MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC false 0001278021 0001278021 2024-02-21 2024-02-21

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 21, 2024

 

 

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-34091   52-2230784

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

55 Hudson Yards

New York, New York 10001

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(212) 813-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.003 per share   MKTX   NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On February 21, 2024, MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Ilene Fiszel Bieler as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and to act as the Company’s principal financial officer for purposes of the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), effective on her start date with the Company, which is currently expected to be May 22, 2024 (the “Effective Date”).

Ilene Fiszel Bieler, age 55, has served as Executive Vice President, Global Head of Investor Relations and Chief Operating Officer of State Street Global Markets and Global Credit Finance of State Street Corporation (“State Street”), a global financial services and bank holding company, from 2022 to present, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Investor Relations of State Street from 2020 to 2022 and Senior Vice President, Global Head of Investor Relations of State Street from 2017 to 2020. Prior to State Street, Ms. Fiszel Bieler served in various positions, including as Head of Investor Relations and Strategy for the Americas at Barclays plc and Head of Fixed Income Investor and Rating Agency Relations at Citigroup Inc. Ms. Fiszel Bieler holds a B.A. from the University of Arizona and a Master of Urban Planning from New York University.

There are no arrangements or understandings between Ms. Fiszel Bieler and any other person pursuant to which she was appointed to her position. Ms. Fiszel Bieler does not have a family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company and does not have any direct or indirect interest in any transaction in which the Company is a participant that is required to be reported in this Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

On February 21, 2024, the Company entered into the Offer Letter, the Severance Protection Agreement and a Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement with Ms. Fiszel Bieler, each as described below.

Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s Offer Letter

The letter agreement between the Company and Ms. Fiszel Bieler (the “Offer Letter”) provides that she will be employed by the Company as its Chief Financial Officer, effective as of the Effective Date. Pursuant to the terms of the Offer Letter, Ms. Fiszel Bieler will be paid a base salary at an annual rate of $450,000, payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices in effect from time to time. In addition, Ms. Fiszel Bieler will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2009 Employee Performance Incentive Plan or any equivalent annual cash incentive plan adopted by the Company from time to time that is applicable to executive officers in lieu thereof (the “Cash Bonus Plan”). For calendar year 2024, her target year-end cash bonus pursuant to the Cash Bonus Plan is $800,000. Further, the target grant date value of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s year-end equity award pursuant to the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan will be $1.15 million. The award is expected to be comprised equally of (a) a time-based award in the form of restricted stock units or stock options, at her election, and (b) a performance-based award in the form of performance stock units. The time-based portion of such equity award will vest in three substantially equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of such award, subject to Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The structure of the performance-based portion of such equity award will be determined by the Compensation and Talent Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), but is currently expected to cliff-vest on the third anniversary date of the award, subject to the certification of the performance criteria for such award set by the Compensation Committee and her continued service with the Company through the vesting date.

In connection with her hire, Ms. Fiszel Bieler will receive a $1.15 million cash make-whole award (the “Cash Make-Whole Award”) and a $2.7 million equity make-whole award (the “Equity Make-Whole Award”).

The Cash Make-Whole Award, which represents the total value of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s estimated cash bonus and certain unvested deferred cash and equity awards from her prior employer, will be payable as soon as practicable after the Effective Date. The amount of the Cash Make-Whole Award will be reduced by (i) any year-end cash incentive payments provided to Ms. Fiszel Bieler by her current employer that are attributable to calendar year 2023, (ii) certain deferred cash compensation from her current employer that is not forfeited upon the termination of her employment with her current employer and (iii) the value of certain equity awards from her current employer that are not forfeited upon the termination of her employment with her current employer. The Company may recoup the Cash Make-Whole Award from Ms. Fiszel Bieler in certain scenarios, including, if prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, she resigns her employment (other than for a Valid Reason (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement), provides notice of her intent to resign her employment, or if her employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement).

The Equity Make-Whole Award represents the total value of certain of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s unvested deferred cash compensation and unvested equity awards from her prior employer. The Equity Make-Whole Award will be granted on the first business day of the first new calendar month following the Effective Date in the form of restricted stock units and will be scheduled to vest in three substantially


equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of such award, subject to her continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The amount of the Equity Make-Whole Award will be reduced by (i) certain deferred cash compensation from her current employer that is not forfeited upon the termination of her employment with her current employer and (ii) the value of certain equity awards from her current employer that are not forfeited upon the termination of her employment with her current employer. If Ms. Fiszel Bieler resigns with Valid Reason or the Company terminates her employment without Cause prior to the third anniversary of the grant date, the unvested portion of the Equity Make-Whole Award shall immediately vest.

The foregoing description of the Offer Letter is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the letter, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Equity Make-Whole Award is qualified in its entirety to the full text of the agreement, which will be based on the Company’s Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Deferred) for U.S.-based executive officers other than Richard M. McVey pursuant to the MarketAxess Holdings Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s Severance Protection Agreement and Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement

The severance protection agreement between the Company and Ms. Fiszel Bieler (the “Severance Protection Agreement”) provides her with severance payments and benefits upon a qualifying termination of her employment, subject to her execution of a waiver and general release.

The Severance Protection Agreement has an initial term of five years, effective as of the Effective Date, and renews thereafter for successive one-year terms, unless the Company provides written notice of nonrenewal at least 12 months prior to the expiration date of the then-applicable term; provided, that if the agreement is in effect at the time of a Change in Control (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement), the term shall continue in perpetuity thereafter.

Upon: (i) a termination of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s employment by the Company without Cause or upon resignation by Ms. Fiszel Bieler for Valid Reason prior to a Change in Control, or (ii) a termination of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s employment by the Company without Cause or upon resignation by Ms. Fiszel Bieler for Good Reason (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement) following the second anniversary of a Change in Control, she shall receive the following: (i) a severance payment equal to 1.0 times the sum of (x) her base salary (as in effect on the termination date, or if greater, as of immediately prior to the Change in Control) plus (y) the Average Annual Bonus (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement), payable in regular installments over 12 months; (ii) a pro-rata bonus payment for the year of termination equal to the Average Annual Bonus, prorated based on the number of days worked during the year in which termination occurs, payable in a lump sum; (iii) to the extent earned but not paid, the annual bonus for the year preceding the year in which the termination date occurs, generally payable at the same time as other bonuses to senior executives; (iv) payment of any COBRA health and welfare premiums for 12 months following the termination date (or, in lieu thereof, taxable monthly payments in an after-tax amount equal to such COBRA health and welfare premiums); and (v) with respect to any then-unvested equity or equity-based incentive awards, (A) any such award subject solely to time- or service-based vesting shall continue to become vested, exercisable and payable on the same schedule for 12 months following the termination date as if she had remained actively employed, and (B) any such award subject to performance-based vesting shall continue to become vested, exercisable and payable on the same schedule for 12 months following the termination date as if she had remained actively employed (x) based on actual performance for any performance period that is completed during such 12 month period, or (y) based on target performance level for any performance period that is not completed during such 12 month period.

Upon a termination of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s employment by the Company without Cause or resignation by Ms. Fiszel Bieler for Good Reason within two years following a Change in Control, she shall receive the following: (i) a severance payment equal to 1.5 times the sum of (x) her base salary (as in effect on the termination date, or if greater, as of immediately prior to the Change in Control) plus (y) the Average Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum; (ii) a pro-rata bonus payment for the year of termination equal to the Average Annual Bonus, prorated based on the number of days worked during the year in which termination occurs, payable in a lump sum; (iii) to the extent earned but not paid, the annual bonus for the year preceding the year in which the termination date occurs, generally payable at the same time as other bonuses to senior executives; (iv) payment of any COBRA health and welfare premiums for 18 months following the termination date (or in lieu thereof, taxable monthly payments in an after-tax amount equal to such COBRA health and welfare premiums); and (v) with respect to any then-unvested equity or equity-based incentive awards, (A) any such award subject solely to time- or service-based vesting shall immediately vest in full, and (B) any such award subject to performance-based vesting shall immediately vest (x) based on actual performance for any performance period that is completed prior to her termination date, or (y) based on target performance level for any performance period that is not completed prior to her termination date.

Upon a termination of Ms. Fiszel Bieler’s employment due to death or disability, she shall receive the following: (i) a severance payment equal to 0.5 times the sum of (x) her base salary (as in effect on the termination date, or if greater, as of immediately prior to the Change in Control) plus (y) the Average Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum; (ii) a pro-rata bonus payment for the year of termination equal to 0.5 times the Average Annual Bonus, prorated based on the number of days worked during the year in which termination occurs, payable in a lump sum; (iii) to the extent earned but not paid, the annual bonus for the year preceding the year in which the termination date occurs, generally payable at the same time as other bonuses to senior executives; (iv) payment of any COBRA health and welfare premiums for 12 months following the termination date (or in lieu thereof, taxable monthly payments in an after-tax amount equal to such COBRA health and welfare premiums); and (v) with respect to any then-unvested equity or equity-


based incentive awards, (A) any such award subject solely to time-or service-based vesting shall immediately vest in full, and (B) any such award subject to performance-based vesting shall immediately vest (x) based on actual performance for any performance period that is completed prior to her termination date, or (y) based on target performance level for any performance period that is not completed prior to her termination date.

The Severance Protection Agreement also provides that if any payments or benefits paid or provided to each executive would be subject to, or result in, the imposition of the excise tax imposed by Internal Revenue Code Section 4999, then the amount of such payments will be automatically reduced to the minimum extent necessary such that no portion of the payment is subject to the excise tax, unless the executive would, on a net after-tax basis, receive less compensation than if the payment were not so reduced.

The foregoing description of the Severance Protection Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Severance Protection Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3.

In connection with entering into the Severance Protection Agreement, Ms. Fiszel Bieler also executed a Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4.

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure

On February 26, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing that Ms. Fiszel Bieler was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective as of the Effective Date. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference into this Item 7.01.

The information included in this Current Report on Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1 hereto) that is furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section or Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, unless expressly incorporated by specific reference into such filing.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits:

 

10.1    Letter Agreement dated as of February 21, 2024, by and between Ilene Fiszel Bieler and MarketAxess Holdings Inc. †+
10.2    Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Deferred) for U.S.-based executive officers other than Richard M. McVey pursuant to the MarketAxess Holdings Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan
10.3    Severance Protection Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2024, by and between Ilene Fiszel Bieler and MarketAxess Holdings Inc.
10.4    Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2024, by and between Ilene Fiszel Bieler and MarketAxess Holdings Inc.
99.1    Press Release issued by MarketAxess Holdings Inc. on February 26, 2024.
104    Cover Page Interactive File (the cover page tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

Certain confidential information, identified by bracketed asterisks “[*****]” has been omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K because it is both (i) not material and (ii) is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential.

+

Certain schedules and other similar attachments to this exhibit have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The registrant will provide a copy of such omitted documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
Date: February 26, 2024     By:  

/s/ Scott Pintoff

    Name:   Scott Pintoff
    Title:   General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Exhibit 10.1

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, IDENTIFIED BY BRACKETED ASTERISKS “[*****]”,

HAS BEEN OMITTED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) IS

THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.

 

LOGO  

D +1 212-813-6000

F +1 212-813-6060

marketaxess.com

 

55 Hudson Yards, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10001

United States of America

EXECUTION VERSION

February 21, 2024

Ilene Fiszel Bieler

[*****]

[*****]

[*****]

Dear Ms. Fiszel Bieler,

It is my pleasure to confirm our offer for you to join MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) as Chief Financial Officer. You will report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Your start date (“Start Date”) is currently expected to be May 22, 2024, subject to meeting the conditions of employment set forth herein. Your employment shall be on the following terms and conditions:

 

  1.

Base Salary: The Company will pay you a base salary at an annual rate equal to four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($450,000), payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices in effect from time to time. The Company’s current payroll practice is to pay base salary on a semi-monthly basis, on the 15th and last day of each month. If either or both of these days falls on a weekend or Company holiday, you will be paid on the business day preceding the weekend or holiday.

 

  2.

Cash Incentives:

 

  a.

You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2009 Employee Performance Incentive Plan or any equivalent annual cash incentive plan adopted by the Company from time to time that is applicable to executive officers in lieu thereof (the “Cash Bonus Plan”). For calendar year 2024, your target year-end cash bonus pursuant to the Cash Bonus Plan will be eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000). The actual bonus paid to you, however, will be based on, among other things, your individual work performance and the performance of the Company and your department and shall be payable in or about February 2025, or the date annual cash incentives are paid to similarly situated executive officers. In addition, you will be eligible for future year-end cash incentives, which shall be paid by the Company, in its sole discretion. In no event, however, will you be eligible to receive such cash incentive (or any portion thereof), including the cash incentive payment for calendar year 2024, if you are not actively employed by the Company on, or have received or given notice of termination or resignation prior to, the date on which cash incentives are paid to employees generally. Except as otherwise provided herein, all cash incentive payments shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Cash Bonus Plan.

 

  b.

Subject to you signing the promissory note and wage deduction authorization attached as Exhibit A, the Company will pay you a one-time cash bonus of one million one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,150,000) (the “Cash Make-Whole Award”) which will be payable as soon as practical after your Start Date. You shall not vest in the Cash Make-Whole Award until the one-year anniversary of your Start Date, and if you (a) resign your employment, (b) provide notice of your intent to resign your employment, or (c) if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement set forth in Exhibit B) prior to the one-year anniversary of your


  Start Date, you will be required to repay the Cash Make-Whole Award to the Company within thirty (30) days of your termination date; provided, however, if you resign with Valid Reason (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement set forth in Exhibit B) prior to the one-year anniversary of your Start Date, you shall not be required to repay the Cash Make-Whole Award to the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Company terminates your employment without Cause or if your employment is terminated due to death or Disability (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement set forth in Exhibit B) prior the one-year anniversary of your Start Date, you, or in the case of your death, your estate, shall not be required to repay the Cash Make-Whole Award to the Company. The amount of the Cash Make-Whole Award shall be reduced by (i) any year-end cash incentive payments provided to you by your current employer that are attributable to calendar year 2023, (ii) any deferred cash compensation from your current employer that is currently scheduled to vest between February 16, 2024 and December 31, 2024, that is not forfeited upon the termination of your employment with your current employer and (iii) the value of any equity award from your current employer that is currently scheduled to vest between February 16, 2024 and December 31, 2024, that is not forfeited upon the termination of your employment with your current employer.

 

  3.

Equity Incentives:

 

  a.

For calendar year 2024, the target grant date value of your year-end equity award will be one million one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,150,000). The actual equity award granted to you, however, will be based on, among other things, your individual work performance and the performance of the Company and your department. The award will be comprised equally of (a) a time-based award in the form of restricted stock units or stock options, at your election, and (b) a performance-based award in the form of performance stock units, and, in each case, shall be granted in or about February 2025. The time-based portion of such equity award will vest in three substantially equal annual installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of such award, subject to your continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The structure of the performance-based portion of such equity award will be determined by the Compensation and Talent Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), but is currently expected to cliff-vest on the third anniversary date of the award, subject to the certification of the performance criteria for such award set by the Compensation Committee and your continued service with the Company through the vesting date. In addition, you will be eligible for year-end equity incentives for future calendar years, which shall be granted by the Company in its sole discretion based on individual and company performance. In no event, however, will you be eligible for such equity incentive (or any portion thereof) if you are not actively employed by the Company on, or have received or given notice of termination or resignation prior to, the date on which equity incentives are granted to employees generally.

 

  b.

On the first business day of the first new calendar month following your Start Date (the “Award Date”), subject to the conditions described herein, you will be granted a one-time restricted stock unit award (the “Equity Make-Whole Award” and together with the awards described in Section 3.a., the “Equity Awards”) of the Company’s common stock with a grant date value of two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000). The award will vest in three substantially equal annual installments on each anniversary of the Award Date subject to your continued service to the Company; provided, however, if you resign with Valid Reason or the Company terminates your employment without Cause prior to the third anniversary of the grant date, the unvested portion of the Equity Make-Whole Award shall immediately vest. The amount of the Equity Make-Whole Award shall be reduced by: (i) any deferred cash compensation from your current employer that is currently scheduled to vest after December 31, 2024, that is not forfeited upon the termination of your employment with your current employer and (ii) the value of any equity award from your current employer that is currently scheduled to vest after December 31, 2024 that is not forfeited upon the termination of your employment with your current employer.

 

2


  c.

The actual number of shares underlying the Equity Awards will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion in accordance with its equity granting practices.

 

  d.

The Equity Awards will be governed by the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), the Guidelines for Restricted Stock Units granted under the Equity Incentive Plan, if applicable, and the form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, Stock Options Agreement or Performance Stock Unit Agreement, in each case, as applicable and as determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

  e.

The Equity Awards are subject to the approval of the Company’s Compensation Committee and the full execution of an award agreement(s) by you and the Company. The Equity Awards are also contingent on your being employed with the Company on the date of grant and will only vest subject to your continued service with the Company through each applicable vesting date. Once you reach the age of 60, the Company will meet with you at your request to discuss your anticipated retirement date and the Company will take such anticipated date into consideration when designing the vesting schedules or retirement provisions of any equity awards granted to you after the date of such meeting.

 

  f.

You will be subject to share ownership guidelines (“SOGs”) of three times your then current base salary as set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. You are expected to comply with this provision while employed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The SOGs may change from time to time as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion, as recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

  4.

Employment At-Will: You will be an employee at-will, and either you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without Cause by providing (a) two weeks’ notice by the Company or (b) three months’ notice by you. The Company may terminate the employment relationship immediately without notice with Cause. During your employment, it is expected that you will devote your full business efforts and time to the Company.

 

  5.

Severance Protection Agreement and Restrictive Covenant Agreement: Notwithstanding that you will be an employee at-will, you shall be entitled to the benefits, and bound by the obligations, as set forth in the Severance Protection Agreement set forth as Exhibit B. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Offer Letter and the Severance Protection Agreement, you shall sign and deliver to the Company the Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) attached as Exhibit C hereto. You understand and agree that the Company would not hire you, provide you with this Offer Letter or execute the Severance Protection Agreement unless you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

 

  6.

Taxes; 409A: All amounts of compensation paid to you, including the one-time cash signing bonus described above, shall be paid subject to applicable taxes and deductions as required by law. The parties agree that this Offer Letter shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder to the extent applicable (collectively, “Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Offer Letter shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. In no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on you under Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A. The Severance Protection Agreement includes additional terms and conditions, including in relation to taxes, that shall apply to your employment with the Company and any termination thereof.

 

3


  7.

Company Policies: You will be subject to all rules and policies, including (a) those set forth in the Company’s employee handbook, applicable to employees of the Company generally or at your level or in your position and (b) any compensation recapture policies established by the Board (or any committee thereof) generally applicable to the Company’s executive officers from time to time, in its sole discretion, including the MarketAxess Holdings Inc. Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Policy and the MarketAxess Holdings Inc. Incentive-Based Compensation Recovery Policy. You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefits plans and programs, including life, health, dental and disability insurance and an employer matched 401(k) plan, in accordance with their terms from time to time as determined by the Company. Your benefit plan eligibility may be limited by the terms and conditions of the Company’s benefit plans as in effect from time to time.

 

  8.

Representations & Warranties: By signing this Offer Letter, you represent and warrant that: (i) you are not currently subject to any agreement, restriction or legal obligation that would prevent you from being employed by the Company or limit your ability to perform your duties as an employee of the Company, including any restrictive covenants or non-competition agreements that in any way restrict your ability to engage in or solicit business of any type engaged in by the Company or participate in recruiting or staffing efforts on behalf of the Company; (ii) your accepting this offer and agreeing to employment with the Company under these terms will not conflict with, violate or constitute a breach or otherwise violate the terms of any legal obligation, restrictive covenant, or other agreement to which you are a party and that you are not required to obtain the consent of any person, firm, corporation or other entity in order to accept this offer of employment; (iii) you will not use or disclose in your employment with the Company any confidential or proprietary information in which any third party has an interest unless you have obtained authorization for possession and use of such materials or documents; and (iv) you will return all property and confidential information belonging to any prior employer before your commencement of employment with the Company unless you have obtained authorization for possession and use of such materials or documents.

 

  9.

Entire Agreement: This Offer Letter, including the Severance Protection Agreement and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement referenced herein, represents the entire agreement between you and MarketAxess regarding your employment with the Company and supersedes any and all previous and contemporaneous agreements and representations, written or oral. This Offer Letter may not be changed or terminated except in writing signed by the Company.

 

  10.

Waiver/Arbitration: By accepting this offer of employment, you agree to submit any and all claims you may have against the Company on an individual basis. This means that no claim (including any claim related to terms or conditions of your employment with or compensation paid by the Company, or any change in or termination of your employment) may be litigated or otherwise adjudicated on a class or collective basis. You also hereby waive any right to submit, initiate, or participate in a representative capacity or as a plaintiff, claimant, or member in a class action, collective action, or other representative or joint action against the Company, regardless of whether the action is filed in a judicial or administrative forum.

Any “Covered Claim” shall first be settled through good faith negotiation. If the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the parties agree to submit the dispute for mediation administered by JAMS, unless doing so would be futile. If the parties are unsuccessful at resolving the dispute through negotiation or mediation, the parties agree to arbitration administered by JAMS pursuant

 

4


to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures. “Covered Claims” include disputes, claims, or causes of action or controversies relating to the offer letter, the breach thereof or your employment with the Company and include, but are not limited to, claims for breach of any contract, tort claims, claims for wages, bonuses, or other compensation, claims for discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on any protected class, characteristic, or trait under federal, state, or local law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, “Covered Claims” do not include whistleblower retaliation claims under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) or the Dodd-Frank Act that cannot be arbitrated as a matter of law or any other claims that, as a matter of law, the parties cannot be compelled to arbitrate under applicable federal, state, or local law. The arbitration shall be arbitrated by a single arbitrator mutually selected by you and the Company, with JAMS to appoint the arbitrator in the event that the parties are unable to agree on the selection within thirty days following the initiation of the arbitration. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that in connection with any such arbitration and regardless of outcome (a) each party shall pay all its own costs and expenses, including without limitation its own legal fees and expenses (other than as provided in any fee shifting statute that provides for attorneys’ fees to a prevailing party). 

 

  11.

Miscellaneous: You understand that in the future, the Company may become subject to new or modified laws or regulatory guidance concerning the compensation of its employees. By accepting this offer of employment, you hereby acknowledge the Company’s responsibilities in this regard, and recognize that, as a consequence of any such legal or regulatory change(s), the Company may be required to, and hereby reserves the right to, restructure any aspect of the compensation package outlined in this letter to the extent the Company, in its sole discretion, deems it necessary to do so. This Offer Letter shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof. By signing below and accepting the terms of this Offer Letter, you agree that the Company may assign this Offer Letter to any successor or assign.

The Company will provide you with various documentation that must be completed prior to your first day of employment including, but not limited to, an employment application. This offer and/or your continued employment is also contingent upon the Company’s satisfactory confirmation of prior employment and references, as well as your successful completion of all facets of the Company’s pre-employment screening process, which may include a screening test for illegal drugs and controlled substances, confirmation that you are legally able to work for the Company in the United States in the position offered to you, and a background investigation.

Please indicate your understanding and acceptance by executing the below.

We are excited about the prospect of you joining the Company. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

 

Yours truly,

  

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.

  

/s/ Julie Sheffet

  

Julie Sheffet

  

Chief Human Resources Officer

  
Accepted:   /s/ Ilene Fiszel Bieler     Date: February 21, 2024
  Ilene Fiszel Bieler      

 

5

Exhibit 10.2

Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-Deferred)

for U.S. based Executive Officers other than Mr. McVey

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

PURSUANT TO THE

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC. 2020 EQUITY

INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made as of [Award Date] (the “Grant Date”) by and between MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) and xxx (the “Participant”).

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) adopted The MarketAxess Holdings Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (as may be amended and/or restated from time to time) (the “Plan”) which is administered by a Committee appointed by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Plan, the Committee has adopted guidelines (the “Guidelines”) for the grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Company, through the Committee, wishes to grant to the Participant RSUs as set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:

 

1.

Grant of RSUs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Guidelines and this Agreement, on the Grant Date the Company awarded to the Participant xxx RSUs. The RSUs hereunder are not Deferrable RSUs and are not eligible for deferral under Section 4 of the Guidelines.

 

2.

Vesting. Unless otherwise set forth in an agreement between the Participant and the Company, the RSUs shall become vested pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan on the dates set forth below (which constitute the “Original Vesting Schedule”) if the Participant has been continuously providing service to the Company until such date.

xxx on [vest date 1]

xxx on [vest date 2]

xxx on [vest date 3]

There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to the applicable vesting dates and all vesting shall occur only on the appropriate vesting date.

If a Qualified Retirement occurs, any remaining unvested RSUs granted hereunder shall be settled in Common Stock within 30 days following the date such unvested RSUs would have otherwise vested in accordance with the Original Vesting Schedule, regardless of whether the Participant continues to provide services to the Company; provided that if, prior to the last vesting date set forth in the Original Vesting Schedule, the Participant


undertakes any business activity or employment in the financial services or fintech industries without the prior written consent of the Company or breaches any of the terms and conditions of the Restrictive Covenants, any RSUs which have not yet been settled will be forfeited immediately for no consideration.

A “Qualified Retirement” shall occur upon the first date on which all the following criteria have been satisfied: (i) the Participant is at least fifty-eight (58) years old, (ii) the Participant has at least ten (10) continuous years of service with the Company, (iii) the Participant has given to the Company twelve (12) months’ advance notice of the Participant’s intent to cease providing services to the Company and comply with the Restrictive Covenants, and (iv) such twelve (12) month period has elapsed; provided, that the Participant has not voluntarily stopped providing service to the Company through such twelve (12) month period.

Restrictive Covenants” shall mean any written post-termination of employment covenants between the Participant and the Company or any of its affiliates prohibiting or restricting competition, the solicitation of clients or employees or the sharing of confidential information, including any such covenants set forth in a Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement; provided, however; for purposes of this Agreement, the term of such Restrictive Covenants shall be deemed to extend to the last vesting date set forth in the Original Vesting Schedule.

 

3.

Forfeiture. Notwithstanding anything else set forth herein, this grant of RSU’s, and any of Participant’s rights and benefits with respect to this Agreement (including all unvested RSUs and vested but unpaid RSUs), shall be immediately forfeited upon the Company’s determination that Participant: (i) has violated any laws, regulations or material Company policies, (ii) breached any written agreement with the Company, including any Restrictive Covenants that may apply to the Participant t or (iii) engaged in any other conduct that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company.

 

4.

Securities Representations. The grant of the RSUs and any issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement are being made by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant.

The Participant acknowledges, represents and warrants that:

 

  (a)

he or she has been advised that he or she may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in this connection the Company is relying in part on his or her representations set forth in this section;

 

  (b)

if he or she is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, the Common Stock must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to such Common Stock and the Company is under no obligation to register the Common Stock (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”);

 

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  (c)

if he or she is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, he or she understands that the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (i) a public trading market then exists for the Common Stock, (ii) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with; and that any sale of the Common Stock may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions.

 

5.

Not an Employment or Service Agreement. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the grant of RSUs hereunder constitute an agreement by the Company to employ or retain or to continue to employ or retain the Participant during the entire, or any portion of, the term of this Agreement.

 

6.

Miscellaneous.

 

  (a)

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal legal representatives, successors, trustees, administrators, distributees, devisees and legatees. The Company may assign to, and require, any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or any affiliate by which the Participant is employed to expressly assume and agree in writing to perform this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may not assign this Agreement.

 

  (b)

This award of RSUs shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or stockholders of the Company to make or authorize an adjustment, recapitalization or other change in the capital structure or the business of the Company, any merger or consolidation of the Company or subsidiaries, any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common Stock, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any sale or transfer of all or part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.

 

  (c)

The Participant agrees that the award of the RSUs hereunder is special incentive compensation and that it, any dividends paid thereon (even if treated as compensation for tax purposes) will not be taken into account as “salary” or “compensation” or “bonus” in determining the amount of any payment under any pension, retirement or profit-sharing plan of the Company or any life insurance, disability or other benefit plan of the Company.

 

  (d)

No modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom it is sought to be enforced.

 

  (e)

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one contract.

 

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  (f)

The failure of any party hereto at any time to require performance by another party of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the right of such party to require performance of that provision, and any waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any continuing or succeeding breach of such provision, a waiver of the provision itself, or a waiver of any right under this Agreement.

 

  (g)

The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way restrict or modify any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

  (h)

All notices, consents, requests, approvals, instructions and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and validly given or made when delivered, or on the second succeeding business day after being mailed by registered or certified mail, whichever is earlier, to the persons entitled or required to receive the same, at the addresses set forth at the heading of this Agreement or to such other address as either party may designate by like notice. Notices to the Company shall be addressed to the Compensation Committee of the Board with a copy to General Counsel, MarketAxess Holdings Inc., 55 Hudson Yards, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

 

  (i)

This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and governed and the legal relationships of the parties determined in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware without reference to rules relating to conflicts of law.

 

7.

Provisions of Plan and Guidelines Control. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan and the Guidelines, including, without limitation, the amendment provisions thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan and the Guidelines as may be adopted by the Committee and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan and the Guidelines are incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Plan and the Guidelines have been delivered to the Participant. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan and the Guidelines, the Plan and the Guidelines shall control, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be modified accordingly. Unless otherwise indicated, any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan or the Guidelines. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof (other than any other documents expressly contemplated herein or in the Plan or the Guidelines) and supersedes any prior agreements between the Company and the Participant.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.

 

Christopher R. Concannon
Chief Executive Officer

 

PARTICIPANT
 

 

xxx

 

5

Exhibit 10.3

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.

SEVERANCE PROTECTION AGREEMENT

THIS SEVERANCE PROTECTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of February 21, 2024, by and between MarketAxess Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Ilene Fiszel Bieler (the “Executive”). This Agreement shall be effective upon your Start Date (the “Effective Date”) as defined in the Letter Agreement between you and the Company, dated as of February 21, 2024 (the “Offer Letter”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Executive is a senior management employee of Company;

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes the value of the Executive to the Company and has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to ensure the Company of the Executive’s continued attention and dedication to duty, and to ensure the availability of the Executive’s continued service, including in the event of a Change in Control of the Company; and

WHEREAS, in order to fulfill the above purposes, and recognizing that the Executive shall be entitled to rely on various benefits, the Compensation and Talent Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is appropriate and in the best interests of the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1. Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall initially be for a period of five (5) years following the Effective Date, and shall renew thereafter for successive one (1) year terms, unless the Company provides written notice to the Executive at least twelve (12) months prior to any then-applicable expiration date of its intent not to renew the Agreement; provided, that if this Agreement is in effect at the time of a Change in Control, then the Term shall continue in perpetuity thereafter. In addition, the Term shall not terminate while any payment or benefit obligation of the Company that is triggered hereunder shall remain outstanding. The Term shall automatically terminate upon a termination of Executive’s employment that does not entitle the Executive to the severance benefits provided hereunder. The Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement executed by you as a condition of your employment (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) shall survive the end of the Term and any termination of this Agreement.

2. Severance Benefits Outside of the Change in Control Protection Period. If (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or the Executive resigns for Valid Reason prior to the effective date of a Change in Control, or (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case, following the expiration of the CIC Protection Period (as defined below), in each case, the Company shall provide the Executive with the following payments and benefits, in addition to the Accrued Payments:

(a) Severance Payment. An amount equal to 1.0 times the sum of (A) the Executive’s Base Salary plus (B) the Executive’s Average Annual Bonus, payable in regular installments over 12 months in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices beginning on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, with the first such installment including any accrued but unpaid amounts;

(b) Prorated Bonus Payment; Prior Year Bonus. An amount equal to the Average Annual Bonus, prorated based on the number of days during the year of termination that the Executive was employed prior to the Termination Date, payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date. In addition, to the extent not paid as of the Termination Date, the annual bonus (if any) earned by the Executive for the year immediately preceding the year in which the Termination Date occurs, determined in good faith on a basis consistent with the Company’s annual incentive compensation program and payable at the same time as bonuses paid to senior executives of the Company, or, if later, the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date;


(c) Medical Benefits. If continued coverage under the Company’s health and welfare plans is timely elected by the Executive, payment of any COBRA health and welfare premiums for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Company determines that payment or reimbursement of COBRA health and welfare premiums would violate the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company will, in lieu thereof, for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date provide the Executive with a taxable monthly payment, payable on the last day of a given month, in an after-tax amount equal to such COBRA health and welfare premiums for the Executive (i.e., grossed up for all taxes on such payment); and

(d) Equity Vesting. With respect to any outstanding equity or equity-based incentive awards held by the Executive under any Company equity incentive plans that are not vested as of the Termination Date: (A) except as set forth in the Offer Letter with respect to the Equity Make-Whole Award (as defined in the Offer Letter), any such award subject solely to time- or service-based vesting shall continue to become vested, exercisable and payable on the same schedule over the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date as if the Executive had remained actively employed, and (B) any such award subject to performance-based vesting shall continue to become vested, exercisable and payable on the same schedule over the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date as if the Executive had remained actively employed (x) based on actual performance for any performance period that is completed during such twelve (12) month period, or (y) based on target performance level for any performance period that is not completed during such twelve (12) month period. Executive’s outstanding equity awards shall otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions that apply under the applicable equity plan and award agreements.

3. Severance Benefits During the Change in Control Protection Period. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in either case during the period beginning on the effective date of a Change in Control and ending on the second anniversary following such effective date (the “CIC Protection Period”), the Company shall provide the Executive with the following payments and benefits, in addition to the Accrued Payments:

(a) Severance Payment. An amount equal to 1.5 times the sum of (A) the Executive’s Base Salary plus (B) the Executive’s Average Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date;

(b) Prorated Bonus Payment; Prior Year Bonus. An amount equal to the Average Annual Bonus, prorated based on the number of days during the year of termination that the Executive was employed prior to the Termination Date, payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date. In addition, to the extent not paid as of the Termination Date, the annual bonus (if any) earned by the Executive for the year immediately preceding the year in which the Termination Date occurs, determined in good faith on a basis consistent with the Company’s annual incentive compensation program, and payable at the same time as bonuses paid to senior executives of the Company, or, if later, the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date;

(c) Medical Benefits. If continued coverage under the Company’s health and welfare plans is timely elected by the Executive, payment of any COBRA health and welfare premiums for eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Company determines that payment or reimbursement of COBRA health and welfare premiums would violate the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company will, in lieu thereof, for eighteen (18) months following the Termination Date provide the Executive with a taxable monthly payment, payable on the last day of a given month, in an after-tax amount equal to such COBRA health and welfare premiums for the Executive (i.e., grossed up for all taxes on such payment); and

 

2


(d) Equity Vesting. With respect to any outstanding equity or equity-based incentive awards held by the Executive under any Company equity incentive plans that are not vested as of the Termination Date: (A) any such award subject solely to time- or service-based vesting shall immediately vest in full, and (B) any such award subject to performance-based vesting shall immediately vest (x) based on actual performance for any performance period that is completed prior to the Termination Date, or (y) based on target performance level for any performance period that is not completed prior to the Termination Date. Executive’s outstanding equity awards shall otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions that apply under the applicable equity plan and award agreements.

(e) Section 280G Reduction. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that it is determined that any payments or benefits provided hereunder, together with any payments or benefits to be provided under any other plan, program, arrangement or agreement, would constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and would, but for this Section 3(e), be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or any similar tax under state or local law or any interest or penalties with respect to such taxes (the “Excise Tax”), then the amounts of any such payments or benefits under this Agreement and such other arrangements shall be either (i) paid in full or (ii) reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the payments or benefits is subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing (i) or (ii) results in the Executive’s receipt on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of payments and benefits after taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and excise taxes (including the Excise Tax). Any such reduction shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and shall include prompt repayment by the Executive of any payments or benefits that are determined to be subject to such reduction and that have previously been paid or provided to the Executive. Any determination required under this Section 3(e) shall be made in writing in good faith by a nationally recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company, whose determination shall be final and binding.

4. Termination Due to Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated due to death or Disability, the Company shall provide the Executive with the following payments and benefits, in addition to the Accrued Payments:

(a) Severance Payment. An amount equal to 0.5 times the sum of (A) the Executive’s Base Salary plus (B) the Executive’s Average Annual Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date;

(b) Prorated Bonus Payment; Prior Year Bonus. An amount equal to 0.5 times the Average Annual Bonus, prorated based on the number of days during the year of termination that the Executive was employed prior to the Termination Date, payable in a lump sum on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date. In addition, to the extent not paid as of the Termination Date, the annual bonus (if any) earned by the Executive for the year immediately preceding the year in which the Termination Date occurs, determined in good faith on a basis consistent with the Company’s annual incentive compensation program and payable at the same time as bonuses paid to senior executives of the Company, or, if later, the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date;

(c) Medical Benefits. If continued coverage under the Company’s health and welfare plans is timely elected by the Executive, payment of any COBRA health and welfare premiums for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date; provided, however, that if the Company determines that payment or reimbursement of COBRA health and welfare premiums would violate the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Company will, in lieu thereof, for twelve (12) months following the Termination Date provide the Executive with a taxable monthly payment, payable on the last day of a given month, in an after-tax amount equal to such COBRA health and welfare premiums for the Executive (i.e., grossed up for all taxes on such payment); and

 

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(d) Equity Vesting. With respect to any outstanding equity or equity-based incentive awards held by the Executive under any Company equity incentive plans that are not vested as of the Termination Date: (A) one hundred percent (100%) of any such award subject solely to time- or service-based vesting shall immediately vest in full; and (B) one hundred percent (100%) of any such award subject to performance-based vesting shall immediately vest (x) based on actual performance for any performance period that is completed prior to the Termination Date, or (y) based on target performance level for any performance period that is not completed prior to the Termination Date. Executive’s outstanding equity awards shall otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions that apply under the applicable equity plan and award agreements.

In addition to the payments and benefits provided in this Section 4, the Executive shall remain eligible for benefits under the Company’s existing life and disability insurance plans in which the Executive participates, in accordance with the terms of such plans.

5. Release of Claims. The Company’s obligation to provide the severance payments and benefits set forth in Sections 2, 3, and 4 (other than the Accrued Payments) (the “Severance Benefits”) shall be subject to and contingent upon (a) the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s or legal guardian’s, in the case of death or incapacity) execution and delivery to the Company of a general release of claims and covenant not to sue substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release Agreement”) on or within 21 days (or 45 days, if applicable under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act) following the Termination Date, and (b) such Release Agreement becoming effective following the 7-day revocation period in accordance with its terms (the date on which the Release Agreement becomes effective and irrevocable, the “Release Effective Date”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there is a dispute regarding the characterization of the Executive’s termination of employment as a termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, the release consideration period shall toll until such dispute is resolved. For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive shall forfeit the Severance Benefits if such Release Agreement has not been timely executed and returned to the Company and become effective and irrevocable. The Company shall endeavor to provide to the Executive the Release Agreement on or within three (3) days following the Termination Date, and shall countersign the Release Agreement if timely executed and returned to the Company by the Executive.

6. Other Terminations. If the Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason other than those set forth in Sections 2, 3, and 4, the Accrued Payments shall be the sole and exclusive payments or benefits to which the Executive shall be entitled in respect of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company under this Agreement, and no Severance Benefits shall be paid or provided.

7. Indemnification. The Executive shall be covered under the indemnification provisions of the Company’s charter and bylaws in effect from time to time on terms and conditions no less favorable to the Executive than those provided to directors of the Company generally. Following the Termination Date, the Company will indemnify, and cover the Executive under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, for the same period and on the same basis as the directors of the Company generally, which liability insurance shall at all times provide coverage in an amount that is reasonable and customary for companies of a similar size in the Company’s industry.

8. Restrictive Covenant Agreement. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Executive shall have signed and delivered to the Company the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

9. Notice; Resignation from Positions. The Executive must provide the Company with three months’ notice prior to any resignation of employment other than for Good Reason following a Change in Control (the “Notice Period”); provided that the Company may, in its sole discretion, make the date of Executive’s resignation effective earlier than any such notice date. The Company may require the Executive to remain away from work on full pay during any portion of the Notice Period and on such conditions as the Company may specify; provided that the Company’s exercise of such right shall neither constitute Good Reason nor, in the case of Executive’s voluntary resignation, change the nature of the Executive’s termination of employment. Furthermore, upon termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive

 

4


shall promptly (i) resign from all positions (including, without limitation, any management, officer or director position) with the Company and its affiliates and (ii) relinquish any power of attorney, signing authority, trust authorization or Company account signatory authorization that the Executive may hold on behalf of the Company or its affiliates.

10. Section 409A.

(a) The parties agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder to the extent applicable (collectively, “Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. In no event whatsoever will the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

(b) A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment,” the Termination Date or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” no such payment or benefit shall be made or provided prior to the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). All payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 10 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed on the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period to the Executive in a lump sum without interest, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

(c) For purposes of Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within 10 business days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company. If the twenty-nine (29) day period (or fifty-three (53) day period, as applicable) following the Termination Date ends in the calendar year following the year that includes such Termination Date, then payment of any amount that is conditioned upon the execution of the Release Agreement and is subject to Section 409A shall not be paid until the first day of the calendar year following the year that includes the Termination Date, regardless of when the Release Agreement is signed. All expenses or other reimbursements as provided herein shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time, but in any event shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by the Executive; no such reimbursement or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year; and the Executive’s right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchanged for any other benefit.

11. Certain Defined Terms. For the purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “Accrued Payments” shall mean all base salary earned or accrued but unpaid through the Termination Date, payment for all vacation days accrued but unused through the Termination Date, and reimbursement for any reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by the Executive through the Termination Date, determined in accordance with Company policy.

 

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(b) “Average Annual Bonus” shall mean the average of the Executive’s annual cash bonus amounts earned and payable (without regard to any deferral or payment in another form) for the Company’s three (3) fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Termination Date occurs (or, if greater, immediately preceding the year in which a Change in Control occurs); provided that (x) if there have been only two annual cash incentives that have been paid to the Executive, the amount shall be calculated using the average of the cash bonuses for those two years, (y) if there has been only one annual cash incentive that has been paid to the Executive, the amount shall be calculated using the cash bonus for that year, and (z) if the termination occurs prior to any annual cash incentive being paid to the Executive, the amount shall be deemed to be the full amount of your target annual cash incentive for the 2024 calendar year, as set forth in Section 2(a) of your Offer Letter).

(c) “Base Salary” shall mean the amount of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect on the Termination Date or, if greater, as of immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control.

(d) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e) “Cause” shall mean the Executive’s: (A) willful misconduct, gross misconduct, or gross negligence in the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company that is not cured by the Executive within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s receipt of written notice given to the Executive by the Company, (B) the Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime relating to the Company or any of its affiliates, or any felony, (C) a material breach by the Executive of any material written agreement (including the Restrictive Covenant Agreement) entered into between the Executive and the Company, or any material written policy of the Company signed by the Executive, in each case that, if curable, is not cured by the Executive within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s receipt of written notice given to the Executive by the Company, (D) the Executive’s intentional failure or refusal to follow a lawful and proper direction of the Board or the Company’s Chief Executive Officer that is not cured by the Executive within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s receipt of written notice given to the Executive by the Company, or (E) any other conduct by the Executive, whether or not in the course of performing the Executive’s responsibilities to the Company, that has or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets or reputation of the Company and that is not cured by the Executive within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s receipt of written notice given to the Executive by the Company.

(f) “Change in Control” shall mean, and shall have occurred, if:

(i) any Person (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s common stock), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

(ii) during any period of two consecutive years (the “Board Measurement Period”) individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in paragraph (i), (iii), or (iv) of this section, or a director initially elected or nominated as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any Person other than the Board) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the Board Measurement Period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board;

 

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(iii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person (other than those covered by the exceptions in (i) above) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control of the Company; or

(iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets other than (i) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Person or Persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale or (ii) pursuant to a spinoff type transaction, directly or indirectly, of such assets to the stockholders of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code with respect to the payment of “nonqualified deferred compensation,” “Change in Control” shall be limited to a “change in control event” as defined under Section 409A of the Code.

(g) “Disability” shall mean the Executive’s having a permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

(h) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

(i) “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following events that are not cured by the Company within thirty (30) days after the Company’s receipt of written notice from the Executive specifying the event claimed to be Good Reason (the “Cure Period”): (i) an adverse change in the Executive’s title; (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities or responsibilities or the assignment to the Executive of duties or responsibilities that are materially adversely inconsistent with Executive’s then position; (iii) a reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary or annual target incentive bonus (as a percentage of Base Salary); (iv) a requirement by the Company that the Executive’s principal place of work be moved to a location more than fifty (50) miles away from its current location; (v) the Company provides written notice to the Executive of its intent not to renew this Agreement or (vi) the failure of the Company to obtain and deliver to the Executive a reasonably satisfactory written agreement from any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to assume and agree to perform this Agreement. For the Executive’s resignation to be considered a resignation for Good Reason, the Executive shall be required to provide the Company with written notice of the existence of Good Reason no later than forty-five (45) days after the date on which the Executive has had, or should have had, actual knowledge of the event that is alleged to constitute Good Reason, the Company shall notify the Executive no later than the end of the Cure Period whether it agrees that a Good Reason event has occurred (and if it has occurred, whether the Company intends to cure it), and the Executive must actually resign within ninety (90) days of the end of the Cure Period.

(j) “Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or other legal entity. All references to Person shall include an individual Person or a group (as defined in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of Persons.

(k) “Termination Date” shall mean the date on which the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated.

(l) “Valid Reason” shall mean any of the following events that are not cured by the Company within thirty (30) days after the Company’s receipt of written notice from the Executive specifying the event claimed to be Valid Reason (the “Cure Period”): (i) an adverse change in the Executive’s title; (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities or responsibilities or the assignment to the Executive of

 

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duties or responsibilities that are materially adversely inconsistent with Executive’s then position; (iii) a requirement by the Company that the Executive’s principal place of work be moved to a location more than fifty (50) miles away from its current location; or (iv) the Company provides written notice to the Executive of its intent not to renew this Agreement. For the Executive’s resignation to be considered a resignation for Valid Reason, the Executive shall be required to provide the Company with written notice of the existence of Valid Reason no later than forty-five (45) days after the date on which the Executive has had, or should have had, actual knowledge of the event that is alleged to constitute Valid Reason, the Company shall notify the Executive no later than the end of the Cure Period whether it agrees that a Valid Reason event has occurred (and if it has occurred, whether the Company intends to cure it), and the Executive must actually resign within ninety (90) days of the end of the Cure Period.

12. General Provisions.

(a) Entire Agreement. The parties agree that the Severance Benefits shall be the sole and exclusive payments or benefits to which the Executive shall be entitled in respect of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, and Executive shall not be eligible to participate in any other severance plan, program, agreement or arrangement of the Company. This Agreement shall supersede any and all prior understandings, representations or presentations, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.

(b) Tax Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to deduct or withhold, or require the Executive to remit to the Company, up to the maximum statutory amount necessary to satisfy federal, state or local taxes required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any payment or benefit provided hereunder.

(c) No Mitigation. The Executive will be under no obligation to seek other employment and there will be no offset against any amounts owing to the Executive under Sections 2, 3, and 4 above, as applicable, on account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain.

(d) Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally, delivered by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or delivered by overnight courier (provided that a written acknowledgment of receipt is obtained by the overnight courier) to any party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently give such notice of:

 

If to the Company:   

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

55 Hudson Yards Floor 15

New York, New York 10001

Attention: General Counsel

If to the Executive, at the Executive’s then-current primary mailing address as indicated in the Company’s records.

(e) Successors and Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of or to the Company, including, without limitation, any purchaser of all or substantially all of the assets or equity interests of the Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees and/or legatees.

(f) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or waived unless such modification, amendment or waiver is agreed to in writing signed by the Executive and the Company. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by any other party hereto shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

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(g) Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), shall be governed by, and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, including its statutes of limitations, without regard to any borrowing statute that would result in the application of the statute of limitations of any other jurisdiction. THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THE EXECUTIVE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT THE EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.

(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
/s/ Christopher R. Concannon

Name: Christopher R. Concannon

Title: Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer

EXECUTIVE
/s/ Ilene Fiszel Bieler
Name: Ilene Fiszel Bieler

 

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EXHIBIT A

FORM OF RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE AGREEMENT

THIS RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE (this “Release Agreement”), dated as of [•], is by and between MarketAxess Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Ilene Fiszel Bieler (the “Executive”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive previously entered into a Severance Protection Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2024 (the “Severance Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Executive’s employment was terminated effective [•]; and

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Severance Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of such employment and the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1. General Release and Covenant Not to Sue.

(a) The Executive hereby releases the Company and all of its past, present, and future affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees, successors and assigns (collectively referred to herein as the “Releasees”), jointly and severally, from any and all claims, known or unknown, which the Executive or the Executive’s heirs, successors or assigns have or may have against any Releasee arising on or prior to the Termination Date and any and all liability which any such Releasee may have to the Executive, whether denominated claims, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages or liabilities arising from any and all bases, however denominated, including but not limited to claims for wrongful discharge, accrued bonus or incentive pay, sexual harassment, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, Title VII of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Corporate Fraud and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, and Sections 922(h)(1) and 1057 of the Dodd-Frank Act, Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the New York Human Rights Law, including New York Executive Law § 296, § 8-107 of the Administrative Code and Charter of New York City or any other federal, state, or local law. This release is for any and all claims, including but not limited to claims arising from and during the Executive’s employment relationship with Releasees or as a result of the termination of such relationship. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Release Agreement, this release is not intended to interfere with the Executive’s right to file a charge with a governmental agency, including but not limited to the equal employment opportunity commission or any state or local fair employment practices agency, or other governmental regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization. However, by executing this Release Agreement, the Executive hereby waives the right to recover any relief in connection with any proceeding brought before such governmental agency or self-regulatory organization. This release is for any relief, no matter how denominated, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, wages, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, or punitive damages. The Executive relinquishes any right to future employment with the Company or any of the Releasees, and agrees not to seek future re-employment with the Company or any of the Releasees. The Executive acknowledges that the Company shall have the right to refuse to re-employ the Executive without liability of the Company or any of the Releasees. This release shall not apply to any obligation of the Company pursuant to the Severance Protection Agreement.

(b) The Executive understands that the Executive is releasing the Releasees from claims that the Executive may not know about as of the date of the execution of this Release Agreement, and that it is the Executive’s knowing and voluntary intent even though the Executive recognizes that someday the Executive might learn that some or all of the facts the Executive currently believes to be true are untrue and even though the Executive might then regret having signed this Release Agreement. Nevertheless, the Executive understands that the Executive is expressly assuming that risk and agrees that this Release Agreement shall remain effective in all respects in any such case. The Executive expressly and completely waives all rights the Executive might have under any law that is intended to protect the Executive from waiving unknown claims, and the Executive understands the significance of doing so.

 

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(c) In consideration of the terms set forth in this Release Agreement, the Executive represents that the Executive has not filed or permitted to be filed against the Releasees any charges, complaints or lawsuits, and the Executive covenants and agrees that the Executive will not file or permit to be filed any lawsuits at any time hereafter with respect to the subject matter of this Release Agreement and claims released pursuant to this Release Agreement (including, without limitation, any claims relating to the termination of the Executive’s employment), except as may be necessary to enforce this Release Agreement or to seek a determination of the validity of the waiver of the Executive’s rights under ADEA.

(d) The Executive understands and agrees that nothing in this Release Agreement limits or interferes with the Executive’s right, without notice to or authorization of the Company, to communicate in good faith with any Government Agency for the purpose of reporting a possible violation of law, or to participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including by providing documents or other information, or for the purpose of filing a charge or complaint with a Government Agency. As used in this Release Agreement, “Government Agency” shall mean the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission. In the event the Executive files a charge or complaint with a Government Agency, or a Government Agency asserts a claim on the Executive’s behalf, the Executive agrees that the Executive’s release of claims in this Release Agreement shall nevertheless bar the Executive’s right (if any) to any monetary or other recovery (including reinstatement), except the Executive does not waive: (i) the Executive’s right to receive a whistleblower award from a Government Agency for information provided to such Government Agency, (ii) any recovery to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance laws, and (iii) any other right where a waiver is expressly prohibited by law.

(e) Nothing in this Release Agreement shall affect the Executive’s vested rights, if any, to the equity awarded to the Executive under the MarketAxess Holdings Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, or any other equity or equity-based incentive plan of the Company or its Affiliates, in each case, as amended or restated. The Executive’s rights to benefits under any such plan(s) will be determined in accordance with the terms of such plan(s).

(f) Nothing in this Release Agreement shall affect the Executive’s vested rights, if any, to retirement benefits under any 401(k) retirement or deferred compensation plan(s) offered by the Company. The Executive’s rights to benefits under any such 401(k) plan(s) and any other employee benefits plans will be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans.

2. No Admission of Liability. It is understood that nothing in this Release Agreement is to be construed as an admission on behalf of the Releasees of any wrongdoing with respect to the Executive, any such wrongdoing being expressly denied.

3. Acknowledgements.

(a) The Executive acknowledges that:

(i) Before entering into this Release Agreement, the Executive has had the opportunity to consult with any attorney or other advisor of the Executive’s choice, and the Executive has been advised to do so if the Executive chooses;

 

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(ii) The Executive has entered into this Release Agreement of the Executive’s own free will, and that no promises or representations have been made to the Executive by any person to induce the Executive to enter into this Release Agreement other than the express terms set forth herein and in the Severance Agreement;

(iii) The Executive has read this Release Agreement and understands all of its terms, including the release of claims and covenant not to sue set forth in Section 1 above;

(iv) The Severance Benefits as defined and set forth in the Severance Agreement are in consideration of this release of claims and covenant not to sue, and constitute consideration in addition to anything of value to which the Executive is already entitled;

(v) The Executive has [twenty-one (21) / forty-five (45)]1 days within which to consider this Release Agreement (although the Executive may choose voluntarily to sign it earlier);

(vi) The Executive represents and warrants that the Executive is not aware of any facts that would establish that any officer or employee of the Company has engaged in conduct that the Executive believes would violate any federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance;

(vii) The Executive has seven (7) days following the date the Executive signs this Release Agreement to revoke this Release Agreement by delivering a written notice of such revocation to:

 

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

55 Hudson Yards Floor 15

New York, New York 10001

Attention: General Counsel; and

(viii) This Release Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the first (1st) day following the end of the seven (7) day revocation period; provided that the Executive has signed, returned and not revoked this Release Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

4. Miscellaneous.

(a) Governing Law. This Release Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Release Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Release Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Release Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Release Agreement), shall be governed by, and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, including its statutes of limitations, without regard to any borrowing statute that would result in the application of the statute of limitations of any other jurisdiction.

(b) Construction. There shall be no presumption that any ambiguity in this Release Agreement should be resolved in favor of one party hereto and against another party hereto. Any controversy concerning the construction of this Release Agreement shall be decided neutrally without regard to authorship.

 

1 

As applicable under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act.

 

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(c) Counterparts. This Release Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT, KNOW THE CONTENTS THEREOF, FULLY UNDERSTAND IT, AND SIGN THE SAME AS THE EXECUTIVE’S OR ITS OWN FREE ACT.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Release Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.

 

Name:

Title:

EXECUTIVE

 

Name:

 

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Exhibit 10.4

MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS, INC.

Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement

This Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and between Ilene Fiszel Bieler (“you”) and MarketAxess Holdings or its parent, affiliate or subsidiary by which you are employed or to which you provide services (the “Company”) is entered into as of February 21, 2024 and shall be effective upon your Start Date, as defined in the Letter Agreement between you and the Company, dated as of February 21, 2024.

1. Acknowledgments. You and the Company acknowledge that you are employed by or otherwise provide services to the Company and/or its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the “Company Group”) in a capacity which creates a relationship of confidence and trust between you and the Company Group. During the term of your employment or service relationship with the Company Group (the “Engagement Term”), you will obtain Confidential Information (as defined herein) with regard to the Company Group and its clients, customers and vendors and will be introduced to and create or develop relationships with customers, employees, joint ventures, suppliers and other persons with which the Company Group does business. Because the Company Group will suffer substantial damage if you engage in certain activities during or after the Engagement Term, including using or disclosing Confidential Information (as defined herein), it is necessary for the Company Group to be protected by the prohibitions and the restrictions set forth in this Agreement in exchange for good and valuable consideration, which you acknowledge receiving. You acknowledge your agreement to the terms and conditions of this Agreement by countersigning at the end of this Agreement.

2. Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information. During the Engagement Term and thereafter, you (a) shall hold all Confidential Information for the benefit of the Company Group (or the owner of any Confidential Information), and (b) shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use for your own benefit or disclose to any third party any Confidential Information.

For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all information obtained by or disclosed, created, revealed or known to you as a consequence of or through your employment or other service relationship with the Company Group that is secret, confidential or not generally known to the public (other than through your disclosure of such Confidential Information or disclosure by another person in violation of such person’s obligations to the Company Group or the owner of such Confidential Information) relating to (i) the Company Group, its businesses or operations or (ii) any client or other third party to which the Company Group provides services or which otherwise has business dealings with the Company Group. Confidential Information includes (A) information of a commercial nature (for example, information about customers, clients or vendors of the Company Group (or the third party or its affiliates), strategies, costs, prices and markets), (B) information of a technical nature (for example, methods, know-how, code, processes, technical specifications, drawings and design data), (C) information of a strategic nature (for example, future developments or strategies pertaining to research and development, marketing and sales, new or improved products or services or other matters concerning the Company Group’s or third party’s planning), information as to employees and consultants (for example, capabilities, competence, status with the Company Group and compensation levels), and (E) information conceived, originated, discovered or developed by you during the Engagement Term.

In the event you are compelled by order of a court or other governmental or legal body to disclose any Confidential Information to anyone other than the Company (and its designees), you shall promptly notify the Company of any such order and shall cooperate fully with the Company (or the owner of such Confidential Information) in protecting such information to the fullest extent possible under applicable law.


Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit you from reporting or disclosing information under the terms of the MarketAxess “Whistleblower Policy”.

3. Return of Materials. All Confidential Information, hard copy or electronic documents, records, notebooks, files, memoranda, computer printouts, disks, computer software, designs, hardware (including but not limited to mobile devices and any network related equipment), data, reports, fee schedules or price lists, plans, communications and other documents or materials (including copies or reproductions thereof and documents or information derived therefrom) in your possession or control (the “Materials”) prepared by you (whether individually or with others), obtained by you or disclosed to you in connection with or relating to your employment or other service relationship with the Company Group shall be left with or returned to the Company upon the termination of the Engagement Term or upon the Company’s request. Such Materials shall at all times be the property of the Company Group. At the request of the Company, you shall provide a signed, written certification in a form acceptable to the Company confirming that you have returned any and all Materials to the Company.

4. Non-Competition. During the Engagement Term and for twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Non-Compete Period”), you shall not, directly or indirectly, as an individual proprietor, partner, stockholder, officer, employee, director, joint venturer, investor, lender, consultant, contractor or in any other capacity whatsoever, provide services that are the same as or similar to any of the services that you provided to the Company Group in the twelve (12) months prior to the termination (for any reason) of your employment by, or provision of services to, the Company Group to any person or entity (i) that is engaged in the design, development, operation or promotion of (a) any electronic system or platform, alternative trading system, electronic communication network or other entity that provides fixed income securities (or other fixed income instruments or derivatives) trading services, data or research products, analytical products or other services ancillary to the trading of fixed income securities or instruments or (b) any pre- or post-trade services business for the matching, reporting or publication of securities that competes with the Company Group’s pre- or post-trade services business at the time of termination; or (ii) that is otherwise a Competing Business at the time of termination of the Engagement Term, it being understood that, for the purposes of this Section 4 only, “Competing Business” shall mean any entity or group which derives 10% or more of its total consolidated revenues from the same or a similar product or business line as any product or business line of the Company Group that generates 10% or more of the Company Group’s total consolidated revenues at the time of termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the length of the Non-Compete Period will be reduced by the period, if any, that you remain employed by the Company but are required to remain away from work during the Notice Period (as defined in the Severance Protection Agreement, by and between you and the Company). Due to the global nature of the Company Group’s business and your global responsibilities for the Company Group, you agree that the restrictions set forth in this Section 4 shall apply within the United States, the United Kingdom or in any foreign country where the Company Group transacts any such business or otherwise offers any such product. Nothing herein precludes you from owning less than 1% of the total outstanding stock of a publicly held company or from engaging in any otherwise prohibited activity with the express prior written approval of the Board of Directors of the Company.

5. Non-Solicitation. During the Engagement Term and for twelve (12) months thereafter, you shall not directly or indirectly solicit, encourage or induce (or attempt to solicit, encourage or induce) any person or entity who does business with (or is considering doing business with) the Company Group or who uses the Company Group’s products or services and to whom you provided services or about whom you obtained Confidential Information during the Engagement Term to (a) terminate, cease, reduce, or diminish in any way its relationship or prospective relationship with the Company Group or (b) use a competing product or service.

 

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6. Non-Solicitation of Employees or Consultants. During the Engagement Term and for twenty four (24) months thereafter, you shall not directly or indirectly (a) recruit, solicit, encourage or induce (or attempt to recruit, solicit, encourage or induce) any non-clerical employee or consultant of the Company Group to terminate his or her employment with, or otherwise cease or reduce his or her relationship with, the Company Group or (b) hire or assist another person or entity to hire any non-clerical employee or consultant of the Company Group or any person who, to your knowledge, within six months before was such a person. You may however, if requested by any entity with which you are not affiliated, serve as a reference for any person who at the time of the request is not an employee of, or consultant to, the Company Group.

7. Extension of Restriction Period. If you violate or breach any portion of Sections 4, 5 or 6, then the restriction period applicable to those Sections will be extended by the length of the period of any such violation or breach as determined by the Company in its sole discretion.

8. Non-Contravention. You shall not disclose to the Company Group or use during your Engagement Term any confidential information or inventions, discoveries, concepts, improvements or innovations of any of your prior employers or of any other third party.

9. Inventions and Discoveries.

(a) You acknowledge and agree that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products or developments (“Inventions”), whether patentable or unpatentable,

(i) that relate to your work with the Company Group, made or conceived by you, solely or jointly with others, during the Engagement Term; provided that any Inventions which are made, disclosed, reduced to tangible or written form or description or are reduced to practice by you after the Engagement Term and which pertain to the business carried on or products or services being sold or developed by the Company Group at the time of the expiration of the Engagement Term and which were, or are derived from, Inventions worked on or developed by you during the Engagement Term, shall be presumed to have been made during the Engagement Term, or

(ii) that are reasonably suggested by any work that you perform in connection with the Company Group, either while performing your duties with the Company Group or on your own time, but only insofar as the Inventions are related to your work as an employee or other service provider to the Company Group, shall belong exclusively to the Company (or its designee), whether or not patent applications are filed thereon.

(b) You will keep adequate written records (the “Records”), in the manner prescribed by the Company, of all Inventions, and will promptly disclose in writing to the Company all material information relating to Inventions. The Records shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and you will surrender them upon the termination of your Engagement Term, or upon the Company’s request.

(c) You will assign to the Company the Inventions and all patents that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to your Engagement Term, together with the right to file, in your name or in the name of the Company (or its designee), applications for patents and equivalent rights (the “Applications”). You will, at any time during and subsequent to the Engagement Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company with respect to the Inventions, and you will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Applications, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for its benefit, all without additional compensation to you from the Company Group, but, in each case, entirely at the Company’s expense. You will also provide any information, such as passwords or codes, necessary to allow the Company Group to fully utilize its property.

 

3


(d) In addition, the Inventions will be deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright law of the United States, on behalf of the Company and you agree that the Company will be the sole owner of the Inventions, and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity without any further obligations to you. If the Inventions, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, you hereby irrevocably convey, transfer and assign to the Company, all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the Inventions, including without limitation, all of your right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement, or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions, known or unknown, prior to the date hereof, including without limitation the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, you hereby waive any so-called “moral rights” with respect to the Inventions.

(e) You hereby waive any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all patents that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to your benefit by virtue of you being an employee of or other service provider to the Company Group.

10. Representations. You acknowledge and agree that you have not entered into, and during the Engagement Term will not enter into, any other agreement or obligation which would in any way affect, restrict or limit your employment or other service relationship with the Company Group or otherwise conflict with your obligations to the Company Group. In addition, you hereby represent, warrant and covenant to the Company as follows: (a) you have the right to grant the rights granted in this Agreement, you are not under any contractual or other obligation that would prevent, limit or impair, in any way, the performance of your obligations hereunder and have not done and will not do any act and have not made and will not make any grant, assignment or agreement which will or might conflict or interfere with the complete enjoyment of all of the Company’s rights under this Agreement; and (b) all material provided or contributed by you for use in the Inventions, (i) will be wholly original with you and not copied in whole or in part from any other work, (ii) will not violate or infringe in any way upon the rights of others, including, without limitation, any patent, copyright, trademark or other proprietary right, and (iii) will not violate any applicable law. You will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Company Group, and its respective managers, officers, employees and representatives, and their respective agents, successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims, losses and expenses, including without limitation attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of any breach or alleged breach of your representations, warranties or covenants hereunder.

11. Enforcement. The parties have entered into this Agreement in the belief that its provisions are valid, reasonable and enforceable. If any one or more of the provisions shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained therein to the fullest extent consistent with the intent of this Agreement. If any provision in this Agreement is found by any court, arbitral tribunal or similar entity to be unenforceable, including because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, then such provision shall be given effect to the maximum extent possible, including by interpreting such provision to extend over the maximum period of time, range of activities and/or geographic area to which it may be enforceable.

 

4


12. Remedies. In the event of a breach or potential breach of the restrictions and prohibitions in this Agreement, you acknowledge that the Company Group (or the owner of any relevant Confidential Information) will be caused irreparable harm and that money damages may not be an adequate remedy. You also acknowledge that the Company Group (and the owner of such Confidential Information) shall be entitled to injunctive relief (in addition to its other remedies at law or equity) to have such provisions specifically enforced without posting any bond.

13. Reasonableness. You acknowledge that the prohibitions and restrictions set forth in this Agreement, including in Sections 2, 4, 5 and 6, are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company Group, that the restrictions and prohibitions herein will not prevent you from earning a livelihood after the termination of the Engagement Term and that part of the compensation paid and, if you are an employee, the benefits provided to you are in consideration for entering into this Agreement.

14. Assignment; Entire Agreement. Your rights under this Agreement are not assignable. This Agreement and the rights hereunder shall be assignable by the Company, in whole or in part. This Agreement and the rights hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and upon you and your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees and permitted assignees and may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by you and the Company. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of you and the Company with regard to the subject matters covered herein and supersedes and replaces any existing agreement, written or otherwise, entered into by you and the Company with regard to the same or similar subject matter.

15. Notices. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be either delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or nationally recognized overnight courier addressed to the other party at your address on the books of the Company or at the Company’s executive offices, as the case may be. Notices shall be deemed given when received or three days after mailing, whichever is earlier.

16. Review of Agreement. You acknowledge and agree that you have been provided with sufficient time to carefully review and examine this Agreement and to consult with counsel or other advisors regarding this Agreement, and that you understand the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

17. Future Employers. You acknowledge and agree that the Company Group may share this Agreement or any of the terms or provisions herein with any person or entity who potentially or actually retains you as an employee, consultant or service provider.

18. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED FOR ALL PURPOSES BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO RULES RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

19. Exclusive Forum; Service or Process; Jury Waiver. YOU AND THE COMPANY AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTES ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS IN NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND YOU AND THE COMPANY CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS. YOU AND THE COMPANY HEREBY WAIVE, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING OBJECTIONS BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS, TO THE CONDUCTING OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION. YOU AND THE COMPANY EACH CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION BROUGHT IN SUCH COURTS BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL SENT TO THE ADDRESS INDICATED IN THE NOTICE PROVISION HEREOF. YOU AND THE COMPANY BOTH WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRIAL OF ANY ACTION OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR MATTERS OF A SIMILAR NATURE.

 

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20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in original or by facsimile or similar method in several counterparts and, as so executed, shall constitute a single agreement binding on all parties hereto, notwithstanding that all of the parties are not signatory to the original or to the same counterpart.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows.]

 

6


EXECUTIVE       MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
Signed:   /s/ Ilene Fiszel Bieler     By:   /s/ Christopher R. Concannon
Printed Name: Ilene Fiszel Bieler    

Printed Name: Christopher R. Concannon

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

7

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

MarketAxess Appoints Ilene Fiszel Bieler as Chief Financial Officer

NEW YORK | February 26, 2024 – MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: MKTX), the operator of a leading electronic trading platform for fixed-income securities, today announced the appointment of Ilene Fiszel Bieler as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Fiszel Bieler is currently expected to start with MarketAxess on or about May 22, 2024. Ms. Fiszel Bieler replaces Christopher Gerosa, who left the Company on January 31, 2024.

Chris Concannon, CEO of MarketAxess, commented, “Ilene’s diverse financial services background and unique operational experience will be instrumental to our continued growth. The Board, along with Executive Chairman Rick McVey, and I all look forward to her partnership and leadership of the finance organization at MarketAxess.”

Ms. Fiszel Bieler most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of State Street Global Markets and Global Credit Finance and as Global Head of Investor Relations of State Street. Prior to her time there, Ms. Fiszel Bieler served in various positions, including as Head of Investor Relations and Strategy for the Americas at Barclays plc and Head of Fixed Income Investor and Rating Agency Relations at Citigroup Inc. Ms. Fiszel Bieler holds a B.A. from the University of Arizona and a Master of Urban Planning from New York University.

“MarketAxess is an S&P500 company with a remarkable history of over two decades of innovation and leadership in the fixed-income space,” said Ms. Fiszel Bieler. “I’m excited to be joining Chris and the team at a time when industry demand for technology and efficiency has never been higher, and there is so much potential for further transformation across the global fixed-income markets.”

Ms. Fiszel Bieler will be based in New York and report to CEO Chris Concannon.

About MarketAxess

MarketAxess (Nasdaq: MKTX) operates a leading electronic trading platform that delivers greater trading efficiency, a diversified pool of liquidity and significant cost savings to institutional investors and broker-dealers across the global fixed-income markets. Over 2,000 firms leverage MarketAxess’ patented technology to efficiently trade fixed-income securities. MarketAxess’ award-winning Open Trading® marketplace is widely regarded as the preferred all-to-all trading solution in the global credit markets. Founded in 2000, MarketAxess connects a robust network of market participants through an advanced full trading lifecycle solution that includes automated trading solutions, intelligent data and index products and a range of post-trade services. Learn more at www.marketaxess.com and on X @MarketAxess.

# # #

 

Contacts   
INVESTOR RELATIONS    MEDIA RELATIONS

Stephen Davidson

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

+1 212 813 6313

sdavidson2@marketaxess.com

  

Marisha Mistry

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

+1 917 267 1232

mmistry@marketaxess.com

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Document and Entity Information
Feb. 21, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0001278021
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Feb. 21, 2024
Entity Incorporation State Country Code DE
Entity File Number 001-34091
Entity Tax Identification Number 52-2230784
Entity Address, Address Line One 55 Hudson Yards
Entity Address, City or Town New York
Entity Address, State or Province NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10001
City Area Code (212)
Local Phone Number 813-6000
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Pre Commencement Tender Offer false
Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Security 12b Title Common Stock, par value $0.003 per share
Trading Symbol MKTX
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false

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