BTIG Marks 20 Years of Trading for a Cause, Surpassing $60 Million in Donations

NEW YORK, NY – April 27, 2026 – Global financial services firm BTIG is set to celebrate a remarkable milestone in corporate philanthropy, announcing its 20th annual Commissions for Charity Day will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The event, a signature initiative for the firm, will see all trading profits from the day donated to hundreds of non-profit organizations worldwide, a practice that has already channeled over $60 million to charitable causes since its inception.

The day-long event mobilizes BTIG's extensive network, spanning 19 global locations from New York to Sydney. It unites the firm's employees, institutional trading clients, and a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests in a collective effort to drive meaningful change. This unique model has not only stood the test of time but has grown significantly in scale and impact over two decades.

“When we began this event twenty years ago, our vision was to harness the collective efforts of our industry to give back. Watching Charity Day grow and evolve, and seeing the real difference our contributions make, is deeply rewarding,” noted Steven Starker, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of BTIG. “We are grateful for the returning supporters who join us each year, as well as the new celebrity participants who commit their time and energy to furthering our charitable efforts.”

A Milestone in Financial Philanthropy

Reaching its 20th anniversary, BTIG's Charity Day stands as a testament to sustained corporate commitment. The cumulative donation of over $60 million underscores a long-term strategy that embeds philanthropy directly into the firm’s core business operations. Rather than a separate foundation or occasional grant, the event leverages the very engine of the company—its trading desks—for a day of focused giving.

The impact of these funds is broad and deeply felt across various sectors. While the firm encourages the nomination of child-focused organizations, the list of beneficiaries is diverse, supporting causes from healthcare and humanitarian aid to education and social services. Past recipients include renowned institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Smile Train, and The Hole in the Wall Gang, which provide critical care and support for children facing serious illnesses.

Beyond pediatric health, donations have empowered organizations such as UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, in its global mission to aid displaced populations, and All Hands and Hearts, which provides community-based disaster relief. The initiative has also supported social mobility and empowerment through groups like Dress for Success and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, demonstrating a holistic approach to community investment.

“Charity Day highlights the compassion and generosity of our BTIG community each year. It’s inspiring to see our employees, clients, and celebrity guests unite for a common purpose—supporting impactful organizations around the world,” said Anton LeRoy, Chief Executive Officer of BTIG. “We are energized by the possibilities that come from working together for such meaningful causes.”

The Power of Star-Studded Trading Floors

A defining feature of BTIG's Charity Day is the electric atmosphere created by the presence of all-star athletes, acclaimed actors, and prominent public figures on its trading floors. These celebrity guests serve as ambassadors for charities close to their hearts, using their platforms to amplify the event's mission and generate excitement.

For the 2026 event, BTIG has announced an impressive roster of attendees, including actors Hank Azaria, Steve Buscemi, and Patrick Dempsey; sports icons Michael Strahan, CC Sabathia, and Dominique Wilkins; and media personalities Robin Roberts and David Muir. These guests will interact directly with clients and traders, often taking to the phones to help facilitate trades and share stories about the causes they champion. Chris Wragge is slated to serve as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the day's events.

This fusion of finance and fame is more than just a spectacle; it is a strategic component of the event's success. The celebrity involvement transforms a typical trading day into a memorable experience for clients, encouraging participation and driving trading volume. Over the years, the event has drawn an incredible array of high-profile guests, including President Bill Clinton, Eli Manning, Kelly Ripa, and Alex Rodriguez, each lending their voice and time to raise funds and awareness for organizations like Project Sunshine and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

A Collaborative Model for Corporate Giving

Beyond the celebrity allure, the architecture of BTIG's Charity Day is built on a foundation of collaboration, particularly with its institutional client base. The firm pioneered a model where clients are empowered to nominate the non-profit organizations that will receive the day's proceeds. This transforms the act of giving from a top-down corporate decision into a partnership-driven endeavor.

This client-centric approach provides several distinct advantages. It allows clients to direct funds towards causes they are passionate about, creating a direct link between their business activities and their philanthropic goals. This fosters a deeper, more meaningful relationship between the firm and its clients, moving beyond transactional interactions to build a community around a shared sense of purpose.

The incentive for clients is not just the unique opportunity to speak with a sports hero or a Hollywood star when placing a trade, but the knowledge that their business on that day contributes directly to a charity of their choosing. This innovative model has proven highly effective, creating a powerful network effect where the collective trading activity of hundreds of clients is harnessed for a significant, unified philanthropic impact.

Setting a Benchmark in Corporate Social Responsibility

In the landscape of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the financial services industry, BTIG's Commissions for Charity Day has established itself as a gold standard. While other firms like Jefferies and Northern Trust host successful charity trading days, BTIG's initiative is distinguished by its remarkable 20-year longevity, the sheer scale of its global execution, and its unique model of donating all trading profits for the day.

Coordinating such an event across 19 offices in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia is a significant logistical feat. It requires synchronized efforts across different time zones, leveraging the firm's 24-hour operational capabilities and more than 750 employees to create a seamless global fundraising marathon. This operational prowess demonstrates a deep integration of the philanthropic mission into the firm's global infrastructure.

By consistently bringing together clients, employees, and public figures, BTIG has created a powerful and replicable model for how a financial services firm can leverage its core competencies for social good. The event serves as an annual reminder of the immense potential that lies at the intersection of commerce and compassion, showcasing how a single day of focused effort can generate ripples of positive change that last for years.