In the early days of commodities trading, access to information relied heavily on personal networks, political influence, and on-the-ground logistics. Availability of capital created an asymmetry of information, where the largest companies knew more than anyone else. But now, things have changed. 

Today, with the rise of alternative data sources, anyone with an internet connection can explore details on everything from crop yields to shipping movements. Information that was once exclusive is now readily available. This new era of transparency, combined with increased volatility and opportunity in the commodities space, has led to the proliferation of entrants, including hedge funds, banks, and tech-focused trading players.

In this first edition of our three-part eBook series, we’ll explore the key moments in history that laid the foundation for transparency in the commodities industry, helping us better understand how we entered this new data-driven chapter.

Featuring insights from current and former employees at: Trafigura – Danske Commodities – Vortexa – Tradavex – ChAI – Tallarium