Phil Defrancesco
About Phil Defrancesco
Phil Defrancesco serves as the Global Head of Cross Asset Trading Desktop at Thomson Reuters and the Global Head of Equity Trading at Refinitiv, bringing extensive experience in financial markets and trading technology.
Work at Thomson Reuters
Phil Defrancesco has served as the Global Head of Cross Asset Trading Desktop at Thomson Reuters since 2016. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing the development and management of trading solutions that cater to a diverse range of asset classes. His leadership has contributed to the strategic direction of the Cross Asset Trading Desktop, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of traders and financial professionals. Prior to this position, he held the role of Global Head of Equities Desktop from 2013 to 2016, where he focused on enhancing equity trading capabilities.
Current Role at Refinitiv
Since 2019, Phil Defrancesco has been the Global Head of Equity Trading at Refinitiv, based in London, England. In this capacity, he leads initiatives aimed at improving equity trading workflows and analytics. His work includes driving the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into trading processes. This role builds on his extensive experience in the financial services sector, where he has consistently focused on enhancing trading efficiency and effectiveness.
Education and Expertise
Phil Defrancesco earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta, where he studied from 1992 to 1996. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Binghamton University in 1997. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his career in finance and trading, equipping him with the analytical skills necessary for his roles in the industry.
Previous Experience in Trading
Phil Defrancesco has a robust history in trading, having worked at several prominent financial institutions. He was the Head of U.S. Trading at Millennium Management from 2002 to 2013, where he managed trading operations. Prior to that, he served as an Assistant Institutional International Equity Trader at Merrill Lynch from 1998 to 2001. His experience also includes a role as a European Trader at Zurich Scudder Investments for eight months in 2001. This extensive background has shaped his expertise in trading strategies and market dynamics.
Achievements in Financial Technology
In his roles, Phil Defrancesco has managed significant projects that enhance trading platforms. Notably, he led the integration of legal filings data with financial data on the Eikon platform, which improved its value for users in the investment community. He is also focused on developing market-leading trading analytics and driving monetization strategies for the Eikon platform, ensuring its continued relevance in the financial industry.