NEW YORK — February 9, 2026
Executive Summary
Cantor, a global investment bank and part of the Cantor Fitzgerald group of companies, has announced that it has joined the 24X National Exchange as a member firm, expanding its market connectivity and electronic trading capabilities in U.S. equities. The membership follows regulatory approval granted to 24X in 2024 for extended-hours equity trading and supports Cantor’s broader strategy of providing scalable, technology-driven execution solutions to institutional clients. According to the company, joining the Exchange enhances its ability to support client access across additional trading windows while complementing recent onboarding of other electronic trading venues. The move reflects Cantor’s continued focus on market access, execution quality, and infrastructure expansion within a changing U.S. equity market structure.
Announcement Overview
Cantor announced that it has become a member firm of the 24X National Exchange, a U.S. equities trading venue approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission to offer extended-hours trading. According to the company, the membership broadens Cantor’s electronic trading offering and provides clients with additional venues through which to access U.S. equity markets.
The 24X National Exchange received regulatory approval in 2024 for 23-hour-per-day trading of U.S. equities and began operating a 16-hour-per-day trading schedule in October 2025. Cantor stated that its participation as a member firm aligns with its ongoing efforts to expand connectivity, diversify execution options, and support client trading activity outside of traditional market hours.
The announcement follows a series of infrastructure and platform integrations undertaken by Cantor since the start of 2024. According to the firm, it has onboarded multiple electronic trading platforms during that period as part of a strategy to deliver best execution through resilient, scalable technology. Membership in 24X National Exchange represents an additional step in that expansion.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement classification: Exchange membership expansion / market connectivity update
- Announcement category: Capital markets infrastructure and electronic trading access
- Announcing entity: Cantor
- Legal entity affiliation: Member firm of the Cantor Fitzgerald group of companies
- Action taken: Joined the 24X National Exchange as a member firm
- Exchange joined: 24X National Exchange
- Exchange type: SEC-registered national securities exchange
- Asset class covered: U.S. equities
- Market structure segment: Electronic equities trading venues
- Regulatory authority: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Regulatory milestone referenced: SEC approval granted to 24X in 2024
- Approved trading authorization: Up to 23 hours per trading day (23/5)
- Current operational trading schedule: 16 hours per trading day (16/5), launched October 2025
- Membership status: Active member firm
- Effective timing of membership: Announced February 9, 2026
- Primary purpose of membership: Expand market connectivity and electronic trading access
- Secondary purpose: Enhance execution optionality across extended trading hours
- Client impact stated by company: Increased choice, flexibility, and execution efficiency
- Strategic focus area: Best execution through scalable, technology-driven solutions
- Related platform integrations since 2024: Blue Ocean, Bruce Markets, Moon ATS
- Technology emphasis: Resilient, scalable electronic trading infrastructure
- Geographic market relevance: United States equities markets
- Client segment relevance: Institutional and sophisticated market participants
- Announcement date: February 9, 2026
- Corporate headquarters referenced: New York, United States
Strategic Context
According to Cantor, the decision to join the 24X National Exchange reflects broader developments in U.S. equity market structure, including demand for extended trading hours, increased automation, and greater reliance on electronic execution venues. Market participants have increasingly sought access beyond traditional trading sessions, driven by global investor activity, news flow outside standard hours, and technological advances enabling continuous market access.
Cantor indicated that its electronic trading strategy emphasizes redundancy, flexibility, and connectivity across multiple venues. The firm stated that expanding the range of accessible exchanges supports its objective of delivering best execution under varying market conditions. Participation in an exchange authorized for extended-hours trading allows Cantor to support client activity during additional time windows without relying solely on alternative mechanisms.
The firm also noted that its recent onboarding of multiple trading platforms since 2024 demonstrates a deliberate approach to infrastructure diversification. By integrating with both established and newer venues, Cantor positions itself to adapt to evolving liquidity patterns and regulatory developments within the U.S. equities market.
Expansion of Electronic Trading Capabilities
Cantor stated that its membership in the 24X National Exchange complements existing electronic trading offerings across equities and other asset classes. According to the firm, electronic execution continues to play a central role in how institutional clients access liquidity, manage execution risk, and respond to market volatility.
The company reported that it has focused on deploying scalable technology solutions that support high volumes, rapid execution, and operational resilience. Membership in additional exchanges is intended to strengthen that infrastructure by increasing connectivity options and reducing dependence on a limited number of venues.
Cantor further stated that access to extended trading hours supports clients with global operations, event-driven strategies, or hedging needs that arise outside standard U.S. market sessions. While the firm did not quantify expected volume through the Exchange, it positioned the membership as part of a long-term investment in market access capabilities.
Leadership Commentary from Cantor
“Cantor is focused on staying at the forefront of market access and execution for our clients,” said Pascal Bandelier, Co-CEO and Global Head of Equities at Cantor. “Joining the 24X National Exchange strengthens our electronic trading capabilities and further supports our clients, positioning us to provide best execution and liquidity.”
According to the company, leadership views exchange connectivity as a core component of its equities franchise and an area requiring continuous investment. The firm stated that decisions related to venue participation are guided by execution quality considerations and client demand rather than short-term volume opportunities.
Perspective from 24X National Exchange
24X National Exchange stated that Cantor’s membership adds a global investment bank with established client relationships and broad market presence to its participant base. According to the Exchange, member firms contribute to liquidity formation and market quality as extended-hours trading develops.
“We are pleased to welcome Cantor as a member firm on the Exchange,” said Dmitri Galinov, CEO and Founder of 24X National Exchange. “Cantor’s global reach, strong client relationships, and focus on best-in-class execution align closely with 24X’s mission to deliver a modern, efficient and convenient trading platform for sophisticated market participants.”
The Exchange stated that its platform is designed to support institutional trading activity during extended hours through electronic infrastructure and regulatory oversight consistent with national securities exchange standards.
Extended-Hours Trading and Market Structure
According to publicly available regulatory information referenced by the company, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved 24X National Exchange in 2024 to operate extended-hours trading for U.S. equities, up to 23 hours per trading day. Such approval reflects regulatory recognition of demand for expanded trading windows while maintaining exchange-level oversight.
Cantor stated that extended-hours trading presents both opportunities and considerations for market participants, including liquidity distribution, price discovery, and operational readiness. The firm indicated that participation in regulated exchanges offering extended hours allows it to engage with these developments within a structured framework.
The company did not comment on specific client adoption timelines but noted that access to additional venues provides optionality as market practices evolve.
Technology and Platform Integration Strategy
Since the beginning of 2024, Cantor has onboarded several electronic trading platforms, including Blue Ocean, Bruce Markets, and Moon ATS. According to the firm, these integrations were undertaken to enhance execution quality, redundancy, and access across market environments.
Cantor stated that its platform strategy prioritizes resilience, including the ability to route orders efficiently across venues and manage execution during periods of volatility. The firm emphasized that technology-driven solutions are integral to maintaining service continuity and meeting client expectations.
Membership in the 24X National Exchange adds another regulated venue to this ecosystem. According to the company, integrating with multiple exchanges and trading systems supports both operational risk management and competitive execution capabilities.
Client Access and Execution Considerations
Cantor stated that expanded exchange membership directly affects how clients access liquidity and manage execution strategies. According to the firm, providing additional venues increases flexibility in order routing and may support improved execution outcomes under certain market conditions.
The firm emphasized that best execution remains a central obligation and strategic priority. Cantor indicated that participation in new exchanges is evaluated in the context of regulatory requirements, client needs, and internal risk controls.
While the announcement did not disclose specific client segments expected to utilize extended-hours trading, the firm noted that institutional clients with global exposure or time-sensitive strategies may benefit from broader market access.
Regulatory and Compliance Context
As a member firm of a national securities exchange, Cantor stated that its participation in 24X National Exchange operates within existing regulatory and compliance frameworks. According to the firm, exchange membership entails adherence to exchange rules, SEC regulations, and internal compliance standards.
The company emphasized that its approach to market connectivity balances innovation with regulatory discipline. Cantor stated that it continues to engage with regulatory developments affecting market structure and trading practices.
About Cantor
Cantor is a global investment bank and a part of the Cantor Fitzgerald group of companies. Founded in 1945, the firm has developed a multi-decade presence across global financial markets. Cantor provides services spanning investment banking, capital markets, fixed income and equities sales and trading, prime services, research, and asset management.
Headquartered in New York, Cantor operates more than 60 office locations worldwide, supporting clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and other major financial centers. The firm serves a broad institutional client base, including asset managers, hedge funds, corporations, and financial institutions.
Cantor’s equities business encompasses cash equities, electronic trading, and execution services designed to support institutional trading strategies. As part of the Cantor Fitzgerald group, the firm benefits from integrated market access, technology infrastructure, and global distribution capabilities developed over decades of operation.
Media Contact
Danielle Popper
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement