The Institute for Financial Markets (IFM) announced the appointment of Mark Holder as secretary and treasurer of the foundation. Dr. Holder is director of Kent State University’s Financial Engineering Program (MSFE) and chairman of the Department of Finance.  

“We are pleased to have Mark assume the responsibilities as IFM’s secretary and treasurer,” says IFM Chairman Peter Borish. “As IFM works toward advancing our mission we know Mark’s help will be invaluable.”

Borish is Chairman and CEO of Computer Trading Corporation, and is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Math for America and the Robin Hood Foundation. The IFM, founded in 1989, focuses its efforts on providing unbiased and balanced information to industry professionals, market-users, investors, and those who shape and implement public-policy for the financial services industry.

“I am truly honored to be joining IFM’s Board of Trustees and look forward to supporting the foundation’s mission and being part of its increased visibility and future growth,” says Dr. Holder.

Prior to joining Kent State, Dr. Holder was a senior economist and group manager at the Chicago Board of Trade, where he participated in the design, launch, and marketing of the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures and futures options contracts. He also was responsible for Asian market intelligence for CBOT strategic analysis research.

The IFM is an independent affiliate of the Futures Industry Association and operates autonomously as a foundation and is governed by a board of trustees separate and apart from the FIA Board of Directors. IFM Trustees are drawn from the principal segments of the industry and provide policy guidance and direction to the foundation. As a nonprofit organization, the IFM funds its activities and development of services from two principal sources: the sale of its products and services and the generous support of a broad range of financial institutions, exchanges, brokerage firms and participants from a variety of market sectors.

Kent State University’s Master of Science in Financial Engineering (MSFE) is a rigorous program requiring 36 credit hours of coursework, including an industry-based project. The curriculum combines quantitative mathematical and financial skills to address derivative securities valuation, portfolio structuring, risk management, and scenario simulation. The MSFE program meets the guidelines established by the International Association of Financial Engineers.

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Media Contact:  Michelle Parrish, Kent State University, Center for Financial Engineering, mparris3@kent.edu, 330-672-2717