Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded $568 million in adjusted net trading income, which translates to $9.2 million per day, marking a 50% increase from $6.1 million per day in Q2 2024 [23][24] - Adjusted EPS for Q2 2025 was $1.53, an 83% increase compared to Q2 2024 [24] - The adjusted EBITDA margin reached 65%, the highest since 2022, reflecting disciplined expense management [21][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market Making contributed $451 million to adjusted net trading income, while Execution Services contributed $116 million, both reflecting strong performance against market opportunities [10] - Growth initiatives reached an all-time high of $1.3 million per day, accounting for 15% of total adjusted net trading income [10] - The institutional business, Virtu Execution Services (VES), recorded $116 million in adjusted net trading income, indicating strong growth potential [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mean realized volatility was 30, with the VIX averaging 24, indicating a favorable trading environment [12] - Equity TCV was up 17% quarter-over-quarter, while notional U.S. equity volumes increased by 9% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its ETF block offering in Europe and enhancing its digital asset capabilities, which are expected to drive future growth [11][16] - The management sees broader crypto adoption as a significant driver of future volume and activity, positioning the company as a key partner in the evolving ecosystem [17] - The transition in leadership to Aaron Simons is expected to bring continuity in core values while introducing a fresh perspective on growth opportunities [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sustained retail engagement post-pandemic and highlighted structural trends that should compound growth in the coming quarters [15] - The regulatory landscape is viewed positively, with upcoming legislation expected to create new products that require liquidity, aligning with the company's strengths [17] - The company anticipates that the overnight trading market will continue to grow, driven primarily by retail engagement, with potential for institutional participation in the future [94] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $66 million worth of shares in the quarter, totaling $135 million year-to-date, and has repurchased $1.4 billion since the inception of its share repurchase program [21][25] - The leadership transition is seen as a strategic move to ensure the company's continued success and growth [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Introduction to Aaron Simons and transition details - Management provided background on Aaron Simons, highlighting his long tenure and contributions to the company, and discussed the planned transition process [27][30] Question: Impact of potential repeal of the order protection rule - Management indicated that the repeal could be neutral to slightly positive for the company, potentially reducing overhead costs associated with connecting to various venues [39][43] Question: Strategic merits of operating a hedge fund alongside market making - Management acknowledged the consideration of launching a hedge fund but emphasized the cultural shift it would entail and the current focus on market making [44][48] Question: M&A opportunities and priorities - Management stated that while they continuously evaluate M&A opportunities, the current focus has been on share repurchases, which have proven to be highly accretive [55][58] Question: Opportunities from stablecoin adoption - Management expressed excitement about the potential for stablecoin adoption to drive digital asset transactions and the company's readiness to facilitate these conversions [62][66] Question: Tokenization of equities and market implications - Management discussed the potential for tokenized equities to create new market opportunities, particularly for overseas clients, while emphasizing the need for regulatory clarity [72][74]

Core Viewpoint - Castle Securities President Esposito supports overnight trading, indicating a strategic move to enhance trading flexibility and market participation [1] Group 1 - The company is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for overnight trading options [1] - Esposito emphasizes the importance of adapting to market trends and client needs in the trading landscape [1] - The support for overnight trading reflects a broader industry shift towards more flexible trading hours [1]