Trading Technologies International, Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology provider, has been named one of Chicago's Most Innovative Companies for 2026, according to Crain's Chicago Business. TT ranked eighth among 15 companies selected for Crain's 15th annual list based on an independent analysis of the quality of patents awarded in 2025 across Chicago businesses of all sizes and industries.
Crain's said these companies are "pushing boundaries" and "tackling big problems."
TT CEO Justin Llewellyn-Jones said: "It's a tremendous honor to be named one of Chicago's Most Innovative Companies for 2026. As we have grown both organically and through acquisitions – adding new asset classes and services that complement our long-standing trade execution capabilities – innovation has remained central to our strategy. We simplify complex, mission-critical financial market infrastructure challenges, providing our clients with technology that enhances their ability to trade, manage risk and access opportunities worldwide."
Jason Shaffer, EVP, Chief Technology and Product Officer at TT, said: "Our software supports some of the world's most sophisticated and highly regulated trading firms, whose complex workflows demand technology that is both powerful and intuitive. For decades, we have translated that complexity into nuanced functionality for our clients and non-technical users. The patents awarded last year reflect innovations in products they use every day, but patents capture only a fraction of the problems we solve. The broader measure of our innovation is how consistently we turn those solutions into simpler, more effective ways for our clients to work."
Crain's points out that traders now face a whirlwind of data in a world fast approaching a 24/7 cycle, and artificial intelligence "will only increase the volume and speed of data." While TT has already incorporated AI in its data-analytics and many other tools, Shaffer said that because the firm sells to "some of the most highly regulated institutions on earth," just deploying AI is not an option; there is tremendous care and precision involved.
"The first question," he said, "is how do we deploy AI safely in a way that meets the rules and regulations, ensures that a human being is the final decision maker as most jurisdictions globally require, satisfies our clients' risk management needs and more. Our job is to help them navigate these tremendous challenges."
The Crain's recognition marks TT's 25th award to date in 2026 across its portfolio of solutions, spanning order and execution management systems (OEMS), transaction cost analysis (TCA), algorithmic trading, trade surveillance and market data.
