Michael Capelli joined BLOX Markets earlier this month as Managing Director and Head of Business Development. BLOX Markets is developing Openpool, a new retail-focused U.S. equities trading venue which is not yet operational and remains subject to regulatory filings and approvals.
Capelli discussed his background and the BLOX Markets opportunity in this contributed Q&A.
Briefly discuss your career background?
My career has always centered on the intersection of electronic trading and product innovation. I’ve worked across the industry, from co-founding one of the earliest algorithmic trading and TCA firms to leading execution strategy at Liquidnet for their Execution and Quantitative Services business, and more recently, building out a retail trading platform as CEO of Fennel Financials.
I’ve always focused on using data to drive innovation and to create more efficient trading solutions. I’m a hands-on leader who thrives in collaborative environments, encouraging teams to challenge conventional thinking to deliver meaningful value to clients.
What’s your experience with the BLOX Markets team?
I was introduced to (CEO and Co-founder) Khody Azmoon through a mutual friend, though I’ve known of him for years; he’s always had a great reputation. After meeting him, it was clear why; he’s forward-thinking and incredibly driven. When I met the broader BLOX team, I was immediately struck by their deep trading technology experience and how well they collaborate.
Trade execution is a competitive space, but BLOX is addressing some of its toughest challenges; transparency, execution efficiency, and equal access to liquidity. What they’re building with Openpool has real potential to benefit both retail and institutional players, and I’m excited to be part of it.
What intrigued you about joining BLOX Markets?
I was drawn to BLOX Markets by its mission to bring greater transparency and fairness to the equity markets. Openpool’s approach, opening access to retail order flow for all institutions while improving execution quality for retail traders, immediately stood out. It’s forward-thinking and creates competition on the order level, delivering value for both retail and institutional investors.
What really resonated with me was BLOX’s commitment to bridging the gap between these two segments of the market, retail and institutional. It felt both innovative and impactful. I’m excited to join a team that’s challenging the status quo with a clear focus on transparency, equal access, and execution quality. BLOX Markets is building the future of trading, and I’m eager to help bring that vision to life.
