Physical Trading: Cloud Based Exchanges

What do you guys think about the future of physical commodity trading houses like Glencore in the age of technology disruption? Right now it seems to me that companies like Open Mineral Exchange (headed by two former Glencore executives) is poised to play a major role in disrupting the industry. For those of you who don't know, the goal of Open Mineral Exchange is to bring together sellers and buyers, mining and metals companies, allowing them to transact directly and securely, without intermediaries through a cloud-based platform.

While I do think this is a great long term investment it has me weary of my job security as a trader. And, while I am not trading the same commodity, this idea essentially eliminates my role from what I can see if it penetrates my industry.

Essentially my question boils down to this... in the age of cloud based software that connect supply with demand through cloud based interactions, is there still a need for a trader/ market maker? Keep in mind that I work at a steel/ lumber shop that is very relationship driven and is highly un-digitized. It seems to me the industry is ripe for disruption and I want to make sure I am on the right side of things when it is.

For more information on Open Mineral Exchange:

6 Comments
 

To be honest - is this not just what we've seen over the past 10 years to paper traders at banks and the rise of algorithmic and system-based order management? We all know the world is headed in this direction thematically and I also know full well, as a phys commods guy, that it will eventually, in some form (whether this concept or another) make its way into physical commodities trading. Adapt or die friend.

 

I think this still needs time. I feel like a number of these phys based exchanges pop up every so often. Off the top of my head you have

Steam, K-Link for cotton PanXchange for frac sand and hemp (lol) Russian wheat and corn OTC exchanges AmiFox in Germany

These are just the first few I know of personally. I think there could be some great opportunities to get out and start an exchange in your own little niche and wait to be acquired by CME or whomever when they eventually consolidate.

 
Most Helpful

Impedit reprehenderit repellendus laudantium minima est. Dolore exercitationem dignissimos tempora perferendis molestiae suscipit voluptatibus enim.

Eum porro optio ducimus ut optio. Ut et doloremque asperiores aperiam consequatur explicabo pariatur temporibus. Ipsum amet ullam blanditiis alias et magnam voluptatem blanditiis.

Iure voluptas dolor aut ut et saepe. Suscipit vel qui quisquam consequatur sed. Libero voluptatum ut autem accusamus esse animi officiis. Accusantium cum molestiae vel nisi labore et quidem blanditiis. Non possimus saepe rerum quam impedit quia quos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”