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]]>This collaboration combines Avenue’s rapidly growing Brazilian investor base with Velocity’s deep market expertise, advanced technology infrastructure, and scalable operational model, enabling certain individual investors to diversify their portfolios with globally recognized UCITS ETFs.
Unlocking Global Opportunities for Retail Clients
UCITS ETFs, known for their strong regulatory framework, transparency, and diversified exposure, will now be available for Avenue clients to trade efficiently and securely, supported by Velocity’s execution and clearing platform (Please note, UCIT ETFs are not available to US Investors).
Key Benefits of Trading UCITS ETFs through Velocity Clearing:
Leadership Commentary
“Our collaboration with Velocity allows us to expand Avenue’s offering by bringing UCITS ETFs to our retail clients with world-class execution, clearing, and custody services,” said Alexandre Artmann, chief operating officer of Avenue Securities. “This initiative is aligned with our commitment to give investors access to diverse global markets with the highest levels of efficiency and transparency.”
“Velocity is excited to work closely with Avenue in delivering UCITS ETF capabilities to their clients,” said Brian Schaeffer, president of Velocity Clearing. “Velocity’s expertise, technology, and scalable model are designed to empower Introducing brokers like Avenue to grow while maintaining operational excellence.”
This alliance underscores both companies’ dedication to expanding market access and delivering exceptional value to investors through innovation and service quality.
About Velocity Clearing
Velocity Clearing, LLC, registered with the SEC and member of FINRA and SIPC is a leading provider of global execution, clearing, and custody solutions, leveraging technology and market expertise to serve broker-dealers, advisors, and institutional clients worldwide.
About Avenue Securities
Avenue Securities is a US based broker-dealer dedicated to empowering Brazilian based retail investors with transparent, efficient, and diversified access to global financial markets.
Media Contacts:
Rich Myers for Velocity Clearing [email protected]
Mariana Haddad for Avenue Securities [email protected]
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]]>The post Press Release: Hanwha Life Completes Acquisition of Velocity Clearing appeared first on Velocity Clearing.
]]>SEOUL, South Korea & NEW YORK – Jul 30, 2025 – Hanwha Life, South Korea’s first life insurance company, has officially completed the acquisition of a 75% stake in U.S.-based global financial services firm Velocity Clearing, LLC on July 30 (EST). The majority of the stake acquired was owned by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. The deal marks a bold strategic move into the North American capital markets—beyond Hanwha Life’s traditional insurance business.
With this transaction, Hanwha Life becomes the first Korean insurance company to acquire a U.S. securities firm, “the center of the global capital markets.” The acquisition establishes a platform for Hanwha Life to enhance its profitability through a local U.S. financial company and provide high-quality global financial products to global clients.
Velocity Clearing, LLC, a global financial services firm based in New York, manages the post trade service, including clearing and settlement. As of the end of 2024, the firm held approximately USD 1.2 billion in total assets, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% in revenue over the last three years (2022~2024). The net income is also increasing steadily, with continued profitability expected after the acquisition.
Working closely with Velocity Clearing, LLC, under its existing leadership, the company aims to ensure early operational stability while building strategic synergies with its U.S. asset management affiliate, Hanwha Asset Management (USA) Ltd. and the Hanwha AI Center (HAC), located in San Francisco. This collaboration will combine financial expertise with the advanced AI capabilities to strengthen Hanwha Life’s competitive edge in the U.S. market.
Hanwha Life representative said, “This transaction represents a significant step for Korean finance to establish a presence in the key financial center, the U.S. capital markets. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our global business by leveraging digital financial technologies and our global network to ensure sustainable, long-term growth.”
Michael Logan, CEO of Velocity Clearing, stated, “With Hanwha Life’s global vision and support, we expect to accelerate our growth and unlock new opportunities together for our clients. We’re excited about the powerful synergies ahead.”
Brian Schaeffer, president of Velocity Clearing, said, “This partnership with Hanwha Life is client driven, allowing Velocity Clearing to further accelerate its product and geographic expansion.”
Lee Millstein, Chairman of Global Real Estate for Cerberus, stated, “We’re proud to have supported Velocity Clearing through an exciting period of growth, and Hanwha Life is well-positioned to build on that momentum in the company’s next chapter.”
About Velocity Clearing
Velocity Clearing is a technology-driven, self-clearing broker/dealer providing execution services, clearing, and custody along with access to stock locate services, securities lending, competitive financing, and a firm-wide focus on world-class customer service. Velocity Clearing supports retail traders and institutional clients including brokers/dealers, hedge funds, family offices, and proprietary trading firms in the United States and across the globe. With a growing team of professionals in multiple locations throughout the United States and across the globe, Velocity has the right combination of resources and people to provide seamless and reliable service to clients. Velocity Clearing is registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC.
About Hanwha Life
Established in 1946 as Korea’s first life insurance company, Hanwha Life has over 78 years of experience and reported total consolidated assets of USD 108.9 billion (KRW 160.2 trillion) as of the end of 2024. While maintaining leadership in the insurance sector, Hanwha Life is accelerating its transformation into a global financial group through innovation and strategic overseas expansion. The company continues to expand its global financial ecosystem by pursuing regionally tailored strategies and strengthening its digital capabilities. By building strong global partnerships, Hanwha Life aims to become a trusted global financial brand that delivers comprehensive and sustainable financial solutions.
Media Contact:
Hanwha Life
Erin Jundef
[email protected]
Velocity Clearing
Rich Myers
[email protected]
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]]>The post Velocity Clearing Selects Matrix Applications appeared first on Velocity Clearing.
]]>Matrix Applications, LLC (“Matrix”), a New York based financial technology and operational service bureau for the capital markets, is proud to announce a new customer agreement with Velocity Clearing, LLC (“Velocity”).
Velocity has chosen Matrix as its strategic technology solutions provider and will utilize Matrix’s proprietary platform, TradeBlazer. This collateral management system, with over three decades of refined business logic, provides a comprehensive suite of integrated functions. TradeBlazer delivers best-in-class support for fixed income transactions, spanning accounting, credit, operations, trading, risk management and real-time clearance activities.
“Following a thorough evaluation, we found Matrix’s customer service and TradeBlazer’s functionalities to be exceptional. The platform empowers us to streamline operations, enhance trading processes and offer solutions to our valued clients. With TradeBlazer, we are poised to set new standards in efficiency and client satisfaction,” commented Tony Merola, Managing Director at Velocity.
Velocity is a technology-driven, self-clearing broker/dealer with a mission to combine high-tech infrastructure with high-touch service. The company supports institutional clients including broker/dealers, hedge funds, family offices and proprietary trading firms. Velocity provides execution services, clearing and custody, along with access to stock locate services, securities lending and competitive financing. It now joins Matrix’s growing list of customers.
“We strive to provide our clients with technology solutions to drive their business. And while there are other vendors who compete with Matrix, none compete with our level of customer service,” shared Stephen Mellert, Head of Business Development at Matrix. “Our partnership with Velocity positions us to achieve unparalleled success and growth together.”
About Matrix Applications, LLC
Matrix Applications is a New York-based fintech service bureau that offers a suite of collateral management, margining and clearing systems for institutional fixed income trading and equities securities lending. We are a team of capital markets and systems professionals delivering financial technology solutions to institutional firms since 2000. We work hands-on with our clients to identify an optimal mix of services to best fit their needs, from systems to back-office operations assistance. With in-house and offshore developers, we provide our clients with the right solution at the right price. Comprised of industry veterans and financial professionals, we leverage our extensive technical experience, a deep network across the finance industry and a team of ops, regulatory and legal gurus to deliver bespoke systems and managed services for firms big and small.
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]]>The post Press Release: South Korea’s Hanwha Life to acquire majority stake in Velocity Clearing appeared first on Velocity Clearing.
]]>SEOUL, South Korea & NEW YORK – Nov 20, 2024 – Hanwha Life, South Korea’s first life insurance company, today announced it has agreed on the 18th to acquire a 75% stake in the parent of Velocity Clearing, a U.S.-based global financial services firm. The Velocity Clearing management team will retain the remaining minority stake. With this acquisition, Hanwha Life will secure a foothold in the U.S. financial sector, expanding access to excellent opportunities to maximize the return on investment.
A leading Korean life insurance company, Hanwha Life has been at the forefront of developing both the insurance industry and South Korea’s economic growth for 78 years. As part of that growth, the financial group has expanded into several overseas markets, including Vietnam and Indonesia, with its latest market being the U.S.
“As we look to expand into the U.S. market, we wanted to partner with a firm that has a strong footprint in financial services — and that is Velocity Clearing,” said Seung Joo Yeo, Hanwha Life CEO. “Establishing opportunities for diversified growth that transcend borders and industries in the U.S. market is of immense significance to us. With Velocity Clearing’s robust platform and expertise, this acquisition will serve as a springboard for enhancing the global capabilities of South Korea’s leading insurance company. Together with the Velocity Clearing management team, we are well positioned to make a strong impact in the U.S. and lay the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.”
Velocity Clearing, which offers a unique combination of people, processes and technology that allows clients to trade, borrow and invest with confidence, will join Hanwha Life following a record year of growth. Since 2023, Velocity Clearing grew its assets under custody by 300%, more than doubled its correspondent clearing business, increased its U.S. and offshore technology staff by 50% and expanded into Latin American and Asian markets. The acquisition of Velocity Clearing by Hanwha Life will allow the New York brokerage and global financial technologies company to continue its expansion into the Asian market.
“For Velocity Clearing, forming this partnership was made from a position of strength that speaks to the broad marketplace appeal of our offerings,” said Michael Logan, CEO of Velocity Clearing. “Velocity Clearing is seeing record growth across multiple success metrics and clients are embracing our offering of a full suite of trading solutions and services that empowers them to reach their goals and objectives. We look forward to Hanwha Life’s support in accelerating our growth even further, particularly across Asia.”
Brian Schaeffer, President of Velocity Clearing, added: “The Velocity Clearing team is well positioned for continued meaningful global expansion of our institutional business and we have made demonstrable progress in multiple geographies such as Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. This partnership builds on our plans, allowing us to effectively address growing customer demand in new markets and positioning us for long-term success.”
Hanwha Life is committed to retaining Velocity Clearing’s existing staff and promoting collaboration to foster synergies for the future. The extensive professional experience and expertise of Velocity Clearing’s employees will be a valuable asset to Hanwha Life as it continues to grow.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of various U.S. and South Korean regulatory approvals. Houlihan Lokey has acted as financial advisor, and Wollmuth Maher & Deutsch and Schulte Roth & Zabel have acted as legal advisors, to Velocity Clearing and its investors in connection with the transaction. BDA Partners has acted as financial advisor, and Skadden has acted as legal advisor to Hanwha Life in connection with the transaction.
About Velocity Clearing
Velocity Clearing is a technology-driven, self-clearing broker/dealer providing execution services, clearing, and custody along with access to stock locate services, securities lending, competitive financing, and a firm-wide focus on world-class customer service. Velocity Clearing supports retail traders and institutional clients including brokers/dealers, hedge funds, family offices, and proprietary trading firms in the United States and across the globe. With a growing team of professionals in multiple locations throughout the United States and across the globe, Velocity has the right combination of resources and people to provide seamless and reliable service to clients. Velocity Clearing is registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC.
About Hanwha Life
Established in 1946, Hanwha Life is not only a leading South Korean life insurance company but also the first and oldest in the nation. For the past 78 years, Hanwha Life has played a critical role in developing the industry and expanding the country’s economic growth. In 2023, Hanwha Life reported total assets of USD 113.77 billion, demonstrating its sound structure and firm
commitment to adding innovative products and services that meet a wide range of customer needs.
For more information, visit: https://www.hanwhalife.com/static/company/english/EN_0000000_P10000.htm
Media Contact:
Hanwha Life
Erin Jundef
[email protected]
Velocity Clearing
Rich Myers
[email protected]
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]]>The post Former Instinet CEO and Goldman Sachs Executive Ralston Roberts Joins Velocity Clearing as Head of Global Markets appeared first on Velocity Clearing.
]]>We are pleased to announce that Ralston Roberts has been named the Head of Global Markets. In his role, Roberts will oversee the firm’s trading business and global expansion strategy.
Roberts has an extensive track record leading a cross-section of financial and technology businesses. He was previously the Global CEO of Instinet, where he was responsible for the firm’s global trading, venues, and software business. Before joining Instinet, Roberts was co-head of EMEA Execution Services at Goldman Sachs.
Roberts will report to Michael Logan, Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Clearing. “Ralston’s experience and expertise will help enhance our technology prowess and overall offering,” said Logan. “His industry knowledge will be invaluable, and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”
Before joining Goldman Sachs, Roberts spent 10 years at SunGard with his last role being Chief Operating Officer of SunGard’s market data and network business. He has also held roles at Franklin Templeton, Robertson Stephens, and Wells Fargo Securities.
“Velocity has a dynamic offering that empowers market participants and I’m excited to be part of the firm’s incredible momentum,” said Roberts. “Velocity’s product offering, client service, and end-to-end technology solutions are a highly impressive combination that helps clients achieve their goals.”
This announcement comes after Velocity Clearing named Brian Schaeffer as president in March, and the firm is continuing to grow its team.
Schaeffer said, “Ralston is an industry all-star and he’s joining Velocity just as the firm shifts into a higher gear of growth. His experience and skill set will be a major value-add to our clients.”
Velocity’s mission is to deliver “best-in-class” customer service to its global client base by offering execution, clearing, custody, and securities lending. In addition, the firm offers a full suite of trading solutions and services to empower clients to reach their goals and objectives. Velocity’s prime brokerage platform allows its clients global access to multiple brokers, in addition to its own self-clearing capabilities.
About Velocity Clearing, LLC
Velocity Clearing is a technology-driven, self-clearing broker/dealer providing execution services, clearing, and custody along with access to stock locate services, securities lending, competitive financing, and a firm-wide focus on world-class customer service. Velocity Clearing supports retail traders and institutional clients including brokers/dealers, hedge funds, family offices, and proprietary trading firms in the United States and across the globe. With a growing team of professionals in multiple locations throughout the United States and across the globe, Velocity has the right combination of resources and people to service clients 24×6. Velocity Clearing is a member of FINRA & SIPC.
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]]>The post Brian Schaeffer Named President of Velocity Clearing appeared first on Velocity Clearing.
]]>NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE) View the Full Article Here
We are pleased to announce that Brian Schaeffer has been named the new President of Velocity Clearing.
Schaeffer brings more than 20 years of capital markets experience to Velocity, most recently as founder and president of Clearpool Group, an algorithmic trading platform where he ran all aspects of the company’s revenue growth and business development.
Schaeffer will report to Velocity Clearing CEO Michael Logan, who said, “We are delighted to welcome Brian as the firm’s new president. Velocity Clearing has experienced rapid growth and Brian will play a central role in further accelerating our business development. He is a dynamic, innovative business leader whose entrepreneurial drive and technology expertise will serve our firm and our clients well.”
Schaeffer began his career as a trading clerk and then top specialist at the New York Stock Exchange. He also worked as a television analyst on CNBC before becoming CEO of Van der Moolen Specialists, one of the largest listed global trading and technology companies. Schaeffer later took over as CEO of WTS Proprietary Trading Group, which he grew into one of the largest technology-driven prop trading groups in the country.
“Velocity has a fantastic offering and world-class team,” said Schaeffer. “Velocity was built to fill a huge gap in the industry for a much-needed next-generation full-service brokerage firm that is automating the process for all market participants to trade multiple asset classes with the full breadth of execution, clearing, custody, and technology. Velocity has a unique combination of people, processes, and technology and the platform to make this happen at warp speed.”
Velocity’s mission is to deliver “best-in-class” customer service to its global client base by offering execution, clearing, custody, and securities lending. In addition, the firm offers a full suite of trading solutions and services to empower clients to reach their goals and objectives. Velocity’s prime brokerage platform allows their clients global access to multiple brokers, in addition to its own self-clearing capabilities.
About Velocity Clearing, LLC
Velocity Clearing is a self-clearing broker-dealer serving retail brokers, online trading platforms, active retail traders, emerging hedge funds, and high-frequency trading groups. Founded in 2015 as a specialist provider of hard-to-borrow stock locates, Velocity now offers sophisticated traders a full, tech-enabled ecosystem for securities locating, borrowing, executing, clearing, and financing. Velocity recently expanded its suite of services to include prime brokerage, portfolio margin, and options clearing, all tied together with a seamless user experience, proven risk management, and a veteran team of traders and technologists. With a growing team of over 125 professionals in multiple U.S. locations, Velocity has the right combination of resources and people to service clients 24×6. Velocity Clearing is a member of FINRA, SIPC, and the Securities Trading Association of New York.
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