The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything the world has seen in over a century. Right now, my overriding concern is the health and well-being of anyone who has been affected by this virus directly or indirectly. In particular, to those who are affected, we are praying for your quick recovery. I would also like to join the chorus of praise globally for the healthcare workers and first responders who are putting their lives at risk to address the crisis.
I want to reassure the entire IPC community that our firm and the industry continue to function, although this certainly is a situation that warrants continuous monitoring. We are adhering to guidance from international health and governmental agencies, specifically the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC). IPC has more than one thousand employees spread around the world committed to meticulous coordination needed to accommodate changes in workflows. I am proud of the way our team has rallied to minimize disruptions and deliver the highest levels of performance amid extraordinary circumstances. I am equally proud of the tireless efforts and sacrifices from our customers, partners and shareholders and appreciate the close collaboration between our respective teams.
We remain laser-focused on enabling traders to maintain business continuity and continuing our critical role to ensure that the capital markets function smoothly. With nearly 5 decades of experience and being a beacon of stability during periods of crises, we are an important partner to our customers and other industry leaders during this difficult time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every one of us: our families, our businesses, our communities, our very way of life. But, if there is a positive to be found, it is that we have been reminded of the priceless value of human connection, and that we need not wait for a crisis to check in on those that are most vulnerable. The sound of a voice is even more powerful now than before.
As always, I am confident the challenges we face will be overcome, and it is my privilege to helm IPC in navigating these uncharted waters. Please do not hesitate to share your questions, ideas and feedback in the days and weeks ahead, as we are all in this together.
Sincerely,
Bob Santella
Chief Executive Officer, IPC