24 Exchange Appoints James Watson as Head of OTC Market Data

24 Exchange has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of James W. Watson as Head of OTC Market Data, adding a veteran data executive as the company expands its global trading infrastructure. Watson joins the firm’s 24X Bermuda Limited subsidiary in London, taking on the role in December 2025.

The hire comes as 24 Exchange prepares for broader market activity following its recent SEC approval to operate a national securities exchange on a 23-hour weekday schedule. Expanding its OTC data capabilities is a key component of that strategy, particularly for assets such as FX swaps and forwards that depend on precise pricing and liquidity.

Watson brings more than two decades of experience across financial data, electronic trading and institutional sales. He spent seven years at TraditionDATA, rising to Global Head of Data Sales & Marketing and leading the firm’s commercial expansion across OTC market products.

Before his time at TraditionDATA, he served as CEO Europe for ADS Securities in London and previously held senior FX roles at FXall within Thomson Reuters. His earlier career included leadership positions at Morgan Stanley, Société Générale, Lehman Brothers and GFI Group, giving him a broad view of market structure and client needs across asset classes.

24 Exchange said Watson’s background in building and scaling data businesses aligns with its ambition to deliver round-the-clock trading access across currencies and securities. The company operates through its Bermuda-based entities, offering OTC trading in FX exposures and running the first SEC-approved US national exchange designed for extended trading hours.

Watson’s appointment signals the firm’s continued investment in market data as it prepares for increased institutional demand and expanded product coverage.