ABOUT US


SpiderRock is a technology provider that creates and deploys some of the most innovative algorithmic execution and risk management solutions commercially available to service large hedge funds, bank trading desks and proprietary trading firms around the world. The platform is a high-performance, cloud-based trading system empowering institutional clients with tools to construct, manage, and scale equity, futures and option strategies.

SpiderRock is also a market data vendor specializing in low latency data and analytics services. In addition, we offer electronic execution and market access services via SpiderRock EXS, an agency broker dealer regulated by FINRA and NFA.

GEORGE PAPA

CEO & Founder

George is the visionary and originator of the philosophy behind every aspect of SpiderRock. He is the managing member and chief architect of all SpiderRock technology and solutions. Prior to founding the firm, he was instrumental in the trading industry as a partner and managing director for Cantor Fitzgerald in New York as well as executive technology roles with leading trading firms in Chicago. Mr. Papa graduated with honors from the California Institute Of Technology with degrees in Applied Physics and Economics.

ALEXANDER ESSELSTEIN

Chief Information Officer

Alex is a partner at SpiderRock and leads technology and development. A passionate technologist, he brought his experience in data center design, application delivery and technology design to SpiderRock in 2008. He has managed the firm’s technology evolution from a proprietary Chicago based trading platform to an internationally distributed data and application infrastructure based in the New York area, serving the market participants across the globe.

ANNABELLE BALDWIN

Chief Revenue Officer

Annabelle is a partner at SpiderRock and leads business development, strategic planning and sales. She has managed the firm’s product evolution and growth to deliver SpiderRock’s innovative solutions to clients across the globe. She has worked in a team leading capacity for a variety of financial institutions including exchanges, global banks, brokerage and trading firms. Annabelle has graduated with honors from Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture, France with a diploma of engineering in Agronomy and a Master of Science in Ag-Business from Illinois State University, USA.

CRAIG ISELI

Chief Operating Officer

Craig is one of the founders of SpiderRock and leads the firms operational, business and risk management efforts as Chief Operating Officer. Craig was involved since day one in building the team and creating the products that support the many different businesses SpiderRock has today. Before starting SpiderRock with George in 2006, Craig spent his career in a variety of roles including engineering design, manufacturing operations and technology consulting. Craig’s experience is global having lived and worked in both London and Hong Kong. Craig is an engineer by training with his M.B.A from the University of Chicago.

PATRICK READ

Dir. of Sales & Business Development

Patrick Read joined SpiderRock in 2014 as a member of the Sales and Business Development team. Prior to joining SpiderRock, Pat was Director and Head of Derivatives with ITG, Inc. where he ran sales and business development efforts for their global derivatives offering. Prior to ITG, Pat was a Managing Director and Partner at RedSky Financial, LLC where he was instrumental in commercializing and ultimately selling the Broker Dealer to ITG in 2007. His early career was spent on the trading floors and derivative exchanges of Chicago, Frankfurt and London. Pat holds a B.A. from Denison University and now lives in Hinsdale, IL with his wife and 3 sons.

ERIK RASCHKE

Dir. of Customer Support

Erik Raschke joined SpiderRock in 2015 where he leads the client support team as well as handles new client onboarding and integration. Before joining SpiderRock, Erik was a Director at ITG Derivatives for 9 years where he managed client support and operations and was product manager for the options offering. He has held a variety of roles throughout the industry in back-office operations, product management and support. Erik is a graduate of American University in Washington, DC where he received a B.S.B.A in Finance and International Marketing.

David Walthour

Chief Technology Officer

Dave is an experienced quant, engineer, trader, and manager with a focus on equities and index options market making, quantitative equities trading, and low-latency futures trading.  He has designed, built, and supported over a dozen successful trading platforms and strategies in markets across the globe.  He brings his passion for mentoring and leadership to SpiderRock, having led both quantitative and software development teams throughout his career. Dave was a Distinguished Fellow at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College where he earned a PhD in Engineering Sciences.