BOX is an all-electronic equity options market designed to empower participants by providing an efficient marketplace and cutting-edge technology.

The expanding global pool of assets under management and increasing volatility in the markets are driving burgeoning buy-side interest in trading options. The equity options asset class is witnessing a perfect storm for network technology with reliable connectivity throughout the trade lifecycle and the ability to rapidly access a ready-made ecosystem of market participants emerging as two of the most critical elements for mitigating the buy-side's operational, market, business and investment process risks.

"Investors in equity options are demanding more choices when searching for liquidity, executing trades and managing risks," said Patrick Zielinski, senior vice president, market operations and technology, BOX. "We are thrilled to partner with IPC to expand our investor base of traditional asset managers and alternative investment managers executing equity option trades and hedges."

"It is our singular focus to provide our institutional investor community with efficient, liquid markets where they can successfully hedge investment risk and unearth profitable opportunities," said David Brown, senior vice president and managing director, financial markets network, IPC. "Access to a large and diverse ecosystem of equity options market makers and liquidity venues is crucial to the effective execution of trading and risk management strategies of investors. We are excited to welcome BOX to our equity options trading ecosystem."