SunGard Combines Human and Machine-Driven Trading Desks: Report

SunGard is combining its human and machine-driven trading desks, the Securities Technology Monitor reported yesterday. And although such headlines don't really make waves anymore, they still manage to boggle my mind.

I'm certainly interested to see what Wall Street trading desks look like by 2025 if technology continues to progress at the current rate. According to the report, SunGard will consolidate its execution desk into the Valdi Liquidity Solutions platform, which automates the execution of trades.

From the Securities Technology Monitor:

SunGard's trade desk brokers trades for buy-side institutions. Valdi Liquidity Solutions offer execution and clearing services to both buy- and sell-side institutions.

This consolidation, the company said, "will help SunGard fulfill customers' trading and commission management needs, all through one broker/dealer relationship." SunGard owns Fox River Execution, a developer of trading algorithms.

Valdi Liquidity Solutions is a member of NYSE Euronext, and provides customers with direct access to NYSE Euronext, cutting transaction times.

"The consolidation of our broker/dealers will result in a streamlined business model and enhanced customer service," Bob Santella, president of broker operations for SunGard's global trading business, said.