digital assets
As crypto ETFs become reality, benchmark providers take center stage
The SEC’s approval of the first spot bitcoin ETFs will expose a growing number of traditional market participants to the maturing world of crypto data, a moment that some—such as CF Benchmarks, BlackRock’s benchmark provider—have been eagerly awaiting.
The IMD Wrap: As crypto rises, yes, reference data is VERY important
With the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, Max explains why reference data will take on greater importance—whether non-data people know it or not.
Bloomberg’s Figi extends crypto inroads
In partnership with data provider Kaiko, Bloomberg has rolled out identifiers for almost 8,000 crypto assets as institutions increasingly look for structure and uniformity in a maturing sector.
Waters Wrap: A glimpse of 2024 through the looking glass of 2023
Anthony examines some of the biggest stories from the past year to preview what might be ahead.
Using genAI for post-trade processing could reduce failures, fines
Shortening settlement times are pressuring firms to do more, faster. IBM’s Soren Mortensen argues that genAI and ML can help eliminate errors and speed up post-trade processes.
Banks find intriguing ‘data play’ via tokenization efforts
Tokenization is no longer just a peculiarity of the crypto world, as execs from global custodian banks discuss their firms’ tokenization and digital assets strategies.
New crypto Isins seen as ‘really important’ step for TradFi adoption
Execs at TP Icap and Societe Generale say the identifier removes a major barrier for crypto acceptance.
Crypto ECNs aim to offer alternative to Clobs
CrossX and Cypator bring ECN-style trading and settlement to crypto, but rivals claim infrastructure isn’t ready
FX-style crypto platforms could bridge gap with TradFi
Emergence of execution-only ECNs, prime brokers and clearing houses brings new confidence in crypto
This Week: TNS, Cboe, State Street, ICE, and more
A summary of the latest financial technology news.
Institutions see everything to play for in UK’s DLT sandbox
Industry welcomes flexible issuance limits, but rues derivatives’ exclusion as a missed opportunity.
Digital assets trade processing: The roadblocks and the road ahead
Institutional investors want digital assets, but have several key concerns. Kristin Hochstein of ISITC explores some ways to improve investor confidence in the space.
Crypto custody faces regulatory death-roll
New measures to safeguard digital assets threaten to squeeze the life out of custody business, insiders fear
Waters Wrap: Blockchain—let’s put the hammer back in the box
With the ASX Chess DLT failure and users ignoring DTCC’s DLT option for its Trade Information Warehouse, Anthony wonders what it will take for the industry to stop touting this buzzword for non-specialized needs.
Winners and losers from the post-trade tech revolution
As the pace of tech evolution increases, Christian Sjoberg says firms that aren’t investing in new technologies to solve old post-trade problems will be left behind.
Regulated UK crypto firms fear authorisation Groundhog Day
Industry wants grandfathering in new Treasury framework to avoid business continuity risk
Waters Wavelength Podcast: Digital asset custody infrastructure
Stephen Richardson, head of Apac and senior vice president of financial markets at Fireblocks, joins the podcast to chat about multi-signature and multiparty computation technology.
Industry participants: ‘Digital Token Identifier’ aims to increase interop, usage
While some trading firms are welcoming the use of a new non-proprietary code for identifying digital tokens, the onus will be on local regulators to enforce its adoption.
The year identifiers wanted some attention too
Cusip! Figi! Isin! BTC! LEI! Taylor Swift? How did we get here and where do we go now?
Broken chains: how DLT code switch compounded ASX fail
Sources say that vendors will suffer the most in the fallout from ASX’s “paused” blockchain settlement project.
FTX failure resets US crypto legislative program
Lawmakers expected to seek stronger customer protection; industry wants flexibility for DeFi