Aquis Exchange Appoints Thomas Downes to Lead Markets Division

Aquis Exchange has named Thomas Downes as its new Head of Markets, a move the firm says aligns with its strategic ambitions for pan-European expansion. The appointment was confirmed Tuesday, following a period of solid performance for the company in the first half of 2025.

Downes, a veteran of the electronic trading industry, brings with him a wealth of experience from previous roles at ITG and Virtu, where he led electronic trading sales and strategy and sat on the Executive Committee. He started his career at Merrill Lynch, focusing on technology and product development in fixed income and FX, and most recently served as Managing Partner at IOX Partners, a fintech advisory firm.

In his new role, Downes will oversee Aquis's multilateral trading facility operations and will join the company's Executive Committee. He succeeds David Stevens, who stepped into the CEO role earlier this year.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Aquis at such an exciting time for the company," Downes said. "Following its recent acquisition by SIX, the Aquis team are highly motivated for growth across all of its business divisions. There are great opportunities ahead."

Aquis described the leadership change as part of a broader effort to enhance its client offering and foster innovation within its Markets division.