Chicago-based futures brokerage and clearing firm R.J. O’Brien & Associates today announced that Mark Phelps, Group Chief Executive Officer of G.H. Financials, will soon assume the role of Managing Director, EMEA for its London-based affiliate, R.J. O’Brien Limited (RJO Limited). Mr Phelps is a nearly 25-year veteran of the futures markets in Europe and globally.

Mr Phelps will operate out of London for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and report to RJO Chairman and CEO Gerald Corcoran.

Mr Corcoran said:

“Mark brings outstanding executive leadership experience to our very important UK operation and our presence in EMEA, along with a deep understanding of our industry, the evolving global landscape and the importance of high-touch client service. I’m absolutely delighted that he’s joining our team, and I know he will play a key role in our continued global expansion.”

Mark Phelps commented:

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining RJO as the company looks to build out its global execution and clearing offering. The firm has been one of the most successful in the industry for well over 100 years, especially in the U.S., and my aim will be to work closely with the entire RJO team to further raise its profile and build upon its services for clients and prospects across EMEA.”

Mr Phelps has served as Group CEO of G.H. Financials, a London-based exchange-traded derivatives clearing firm, since April 2018. He has also served as regional CEO of GHF LLC and Chairman of the Board of the firm’s Hong Kong Board as a non-executive director. He joined the firm in 2012 as Global Head of Marketing and Sales, focusing on client clearing on exchanges across the globe and managing the sales process for offices in London, Chicago and Hong Kong as well as the global branding.

Starting his career in 1997 as an exchange pit official at what was then the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE), over the next several years Mr Phelps played a leading role in the exchange’s migration from open outcry to electronic trading. From 2001 through 2004, he was Senior Account manager for the exchange, and from 2005 to 2008, he served as Head of Sales for Euronext.liffe. Beginning in late 2008 and through 2011, he held senior business development roles for NYSE Liffe.