Articles and Updates
November 2025
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructor Mat Cashman x Benzinga Fintech Day
Industry Insights
At Benzinga Fintech Day 2025, leaders across trading, technology, and financial innovation gathered to explore the forces shaping today's markets. Representing The Options Industry Council, Mat Cashman, Principal, Investor Education, contributed to three conversations that captured some of the most pressing themes in the options ecosystem. Across two panels and a dedicated interview, Cashman offered practical perspective shaped by his years of industry experience and educator mindset.
A New Era of Trading Tech
Cashman began the day by moderating a discussion that examined how modern market structure is influencing volatility and trader behavior. Throughout the conversation, he guided panelists through topics ranging from the speed of today’s options markets to the interaction between liquidity provision and large, systematic flows. Cashman continually returned to the importance of understanding how all of these moving parts connect, noting that the mechanics behind volatility and order flow have become increasingly relevant for both active traders and long-term market participants.
Options Functionality
Later, Cashman shifted from moderator to participant as he joined a panel focused on how technology is reshaping decision-making across the industry. During this session, he spoke about the rapid expansion of data availability and how real-time analytics have changed the way people evaluate risk and choose strategies.
Cashman emphasized that while automation and advanced tools can enhance the trading experience, they also require users to be more thoughtful about the leveraged nature of options contracts. He stressed the importance of maintaining a foundational understanding of pricing behavior and contract characteristics as new forms of access make sophisticated strategies easier to execute.
Cashman emphasized that while automation and advanced tools can enhance the trading experience, they also require users to be more thoughtful about the leveraged nature of options contracts. He stressed the importance of maintaining a foundational understanding of pricing behavior and contract characteristics as new forms of access make sophisticated strategies easier to execute.
Inside The Options Industry Council
In his third appearance of the event, Cashman sat down for a one-on-one interview that offered a broader view of how fintech trends are reshaping participation in financial markets. He reflected on how quickly once-novel ideas have become standard features of trading platforms, describing the current moment as one where innovation is moving faster than ever. The conversation also touched on the emerging world of prediction markets.
Looking ahead, Cashman pointed to the increasing number of individuals entering the market through intuitive digital platforms. He observed that as access continues to broaden, the need to understand contract features, risk considerations, and overall market dynamics becomes even more critical.
Looking ahead, Cashman pointed to the increasing number of individuals entering the market through intuitive digital platforms. He observed that as access continues to broaden, the need to understand contract features, risk considerations, and overall market dynamics becomes even more critical.