Mr. Ficke, who will be based in the firm's New York offices, brings over 20 years experience in the fixed income markets, including senior fixed income trading and management positions with BNP Paribas and Morgan Stanley.

Paul Saltzman, Chief Operating Officer of eSpeed, said "We're extremely pleased that a professional of Mark's caliber is joining our management team. His depth of experience and scope of responsibilities on the US Treasury Desks of some of the world's leading trading houses have provided him with unique insight about what our customers need and want. With Mark on board, eSpeed has a tremendous opportunity to leverage his trader's perspective, knowledge of the marketplace, and extensive client relationships as we continue to grow our fixed income electronic trading business."

Mr. Ficke will report directly to Mr. Saltzman, along with senior technology professional Joe Noviello, eSpeed's Chief Product Architect, as part of the management team for eSpeed's fixed income electronic brokerage business. David Hall, Global Head of Futures Sales, and Christopher Pepe and Patrick Troy, co-heads of Fixed Income Sales, will report to Mr. Ficke.

Mr. Ficke said, "As a bond trader, I've always been immensely impressed with eSpeed's pioneering technology and admired its continuous focus on, and unwavering commitment to, maintaining strong client relationships and emphasis on excellence in client service. I look forward to joining Paul, Joe, and the rest of the team as we further grow eSpeed's government bond business and extend our products and services into other asset classes."

Mr. Ficke received a BS in economics from Rutgers University Cook College. He is active in several professional and community organizations, including the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Primary Dealers Committee, and the Delbarton Fathers and Friends.