Team of the Week
Team IEX Group
Thinking Big and Doing Good for Causes That Matter
For the team at IEX Group (IEX)—a financial technology company and national stock exchange operator—giving back is a key priority. The firm is keen to make a positive impact both in the markets and in society by contributing its passions and resources to causes that matter – including the Autism Science Foundation, which supports critical research to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to live healthy, full and successful lives.
“IEX is on a mission to make the financial system work better for everyone. We believe this starts with individual effort and integrity,” said IEX Compliance Associate Obi Nwaigwe. “Organizations like the Autism Science Foundation hold a special meaning for us. Our Social Impact Committee, ‘Think Big, Do Good,’ supports organizations and events that align with IEX’s team standards, and the Ride is a fun and community-driven way for us to have a meaningful impact on the lives of people living with ASD.”
Nwaigwe shared that Team IEX is itching to get outside and hit the road and trails together after 18 months of being cooped up in their respective work-from-home environments. Likewise, the team is also looking forward to welcoming a few new faces into the fold.
“Wall Street Rides FAR (WSRF) gives us the opportunity to come together and do something meaningful for an important cause – autism research and awareness—which is so important to the people we love as well as our communities,” said Nwaigwe. “Additionally, IEX has hired dozens of employees in the last year and a half, so the Ride provides a perfect opportunity to meet our new colleagues and unite around a great cause.”
“After the devasting year we all had, from losing loved ones to not seeing family and friends for extended periods of time, companies, including IEX, still found time to participate in the Ride,” added Nwaigwe. “At IEX, we are driven to make our communities better and we’re also motivated to support each other. WSRF gives us the opportunity to do that. It’s not just about checking a box. It was awesome to see so many of my colleagues get involved last year and persevere through a challenging ride and a challenging time. True grit!”
A mission-driven organization and an incredibly passionate supporter of the Ride for many years, IEX has a special connection to the cause, as John Schwall, co-founder of IEX, was the one who introduced Wall Street Rides FAR to his colleagues. Since then, the Ride has become a much-anticipated annual tradition as it champions a cause that hits close to home for so many IEX employees, including Nwaigwe.
“Schwall's passionate work with WSRF over the years led many of us on Team IEX to build a strong commitment to the event and to the Autism Science Foundation,” said Nwaigwe.
“Personally, my cousin is autistic and depends a lot on assisted living and everyday resources that many of us take for granted. He is a fighter who deserves a chance to enjoy life just like every other person, and I am honored to have this opportunity to ride for him and all those with ASD.”
The team at IEX believes that the most impactful work gets done when individuals set aside their differences – they have to “Win Together” to create opportunity for all. By bringing together a diverse group of industry firms, Wall Street Rides FAR is the ultimate example of this.
“Setting aside the competitive nature of the industry, this initiative is bigger than any one of us. I truly believe that all the companies and participants in this event are involved to make a change and provide hope,” said Nwaigwe. “Team IEX and I want to shoutout and thank Hudson River Trading (HRT) for allowing Team IEX to ride alongside them during the virtual Ride last year. It was an incredibly fun time, and perfect example of how when we work together, everybody wins.”