Linear Investments Launches German Office Following Acquisition

Linear Investments, a U.K. boutique prime broker and hedge fund platform, has opened its first European office in Hamburg.

The firm has also hired Norman Hartmann as group chief technology officer (CTO) and head of the office, as it looks to expand its local customer base in continental Europe.

The expansion comes one week after Linear acquired, AQX Securities, a German-based agency broker.

“My initial task will be to successfully oversee a range of new middle and back office infrastructure enhancements that will provide Linear’s agency and prime brokerage clients with a first-class technology experience across our services,” says Hartmann.

Hartmann was previously CEO of AQX Securities, and led the development of its technology infrastructure. He was also head of Trading at Acquila Capital, which previously owned AQX Securities.