Trading
Buy side looks to cloud-computing for price transparency
Interest in cloud-based trading technology by buy-side institutions is rising as a way to improve price transparency, in the wake of lawsuits brought against US custodian banks over the mispricing of foreign exchange trades, say market participants
Shake-up in UK council pension schemes’ currency mandates
UK local government pension schemes are focusing attention on currency exposures in overseas assets, resulting in a shake-up in currency mandates
HSBC hedge fund sales head to join JP Morgan
Michael Spencer, who has resigned from HSBC, is expected to join JP Morgan to work in hedge fund sales
FX repository moves to production ahead of October launch
The DTCC began user testing of its new trade repository on May 1, and plans to have full regulatory and public reporting up and running by the fourth quarter to meet CFTC deadlines
Eurozone crisis is a 'bomb about to explode', says Neil Record
The founder and chairman of Record Currency Management believes the euro has been mortally wounded and will struggle to survive in its current form
Spotlight on: Neil Record, Record Currency Management
The founder and chair of Record Currency Management talks to Robert Mackenzie Smith about the growth of the firm over the past three decades, as well as the challenges posed by the financial crisis and his shortlisted entry for the Wolfson Economics Prize
Spotlight on: Sven Carlsson, Ericsson Group
The head of markets at Ericsson talks to Joel Clark about the change in the telecommunications group’s treasury function and FX hedging strategy over the past 17 years, as well as his views on new regulation
Weighing up renminbi prospects
Despite the high-profile attention to London's potential as the western hub for renminbi business, central bank and corporate appetite for the currency appears lukewarm
Why the Q1 risk rally was a glass half empty
Following a risk rally in foreign exchange markets during the first quarter, several of the positive drivers of that rally have now dissipated. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Callum Henderson explains why investors should continue to short…
Danske wins with range-bound euro forecast
The Danish bank accurately forecast on March 23 that EUR/USD would remain at 1.32 in a month’s time – a view that proved entirely accurate
Investors flock to the Mexican peso
Following significant appreciation of the Mexican peso during the first quarter of 2012, the currency has become a favourite emerging market bet for investors, and market participants believe it will stay that way. Melanie White reports
Overcrowded market for forex options platforms will lead to consolidation
With at least six new multibank options platforms now competing for market share, differentiation is crucial for participants, but some believe consolidation of platforms is also inevitable. Chiara Albanese reports
FX Invest North America: Eurozone crisis resolution still unclear
Panellists at FX Invest North America divided on whether the eurozone crisis will lead to the exit of Greece from the currency union
Economic recovery on track but risks remain, warns IMF
Global growth should rise from 3.5% to 4.1% next year, although capital flows into emerging markets give some cause for concern, according to a senior IMF official
Cyprus becomes latest stop in Saxo’s global expansion
Saxo Bank is continuing its move into new markets with the opening of a Cyprus office today, headed up by Vitali Butbaev
HSBC in Hong Kong retail forex foray with Oanda
HSBC launches margin FX trading services for retail investors in Hong Kong using technology by Oanda
ADS Securities pitches to high-net-worth individuals
The Abu Dhabi-based trading firm last week launched ‘Prime’, a new service targeted at professional and high-net-worth forex and bullion traders
Brakes remain on FX options clearing, despite regulatory easing
CPSS-Iosco working group ruled last week that CCPs do not have to guarantee settlement, but participants recognise the issue still has some way to run before options can be centrally cleared
Chart-topping CMC goes against the grain on yen
Strategists at CMC Markets took an accurate view on the long-term direction of two major safe-haven currencies in 2011, landing the firm top in the 12-month forecast rankings
Spotlight on: Raymond Kamrath, Faros Trading
Faros Trading has made a number of senior appointments to its sales team in recent months as it eyes global expansion from its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Chief executive Raymond Kamrath talks to Chiara Albanese about the growth of the firm…
Fears over regulation raised by treasurers at ACT conference
Corporate treasurers complain about the unintended consequences of the proposed financial transaction tax, as well as clearing rules for OTC derivatives and Basel III capital rules
The quasi-extinction of free-floating exchange rates
Imran Ahmad and David Petitcolin of the emerging markets FX strategy team at Royal Bank of Scotland in London say the quest for growth by emerging and developed market nations has led to the quasi-extinction of free-floating exchange rates
City’s top brass throws weight behind London RMB initiative
London will become the next offshore centre for RMB trading, vows UK chancellor George Osborne, supported by banking chiefs from Bank of China, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered
Algo execution sales head departs Credit Suisse
Jonathan Wykes, formerly global head of FX sales for Credit Suisse’s algorithmic execution business, has left the bank