TradingTech Insight Brief
Eurex Clearing Launches First DLT-Based Collateral Mobilisation Service with J.P. Morgan and PGGM
Eurex Clearing, part of Deutsche Börse Group, has become the first central counterparty (CCP) to introduce a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-enabled collateral mobilisation service. In its first live transaction, J.P. Morgan successfully transferred securities collateral on behalf of Dutch pension fund PGGM from a separate custody location to Clearstream Banking S.A. for use as margin collateral at Eurex Clearing. The service is powered by HQLAX’s DLT platform and involves collaboration with Clearstream.
This new system allows clients to access and move securities across locations instantly, improving collateral mobility and operational efficiency. The service received regulatory non-objection from BaFin and forms part of Eurex Clearing’s broader digital transformation strategy. It represents a significant development in modernising collateral management through technology and industry collaboration.
Ardea Investment Management Selects SimCorp One to Modernise Investment Operations
SimCorp has announced that Ardea Investment Management, an Australia-based fixed income manager with AUD 18 billion in assets under management, has chosen its SimCorp One platform to enhance operational efficiency and automate investment processes. The firm’s high-volume, relative value trading strategy will benefit from streamlined middle office operations and improved client reporting through the platform’s capabilities.
SimCorp One provides Ardea with a real-time, consolidated view of investment positions, leveraging integrated risk management and portfolio optimisation tools from Axioma. Additionally, Ardea will utilise SimCorp Managed Business Services to outsource critical functions in Data Management and Investment Operations, including post-trade processing. This move supports Ardea’s need for a scalable, compliant operational framework as it continues to expand amid evolving regulatory demands.
McKay Brothers Expands Low-Latency Market Data Services in the UK
McKay Brothers International (MBI) has broadened its Raw Feeds offering in the UK by distributing real-time cash equities data from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and Turquoise to trading firms co-located at the Slough-LD4 data centre. This expansion builds on MBI’s existing distribution of Cboe EU exchange data at the LSE, initiated in 2023. MBI’s Raw Feeds claim to provide the lowest latency market data services in the London Metro area.
In addition to the UK, MBI delivers Raw, Snapshot and Signal Feeds to major trading hubs across Europe, including Frankfurt, Bergamo, Zurich and Madrid. The firm sources data from leading global exchanges and offers comprehensive real-time coverage across asset classes such as cash equities, ETFs, futures, metals, interest rates, equity indices, energy, FX and cryptocurrency.
AXA Selects SimCorp One to Enhance Global Investment Oversight and Risk Management
SimCorp has announced that AXA will implement the SimCorp One platform along with its Business Services to strengthen investment monitoring and financial risk management across AXA’s global insurance operations. The platform will provide AXA’s teams with a real-time, consolidated view of positions across entities, reducing operational friction and enabling scalable investment oversight.
SimCorp One is designed to meet key challenges in the insurance sector, including complex regulatory demands and the need for integrated technology supporting both public and private market strategies. AXA will benefit from continuous platform updates, advanced data management, and SimCorp’s expertise in the insurance industry. The Axioma analytics suite, part of SimCorp One, will further support AXA in optimising portfolio risk exposure. Additionally, SimCorp’s Business Services will ensure consistent data delivery and asset servicing across all of AXA’s investments.
CLS Launches Redesigned CLSClearedFX with LCH ForexClear as First CCP Participant
CLS has announced the launch of its redesigned CLSClearedFX service, with LCH ForexClear becoming the first central counterparty (CCP) to go live. CLSClearedFX is a payment-versus-payment settlement service that enables CCPs and their clearing members to reduce settlement risk for cleared FX and derivative trades.
The updated service builds on CLS’s existing CLSSettlement platform, allowing CCPs to directly submit bilateral settlement instructions on behalf of members. This integration provides operational efficiencies, enhanced risk mitigation, and improved liquidity through a consolidated settlement model. LCH ForexClear’s successful transition means its cleared deliverable FX contracts are now settled within the main CLSSettlement session, removing the need for separate workflows and funding streams, thus lowering overall settlement costs.
UBS and LSEG Form Long-Term Partnership to Advance Data and Analytics Capabilities
UBS Group AG and the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) have entered a multi-year strategic partnership that will see UBS implement LSEG’s full range of data and analytics solutions across its global operations. The agreement is aligned with UBS’s broader strategic growth plans and integration objectives, aiming to generate cost synergies and boost operational efficiency.
Through the consolidation of data infrastructure and improvements in data governance, cataloguing, and access, UBS will strengthen its ability to respond to changing client needs. The partnership also provides UBS with access to LSEG Workspace’s next-generation features, including AI-powered modelling tools, cloud-native analytics, and integration with Microsoft platforms. These tools are expected to enhance innovation and data-driven decision-making throughout the bank’s operations.
Canton Network Expands On-Chain Collateral Initiative with Leading Liquidity Providers
The Canton Network has announced the inclusion of B2C2, Cumberland DRW, FalconX, and GSR as new design partners in its on-chain collateral initiative for bilateral derivatives. These firms join existing partners Flowdesk and QCP to support the development of an application designed to streamline collateral and margin management. Scheduled to launch in Q3, the application will be open to all OTC bilateral derivatives traders.
The collaboration aims to address inefficiencies in the crypto derivatives market by offering a cost-effective alternative to current over-collateralised and tri-party agent models. Using the Canton Network’s privacy-preserving architecture, the solution will enable automated smart contract-based collateral agreements compliant with ISDA CSA standards. Key features include real-time data sharing among transaction parties, instant tokenised collateral pledging, and 24/7 margining capabilities, offering improved operational efficiency, risk reduction, and support for novel collateral types.
Bloomberg to Integrate CME Group’s EBS Market FX Data into BFIX Benchmarks
Bloomberg Index Services Limited (BISL) has announced an agreement with CME Group to incorporate EBS Market’s Spot FX transactions into its Bloomberg FX Fixings (BFIX) benchmarks. This move aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of BFIX by including transaction data, thereby reducing risk and improving the ability of market participants to match the fixings.
The integration of EBS Market data supports BFIX’s commitment to providing reliable, representative and transparent foreign exchange benchmarks. BISL will initiate a market consultation later in 2025 to collect feedback on the proposed changes, with implementation expected in early 2026. BFIX currently covers over 1,300 spot currency pairs and 3,950 forward and non-deliverable forward (NDF) fixings, and is aligned with UK BMR compliance and IOSCO principles, supporting various financial applications including portfolio benchmarking and derivatives valuation.
Wedbush Securities Launches 24-Hour Trading via Strategic ATS Partnerships
Wedbush Securities has introduced 24-hour trading capabilities, allowing clients to access U.S. and OTC markets throughout all trading sessions. This new offering is powered by partnerships with Blue Ocean Technologies and OTC Markets Group, enabling seamless trading during overnight, pre-market, core, and post-market hours. The initiative particularly supports investors in Asia-Pacific regions, aligning with their local trading times.
The service integrates three alternative trading systems – Blue Ocean ATS, MOON ATS, and OTC Overnight – to provide comprehensive overnight access from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM Eastern Time. Blue Ocean ATS and MOON ATS facilitate trading in U.S.-listed securities, while OTC Overnight extends access to OTC equities. The platform supports both high- and low-touch routing and includes expert execution services across all hours.
Northern Trust to Trial Carbon Credit Tokenisation in Australia’s Project Acacia
Northern Trust will participate in Australia’s Project Acacia to test the interoperability of tokenised carbon credit transactions with traditional bank payments. The bank plans to demonstrate the simultaneous settlement of a carbon credit token transfer and a conventional payment using its blockchain-based Northern Trust Carbon Ecosystem. This simulation will be conducted in collaboration with Swift.
Project Acacia is led by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC) to explore various forms of tokenised money and assets, including wholesale CBDCs, tokenised deposits, and stablecoins. Northern Trust’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to digital finance initiatives, having previously contributed to blockchain projects in Singapore and Hong Kong. The firm is also a founding shareholder in Zodia Custody and manages $17 trillion in assets under custody.