Mark Simmons
About Mark Simmons
Mark Simmons serves as the Head of Software Development at Polar Capital, where he has worked since 2021. He has extensive experience in software development and operations within the financial sector, having held various roles at Polar Capital and other firms.
Work at Polar Capital
Mark Simmons has been serving as the Head of Software Development at Polar Capital since 2021. In this role, he oversees the development and maintenance of the firm's internal data and systems infrastructure. His responsibilities include ensuring seamless data and software services across the organization. Prior to his current position, he worked as the Operations Systems Manager from 2018 to 2021 and as an Operations Executive from 2013 to 2018. His extensive experience at Polar Capital spans nearly a decade.
Previous Experience in Financial Technology
Before joining Polar Capital, Mark Simmons worked at Throgmorton Street Capital as a Trading Systems Developer from 2011 to 2013. His career in finance began at UBS, where he served as a Graduate Analyst from 2007 to 2009. Throughout his roles, he has gained significant experience in financial technology and operations, contributing to his expertise in the field.
Education and Expertise
Mark Simmons studied Computer Science at the University of Warwick, where he earned a BSc from 2005 to 2008. His educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in software development and data management. He has expertise in utilizing Bloomberg Gateway for financial data integration, which is critical for his current role in overseeing software development at Polar Capital.
Key Projects and Initiatives
In his current position, Mark Simmons led the insourcing of shadow accounting and reconciliation capabilities using Advent Geneva. This initiative involved integrating multiple data sources, including Bloomberg's Data License API and index providers such as MSCI, S&P, and FTSE. His work in this area has enhanced the firm's operational efficiency and data accuracy.
Background and Early Education
Mark Simmons attended Brentwood School from 1998 to 2005, where he completed his early education. This foundational experience contributed to his academic and professional development, leading to his successful career in software development and financial technology.