Managed cloud solutions for FX: Increasing operational agility and reducing costs

First Published: e-Forex Magazine / March 2021

The pace of change to cloud services has been gathering for some time and is now accelerating. In research commissioned by Integral, a Palo Alto, California headquartered cloud-based eFX technology provider, nearly all respondents believed that the cloud would be used in their workflows in the next five years.

The research was conducted by FX Markets on behalf of Integral between September last year and January. It surveyed 94 heads of FX trading and senior FX managers in banks and buyside institutions around the globe. It found that 69 per cent of respondents expect their FX trading flows to be either entirely in the cloud or to use a hybrid of cloud and on-premise solutions within five years.” The report found that 45 per cent of respondents were not using the cloud at all at present and this figure would dramatically reduce to only 2% within five years. Speaking to e-Forex, Integral’s chief revenue officer Vikas Srivastava commented, “Respondents signalled the expected shift to cloud is driven by lower cost of technology, ease of integration, ability to customize, and accessibility for distributed workforces. Looking ahead, we expect that the increased use of cloud will help market participants of all shapes and sizes perform their FX functions on a daily basis cheaper and more efficiently with necessary access to sophisticated workflow.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/31siHmf

The Impact Of Brexit On The UK’s Fintech Industry

First Published: Finance Monthly / March 2021

In recent years, the fintech industry has become an important focus for the UK, with the sector going from strength to strength. By the end of 2019, the UK’s fintech sector was worth £11 billion in revenues, and accounted for roughly 8% of total financial services output. Adding to this, 44% of fintech companies that are based in Europe and valued at over $1 billion are based in the UK, while the UK continues to gain new investment in the fintech sector…

Read more: http://bit.ly/38NweJ3

IPC Systems Wins Second Consecutive FinTech Breakthrough Award

NEW YORK, March 16, 2021 – IPC, a leading provider of secure, compliant communications and multi-cloud connectivity solutions for the global financial markets, today announced that its Connexus® Cloud solution has been selected as winner of the “Best Cryptocurrency Information Source” award in the fifth annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by FinTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global FinTech market today.

IPC sits at the hub of the worldwide financial markets through the Connexus Cloud ecosystem, an unparalleled trading network connected to more than 7,000 capital market participants across 750 cities in 60 countries worldwide. Sell-side firms, buy-side firms, inter-dealer brokers, liquidity venues, energy firms, trade lifecycle providers, and market-data, as well as clearing and settlement firms, currently rely on the Connexus Cloud platform from IPC for trade execution, order routing, market data delivery, and more for traditional assets.

Connexus Cloud enables the seamless trading of digital assets through partnerships with a host of providers worldwide. These include Omniex, LMAX Digital and Gemini, institutionally focused investment and trading platforms for digital assets that have been integrated into the overarching Connexus Cloud offering. Such a broad range of options for digital asset trading affords financial institutions instant connectivity and access.

In addition, ICE Data Services’ Cryptocurrency Data Feed, which streams real-time and historical data for the most actively traded digital currencies globally, along with the CME CF Cryptocurrency Indices, are also part of Connexus Cloud.

“IPC is empowering the global financial community with a breakthrough platform for information exchange and collaboration in the financial markets, allowing users to access the latest information on digital asset trends and pricing,” said James Johnson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “After receiving the honor of being named last year’s winner, IPC has continued to expand its cryptocurrency offerings on its Connexus Cloud platform and we are pleased to recognize the whole team, once again, with our ‘Best Cryptocurrency Information Source’ award for 2021.”

The FinTech Breakthrough Awards is the premier awards program recognizing FinTech innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in a range of categories, including Digital Banking, Personal Finance, Lending, Payments, Investments, RegTech, InsurTech and many more. The 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award program attracted more than 3,850 nominations from across the globe.

“In this tumultuous time, this consistency and ability to serve means more than ever before and IPC will continue to uplevel its cryptocurrency offerings in the years to come,” said Bob Santella, Chief Executive Officer, IPC. “Being singled out by FinTech Breakthrough again this year lends credence to our vision, our efforts and our dedication to our network of clients and partners. We are absolutely thrilled to receive this 2021 FinTech Breakthrough Award.”

About IPC

IPC is a technology and service leader powering the global financial markets. We help clients anticipate change and solve problems, setting the standard with industry expertise, exceptional service and comprehensive technology. With a customer-first mentality, IPC brings together one of the largest and most diverse global financial ecosystems spanning all asset classes and market participants. As the enabler of this ecosystem, IPC empowers the community to interact, transact and react to market changes and challenges, and we collaborate with our customers to help make them secure, productive, compliant and connected. Visit ipc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter (@IPC_Systems_Inc).

Certain statements contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

 About FinTech Breakthrough
Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for technology innovation and leadership around the globe, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Financial Technologies and Services companies and products. The FinTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of FinTech companies and products in categories including Payments, Personal Finance, Wealth Management, Fraud Protection, Banking, Lending, RegTech, InsurTech and more. For more information visit FinTechBreakthrough.com.

The Future of Work

First Published: Digital Bulletin / March 2021

Following its partnership with GreenKey Technologies, IPC recently rolled out its data visualization tool – Blotter – which utilizes natural language processing and machine learning technology. Digital Bulletin speaks to Tim Carmody, IPC’s Chief Technology Officer, to learn more about how NLP is revolutionizing the financial services industry and what the technology holds for the future.

Read more: http://bit.ly/3sC8IWN

Three Predictions for the City of London in 2021

First Published: Global Banking and Finance Review / February 2021

If CIOs in the City of London were asked at the beginning of 2020 about their biggest concerns for the coming year, they likely would have answered: regulation, followed closely by operational efficiency improvements and the challenges of adopting new technologies. These issues undoubtedly remain important for 2021, but the post-pandemic city now has very different priorities. These three in particular stand out…

Read more: https://bit.ly/37SnHnH

Trading Rooms of the Future – IPC’s Outlook for 2021

First Published: Finance Derivative / February 2021 

The Covid-19 pandemic did not just affect our clients. As soon as the virus started to spread around the world and lockdowns started to come into place, it became apparent here at IPC that we would need to implement our own business continuity plan and work from home strategies. All of this had to take place on an incredibly tight timescale and to an unprecedented extent. We had to react and adapt faster than ever before in order to help our clients prepare for lockdown. There was a need to manage supply chains, gather client feedback, and produce updates for our products with increased levels of accuracy, clarity, and efficiency.

Read more: http://bit.ly/3cSGuCQ

IPC Ushers in New Era of Institutional Digital Asset Trading

NEW YORK, February 16, 2021 – Institutional investors around the world are turning to IPC, a leading provider of secure, compliant communications and multi-cloud connectivity solutions for the global financial markets, to capitalize on the growing momentum behind cryptocurrencies. Several industry developments, from Bitcoin’s recent record high, to favorable policy trends, have created a surge in institutional interest on IPC’s Connexus® Cloud platform.

Connexus Cloud is an unparalleled multi-cloud platform for the global financial markets, an ecosystem that interconnects more than 7,000 diverse capital market participants across 750 cities in over 60 countries. Its suite of mission-critical managed solutions includes a portfolio of products for trading digital assets like security tokens and cryptocurrencies, for which Connexus Cloud won the 2020 FinTech Breakthrough Award for “Best Cryptocurrency Information Source.” Among other integrations, Connexus Cloud users can access:

  • CME CF Cryptocurrency Pricing Products: CME’s CF Bitcoin Reference Rate and Real-Time Index, CME Ether futures real-time market data.
  • Gemini: Gemini provides a crypto native finance platform which includes exchange and custodian solutions for the institutional investor.
  • ICE Data Services’ Cryptocurrency Data Feed: The ICE Cryptocurrency Data Feed streams real-time and historical data for many actively traded digital currencies globally.
  • LMAX Digital: LMAX Digital, the institutional crypto currency exchange, provides physical trading and custodial services.
  • Omniex: Institutional investors can access many cryptocurrency surveillance and trading tools through Omniex, an institutionally focused investment and trading platform for digital assets.

Originally perceived as an alternative to traditional financial instruments, cryptocurrencies and security tokens are increasingly seen as sophisticated asset classes similar to private equity or venture capital. Investors and policymakers are incorporating digital assets into their strategic planning; for example, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recently approved the use of stablecoins for the settlement of financial transactions by regulated banks. These developments have formed a virtuous feedback loop accessible on IPC’s institutional-grade network. In addition, IPC has also partnered with enterprise blockchain software firm R3 to support the Corda blockchain networks through Connexus Cloud.

“The strength of Connexus Cloud’s security protocols, combined with the expanse and composition of our institutional community of global financial market participants, enables a ground-breaking ecosystem for digital asset trading,” said Mike Smith, Director, Global Exchange Relations Management, IPC.

 About IPC

IPC is a technology and service leader powering the global financial markets. We help clients anticipate change and solve problems, setting the standard with industry expertise, exceptional service and comprehensive technology. With a customer-first mentality, IPC brings together one of the largest and most diverse global financial ecosystems spanning all asset classes and market participants. As the enabler of this ecosystem, IPC empowers the community to interact, transact and react to market changes and challenges, and we collaborate with our customers to help make them secure, productive, compliant and connected. Visit ipc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter (@IPC_Systems_Inc).

Certain statements contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

 Media Contacts:                                                                     

 Drew Pierson

Finn Partners for IPC

+1 212 529 4810

Drew.Pierson@finnpartners.com

Terri Bloore

Finn Partners for IPC

+44 207 017 8422

Terri.Bloore@finnpartners.com

Raewyn McBain

Pink Tiger Media for IPC

+852 9765 9275

Raewyn.McBain@pinktigermedia.com

IPC’s Next-Generation Portal Marks Significant Milestone in Digital Transformation Roadmap

 

NEW YORK, February 4, 2021 – IPC, a leading provider of secure, compliant communications and multi-cloud connectivity solutions for the global financial markets, today launched its next-generation IPC Portal, a consolidated, integrated hub to access its award-winning Connexus Cloud  and Unigy  platforms. The Portal marks an important step in IPC’s company-wide, multi-year digital transformation strategy and will be the basis for all future product innovation. It reaffirms IPC’s commitment to fostering greater collaboration with partners and customers to significantly enhance their productivity.

“The IPC Portal provides seamless access to our best-in-class global financial cloud ecosystem,” said David Brown, Chief Operating Officer, IPC. “Fostering collaboration through compelling digital transformation initiatives like the Portal is critical for customer success.”

The IPC Portal is an innovative, unified resource that removes complexity for customers and partners utilizing the flagship Connexus Cloud and Unigy solutions. Powered by advanced analytics, the modernized IPC Portal will serve as a one-stop-shop to help customers and partners and is integral to all future product and service enhancement efforts.

Among many other dynamic features, the Portal will provide:

    • Integration with existing customer service solutions
    • Automated Unigy health checks
    • Connexus Voice global inventory management
    • Call detail records
    • Contact management
    • In-depth reporting and insights, such as user heat maps

Connexus Cloud is an unparalleled multi-cloud platform for the global financial markets, an ecosystem that interconnects more than 7,000 diverse capital market participants across 750 cities in over 60 countries. The Connexus Cloud suite of mission-critical managed solutions includes a portfolio of products, such as Connexus Extranet, Connexus Ethernet, Connexus WAN, and Connexus Hub, which facilitate a flexible model for services with global availability at premier colocation facilities. The world’s top financial institutions rely on Connexus Cloud for fast, reliable connectivity to all aspects of the trade lifecycle – order creation, order placement, trade execution, clearing, settlement, reporting, and market data delivery.

The Unigy platform utilizes the latest trading communications technologies and a services-oriented architecture to bring flexibility and scalability to financial organizations. The unified communications platform makes the entire trading environment more productive, intelligent, and efficient.

“The IPC Portal represents a momentous step forward in the digital transformation roadmap we’ve developed after extensive customer advisory sessions,” said Robert Coole, VP, Cloud Technologies, IPC, whose team led this groundbreaking initiative. “It is a holistic entry point to our industry-leading network and services interconnecting the global financial community.”

About IPC

IPC is a technology and service leader powering the global financial markets. We help clients anticipate change and solve problems, setting the standard with industry expertise, exceptional service and comprehensive technology. With a customer-first mentality, IPC brings together one of the largest and most diverse global financial ecosystems spanning all asset classes and market participants. As the enabler of this ecosystem, IPC empowers the community to interact, transact and react to market changes and challenges, and we collaborate with our customers to help make them secure, productive, compliant and connected.

Certain statements contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Forecast 2021: Digital Transformation Ramps Up

First Published: TabbFORUM / January 2021

Are you experienced in the digital transformation? Get ready because it’s on its way. In this edition of Forecast 2021, written by Sam Belden of Forefront Communications, financial technology pros at IPC, MackeyRMS and OpenFin provide their insights on the landscape ahead and the move toward greater digitization.

Read more: http://bit.ly/3a51YsP

AFTAs 2020: Best Communication Infrastructure Provider—IPC

First Published: WatersTechnology / January 2021

IPC Systems once again picks up the award for best communication infrastructure provider for its flagship solution, Unigy, claiming back the award from last year’s winner, TransFICC.  Unigy, which currently has more than 110,000 users, aims to provide communication continuity of the back and middle offices, as well as other regulated users’ communications across a unified platform. In the last year, IPC pulled together its two flagship offerings—the Unigy trading floor communications system and the Connexus Cloud infrastructure—to create Connexus Unigy. This is the first time the company has combined the two business lines into a single product offering.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/2KL5v76