Securities Lending Weekend Update

A bit of a weekend wrap up of news.

I had a sneak preview of a new product launch from DataExplorers.  They have added some new features and functionality to the Transaction Explorer.  I am a bit of a data geek, so I have always loved it.  For some time I have believed that the real challenge for the product is to take it from being a valuable analytical product and transform it into a front-line trader’s tool.  These enhancements take it a long way down that path.  Have a look at the video and more importantly take a look at the product to get a more detailed idea of the functionality.

Men to Blame for Credit Crunch!

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said at their Womens’ Conference yesterday.:
“The credit crunch is, without doubt, a man-made disaster.  But in the recession it is women who will suffer the most.”   Sky News carried on with a story this morning including three commentators who also blamed the macho male culture in the City of London for the current crisis.  Apparently women wouldn’t have taken the same risks and always bring a more balanced view.  What’s your view?  I can tell you that the overwhelming majority (95%+) of comments that I get as a result of this blog and through the two securities lending social networks that I run are from male readers.  A call to women:  Send me your views, comments and suggestions on securities finance topics you’d like me to cover.

Not Standard Practice

I never really comment on individuals in this column (other than Gordo Boom-Bust-Brown and his cadre of NuFooLabour) but I am going to make an exception today.   I read that Mark Harrison has rejoined the sell side of the business.  Mark has joined Citigroup in the role of Head of European Prime Finance.  Mark is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced professional and will make a great addition to Citi’s business.  I worked with Mark at Deutsche, and on top of everything else he is a nice guy.  Good news for Citi – for a change.