Geralyn Endo, Relationship Manager, Options Lead at MEMX, won Excellence in Trading – Derivatives at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance (U.S.) Awards.

Please tell us about MEMX trading desk and your current initiatives. How do you innovate, streamline and advance electronic trading at MEMX? 

We launched MEMX Options just over a year ago and have experienced impressive growth as we were able to capitalize on the overall expansion and increased volume of the options market at large. November saw a 26% year-over-year increase in industry volume, with MEMX increasing its regular electronic market share to 6.0%. This growth reflects broader trends in the industry, where total options contracts rose 26% YoY, and notional value traded soared by 72% YoY in November.

As the options industry continues to gain momentum, MEMX realizes we must continue to innovate and streamline our electronic trading by leveraging our industry-leading technology to meet the demands and help the trading community keep pace with its growth. A few ways we have done this is through enhancing the safety and stability of our platform by incorporating active risk protections, allowing for more dynamic risk management. MEMX also actively engages with clients to solicit input that helps refine our offerings to ensure we meet their evolving needs. This combination of technological advancement, client collaboration, and risk management positions MEMX as a forward-thinking leader in electronic trading and we look forward to continuing to improve upon our process in the new year to deliver the best results to all members of the trading industry.

What’s something you’re really proud of and why?

I’m extremely proud to be part of MEMX because we’ve achieved so much in such a short period of time, both on the equities side and options side. We’ve assembled a top-notch team, launched two exchanges, and expanded by providing market technology to third-party clients. What makes me most proud is our team’s shared commitment to achieving all of these milestones while staying hyper focused on our founding values to promote a fair, transparent, and efficient experience for all investors.

What’s your advice to the next generation of women in finance? 

My advice to the next generation of women in finance is inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements. First, be impeccable with your word – speak and act with integrity, as trust is essential. Second, do not take anything personally – remember that others’ actions are a projection of their own reality, not about you. Third, do not make assumptions – communicate as clearly as possible, find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Finally, always do your best – strive for excellence in all you do and keep pushing yourself to improve. Keep in mind, these principles impact your personal brand throughout your career. They will empower you to thrive, unlock opportunities for growth, and most importantly earn the respect of your peers enabling you to collaborate and drive progress in your respective industries.