Emerging tech key to market strategy, survey finds
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Emerging tech key to market strategy, survey finds 12 April 2016Windsor, Connecticut Reporter: Drew Nicol
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Custodians are prioritising investment in emerging technologies, such as blockchain, in order to remain competitive, according to an SS&C Technologies survey.
The survey, which studied preparedness for moving to a T+2 settlement regime, found that nearly half of custodians surveyed are looking to enhance automation in the post-trade cycle. ���
SS&C gathered responses from 50 executives the from buy and sell sides, as well as custodian firms, in March.
Investing in third-party products to boost automation in the post-trade cycle is the top priority for 48 percent of buy-side respondents and 34 percent of all executives surveyed.
Interestingly, though, the survey showed that buy-side firms are the least likely to increase their technology budget to support upgrades for T+2, with 60 percent of respondents expecting to maintain the same budget while exploring outsourcing options.
Sell-side respondents were more focused on investing in their front office to help automate the post-trade cycle.
More generally, the survey showed that a majority of firms are already investing in the necessary technology to comply with T+2 settlement and on track to meet the 2017 deadline.
Looking forward, 78 percent of respondents predicted it is likely or possible that the US will move to T+1 within the next decade.
"Firms are operating in a dynamic environment that requires agility, efficiency, and reliability,��� Bob Moitoso, senior vice president and general manager for financial markets at SS&C. ���The survey findings show a widespread awareness in the industry regarding the need for adequate preparation time and a commitment to maintaining a robust technology infrastructure.���
���We counsel customers to be proactive in their approach despite the long lead time to prepare, and the survey feedback really resonates with that guidance. If you haven���t started, you���re already behind.���
According to the survey, those who have not started these assessments largely indicated they would begin in the first half of 2016.
A small number of buy-side respondents stated they would wait until 2017 to assess their operational preparedness.
The US T+2 Industry Steering Committee committed to a 5 September 2017 deadline for the move from a T+3 to a T+2 settlement cycle, subject to support from regulators and the successful completion of industry-wide testing in Q2 and Q3 2017.
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