WBR Insights - Capital Markets

As revealed in our TradeTech FX report, buy-side firms are embracing the use of FX futures. Our exclusive research conducted alongside Eurex, also highlighted another key finding that goes hand in hand: Firms are seeking are seeking to automate and integrate their trading processes.   According to a survey of 120 of the most senior leaders in the industry: 🔴 Market participants want greater automation for block trades and EFPs. 🔴 There is a strong preference for integrating FX futures into OTC EMS. 🔴 A unified EMS capable of managing all FX transactions is in high demand.   So why the change? The benefits are clear. Automation can streamline workflows, reduce operational risks, and improve efficiency. For instance, by automating block trades and EFPs, firms can minimise manual errors and ensure faster, more accurate executions.   Additionally, there's a growing preference for integrating FX futures into OTC EMS. This integration can create a unified platform for managing the entire spectrum of FX transactions, from spot to derivatives. While not all platforms currently support this, the demand is evident.   Want to know more? Download our full report to explore these trends in detail and discover how automation and integration are shaping the future of FX trading: https://lnkd.in/ezGQ6z-w

FX Futures - are they the future of FX trading?   Our latest TradeTech FX report, conducted alongside valued partner Eurex, reveals a significant trend. FX futures ARE gaining traction among buy side firms.   In chapter one of the report, we aimed to understand how and why they are being used. Our exclusive survey of 120 of the most senior leaders in the industry revealed: 🔴 95% of asset managers, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds are already using FX futures. 🔴 Nearly 75% conduct up to 30% of their FX operations through futures. 🔴 All respondents plan to increase their use of FX futures in the future.   So why the shift? Factors like enhanced market access, evolving market sentiment, and regulatory considerations are driving this adoption. Plus, the OTC FX market's challenges - like UMR, liquidity, and rising capital costs - are making futures more appealing.   Want to know more?   Download our full report to read every chapter for free: https://lnkd.in/ezGQ6z-w

Did you know that the FX market is undergoing a seismic transformation? Were you aware that FX futures are at the heart of that change?   Our recent TradeTech FX report surveyed 120 leaders from buy-side firms across the globe. Working alongside our valued partner Eurex, we found:   𝗙𝗫 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱: A massive 95% of respondents are integrating FX futures into their strategies, with nearly three-quarters conducting as much as 30% of their FX operations through these instruments. This shift is driven by factors such as enhanced market access, evolving market sentiment, and regulatory considerations.   𝗔 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Asset managers and pension funds favour direct execution with FX dealers for FX futures. This bilateral approach not only provides ongoing access to OTC liquidity but also fosters strong client relationships. Block trades and exchange-for-physical (EFP) solutions are particularly popular among buy-side firms, offering flexibility and efficiency.   𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Market participants are seeking to automate processes associated with block trades and EFPs, mirroring the automation already prevalent in exchange order books. This is crucial for streamlining operations and mitigating risks. There is a strong demand for integrating FX futures into OTC FX execution management systems (EMS) to consolidate trading activities onto a single, efficient platform.   Do you agree with these findings? Download the full report for free here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ezGQ6z-w

How much do you know about FX futures and how the buy side is embracing them? Our latest TradeTech FX Europe report delves deep into this industry-wide trend. Partnering with Eurex, we surveyed 120 buy-side leaders globally to produce groundbreaking research. Split into three easy-to-digest chapters, our report explores: ❶ An understanding of the use of FX futures: Almost everybody is integrating FX futures into their trading strategies. This chapter examines the proportion of business executed via exchange-traded FX futures, common use cases, and the major challenges faced. ❷ The future of FX Futures: Part two of the report looks at why FX Futures have emerged as a critical tool for market participants navigating complex landscapes. It also reveals why many firms plan to increase their use of FX Futures in the next 6-12 months. ❸ Low-touch and electronification: The shift towards FX futures has accelerated the desire for enhanced electronification and automation of bilateral trading models. The final chapter of our report explores preferred methods for accessing FX futures liquidity and how industry leaders view the current state of automation. Download the report in full for free here: https://lnkd.in/ezGQ6z-w

Do you want to know how FX market participants are embracing FX futures? Well, for our latest TradeTech FX EU report, we interviewed 120 leaders from buy-side firms worldwide, so you can do exactly that. Working alongside Eurex, our survey shed light on the pressing issues and emerging trends shaping the FX landscape. The report is a three-part journey that examines: 💱 How buy-side firms are leveraging FX futures to gain a competitive advantage. 🔮 What the future holds and the key factors making FX futures an attractive proposition. 📈 The rise of low-touch execution and electronification in the listed FX derivatives markets. The report is a powerful tool for anyone looking to understand how their peers are unlocking the power of FX futures. And you can read it in full for free here: https://lnkd.in/ezGQ6z-w

Asset management is transforming. And our latest InvestOps Global report revealed the industry has new priorities, partnerships, and a vision for the future. Based on interviews with 300 CEOs, CIOs and other senior executives, our survey conducted alongside Northern Trust unearthed a number of key findings. These include: 🔴 Investor Experience is Key: Quality and accuracy are now top priorities, surpassing cost control. Firms are optimising product offerings to better meet client needs. 🔴 Product Evolution: Asset managers are rethinking their product strategies to cater to diverse investor profiles. Understanding client journeys is crucial. 🔴 Data is the New Oil: Data management challenges are driving partnerships with specialised providers to enhance analytics and insights. 🔴 Outsourcing on the Rise: Firms are increasingly turning to external experts for data management, securities finance, and other operations. 🔴 Cost Control Remains Critical: Balancing cost efficiency with investor experience is essential. Product rationalisation, automation, and technology investments are key. These are just five of the key findings that sum up the report's headline results. However, there are more insights to be unlocked in the full report. Download it free here: https://lnkd.in/edzZT6DB

Asset Management has a new focus, while cost control was once top of mind, our latest InvestOps Global report, conducted in partnership with Northern Trust, reveals a shift in priorities. Asset managers are now doubling down on quality and accuracy to deliver exceptional investor experiences. Based on interviews with 300 of the most senior executives in the industry, we found: 🤝 Investor experience is a priority: Firms are recognising that a superior investor experience is crucial for long-term success. This includes delivering accurate and timely information, providing personalised service, and meeting evolving client needs. 💫 Product offerings are being refined: To meet the demands of a changing market, asset managers are carefully evaluating their product mix. A deep understanding of client preferences is essential to develop and deliver products that truly resonate. 👨🏼💻 Outsourcing is on the rise: This is particularly true in data management. Firms are recognising the value of partnering with experts to enhance their capabilities and fuel growth. Would you like to know more about these trends and unlock the powerful insights of the report? Read it in full now: https://lnkd.in/edzZT6DB

While cost control remains a critical factor for asset managers, our latest InvestOps report reveals a subtle shift in priorities 💵   Controlling costs is important, as it was in our previous Northern Trust survey in 2022. However, firms appear to be adopting a two-pronged approach. According to our 2024 survey:   🤲 Nearly 70% of respondents are streamlining their product offerings. 📈 60% are investing in automation to improve efficiency.   This strategic shift reflects a growing recognition that optimising operations and delivering value are equally important drivers of success.   Download the report for free to unlock all of the survey's key findings: https://lnkd.in/edzZT6DB

Data management: A hidden treasure or a crippling challenge?   According to our latest InvestOps report, asset managers increasingly turn to external experts to manage their data.   Based on a survey conducted alongside Northern Trust, we found: 🔴 57% of asset managers plan to engage a specialized data service provider in the next two years. 🔴 45% will seek outsourced data solutions from their custodian.   Is this a sign of a data crisis or a strategic move to unlock hidden value?   The reality is that data management is becoming increasingly complex, demanding specialized skills and resources. By outsourcing, asset managers can focus on core competencies while gaining access to advanced analytics and insights.   Tell us what you think in the comments and read the report in full for free here 👉 https://lnkd.in/edzZT6DB

Is expanding distribution a challenge for you? Well, you're not alone. It remains a complex situation for asset managers and requires careful strategy and execution. We explored this topic in Chapter Two of our latest InvestOps report, in association with Northern Trust. According to our research: 📊 Data sourcing is a hurdle: More than 75% of respondents to our survey identified data sourcing as a major hurdle in launching new products. 🔀 Market structures are changing: Over two-thirds of respondents cited changing market structures as a significant obstacle to distribution. 🤖 Tech investment is on the rise: A significant majority (76%) of respondents plan to invest in technology to enhance distribution channels. To thrive in today’s landscape, asset managers must prioritise data management and leverage technology to unlock new opportunities. If you want to learn more about how to harness the power of data for distribution success, read the full report for free 👉 https://lnkd.in/edzZT6DB