Infovisa Selects QUODD’s QX Digital Platform for Enhanced Market Data Services

QUODD, the on-demand market data provider, has announced that financial technology provider Infovisa, specialists in trust, wealth management, and retirement solutions, has chosen the QX Digital Platform as its primary market data service. Infovisa will use the platform for end-of-day pricing and reference data, streamlining its middle and back-office operations for wealth management clients.

In addition to market data coverage, QUODD’s QX Digital Platform offers Infovisa integrated digital workflows with security look-up and query capabilities, significantly reducing processing times. The platform’s automation and global pricing data integration were key factors in Infovisa’s decision, enhancing system connectivity and facilitating efficient team-based data management.

ION’s Fidessa Platform Certified for Cash Equities Trading on Bombay Stock Exchange

Financial markets solutions vendor ION has been registered as an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). ION’s Fidessa trading platform has successfully completed the audit process and is now certified for cash equities trading on BSE, adhering to all relevant exchange rules and regulatory standards.

Established in 1875, BSE remains a pivotal institution in the Indian corporate sector with over 5,700 listings. With this certification, BSE exchange members can leverage Fidessa’s comprehensive order management, algorithmic trading, and risk management capabilities. This development supports the growth of Indian capital markets, enhancing trading efficiency and connectivity for top Indian brokers who already use Fidessa for trading outside India.

Horizon Trading Solutions Achieves Certification on Toronto Stock Exchange

Horizon Trading Solutions, the Paris-based electronic trading solutions and algorithmic technology provider, has been certified on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), following its certification on the Toronto Montreal Exchange (TMX) in 2023.

Clients can now trade Canadian equities and derivatives, utilising advanced trading strategies and execution algorithms on a single platform for order and execution management. This certification enhances Horizon’s service offerings and strengthens its footprint in the North American market.

S&P Global Market Intelligence reports accelerated adoption of GenAI

As GenAI pivots from research to product launch and monetisation, the software part of the technology is forecast to reach $52.2 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate of 58% from 2023, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Published by 451 Research, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, the Generative AI Market Monitor report highlights an accelerated adoption rate of GenAI technologies across various sectors that it attributes to advances in AI models capable of generating new content, including text, images and code, leading to enhanced operational efficiencies and innovative applications in business processes.

The report shows a significant upward adjustment in market revenue predictions, with 2023 estimates increasing from $3.7 billion to $5.1 billion and the 2028 forecast climbing from $36 billion to $52.2 billion between the June 2023 and March 2024 publications of the market monitor report. S&P says the acceleration can be attributed to expedited enterprise roadmaps for GenAI, an influx of new providers in the market, and intensified focus on monetisation as demands for tangible financial results rise.

Broadridge names Roz Smith as chief operating officer of international business

Broadridge Financial Solutions has named Roz Smith as chief operating officer of Broadridge International. Smith took up the post on 1 May 2024, is based in London and will work with Mike Sleightholme, president of Broadridge International, to further scale and grow Broadridge across the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

Smith joined Broadridge from HSBC where she spent 18 years in management roles, most recently serving as head of strategy and change management in the non-financial risk team of the bank’s markets and securities services business.

FIA and DMIST Publish Global Average Pricing Standard for CCPs

The Futures Industry Association (FIA) and the Derivatives Market Institute for Standards (DMIST) have released a new Average Pricing Standard, which aims to address the lack of standardised average price functionality across Central Counterparties (CCPs) worldwide. It builds on the previous standard for Improving Timeliness of Trade Give-ups and Allocations.

The Average Pricing Standard requires all CCPs to adopt minimum average pricing functionalities to enhance consistency and efficiency in trade processing. It includes a 16-point Functionality Table covering General Standards, Average Price Grouping, and Cash Residuals. The standard also provides a roadmap for CCPs that currently do not offer on-CCP average pricing. An Average Price Workstream will be established by DMIST to facilitate implementation and adoption.

CJC Relaunches Academy Program for Market Data Professionals

CJC, the market data consultancy and professional services provider, has announced the relaunch of its innovative Academy Program. The CJC Academy aims to train the next generation of market data experts by equipping them with industry-leading skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary for success in global capital markets.

The CJC Academy offers a comprehensive learning experience that includes classroom-based instruction, mentorship, hands-on projects, and immersive activities. Participants will benefit from the expertise of industry leaders, engage in cutting-edge client projects, and explore various market data functions through CJC’s technical and commercial operations. Following a pandemic-related hiatus, the program returns with an updated syllabus, dedicated support team, and digital learning components, continuing its legacy since 2012.

Murex and StarQube Partner to Enhance Portfolio Management with MX.3 Integration

Murex, the capital markets technology provider, and StarQube, a fintech offering advanced analytics and investment decision tools, have joined forces to provide a data-driven portfolio management system through Murex’s MX.3 platform. The partnership enhances portfolio construction for managers using the MX.3 Investment Management solution, by integrating StarQube’s research and portfolio construction capabilities.

The combined solution leverages Murex’s cross-asset Investment Book of Record (IBOR) and StarQube’s conic optimizer, enabling portfolio managers to design, backtest, and execute strategies across all asset classes. This integration aims to provide better performance, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, optimising data and technology costs while enhancing the overall investment management process.

Genesis Unveils G8, Introducing Usage-Based Pricing and Advanced Developer Tools

Genesis Global has launched Version 8 of the Genesis Application Platform (G8), introducing risk-free trials, usage-based pricing, and significant technological advancements, which aim to expedite the development of high-performance financial market applications. Key features include the Genesis Marketplace, a library of pre-built elements to accelerate development; Genesis Create, a web-based tool to get new applications running in minutes; Genesis View, which converts screenshots into concise web UI code; and improved desktop interoperability with additional FDC3 support.

A new client engagement model launched in conjunction with the G8 release creates several powerful incentives for developers, including Genesis Sandbox, which offers free, on-demand platform trials to qualified users with technical support and access to the Genesis Academy learning centre. Additionally, a new usage-based pricing system allows firms to correlate costs with the value they receive from Genesis, eliminating traditional hurdles in software purchases. Furthermore, a new partner portal equips third-party integrators and consultancies to co-sell and build on the Genesis platform.

ESMA Good Practices Statement Hides a Warning on Pre-Close Calls

ESMA recently published a statement titled Good practices in relation to pre-close calls. The statement was prompted by media reports and verification by National Competent Authorities (NCAs) of a link between pre-close calls between issuers and analysts and subsequent volatility, in some cases raising suspicion about possible unlawful disclosure of inside information. 

It should be noted that subsequent investigations of these apparent links didn’t reveal any violation of the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR). 

“Pre-close calls” are communication sessions between an issuer and an analyst or group of analysts who generate research, forecasts, and recommendations related to the issuer’s financial instruments for their clients.  

These “pre-close calls” usually take place immediately before the black-out periods preceding an interim or a year-end financial report during which issuers refrain from providing any additional information or updates. 

The purpose of the ESMA statement is to remind issuers of the legislative framework applicable to pre-close calls and to identify good practices to which issuers should pay particular attention when engaging in such calls. 

Pre-close calls should only provide non-inside information and, whenever inside information is accidentally disclosed during a pre-close call, MAR requires restoration of information parity by making the disclosed information public immediately. 

The statement also includes a collection of best practices observed by National Competent Authorities (NCAs): 

• Assessment of Disclosed Information: Prior to calls, issuers should thoroughly assess the information to ensure it is non-inside information. 
• Public Disclosure: Announce upcoming pre-close calls with details, date, place, topics, and participants via the issuer’s website. 
• Simultaneous Material Availability: Make the materials used in calls (e.g., slides, notes) available on the issuer’s website. 
• Recording Calls: Record the calls and provide recordings to NCAs upon request. 
• Keeping Records: Maintain and publish records of disclosed information on the issuer’s website for public access. 

ESMA and the NCAs consider that following these good practices could reduce the risk of unlawful disclosure of inside information. 

Reactions to the Statement 

Responses from the Trade and e-Comms surveillance vendors emphasise the need for transparency and fairness in maintaining orderly markets that can be trusted.  

Matt Smith, CEO at surveillance solutions provider SteelEye, is well positioned to comment on transparency gaps in the surveillance ecosystem. “ESMA’s statement is a stark reminder that without an emphasis on transparency during pre-close calls, a watchdog crackdown could well be on the horizon. Markets need to remain inclusive and democratic, ensuring everyone has the right to participate with equal knowledge and to make informed decisions. When a select few have unfair access to sensitive information, this of course influences the market – something regulators are evidently keeping a closer eye on.” 

Smith’s concerns are well founded given the recent enforcement actions for shortfalls in e-Comms surveillance monitoring. 

Oliver Blower, CEO of VoxSmart takes a more pragmatic view calling for regulatory clarity and rules instead of the grey areas surrounding issuer pre-close calls. “It is all very well ESMA trying to keep everyone honest, but these are guidelines, not legislation. Clear rules and transparency are key to keeping our markets trustworthy and fair – and this is what most market participants want as well. 

The grey area is when exactly does activity of this nature become a disclosable event to the wider market? At the end of the day, if there is a suspiciously high share price immediately after an analyst call, any regulator is going to need to dig into not only the intricate details behind the trades, but also whether the bank in question provided the full and proper disclosures in a timely manner.” 

Both Smith and Blower emphasize the importance of transparency and clarity in the management of pre-close calls to maintain market integrity and fairness. They share a concern for preventing unlawful disclosures and ensuring that all market participants have equal access to information. Both agree that well-defined practices and guidelines are crucial for fostering trust and inclusivity in the financial markets, aligning with the overarching goal of regulatory bodies to uphold a fair and transparent trading environment.