(Editor’s note: The proliferation of blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT) proof-of-concept projects are beginning to show results and point to the next chapter of this possible revolution in financial technology. One of the interesting ramifications of DLT is that it will need a much stronger and flexible networking infrastructure. Ralph Achkar, director of strategic alliances, capital… Read More >>
What If Blockchain/DLT Lives Up to the Hype?
As this year gathers steam, the many blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT) projects out there are beginning to yield results. We have just reported on Northern Trust and its efforts with IBM http://bit.ly/2lSPlrw and I’m sure there are many more to come. One of the more intriguing DLT projects is the joint effort between the old… Read More >>
Northern Trust, IBM Build Blockchain for Private Equity Ops
Northern Trust and IBM have combined forces on the first commercial deployment of blockchain technology that went live at a private equity investment manager and that will eventually be offered to other clients of the asset custodian. The blockchain solution enables the private equity fund manager to “transfer ownership stakes and be managed, serviced and… Read More >>
Time to Hit the Brakes on the Blockchain Hype?
Although there has been a lot of hype surrounding blockchain, market participants may have to wait another three to five years before the fruits of their labor are crystallised in the post-trade space, according to a study by the Post Trade Distributed Ledger (PTDL) Group. The PTDL Group, which is global organization, surveyed 45 of… Read More >>
Deutsche Börse Tests Blockchain Waters via Collateral Project
Four international, central securities depositories (CSDs) that are part of the “Liquidity Alliance” (LA) are joining forces with Deutsche Börse to develop LA Ledger, a blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT) initiative to ease cross-border mobilization of security collateral. The LA, which includes the Canadian Depository for Securities Ltd. (CDS), Luxembourg-based Clearstream, South Africa’s Strate and the… Read More >>
DTCC-IBM Blockchain Project Could Be Transformative
(Editor’s note: Earlier this month, post-trade infrastructure services vendor DTCC announced that it will be updating the legacy technology of its Trade Information Warehouse (TIW) with blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT) and support from IBM, Axoni and R3; IBM will be serving as the prime contractor. This will be a major undertaking as the TIW service… Read More >>
Can a Blockchain Manage Credit Derivatives?
(Post-trade infrastructure systems provider DTCC recently announced that it will be replacing the legacy technology of its Trade Information Warehouse (TIW) with blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT). This will be done via the technology and support from IBM, Axoni and R3. The TIW service automates the record-keeping, lifecycle events, and payment management for more than $11… Read More >>
Ops Staffs to Heed the Call of Disruption in 2017
(The word “disruption” has been noted by pundits as one of the most over-used in 2016. However, the term still accurately describes the changes underway in securities operations — and across financial services — that shook multiple groups, disciplines and conventional wisdom. To appease linguists and help operations staffs, FTF News in this final installment… Read More >>
Revisit 2016 via the Top Stories of FTF News
Across the globe, the year 2016 ran the gamut from exhilarating to downright heartbreaking for many people on many, many fronts. For the executives, managers and great foot-soldiers of securities operations, it was a surprisingly eventful year that again underscored the importance of middle- and back-office people, systems and strategies. The year was full of… Read More >>
Deutsche Bundesbank & Deutsche Börse Launch Blockchain Initiative
Germany’s central bank, Deutsche Bundesbank and its national exchange Deutsche Börse, have joined forces to develop a functional prototype for a blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based settlement of securities. Stefan Teis, senior vice president for group product and business development at Deutsche Börse, stresses that the “prototype is based on a conceptual study and not intended… Read More >>
