Haim Bodek is an influential American developer of trading software, known for his significant contributions to algorithmic trading. After graduating from the University of Rochester in 1995 with a degree in mathematics and cognitive science, Bodek began his career at Magnify, a firm founded by computer scientist Robert Grossman. His expertise in technology and finance soon led him to Hull Trading Company, where he played a pivotal role until the firm was acquired by Goldman Sachs in 1999.
By 2006, Bodek had risen to the position of global head of Electronic Volatility Trading at UBS, further solidifying his reputation in the industry. In 2007, he founded his own company, Trading Machines, which focused on developing advanced trading software. However, in 2009, his algorithms began to incur losses, prompting him to investigate the underlying causes. His research uncovered an undocumented order type utilized by other trading firms, allowing them to gain unfair advantages in the market.
In 2011, Bodek took a bold step by filing a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding these unfair practices. This action led to BATS Global Markets being fined a record $14 million, highlighting the impact of his findings on market regulation. His investigation was further chronicled in the 2013 documentary *The Wall Street Code*, which showcased the complexities of modern trading.
Born to physicist Arie Bodek, Haim has continued to explore the intersection of technology and finance throughout his career. He married Elizabeth Bonheim in 1997, and together, they share a commitment to innovation in the trading industry.