Beginning in the 1990s, broker-dealers started using emerging electronic communications networks to reimagine the capital markets. One of the first ATSs was launched in 1996 and competed directly with exchanges through an entirely electronic platform. This platform eliminated both the specialists and the market makers.[4] These trading venues were also a place for larger-sized or “block” trades. Relatively quickly, alternative trading systems started handling a significant amount of securities order volume.[5] Dark pools were in many ways replacing the traditional “upstairs” market, while also providing services conventionally delivered only by registered exchanges. And, they had a growing footprint in the capital markets.