The Liquidnet European Trading Desk provides buy-side trading firms with professional order handling and execution. The fully equipped agency-only trading desk works with buy-side clients executing flow against Liquidnet's protected buy-side natural pool, as well as 'Supernatural' liquidity from Streaming Liquidity Participants (selected brokers and MTFs), and external markets. The desk does not accept or handle proprietary flow.

Previously Senior Trader on the Trading Desk, in his new role Drew will oversee Liquidnet's team of traders based in London, focusing on business development, continued growth of trading volumes, and expansion of the Trading Desk's coverage to include Asia. He will report to John Barker, Head of International at Liquidnet.

The Trading Desk is just one example of Liquidnet's expansion in Europe-last year, pilot testing of Liquidnet Supernatural began, which will allow Members to execute against retail-sized broker flow from selected Streaming Liquidity Participants. Last month, Liquidnet announced that it now offers trading in Polish equities, allowing Members to trade in 31 markets worldwide, 23 of which are in Europe, plus London- and Luxembourg-listed GDRs.

Later this year, the European Trading Desk will launch access to liquidity in Asia and Australia, which will provide European clients with 24 hour-a-day access to global markets and the ability to outsource global orders to Liquidnet's London trading team.

Commenting on Drew's appointment, Head of International John Barker said, "We are extremely pleased to formalise Drew's position as Head of Trading Desk at a time of strong growth for the company. We are focused on increasing our market coverage and the liquidity we offer our buy-side Members-Drew's experience will be vital in expanding our Trading Desk service."

Drew joined Liquidnet at its New York Head Office in 2007 in its Portfolio Trading division, before mo moving to Liquidnet in London at the end of 2008. Prior to this, Drew worked in the United States at Jefferies Portfolio Trading, Merrill Lynch, and DLJ Direct.