Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

IPC Systems

IPC Systems, Inc. is a leading global provider of secure, compliant communications platforms and multi-cloud connectivity solutions tailored for the financial markets. Founded in 1973, the company is headquartered in and serves over 7,000 customers worldwide, including major financial institutions, investment banks, and trading firms. With more than 50 years of experience, IPC focuses on delivering ultra-low trading systems, voice communication tools, and network infrastructure that enable , collaboration, and in markets. IPC's origins trace back to the early as a pioneer in specialized voice communication systems for financial trading floors, evolving into a comprehensive solutions provider amid the of global markets. The company has grown through strategic acquisitions, including Intracom Systems in 2025, and innovations, expanding its footprint to support , cloud-based platforms, and secure data connectivity across regions including , , , and . Today, employing approximately 1,400 people, IPC emphasizes ESG principles and partnerships with technology specialists to address evolving challenges like operational resilience and cybersecurity in high-stakes financial environments. At the core of IPC's offerings are its Trading Communication Systems, which provide award-winning platforms for voice, video, and messaging; Network Services for low-latency global connectivity; and IPC Connexus, a financial that facilitates seamless interactions between market participants. These solutions power critical functions such as order execution, distribution, and inter-firm collaboration, with a strong emphasis on compliance with regulations like MiFID II and Dodd-Frank. IPC has earned widespread recognition for its innovations, including Waters Rankings awards as the Best Trading Floor Communication System Provider for 18 consecutive years through 2023, along with 2023 honors such as the Best Cloud Platform for Trading Applications from TradingTech Insight Awards USA and the Cloud Award from SBR Technology Excellence Awards for Connexus ; in 2024, it won Best Provider from Waters Rankings and Best Sell-Side Trading Communication System from Sell-Side Technology Awards.

History

Founding and early development

IPC Systems was founded in 1973 as Interconnect Planning Corporation by , initially operating as a . The company was incorporated following a meeting on 1973 at Nichols' local barber shop with an attorney, marking the formal establishment of the business. Drawing from Nichols' prior experience as a at and Arcata Communications, IPC focused on addressing inefficiencies in communication systems for the financial sector. The company's early breakthrough came in 1973 when Republic National Bank, a client in the bullion market, approached to resolve issues with unreliable trading communications equipment. Instead of merely repairing the existing hardware, Nichols and his team designed the first trading turret system, automating the playback of 'London Fix' prices and freeing up six of the bank's twelve traders for other tasks. This prototype was funded by banker with an investment of $75,000, which enabled a design that reduced wiring requirements by over 80% compared to traditional setups. Known as the Series 1 turret, this innovation provided greater reliability than mechanical alternatives, minimizing trader downtime during an era when the hovered around 800 points and daily NYSE trading volume was approximately 25 million shares. By 1975, IPC's turrets had gained widespread adoption among major banks and stock exchanges, solidifying the company's position in financial communications. Throughout the late and early , IPC expanded its offerings to include private voice lines and data connectivity services, adapting to evolving market demands for faster and more secure trading interactions. This period of growth saw the establishment of offices in key financial hubs, including , , , , , Beverly Hills, , and , reflecting IPC's increasing global footprint.

Ownership changes and expansions

IPC Systems, originally founded in 1973 as a provider of trading communications equipment, underwent its first major ownership change in June 2000 when it was acquired by as part of the latter's purchase of IXnet Communications for $3.8 billion. This acquisition integrated IPC's trading systems into Global Crossing's broader portfolio. However, amid Global Crossing's financial difficulties, the company sold IPC in December 2001 to GS Capital Partners 2000, a affiliated with Group Inc., for $360 million. In October 2006, Silver Lake Partners completed the acquisition of from for approximately $800 million, renaming the entity , and positioning it for further growth in financial communications technology. Silver Lake's ownership supported 's expansion into and network services over the next several years. In December 2014, Silver Lake agreed to sell to for $1.2 billion, with the transaction closing in January 2015; this deal valued the company at a significant premium, reflecting its strengthened market position in trading connectivity solutions. Ownership shifted again in 2021 when Strategic Value Partners (SVP) led a comprehensive recapitalization of , acquiring a 60% stake through a transaction that reduced the company's debt by over $400 million, extended debt maturities by five years, and injected $125 million in new equity capital from SVP and . This restructuring provided IPC with enhanced financial flexibility to invest in technology innovation and global expansion. In January 2024, SVP acquired the remaining 40% stake, achieving full ownership of the company and enabling a unified strategic direction focused on SaaS-based communications and low-latency connectivity. Parallel to these ownership transitions, IPC has pursued growth through strategic acquisitions to broaden its product offerings and market reach. In June 1999, prior to the Global Crossing era, IPC acquired V-Band Corporation, adding approximately 17,000 trading positions to its portfolio and strengthening its position in desktop trading turrets. Under Centerbridge's ownership, IPC expanded significantly in 2016 by acquiring Etrali Trading Solutions, a provider of compliance recording and unified communications systems, which enhanced IPC's capabilities in regulatory compliance for financial institutions. Most recently, in January 2025, IPC acquired Intracom Systems, a specialist in software-based trading communications, further advancing its platform and integration of AI-driven features for global financial markets. These ownership changes and acquisitions have collectively enabled IPC to evolve from a niche trading equipment provider into a leading global firm, serving over 7,000 customers across more than 60 countries with a focus on secure, high-performance communications infrastructure.

Products and services

Trading communications systems

IPC Systems specializes in providing advanced voice and solutions tailored for high-stakes trading environments, enabling seamless connectivity on trading floors worldwide. These systems support critical functions such as voice trading, communications, and collaborative tools, ensuring low-latency interactions essential for market execution and . The cornerstone of IPC's trading communications offerings is the Unigy platform, a software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based unified communications and applications system designed to streamline the trade lifecycle while enhancing productivity and regulatory adherence. Unigy leverages standards-based technology and a service-oriented architecture (SOA) for scalability and flexibility, supporting features like voice turrets, soft clients, and mobile access to accommodate both on-floor and remote traders. It facilitates multi-channel communications, including voice, video, messaging, and data sharing, with built-in compliance tools to meet regulations such as Dodd-Frank and MiFID II. Key components include the Unigy Management System (UMS), which provides real-time monitoring, management, and maintenance of trading infrastructure, offering IT teams visibility into network performance and scalability options for growing operations. The Unigy Soft Client delivers a full-function trading platform deployable from centralized infrastructure, while the Unigy Mobile Client extends secure access to mobile devices for on-the-go communications. Hardware solutions like the IQ/MAX Touch device integrate with Unigy to offer touchscreen-based voice and data handling with enhanced security features, such as and audit trails. Additionally, the Pulse intercom system enables rapid "hoot and holler" connectivity between trading floors and back-office staff, incorporating TV audio feeds and speaker channels for efficient information flow. Connexus Unigy extends these capabilities through a dedicated private cloud delivery model, prioritizing with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications in IPC's data centers. This setup ensures predictable costs via fully managed, SLA-driven services and supports integrations with enterprise applications for centralized management. By enabling secure remote access and collaboration, Connexus Unigy addresses evolving needs in hybrid trading environments, particularly accelerated by global shifts post-pandemic. IPC's systems have earned widespread recognition for their reliability and innovation, including the "Best Trading Floor Communication System Provider" award from Waters Rankings in 2023, marking the 18th such honor for the Unigy platform's role in secure, efficient communications. In 2024, IPC received the Best cloud infrastructure provider award in Waters Rankings for Connexus and the Best sell-side trading communication system in the Sell-Side Technology Awards. These solutions are deployed across over 7,000 customers globally, underscoring their impact on .

Unified platforms and software solutions

IPC Systems offers unified platforms and software solutions tailored for financial trading environments, integrating voice, data, and application functionalities to enhance collaboration and efficiency. The flagship Unigy platform serves as a software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based unified communications and applications system, designed to streamline the trade lifecycle while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational scalability. Unigy leverages a (SOA) built on standards-based technologies, enabling flexible integration of turrets, tools, and applications across markets. Key components include the Unigy Soft Client for desktop-based and the Unigy Client for on-the-go , allowing traders to maintain and data communications from various devices. The platform's Unigy (UMS) provides centralized and management of trading . The Blue Wave Application Development Platform facilitates custom through and software development kits (SDKs), enabling third-party integrations and bespoke applications. These elements support real-time , reducing operational risks and boosting in volatile trading conditions. In January 2025, IPC acquired Intracom Systems, integrating its push-to-talk matrix technology and software-based communications solutions into Unigy to enhance front-to-back office and SaaS offerings for . Complementing Unigy, Connexus Unigy delivers the platform via a dedicated private cloud model, connecting teams, systems, and applications to eliminate fragmented workflows. This cloud-based solution emphasizes through ISO 27001 and 2 compliant data centers, offering predictable annual costs and fully managed agreements (SLAs). technology within Connexus ensures seamless updates and scalability, safeguarding sensitive communications while enabling end-user customization. Overall, these unified solutions have positioned as a leader in trading floor communications, with Unigy recognized for its impact on efficiency and compliance in major regulations like Dodd-Frank and MiFID II.

Network services and IPC Connexus

IPC's Network Services provide ultra-low latency global connectivity solutions essential for real-time and operational in financial markets. These services include (WAN) offerings, voice connectivity, and distribution, supporting seamless interactions between trading venues, liquidity providers, and participants. At the heart of these services is IPC Connexus, a secure financial that interconnects over 7,000 capital market participants across more than 750 cities in 60 countries. Connexus Cloud forms the multi-cloud , delivering low-latency, resilient connectivity with features like in key data centers, (IaaS) powered by partners such as Beeks, and access to emerging markets. The Connexus Extranet enables private, scalable connections for voice, video, data, and applications, while Connexus provides feeds from leading providers in regions including the , , , and emerging markets. Additional components include Connexus ALPHA for direct access to exchanges and liquidity pools, and Connexus Voice for uninterrupted multi-location calling. These solutions comply with global standards for and performance, powering order execution, data distribution, and inter-firm collaboration. In 2024, Connexus Cloud was awarded Best cloud infrastructure provider in the Waters Rankings.

Operations and corporate structure

Global presence and facilities

IPC Systems maintains a global footprint to support its role in providing secure communications and connectivity solutions for financial markets worldwide. The company operates from its headquarters in , , and has established offices across , , and the region, enabling localized support and network integration for clients in key financial hubs. In North America, IPC Systems has its primary operations centered in the United States, with additional facilities in Canada. The headquarters is located at One State Street Plaza, New York, NY 10004, serving as the central hub for strategic decision-making and innovation. Other U.S. offices include locations in Alpharetta, Georgia (2475 NorthWinds Parkway, Suite 200); Anaheim, California; Bensalem, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Fairfield, Connecticut; Houston, Texas; Old Saybrook, Connecticut; and San Francisco, California. In Canada, offices are situated in Toronto (TD Canada Trust Tower, 161 Bay Street, 27th Floor) and Calgary (300, 400-5th Ave. SW). These facilities focus on sales, support, and technical services tailored to the region's trading ecosystems. Europe represents a critical region for IPC Systems, with offices in major financial centers to facilitate compliance with regional regulations and low-latency connectivity. Key locations include , United Kingdom (7 Devonshire Square, 1st Floor); , (Hanauer Landstrasse 164); , (Calle Orense 34, 7º); , France (3 rue , 5th floor); , (Via Torino 42, 4th Floor); , (Erevanskaya street 14, bl1); , (Geneva Business Center, avenue des Morgines 12); and , (Schaffhauserstrasse 104). These sites support voice and data solutions for European exchanges and institutions. In the Asia-Pacific region, IPC Systems extends its presence to accommodate the growing demand in emerging and established markets. Offices are located in and , ; , ; , ; , ; , ; (No. 50 #17-02/03); , ; and , (4F XYMAX Kamiyacho Bldg., 5-12-13 ). These facilities provide region-specific customization, including multilingual support and integration with local networks. Beyond physical offices, IPC Systems operates an extensive network infrastructure, including Points of Presence (PoPs) in strategic locations such as , , , , and in , as well as enhanced capabilities in U.S. markets like , , , and . This network spans nearly 60 countries, connecting over 5,000 on-net locations across more than 700 cities through its financial , ensuring ultra-low for global trading communications.

Leadership and key personnel

IPC Systems' leadership is headed by Chief Executive Officer Kurt Adams, who assumed the role on May 29, 2024, succeeding Bob Santella after a planned transition. Adams brings over 25 years of experience in and , including previous positions as CEO of Financial Services, group president and CEO at Technologies, and roles at U.S. Bank, , Piper Sandler, and ABN AMRO Bank, where he has focused on driving growth and innovation in payments and capital markets. The executive team supports Adams in steering the company's strategic direction, product innovation, and operational efficiency. Vimal Vel serves as , leveraging expertise in and data ecosystems to advance global growth and customer solutions in trading communications. Tim Carmody, as , oversees product strategy, technology development, and IT integrations to enhance IPC's unified platforms. Alex Baren, Chief Operating & Transformation Officer, coordinates major growth initiatives and organizational transformations in collaboration with the board. Adam Bozek, Executive Vice President and , manages legal, corporate development, risk, and compliance functions to ensure regulatory adherence in financial markets. Izzy Dawood, appointed on November 22, 2024, leads financial strategy with over 20 years of experience, including prior CFO roles at CURO Financial Technologies, , and , focusing on growth and operational efficiencies. Tito Dawood, appointed on January 21, 2025, drives global revenue growth with more than 20 years in sales and client relations, previously as at MarketsIO and Chief Revenue Officer at InvestCloud. Meeghan Salcedo, Chief People Officer, leads talent acquisition, diversity efforts, and employee experience programs to foster a high-performance culture. At the board level, Stuart C. Harvey, Jr., was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors effective May 29, 2024, bringing deep expertise from his prior roles as CEO of and Ceridian, and president of Piper Sandler, with a focus on capital markets and . Michael Chin joined as a board member on the same date, contributing insights from his current role as CEO of DUCO, along with experience at Broadway Technology, , and JP Morgan in trading and . These appointments aim to bolster governance and strategic oversight amid IPC's expansion in financial communications. Former CEO Bob Santella, who led IPC for six years until 2024, emphasized customer-centric innovations and market leadership during his tenure, building on the company's legacy in trading systems. The leadership structure reflects IPC's emphasis on experienced professionals from and sectors to navigate competitive dynamics in global capital markets.

References

  1. [1]
    IPC Systems
    IPC is a leading provider of secure, compliant communications and multi-cloud connectivity solutions for the global financial markets.About Us · Contact Us · Careers · Leadership Team
  2. [2]
    About Us | IPC
    **Summary of IPC Systems:**
  3. [3]
    Contact Us - IPC Systems
    Our Offices. North America. New York (Headquarters). One State Street Plaza New York, NY 10004. United States. Alpharetta. 2475 NorthWinds Parkway, Suite 200
  4. [4]
    IPC Systems Inc - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets
    IPC Systems, Inc. provides communication software solutions for financial sector. The Company offers products and services including unified communications.
  5. [5]
    IPC Systems 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Funding & Investors
    Provider of communication and networking systems for the financial market's community intended to anticipate, interact, transact and react to market changes ...
  6. [6]
    Awards | IPC
    ### Notable Awards and Recognitions for IPC Systems
  7. [7]
    IPC at 50: From Barber Shops to Bullion Markets - The Founder's ...
    As we move on from IPC's 50th anniversary year to embrace 2024, I can't help but smile as I reflect on how it all came about back in 1973.
  8. [8]
    IPC Celebrates 40 Years of empowering traders to connect and ...
    It began simply enough in 1973 with a frustrated customer asking a consulting firm to find a way to fix its trading communications equipment so it.
  9. [9]
    Global Crossing to Sell IPC Trading to Goldman-led Group - eWeek
    Nov 19, 2001 · Originally acquired in June 2000 by Global Crossing as part of the acquisition of IXNet, IPC Trading Systems provides desktop trading systems to ...
  10. [10]
    https://www.waterstechnology.com/awards-rankings/7951752/sell-side-technology-awards-2024-best-sell-side-trading-communication-system-ipc-systems
  11. [11]
    Silver Lake Partners completes acquisition of IPC - Finextra Research
    Oct 2, 2006 · Silver Lake Partners completes acquisition of IPC. IPC Information Systems LLC, which has been renamed IPC Systems, Inc., a leading provider ...
  12. [12]
    Silver Lake sells IPC Systems to Centerbridge for $1.2 bln | Reuters
    Dec 1, 2014 · Private equity firm Silver Lake Partners LP sold IPC Systems Inc, a financial trading communications provider, to investment firm Centerbridge Partners LP for ...
  13. [13]
    IPC Systems Announces Comprehensive Agreement to Reduce ...
    Oct 1, 2021 · Agreement includes $125 million in new investments from SVPGlobal and Centerbridge Partners; total debt reduction of more than $400 million.<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    SVP Acquires Remaining 40% of IPC Resulting in Full Ownership
    Jan 9, 2024 · The firm, established by Victor Khosla in 2001, has approximately 200 employees, including approximately 90 investment professionals, across its ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    IPC ACQUISITION CORP. - SEC.gov
    Our business was established in 1973 as Interconnect Planning Corporation to provide telephone equipment specifically designed for the financial trading ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  16. [16]
    IPC Systems Completes Acquisition of Etrali Trading Solutions
    Feb 3, 2016 · It has completed its acquisition of Etrali Trading Solutions (Etrali), a leader in compliance and unified communications solutions.Missing: changes expansions
  17. [17]
    IPC Acquires Intracom Systems to Enhance SaaS Communications ...
    Jan 14, 2025 · IPC, a global leader in trading communications technology and financial market connectivity, has acquired Intracom Systems, a pioneer in software-based ...Missing: history expansions
  18. [18]
    Unigy - IPC Systems
    Unigy Management System (UMS) is an industry-leading solution to monitor, manage and maintain your trading communications infrastructure. ... system to new ...Connexus Unigy · Unigy® Soft Client · Unigy® Mobile Client
  19. [19]
    Waters Rankings 2023: Best trading floor communication system ...
    IPC's Unigy platform is a software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based unified communications and applications platform providing users with compliance, security, ...
  20. [20]
    Unigy® Soft Client - IPC Systems
    Unigy Soft Client for Windows is a full- function, soft trading platform flexibly deployed, managed and maintained from your centralized infrastructure.
  21. [21]
    IQ/MAX Touch - IPC Systems
    IQ/MAX Touch is an advanced and adaptable communication device designed to provide compliance, security, and enhanced user capabilities on IPC's Unigy platform.
  22. [22]
    Hoot and Holler System | Unigy Pulse Intercom - IPC
    The system gives middle- and back-office staff quick connectivity to the trading floor. With hoot, intercom, TV audio and speaker channels, this communication ...
  23. [23]
    Connexus Unigy® | Integrated Trading Platform - IPC Systems
    Elevate your trading capabilities with IPC's Connexus Unigy – a dedicated private cloud delivery that helps safeguard your sensitive data and communications.
  24. [24]
    Waters Rankings 2023: Best trading floor communication system ...
    Jul 14, 2023 · Awards · Events · Resources · Awards & Rankings. Waters Rankings 2023: Best trading floor communication system provider—IPC Systems. Product/ ...
  25. [25]
    Trading Communication Systems | IPC
    IPC's unified trading communications platforms and solutions are designed for financial institutions or professionals in dynamic trading environments.
  26. [26]
    IPC Accelerates Global Expansion by Enhancing Network ...
    IPC's PoPs in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Geneva, Stockholm and Zurich have been enabled to support all of IPC's data and voice solutions.
  27. [27]
    IPC Accelerates Global Expansion by Enhancing Network ...
    IPC has enhanced its network capabilities in five strategic markets including Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta and District of Columbia.
  28. [28]
    IPC Makes It A Double: Named “Best Trading Floor Communications ...
    IPC's global reach extends to nearly 60 countries – including a financial extranet of 5,000 on-net locations in over 700 cities and more than 115,000 turrets ...
  29. [29]
    Kurt Adams to Succeed Bob Santella as CEO of IPC
    May 29, 2024 · As part of the executive leadership changes, Stuart Harvey has been named Chairman of IPC's Board of Directors and Michael Chin has been named ...Missing: founder | Show results with:founder
  30. [30]
    Leadership Team - IPC Systems
    Chief Executive Officer, Kurt Adams, has more than 25 years of experience in financial services and payments industries, setting strategic direction and leading ...Missing: name | Show results with:name