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Trade on the Thames: IMC ventures into forex with new London office

IMC recently opened its London office in the heart of the financial district on Liverpool Street. The city's rich heritage as a leading global financial sector, complemented by its exceptional talent pool, offers abundant opportunities for innovation and growth.

Trade on the Thames: IMC ventures into forex with new London office
In the first edition of the ‘Trade on the Thames’ series, we catch up with the Managing Director of UK Operations, Bharat Jethwa, about this important milestone in expanding IMC’s trading strategy and global presence.

Finding the right space

“I joined IMC in 2022 as a strategy delivery lead, working on the intersection of business development and technology,” says Bharat. “A few of us who were employed by IMC’s Amsterdam office were based out of London, working remotely. It became clear that we needed a space to collaborate and exchange ideas, a place that would help us recreate the quintessential IMC culture.”

The team moved into an office at King’s Cross, but quickly grew out of it. “We were hiring rapidly and so needed to secure a bigger space,” adds Bharat. “Proximity to a train station was a factor, but more importantly, we wanted to be in the heart of London’s financial district. We saw over 60 offices before landing on Liverpool Street!”

The new office is a launchpad for London-based IMCers to strengthen our foothold in the market and continue to grow.

Full steam ahead into forex

While the increasing number of hires was a catalyst in formalising our presence in the UK, IMC also saw a strategic opportunity in London’s thriving foreign exchange (FX) market.

“IMC wants to expand its capabilities to different products and asset classes. London is the world's leading hub for FX trading, and so it makes sense for us to set up shop here,” Bharat explains. “With three decades of industry-leading experience in combining technology and market knowledge, we plan to capitalise on this golden opportunity.”

The team expects to start trading by the end of 2024 and is currently busy setting up licences. “FX trading is an exciting new chapter for IMC. It's a strategic move as we continue to diversify our product offering. At the same time, we’re tapping into the immense potential of the market, both in terms of the financial opportunity and the strong talent pool,” adds Bharat.

New office, same culture

Despite being relatively young, the London office offers the high-performing, collaborative environment that sets IMC apart from its peers. “There’s nothing you can’t do in this company. We place a lot of importance on the development of our people,” says Bharat. “A smaller office offers the extra advantage of an entrepreneurial, start-up mindset. Everyone is encouraged to voice their opinions and take ownership of ideas, no matter what level.”

IMCers from other offices are moving to London on short-term transfers, bringing with them IMC’s culture and knowledge of our ways of working. In turn, they’ll benefit from exposure to a new type of trading.

Bharat adds, “London offers limitless potential for IMC to grow its coverage and pursue new opportunities in this critical global marketplace, and we’re only just starting!"

Interested in making an impact for IMC in London or another one of our global offices?


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