Public Info

Traditional financial systems, despite modern advancements, face several inherent shortcomings when compared to cryptocurrencies:
1. Time Delays and Limited Business Hours:
* Traditional banking operates with inherent sluggishness due to multiple intermediaries and restricted business hours.
* Cross-border transactions typically take 3 to 5…[Read more]

Mr. Topa clarifies that the goal is not a uniform, “one-size-fits-all” post-trade environment, but rather the implementation of universally applicable processes that reduce barriers and friction across diverse jurisdictions, participants, and stakeholders. This pragmatic approach acknowledges the inherent complexity of the post-trade landscape…[Read more]

Video courtesy of Interactive Brokers.

Video courtesy of Interactive Brokers.

Mr. Topa emphasizes that improving settlement efficiency and adherence to market standards are crucial for creating greater stability and certainty in financial outcomes, not just from a European perspective, but globally. Their approach to achieving this involves adopting market standards that are already globally established and endorsed, after…[Read more]

The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) has issued comprehensive guidance on shortening securities settlement cycles, specifically focusing on the transition from T+2 to T+1 settlement. This move aims to reduce risks, enhance liquidity, and modernize financial market infrastructure.
Understanding T+2 and T+1 Settlement:
* T+2 (Trade Date Plus Two…[Read more]

DRW Venture Capital led the $135 million strategic funding round for Digital Asset, the company behind the Canton Network.
DRW is a diversified principal trading firm founded in 1992 by Don Wilson. It is based in Chicago and operates across various asset classes, including fixed income, options, derivatives, energy, agriculture, and…[Read more]

The ongoing evolution of the cleared repo market, particularly driven by the US Treasury clearing mandate, highlights a fascinating convergence with existing practices from bilateral repo and OTC derivatives clearing. This integration of diverse data sources and the synergy of various applications are becoming crucial for firms to achieve a…[Read more]

Video courtesy of KDPW

Video courtesy of KDPW

The expansion of cleared repo, particularly in the US with the Treasury clearing mandate, is not simply a direct application of existing repo practices to a central counterparty (CCP) model. Instead, it’s a dynamic process that integrates valuable “lessons learned” from both the established bilateral repo market and the more mature cleared OTC…[Read more]

The implementation of the US Treasury clearing mandate is driving a significant shift in market infrastructure, particularly with the increased adoption of agency clearing models. This change is necessitating a re-evaluation and adjustment of existing pre-trade processes and post-trade workflows within the financial services industry.
Here’s a…[Read more]

The derivatives industry is also welcoming improvements to the stress testing requirements within the EU’s new derivatives regulations. Bill Stenning of Societe Generale indicated that the final rules are expected to “reduce the operational burden of stress tests for clearinghouses, clearing members and their end-clients,” and may even allow…[Read more]

The derivatives industry is reacting positively to the finalization of the European Union’s derivatives regulations, particularly the “active account requirement” (AAR), which aims to repatriate more euro derivatives clearing to the EU from London.
Background on Euro Derivatives Clearing Post-Brexit:
* Dominance of London: Following Brexit, the…[Read more]

The derivatives industry is expressing significant relief following the finalization of new European Union derivatives regulations. Bill Stenning, head of public affairs at Societe Generale, stated that the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) “has clearly taken extensive and fairly robust industry feedback onboard to revise its…[Read more]

Confidence in the derivatives market remains robust despite the tumultuous period in April 2025, largely triggered by US tariff announcements. This is according to the latest Acuiti SGX Global Market Sentiment Index for Q2 2025.
The quarterly Index, which gauges business outlook across various market participants like asset managers, hedge funds,…[Read more]

Euronext has indeed intensified its competition with Eurex by launching “mini” German single stock options on its Euronext Amsterdam equity derivatives market. This move comes just two months after successfully introducing similar offerings for French and Dutch stocks.
Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
* Strategic Motivation: Charlotte…[Read more]

The unique characteristics of private stock markets. It highlights the alluring potential for high returns, diversification benefits, and access to innovative companies, while simultaneously emphasizing the crucial need for caution due to less transparent pricing and the potential for rapid value swings.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways and…[Read more]

HTX, a prominent global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a significant partnership with BitGo Singapore, a leading provider of secure digital asset infrastructure. This collaboration involves the integration of BitGo’s Go Network Off-Exchange Settlement (OES) solution, a move designed to enhance HTX’s offerings by providing a more secure,…[Read more]

Ripple is actively pursuing a strategy of “multiple acquisitions” and significant upgrades to its XRP Ledger (XRPL) blockchain, aiming for features reminiscent of Ethereum.
Acquisition Strategy:
* Ripple’s M&A team is reportedly very busy, with multiple potential acquisitions in various stages.
* This year, Ripple already acquired the prime…[Read more]

Video courtesy of CSOB

Video courtesy of CSOB

Payments giant Fiserv is set to launch its own fiat-backed stablecoin, FIUSD, on the Solana blockchain by the end of 2025. This move aims to revolutionize real-time, 24/7 settlement across its vast global network of nearly 10,000 financial institutions and over six million merchants.
FIUSD will leverage infrastructure developed by prominent…[Read more]