deterministic and low latency, extensive use of multicast, and absolute fairness in order processing—are at odds with cloud architecture designs. By examining specific technical requirements of trading firms, including hardware choices and networking demands, he will demonstrate why cloud solutions often fall short for latency-sensitive trading workloads. The discussion will highlight why, despite the cloud's success in many domains, trading infrastructure may remain one of the few areas that require on-premises deployments (or very specialized cloud infrastructure).

Biography: Brian Nigito 01' is senior technologist at Jane Street. In this role, Brian has worked on all aspects of trading systems and currently runs a group focused on low latency systems. Brian is a 25 year veteran of the financial services industry. He has held a wide variety of high level positions including Chief Software Architect at the Island ECN, Chief Technology Officer at Inet ATS, Inc. and Director of High Frequency Trading at Citadel. He was also responsible for building and creating the trading systems used at Instinet Inc. and Chi-X Europe Ltd. At GETCO, he led and managed the firm’s New York operations in which he was instrumental in growing the firm’s involvement in US Equities options. Brian received a BS from Stevens Institute of Technology. He has served on NASDAQ’s Quality of Markets Committee, NYSE’s Electronic Traders Advisory Committee, CBOE’s Equity Advisory Committee, and as a board member of the Member’s Exchange.