Texas is drawing increased attention from the U.S. trading industry as exchanges, brokers, buy-side firms and technology providers expand their presence in the state. That shift was reflected at this year’s Texas Traders Convention, where attendance topped 400 and discussions focused on competition, regulation and the changing market structure landscape. The emergence of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), alongside expanded activity from NYSE and Nasdaq in the state, is also adding to Dallas’ role in the broader trading ecosystem.

In an interview with Traders Magazine, Stephen Capurso, President of the Dallas Security Traders Association (DSTA) and Head of ETF Issuer Relationships at Old Mission Markets, discusses the growth of the Texas Traders Convention, the impact of increased exchange activity in Texas and the market structure issues traders will be watching over the next year.

What was the attendance at Dallas STA’s Texas Traders Convention this year, and how has the event grown from previous years?

Attendance grew meaningfully this year, not just in numbers but in the breadth of firms represented. We had over 400 attendees at this year’s Texas Traders Convention. We’re seeing more exchanges, brokers, buy-side firms and technology providers investing time in Texas, and that’s reflected directly in our turnout.

How is the emergence of TXSE increasing interest and activity around Dallas STA and its events?

TXSE has undeniably elevated the conversation. Its emergence has brought new attention to Texas as a trading hub, and firms want to be part of that dialogue. We’re seeing more engagement, more sponsorship interest and more market-structure participation because of it.

How are the expanded presences of NYSE and Nasdaq in Texas impacting Dallas STA?

The expanded presence of NYSE and Nasdaq in Texas strengthens our ecosystem. Their investment signals that Texas is becoming more strategically important, and it gives our members more direct access to exchange leadership and resources.

What are the important market structure topics in Texas, aside from the emergence of TXSE?

Much like the rest of the U.S., the regulatory environment is always top of mind, and the SEC’s participation in our annual convention was extremely beneficial for our attendees. Modernization of market structure rules, including Rule 611 and best-execution standards, are current hot topics.

Beyond TXSE, Texas is focused on liquidity access, retail participation trends and the continued growth of regional trading desks. Texas is becoming a proving ground for how national market-structure themes play out at the regional level.

What were the key themes and takeaways from this year’s Dallas STA conference?

The themes this year centered on innovation, competition and preparedness – how firms can adapt to evolving market structure, regulatory expectations and new venues. The conversations were practical, forward-looking and grounded in what traders need right now.

After the discussions in Dallas, what market structure issue do you think traders will be watching most closely over the next 12 months?

Traders will be watching how new venues – including TXSE – integrate into the broader ecosystem, how liquidity shifts and how regulatory developments shape execution quality. The next year will be about adaptation and opportunity.

The image for this article was generated using AI.