Brightwell Selects Duco’s Data Automation Platform

Brightwell, a defined benefit services provider, has selected Duco’s data automation platform as part of its target operating model transformation. The platform will be used in Duco’s investment operations department to replace an inflexible legacy system that was limiting the firm’s growth and will enable Brightwell to normalise data and consolidate reconciliations for FX, OTC and ETD derivatives, fixed income and cash balances as trading volumes grow. Features such as advanced filters, transaction rollup rules, conditional rules and the Data Prep module will also help Brightwell reduce the number of exceptions, allow them to build complex matching rules, and bring down the number of false positives.

HKEX Plans to Widen Climate Disclosure Rules

Hong Kong’s financial regulator has said it will increase requirements for companies to disclose climate-related data as it seeks to better enable investors to direct capital to ESG-linked assets and companies. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) chair Laura Cha Shih May-lung said the plans would be introduced in pursuit of helping China reach its 2060 net-zero goals.

ExeQution Analytics Launches to Offer Customised Trading Analytics Solutions

ExeQution Analytics, a new trading analytics company, has officially launched with customised analytics solutions for both buy-side and sell-side firms. These services aim to reduce implicit costs for buy-side firms and help sell-side firms refine trading strategies. Founded by Kdb expert Cat Turley, the company has established offices in Sydney and Hong Kong with foundation clients including a sovereign wealth fund and a Hong Kong trading bank.

The ExeQution Analytics Framework integrates with client data to create bespoke analytics and visualisations. It is compatible with existing tick capture systems and technology stacks, and operates across Windows, Mac, and Linux using a range of programming languages. The company has deployed solutions in various sectors including prop trading, asset management, and broking.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Introduces Automated Reconciliation Platform, BRx Match

Broadridge Financial Solutions has launched BRx Match, a cloud-based platform for reconciliation and data matching. Aimed at both business and operational users, the platform aims to simplify the reconciliation process from start to finish by offering an automated, transparent, and efficient approach to handle a wide range of reconciliations across sectors like securities, cash, and insurance, reducing both risk and overall costs.

BRx Match is designed to provide a consolidated solution for all reconciliation needs across an enterprise. It comes with various matching engines and allows users to design and deploy their own reconciliation methods. Existing Broadridge clients will receive the new user interface and features as part of their ongoing service, with an option for a new self-service capability.

EU Considers Rewriting Sustainability Categorisations for Financial Products

The European Commission is reviewing parts of its flagship regulation covering financial institutions’ ESG performance reporting. In a consultation questionnaire on the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) market participants are queried on the way sustainability products are categorised. This follows complains that the designation of products as Article 6, 8 or 9 – indicating increasing degrees of sustainability – is confusing. The consultation also indicates the EC is considering requiring ESG disclosures for all financial products, even those that make no sustainability claims.

Bloomberg Launches Alternative Data Function, ALTD < GO >

Bloomberg has introduced a new alternative data function, ALTD <GO>, offering customers an early read on company performance, side-by-side with traditional fundamental data on the Bloomberg Terminal. Through ALTD <GO>, users can incorporate consumer transaction data analytics, location analytics and other types of alternative data into their research workflows.

The flagship data analytics source for ALTD <GO> is Bloomberg Second Measure, which uses aggregated analytics from billions of credit card and debit card purchases to provide near real-time consumer transaction insights on over 300 public tickers. ALTD <GO> also includes location analytics data from Placer.ai, which analyses foot traffic data from tens of millions of mobile devices, applying machine learning and AI algorithms to make estimations on visits to retail locations across the US.

Truphone Rebrands as 1Global

Mobile network operator Truphone has announced that it is changing its company name and embarking on a rebranding journey. Henceforth, the company will be named 1GLOBAL.

In a letter to customers, the company described the essence of its new identity stemming from the fact that it is one global Telco, operating on one unified network, with one central eSIM hub and one global compliance solution, all operating on one SIM card with the capacity to bear multiple numbers.

Eventus Rolls Out Next-Generation User Interface

Trade surveillance software provider Eventus has launched the next-generation UI for its Validus platform, which the company states will provide a more streamlined, efficient user experience with comprehensive new case-building features and greater transparency.

The new UI offers centralised compliance management across all asset classes and includes an enhanced dashboard layer and easy-to-use investigation tools for faster surveillance insights, along with state-of-the-art data visualisation tools. Enhanced workflow and investigation tools are designed to accelerate alert resolution.

Aquis to Remove Ban on Aggressive Non-client Proprietary Trading

Pan-European equities market operator Aquis Exchange has announced that it is to change the proprietary trading rule for its UK and EU trading platforms, lifting the restriction on aggressive non-client proprietary trading that was introduced in 2015.. The change is due to come into effect in October 2023.

In response to member demand, Aquis is changing the rule to allow liquidity providers the option to choose if they wish to interact with aggressive non-client proprietary trading or not.

China’s E Fund Expands Collaboration with Bloomberg

E Fund Management Co. Ltd., one of the largest fund management companies in China, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand its collaboration with Bloomberg. The expansion will cover areas including financial information, technology and climate change, and is designed to assist E Fund in accelerating its global development.

Xiaoyan Liu, co-chairman of the board and CEO of E Fund, says: “E Fund has been consistently advancing its global development strategy, aiming to provide global clients with better products and services. We are pleased to be working with Bloomberg to create long-term, sustainable value for our investors.”

Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg, adds: “China’s increasing integration with global capital markets has significance for investors everywhere. We’re glad to support China’s leading financial institutions as they expand.”