BME Launches SpainAtMid: a New Non-Displayed Liquidity Pool for Spanish Equities

Bolsas y Mercados Españoles (BME) has launched SpainAtMid, a new non-displayed liquidity pool for Spanish equities, which enables trades in Spanish securities to be executed at the midpoint of the bid-ask spread. This advanced order book offers an additional liquidity source for high-volume trades, allowing participants to minimise market impact while ensuring robust and efficient execution.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the BME central order book, SpainAtMid functions during the continuous trading phase. It provides flexibility for trading participants through two routing options: direct orders, which execute exclusively at SpainAtMid, and sweep orders, which prioritise SpainAtMid before routing to the central order book if unexecuted. Orders can be customised with conditions such as “Execute or Cancel” or “Minimum Volume.”

Iván Lorenzo, Product Manager, Equity Product at BME, commented: “SpainAtMid has been developed to meet the growing demand from our clients for non-displayed execution in Spanish securities. In Switzerland, SwissAtMid had been introduced in 2016 and fundamentally reshaped the trading landscape for Swiss Equities. With our extensive experience in this area in the Swiss market, we believe we are well placed to offer this option in Spain. By emulating this successful setup on the BME Exchange, SIX enables clients to benefit from the ongoing integration and knowledge exchange between its two home markets, Switzerland and Spain. And we are convinced that concentrating more liquidity on our exchanges is beneficial for all trading participants.”

Avelacom and CryptoStruct Partner to Deliver Ultra-Low Latency Solutions for Crypto Trading Firms

Avelacom, a provider of low latency network solutions, and CryptoStruct, the algorithmic trading solutions vendor for crypto markets, have formed a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing crypto trading efficiency. The collaboration combines Avelacom’s global network infrastructure with CryptoStruct’s trading solutions to offer traders ultra-low latency access to global markets, enabling seamless adaptation of strategies to market volatility.

This partnership provides crypto trading firms with several milliseconds of latency advantage and facilitates simultaneous strategy execution across multiple global markets. By eliminating technical and infrastructure challenges, the joint solution aims to allow traders to focus on strategy optimisation and improve overall performance in the highly dynamic crypto trading environment.

Aleksey Larichev, CEO of Avelacom, commented: “Our new partnership with CryptoStruct enables us to offer tier-one low latency solutions to a broader audience. Together, we’re elevating the trading experience to a higher level.”

Thomas Schmeling, CEO of CryptoStruct, added: “Collaborating with Avelacom enhances the performance of our solutions, providing our clients with a decisive edge. This partnership demonstrates how trading technology and infrastructure can jointly solve the complex demands of modern trading.”

NeoXam Completes Acquisition of EZOPS

Data management provider NeoXam has completed its purchase of AI-enabled data control, workflow automation and reconciliation provider EZOPS, whose technology will be merged with that of its new owner.

NeoXam said the capabilities assumed in the acquisition will provide clients with AI-enabled reconciliation, research, remediation and reporting tools. It will be deployed in a Software-as-a-Service model on private cloud or on-premises.

The takeover follows on the heels of China Asset Management’s (China AMC) launch of NeoXam’s DataHub as its new master data management technology.

GLEIF Creates Links to Dutch Chamber of Commerce Register

The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) has provided links to the data of companies registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), enabling institutions around the world to easily obtain information on those firms.

The links are connected to GLEIF-created legal entity identifiers assigned to each of the companies on the register and will lead users to official data and associated information products on the KVK website.

GLEIF said the new collaboration will help streamline Know Your Customer and Know Your Supplier due diligence processes for clients who access the information. For the companies on the registry, it provides greater global discoverability of their products and services.

2024 Nasdaq Compliance Survey Reveals Top Compliance Challenges and Investment Priorities

Nasdaq’s Global Survey Highlights AI, Cloud, and Data Quality as Key Drivers in Compliance Evolution

The financial services sector is navigating an increasingly complex regulatory and operational landscape, as highlighted in Nasdaq’s ninth Annual Global Compliance Survey. The survey, conducted among 94 compliance professionals from the sell-side, buy-side, and financial market infrastructure sectors, underscores a notable shift in compliance strategies driven by advancements in technology and data integration.

Technological Transformation in Compliance

With heightened regulatory scrutiny and the persistent challenge of financial crime, firms are leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to stay ahead. A significant 35% of survey respondents expect AI to drive the most substantial changes in compliance processes over the next year—a stark increase from 9% last year and 0% the year before.

This pivot reflects a move away from basic workflow automation to more sophisticated, data-driven approaches. Firms are investing in tools to integrate disparate data sources, enhance cross-product surveillance, and improve data quality. These advancements aim to address ongoing challenges like false positives in automated systems, which, according to nearly 90% of respondents, remain a major issue. “False positives drain resources and delay critical decision-making,” noted Ed Probst, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Technology at Nasdaq. “The promise of AI lies in its ability to refine alert systems and prioritize genuine threats.”

Data-Centric Strategies and Workforce Evolution

Organizations are also redirecting investments to strengthen data management and analytical capabilities. Over the next two years, 12% of firms plan to hire data scientists, and 13% intend to bolster their teams with additional support staff. This shift highlights the growing importance of advanced data analytics in maintaining robust compliance systems.

However, the survey reveals a need for a more cohesive approach to integrating AI and analytics strategies. “The rapid deployment of algorithms must align with broader data management frameworks to deliver meaningful insights,” commented an industry expert.

The trend is mirrored across financial organizations, where investments in data infrastructure and predictive analytics are becoming integral to both risk management and operational efficiency.

The Expanding Role of Compliance Teams

Surveillance and compliance teams continue to play a strategic role in corporate decision-making. More than three-quarters of respondents agreed that these functions maintain a “seat at the table,” reflecting their critical role in fostering ethical business practices and safeguarding reputational integrity.

Despite a slowing growth rate in regulatory spending, over 40% of firms reported increased compliance budgets this year. The allocation of funds increasingly favors advanced analytics over traditional monitoring tools, indicating a strategic pivot towards future-proof compliance infrastructures.

Looking Ahead

Nasdaq’s findings underscore the importance of technology-driven solutions in tackling the evolving challenges of compliance. As firms navigate this dynamic environment, investments in data quality, AI, and skilled talent will be pivotal in building agile and resilient compliance frameworks.

“Compliance is no longer just about adhering to rules,” added Probst. “It’s about leveraging technology to anticipate and adapt to risks in a rapidly changing world.”

This shift signals a broader transformation within the financial services industry, where the integration of advanced technology with strategic governance is becoming a cornerstone of effective compliance.

Boubyan Bank Implements Murex MX.3 for Sharia-Compliant Treasury Operations

Kuwait-based financial institution Boubyan Bank has successfully deployed the Murex MX.3 platform to enhance its Sharia-compliant treasury operations. The implementation aims to support the bank’s scalability and meet evolving business needs while adhering to international best practices. This initiative underscores Boubyan’s commitment to offering innovative Islamic financial solutions with faster time-to-market and improved risk management capabilities.

Murex has customised its platform to accommodate the specific requirements of Islamic finance. The company serves over 300 global clients, including over 15 banks trading Islamic products across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific regions.

“The growth of Islamic finance in today’s challenging regulatory and legal landscape is pushing institutions offering Sharia-compliant products to innovate, streamline operations, and enhance risk management,” commented Marc Farah, senior business development manager at Murex. “The MX.3 for Islamic Finance solution provides banks with a competitive edge. It not only offers a comprehensive catalog of Sharia-compliant payoffs, but also optimizes operational efficiency through automated post-trade processes and a preconfigured setup. We are confident that financial institutions in Kuwait and the region will see similar success with the implementation of our solution.”

The project was executed in partnership with Sequel, a Murex associate partner, which managed system integration, migration, and post-launch support for the platform.

Regnology Acquires VERMEG’s Agile Division, Expanding Global Leadership in Regulatory Reporting

Regnology has acquired Agile, the regulatory reporting division of VERMEG, in a move that underscores the growing trend of consolidation in the RegTech industry. This strategic acquisition strengthens Regnology’s capabilities in delivering end-to-end regulatory reporting solutions, while enabling VERMEG to focus on its core strengths in Collateral Management and Insurance.

Agile, a SaaS-based platform originally part of VERMEG’s Lombard Risk portfolio, serves over 150 banks worldwide across key regions, including the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Known for its modular, scalable solutions that cover the entire regulatory reporting process—from data ingestion to report submission—Agile will now be integrated into Regnology’s platform. This combination will enhance Regnology’s ability to address the increasing demands for automation, granular data management, and efficient regulatory compliance.

For VERMEG, the divestment aligns with a strategy to consolidate its leadership in Collateral Management and Insurance. “By joining forces with Regnology, Agile gains access to a broader platform and new opportunities for growth,” said Badreddine Ouali, Founder and Co-CEO of VERMEG. “This allows us to concentrate on delivering exceptional value in our core areas, ensuring long-term success for both companies and their teams.”

Building a Global Footprint in Regulatory Reporting

The acquisition also bolsters Regnology’s global presence, complementing its recent purchase of CG3-1, a firm known for its regulatory calculations in the U.S. broker-dealer market. The move is expected to enhance Regnology’s offerings for broker-dealers by integrating expertise in regulatory capital, customer reserve, and portfolio margin requirements.

Together, these moves enable Regnology to serve a wider range of financial institutions—from Tier 1 banks to community banks—and strengthen its reach in Asia Pacific, with clients in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia including a number of regulators.

“This marks a pivotal moment for Regnology,” said Rob Mackay, CEO of Regnology. “Our expanded footprint allows us to connect regulators and financial institutions worldwide, transforming legacy reporting processes into scalable, efficient networks. By investing in technology and talent, we aim to help industry stakeholders navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence.”

Nordic Capital, a key investor in Regnology, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition. “This milestone reflects the need for forward-looking solutions that prioritize efficiency and stability,” a spokesperson noted, adding that the deal advances Regnology’s position as a global leader in regulatory reporting.

Baader Bank Takes Bloomberg ESG Data Feed for SFDR Reporting

Germany’s Baader Bank has added Bloomberg’s ESG data to its feeds as it builds out its Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) reporting capabilities in Europe.

The bank, which also provides outsourced management for many investment firms’ funds, adds the feed to its array of Bloomberg products, which include the Terminal and B-PIPE.

Bloomberg’s SFDR data, which is accessible via its ESGD function, provides information on more than 16,000 companies and enables the mapping of reported ESG data to PAI indicators.

Spanish Insurer MAPFRE Links into Aladdin for Asset Management

Insurer MAPFRE’s asset management business has become the first Spanish company of its kind to sign into BlackRock’s Alladin investment management platform.

MAPFRE AM will oversee the management of its US$60 billion portfolio of public and private assets on the platform.

“The adoption of Aladdin will help us unify all of our apps and to streamline our investment process, which will in turn accelerate the growth of our company,” said MAPRE AM chief executive Álvaro Anguita. “MAPFRE is active in 25 countries and financial centres in the major markets around the world. In recent years, we’ve boosted our presence in Latin America and strengthened our business in other countries, such as France.”

big xyt Partners with Trackinsight to Revolutionise ETF Data Analytics

big xyt, provider of AI-driven analytics for global financial markets, has formed a strategic partnership with Trackinsight, the ETF data provider. The collaboration merges big xyt’s expertise in secondary market analytics with Trackinsight’s extensive ETF reference data, creating a solution to deliver comprehensive insights into the $14 trillion ETF ecosystem, addressing complexities such as product evolution, regulatory demands, and the need for transparency.

The partnership provides clients with integrated datasets that enhance liquidity analysis, trading efficiency, and cost management. By combining primary and secondary market insights, the collaboration aims to improve decision-making for issuers, investors, and exchanges. Future developments will include advanced tools for global liquidity analysis and peer group benchmarking, empowering issuers to refine product strategies.

Commenting on the partnership, Robin Mess, CEO of big xyt, said: “At big xyt, we pride ourselves on our leadership in market analytics, offering deep insights into liquidity and trading dynamics across global markets. By aligning our expertise with Trackinsight’s exceptional reference and primary market data, we are creating a comprehensive solution that empowers investors, issuers, and intermediaries to navigate the ETF ecosystem with confidence and precision.”

Philippe Malaise, CEO of Trackinsight added: ” This collaboration ensures that market participants can rely on a unified source for understanding ETF performance, liquidity, and trends, driving smarter decisions and greater efficiency in the market.”