News from December 2023


CME Group announces winners of 20th University Trading Challenge

CME Group, a leader in the trading world, declared the winners of its 20th annual University Trading Challenge. The team from Universidad De Guadalajara in Mexico outshone their peers to claim first place. Contestants for this challenge came from as many as 156 universities worldwide.


Flying Food Group’s Sue Ling Gin Foundation donates $21 million to Chicago community violence intervention program

The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust, which is affiliated with airline catering company Flying Food Group (FFG), has recently donated $21 million to Chicago CRED, a community violence intervention program. The substantial donation was publicly announced on the organization's website on November 28th.


Extreme demands from union lead to permanent closure of Berlin Nightclub

Chicago’s iconic LGBTQ+ bar, Berlin Nightclub, is permanently closing after 40 years of business. The club made the announcement on Nov. 21 on its website after previously highlighting extreme demands it was facing from Local 1 Union earlier this fall.


Northern Trust chosen as custodian for Nebraska Investment Council pensions

Northern Trust, a leading provider of wealth management services, has announced that the Nebraska Investment Council (NIC) has chosen it to provide asset management and servicing solutions for its pension fund. These solutions include custody, portfolio analytics, and securities lending. The NIC is responsible for providing investment services for the state of Nebraska and oversees the management of assets in state pensions and trust funds.


CME Group introduces FX Spot+ to unify OTC and futures liquidity

CME Group has announced the introduction of CME FX Spot+, a comprehensive spot foreign exchange (FX) marketplace. The new platform leverages FX Link, a liquid and tradable spread between over-the-counter (OTC) spot FX and CME Group's FX futures, to bridge liquidity across the two trading environments.


CME Group extends CEO tenure through 2025

CME Group has announced the extension of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Duffy's tenure through an updated contract agreement approved by the Board. Duffy, a veteran of the futures industry for over 40 years, has held his current position since 2016.


Mayor Johnson's executive order streamlining housing and commercial development approvals

The city of Chicago has officially announced that Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an Executive Order aimed at simplifying city approvals. This significant announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for Grace Manor Apartments, a $40 million project committed to ensuring 100 percent affordability in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.


CME Group sets new milestone with over 60 million SOFR contracts

CME Group recently revealed that its Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) complex has achieved a significant milestone by setting a new record of 60,435,467 contracts. This total comprises 48.3 million options contracts and 12.1 million futures contracts, all of which operate under CME rules.


Chicago opens fifth Community Reentry Support Center for returning residents

The city of Chicago has announced the inauguration of its fifth Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC). The new center, designed to assist residents returning to Chicago's West Side, is a significant addition to the city's infrastructure.


Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust's $10 million donation fuels Chinese American Service League's vision for community care expansion

The Chinese American Service League (CASL) marked its 45th anniversary with a gala in Chicago, sponsored by the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust. The foundation generously donated $10 million to the organization. The event attracted over 400 Chicago residents, all showing their support for CASL's community mission.