Retail platform provider Oanda has long been recognized as one of the most innovative outfits in FX, so it is not surprising it should find its staff in demand by larger shops. CIBC has just hired Alexander Shirokov from the company as a director in its FX statistical arbitrage group. He shouldn’t find it too challenging a role, he has a PhD in astrophysics from MIT. Shirokov reports to another Oanda alumnus, Hany Farag, CIBC’s managing director and head of FX statistical arbitrage.