Passion for client growth
Meet Derek
Derek Sandheinrich founded Lancaster in 2015 with the sole objective of helping his clients (brokers, funds, and exchanges) overcome complex challenges with an amalgamation of strategic planning and global tactility.
A nearly two-decade financial industry veteran, Derek started his career in commercial and residential mortgages in 2005.
He later transitioned to focus on decentralized markets. He was part of the Boston Technologies team that launched the first MT4 liquidity bridge, integrating the most popular retail FX trading platform (MT4) with more than 20 of the world's largest investment banks, ECNs, and market makers. Among Derek's first clients were dbFX (a Deutsche Bank company), CitiFX, MF Global, ODL Securities, and the world's biggest brokerage at the time, FXCM. Boston Technologies managed the integration between MT4, a series of complex in-house built trading platforms, and their liquidity provisions. Derek's team mapped margin accounts and reconciliation throughout the integration. When the firm's management decided to launch a UK FCA (FSA at the time) regulated entity (Boston Prime Ltd), Derek relocated to London to establish their regulated eFX product.
Derek has also held multiple executive and board of advisory positions with some of the industry's leading software providers and financial firms, including companies like CurrentDesk, Kenmore Design, and BlackBull Markets, offering him insight at the deepest levels of the market that he’s able to transpose into his clients’ businesses.
Our Mission
Lancaster originally started with a technology focus on financial risk management. We would package solutions that complemented our proprietary technology together for our clients. We came to realize that getting paid (as all other consultants in the industry do) to refer business to a particular CRM, trading platform, or liquidity provider created a conflict of interest that made it incredibly challenging to remain objective and act in the best interest of our clients, no matter how much we intended to do so. That’s when we redefined our mission.
We built Lancaster on three pillars: transparency, fairness, and value. The best way to forge forward with this mission is by remaining as objective with the guidance we provide our clients as possible.
With a team of diverse industry experts, and an extensive network of contacts, providers, and vendors, we’re able to tailor solutions for even the most complex of situations. And all the while keeping an emphasis on our clients and remaining independent in our counsel.
We’re honored to have the opportunity to help you grow your brokerage, investment fund, or exchange.
We can help.
Liquidity
Is a BBO price feed from 10 of the most liquid banks and ECNs the best option for your trade business? Probably. But you’d be surprised to learn how many nuances can make your business more profitable when approached creatively. We’ll introduce you to LPs, negotiate pricing terms on your behalf, and help you get the most out of your counter-party relationships.
Software
Technology is the backbone of all financial firms. We have nearly a decade of software development experience, and while we don’t often build proprietary technology anymore, we know our way around the industry’s most sought-after tools. We’ve formalized the vendor evaluation process and will act as a single point of contact so you can get the most out of your solutions.
Regulation
We’ve helped financial firms with regulatory compliance and licensing in more than 20 different jurisdictions, from the UK to St. Kitts & Nevis. Sometimes more isn’t always more, but we’ll show you what’s worth considering so you can focus on your core business and driving revenues.
Distribution
Finding the right clients and investors, especially across international borders, can be as challenging as it is fascinating. Business Distribution is at the center of how your firm generates revenue. We’ll help you understand and overcome regulatory restrictions and cultural nuances.
Banking
Strong banking relationships take years to build and fortify. While the conversation usually starts with financial regulation and the origin of funds, understanding your business and its direction is vital. We can make introductions and help with account application processes so you can get your deposit and operational accounts set up quickly and easily.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Over the years, we’ve been involved in many deals involving multiple cross-border businesses. Whether it’s about acquiring valuable technology, breaking into a new market, tapping into an active client list, or absorbing other assets, we can lead your M&A deal with a depth of industry understanding that most other firms can’t compete with, so you can get the deal done faster and cheaper.