News

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) frequently issues press releases related to various aspects of securities markets. Here are some of the most recent and relevant to securities:
* June 4, 2025: SEC Solicits Public Comment on the Foreign Private Issuer Definition. The SEC published a concept release asking for public input on the…[Read more]

Here are some of the most recent press releases from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC):
* June 3, 2025: The CFTC alerted Traders Domain customers to a July 28 claim deadline.
* June 2, 2025: The CFTC named Paul Hayeck as Acting Director of the Division of Enforcement.
* May 29, 2025: The CFTC awarded approximately $700,000 to a…[Read more]

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the seizure of over $7.7 million in cryptocurrency that was allegedly earned by North Korean IT workers using stolen U.S. identities. This action is part of a broader effort to disrupt illicit revenue streams that fund North Korea’s weapons development programs and circumvent international…[Read more]

Video courtesy of First Bank of Nigeria

Video courtesy of First Bank of Nigeria

Vitel Wireless, Nigeria’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), has announced that it has successfully completed interconnectivity with all major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria. This is a historic milestone, as it’s the first time an MVNO in Nigeria has achieved this feat.
This means that Vitel Wireless subscribers can now…[Read more]

BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange), Asia’s first and largest stock exchange, has announced a strategic partnership with CtrlS Datacenters Ltd, Asia’s largest Rated-4 data center operator. This collaboration is set to power BSE’s critical digital infrastructure, which is responsible for processing over 700 crore (7 billion) transactions daily and…[Read more]

MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (MKTX) has reported its trading volume and preliminary variable transaction fees for May 2025.
Key Highlights for May 2025:
* Total Trading ADV: $46.23 billion, a 44% increase year-over-year but an 20% decrease month-over-month.
* Total Credit ADV: $16.35 billion, up 22% year-over-year but down 11% month-over-month.…[Read more]

Stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group Inc. is going public on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with its shares expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CRCL.” The company’s initial public offering (IPO) priced above its estimated range, and additional shares were sold due to strong investor interest.
Circle is a…[Read more]

You are absolutely correct. There is a clear and growing trend towards an increasing proportion of alternative investments, ranging from fully liquid to highly illiquid, being sold through the wealth management channel.
Here’s a breakdown of why this is happening and what it means:
Driving Factors:
* Search for Enhanced Returns and…[Read more]

Franklin Templeton has announced a significant move to expand its alternatives platform by entering into an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Apera Asset Management. This acquisition specifically targets and strengthens Franklin Templeton’s direct lending capabilities in the European lower-middle market private credit sector.
Here’s a…[Read more]

Significant news in the European financial market, and it reinforces the trends we discussed regarding the shifting landscape of euro interest rate swap (IRS) clearing.
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM), which is an intergovernmental organization providing financial assistance to euro area member states, has announced that it will clear its…[Read more]

The critical roles that Central Counterparties (CCPs) play in the modern financial system. They are indeed far more than just “middlemen” in financial transactions; they are fundamental pillars for stability and growth.
Let’s break down why each of those points is so vital:
* Protecting Financial Stability and Liquidity During Turbulent Periods:…[Read more]

Video courtesy of CSOB

Video courtesy of CSOB .

You’ve highlighted a really interesting and competitive development in the European financial landscape! The entry of Nasdaq into euro interest rate swap (IRS) clearing, making it the fifth venue, signifies a clear shift in the market.
Here’s a breakdown of the competitive landscape and the motivations behind this push:
The Players:
* Eurex…[Read more]

CLS (Continuous Linked Settlement) plays a critical role in the global foreign exchange (FX) market, and its focus on mitigating settlement risk and enhancing operational efficiency is central to its mission.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes CLS so important:
* Eliminating Settlement Risk (Herstatt Risk): This is CLS’s primary function. Before…[Read more]

EU Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque’s keynote speech at the FESE Convention 2025 (Federation of European Securities Exchanges) focused heavily on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU), a key strategy to build a more dynamic and efficient investment ecosystem across the EU.
Here are the main themes and takeaways from her speech, drawing on…[Read more]

HKEX’s exploration of cutting its stock trading settlement time is indeed gaining broad support, particularly given the global trend towards shorter settlement cycles.
Here’s a breakdown of why this move is crucial and widely supported:
* Global Shift to T+1: The US and Canada have already transitioned to T+1 (Trade Date + 1 Day) settlement,…[Read more]

Video courtesy of First Bank of Nigeria

Video courtesy of First Bank of Nigeria

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has published its 2024 Report on Canadian OTC Derivatives. This report aims to provide transparency and summarize key features of Canada’s over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets for investors and other market participants.
Some of the key highlights from the report include:
* For the first time in 2024,…[Read more]