"I had the pleasure of joining the buy-side panel in the opening session of the Alpha Trading Forum Summit on 29th of January 2013. In my view trading environment is crowded with events led by vendors and sell-side firms that have eventually a pure commercial scope. I found that the Alpha Trading Forum is instead a unique opportunity to meet with peers and other firms from the buy-side, from hedge funds to small boutiques to large global asset manager, to openly debate on all hot topics and important developments that impact our business. The high calibre of all attendees, together with an extremely interesting and comprehensive agenda, makes the Alpha Forum a "must-attend" event for all Heads of Trading Desks and a unique opportunity to hear different viewpoints and look at the key topics of the day from many different angles. I look forward to attending future events and would like to thank Anita for the high quality work and the effort of putting such a successful forum together".

Gianluca Minieri, Global Head of Trading, Pioneer Investments Management Limited, Ireland

""The Alpha Trader Forum is a unique opportunity to meet with peers from all types of buy-side firms, from small boutiques, hedge funds, through to some of the largest global asset management firms. This gives a breadth and depth of knowledge which is unsurpassed within an open interactive environment. The latest European Summit was testament to the growth and recognition of the ATF throughout the industry, with knowledgeable influential attendee's, all of which were more than happy to debate and discuss some of the most important challenges facing both trading desks and the broader industry at present. I feel the ATF is rapidly becoming the must-attend event for heads-of-desks and, for me, is now a key event in the calendar to participate in professionally led discussions over the key topics of the day."

Rob Paxton, Head of Trading, Risk & Performance, Veritas Asset Management, UK

" I recently attended the 5th London Alpha Trader Forum. The half day event was well organised, where the 25 buy-side traders from a variety of backgrounds, brought many diverse views. With the limited numbers of participants, the discussion was open and flowed easily, assisted by the Chairperson of the day.
The agenda included topical subjects such as Electronic trading, TCA and the guest speaker was able to provide insight into financial market regulators' thinking. All in all a forum I enjoyed immensely and would recommend to anyone looking to hear the ideas and views of experienced market participants.

Richard Nelson, Former Head of EMEA Trading at AllianceBernstein, U.K.

"The Alpha Trader Forum provides a professional and friendly opportunity to share views on topical subjects with peers as well as well-chosen sponsors."

Mark Denny, Head of Trading, Investec Asset Management, UK

" It is always useful to meet with our peer group to discuss the issues faced by other dealing desks as well as ourselves. The discussions are frank and unhindered and ensure that on the major topics we at least have the opportunity to speak with one voice. The Alpha Trader Forum sessions are always professionally moderated and all the delegates have the chance to participate fully.

David Miller, Senior Dealer, Invesco Perpetual.

"The Alpha Trader Forum was an excellent opportunity to openly debate valid and topical subject matter with peers from a wide cross section of the buy-side industry. I would highly recommend the forum and look forward to attending future events".

Simon Johnstone, Senior Trader, Sloane Robinson, U.K.

"I have attended two of the Alpha Trader Forums in London and see them as an invaluable way to debate
with my buy side peers and other industry experts on the subjects that are relevant in today's ever changing market place. The event is extremely well managed by Anita and she consults with the buy side extensively before each event to establish what we feel are the most relevant topics we would like to discuss. Previous topics have included MiFID II, algorithmic trading and transaction cost analysis all of which are very much in focus at the moment. I look forward to attending future events and thank Anita for all her hard work putting the forum together."

William Preston, Senior Dealer, Alliance Trust, Scotland.

"The Alpha Trader Forum is one of the most exclusive forums for investment Managers and traders. To have the opportunity to network in a confidential environment and to have access to a high level of expertise that is shared in the forum is an invaluable resource for the buy side to understand the market place. Chaired by renownedcapital market experts, it gives delegates efficient perceptions of today's investment challenges. It is a 'must attend' forum for the buy side"

Victor Lebreton, Independent Director, Quant Hedge, France

"The 1st Paris buy-side event has been highly appreciated on both form and substance. Topics discussed were very up to date with well selected experts. The restricted size of this committee allowed real debate, discussion and brainstorming, as opposed to passive attendance for a more standard conference. Additionally, networking opportunities are much more private in these conditions.
I would participate with pleasure to other events".

Frédéric PONS, Deputy Head of Equity Dealing at AMUNDI Paris, FRANCE

"The 1st Nordic Alpha Trader Forum gave me the unique opportunity to get a true picture of how my buy side colleagues work and what topics are important to them. Delegates were very outspoken even though sponsors from the sell side were in the room. The day was very insightful and I look forward to the next forum. Thank you!"

Tobias Welin, Head of Trading and Structured Asset Management,
Handelsbanken Asset Management, Sweden

"The Alpha Trader Forum provides a lively venue in which real buy side market practitioners can give direct input to both policy makers and the sell side. The issues debated are topical and it provides a great space to exchange ideas as well as hear the views of other market practitioners. Many thanks".

Alex Gracian, Former Head of Equity Portfolios at Gulf Investment Bank, U.K.

"I had the pleasure of working with Anita Karppi from the Alpha Trader Forum
on the Nordic buy-side event. In the short span of 2 months she managed to set up a venue and get 15 heads of trading in from the Nordic region. It was a splendid event and some interesting discussions regarding Dark Pools, CSA, Market abuse Directive and Smart Order Routing. Many different viewpoints were expressed and many ideas for structural change suggested.

It would be a pleasure to attend further forums like this one and I would be happy to attend."

Jens Jacob Foged Head of Trading, SparInvest, Denmark.

"The Alpha Trader Forum provides an excellent platform for discussion on issues of importanceto the buy side. What I find particulary useful is due to the broad range of buy side participants it is possible to gain a more holistic picture of how developments are viewed by the industry, rather than just your own particular sub sector, hedge funds in my case."

Jeremy Wyatt, Trader, GLC Limited, U.K.

"The 3rd Alpha Trader Forum was dedicated to MiFID II. Having a well moderated, open and honest debate on this topic that will affect all delegates, proved to be very valuable. Being able to discuss the topics with the people directly involved and to hear the views of peers gives a much better understanding. I am happy the ATF made this possible and looking forward to future events".

Vincent Mooijer, Head of Equity Trading, PGGM, The Netherlands.

"After attending my second Alpha Trader Forum I clearly see that the purpose of this forum is proven. As a delegate working outside the UK it is very useful and interesting to meet for information, opinions and relevant thoughts. MiFID2 was on the agenda and after the sessionI gained confidence in my opinions from a buy-side perspective. This will help my continuous work towards the local regulator addressing whats important for us as a group in Europe. Thank you!"

Johan Erikson, Global Head of Trading DNB Asset Management, Sweden.

"The Alpha Trader Forum has proven to be a well put together forum, discussing current and relevant topics within a group of individuals who represent the firms involved in the day to day issues that affect buy side desks. I look forward to the next forum and being able to challenge some of the guest speakers who have been bought to this consultative forum to give "the other side" a voice."

Daniel Riches, Equity Trader, M&G Limited, UK.

"September's Alpha Trader Forum (ATF) was informative and entertaining, hearing the varying views on HFT from industry experts in a private setting allowed for an open and honest debate. Highly recommended".

Chris Sims, Ignis Asset Management, UK.

"The Alpha Trader Forum (ATF) is informative, educational, interactive and a professional series of buy-side forums. September's forum provided a lively and enjoyable debate that focused on all the right areas of HFT with the right amount of senior buy-side traders with a wide cross section of views, and industry experts as guests who engaged with the delegates. I liked the format which allowed us to debate the topics without too much presentation based content whilst keeping to a planned timetable...I would definately recommend future forums to colleagues"

Louis de Kock, Head of Dealing, J O Hambro Capital Management Limited, UK.

"An extremely well organised forum with high calibre attendees, informative guest speakers and a lively and open debate. I would certainly look to attend future events."

Russell Penn, Equity Dealer, Aviva Investors, UK.