Linear Investments, the UK based broker and hedge fund platform, has acquired the assets of AQX Securities’ agency execution business from the Aquila Group.
The acquisition will enhance Linear’s existing execution-only services and broaden its reach across asset classes, from equities, ETFs, futures and options, to cash fixed income.
Linear Investments concentrates on various aspects of prime brokerage business, including hedge fund trading services, wealth management and execution & trading services, as well as acting as an incubator to nurture smaller or start up hedge funds, brokers and Corporate finance houses who wish to accelerate their start up and keep costs down in the early stages of development.
Paul Kelly, CEO, Linear Investments, comments: “Linear Investments has experienced steady, organic growth since its inception in 2009. Our acquisition of AQX Securities’s execution business further cements our position as the UK’s leading full-service, boutique prime broker and enhances our multi-asset execution and outsourced trading desk capabilities. AQX’s loyal customer base is a valued asset. By combining the two businesses our mutual clients will benefit from the competitive advantages associated with increased trading volumes and the broader umbrella services that we can now offer them all.”
Sam Merali, Head of Agency Brokerage, Linear Investments, comments: “This is an exciting new chapter for Linear Investments as it on-boards and services AQX Securities’s pan-European buy-side clients. The depth and breadth of the umbrella services that Linear offers will provide some superb new business opportunities to these clients. I’m looking forward to working with the larger Linear team and to helping our buy-side clients optimise their trading desks.”
Prior to joining Linear Investments, Sam Merali was joint Managing Director of AQX Securities in the UK, responsible for Pan-European sales and business development. Sam’s previous roles focused on electronic execution and DMA sales for companies including Bank of New York’s BNY Convergex Group, NYFIX, MF Global and EasyBroker International.