Insights
Moving to T+1 settlement
Shortening the securities settlement cycle to T+1 will have a profound impact on global financial markets, helping to cut risk in volatile markets. In the Asia Pacific, India has begun T+1 implementation with a phased approach.
Evolution of the securities services industry
The custodian industry is highly concentrated today, with 60% of the assets held by the top five custodians, the result of several decades of growth and consolidation. M&A activities have played a major role in shaping the industry’s landscape today; a new wave of M&A activities will be triggered as the industry goes into the digital age.
Front-to-back outsourcing: the third wave
Front-to-back outsourcing has become a new battleground for securities services providers in addressing the evolving needs of asset managers. Demand for fast and accurate data is driving outsourcing of front-to-back office operations.
Digital assets custody: too big to ignore
The explosive growth of the crypto market underscores how cryptocurrencies have come a long way from the days where many considered them a scam. Securities services providers are feeling their way into the world of digital assets.
Hong Kong Mandatory Pension Fund: survival of the fittest
The MPF in Hong Kong celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2020. The system's total assets have hit the HK$1 trillion (US$129 billion) mark and rank among the 30 largest public pension systems in the world. A major digital revamp to the platform will be launched in 2022. Price wars and industry consolidation are likely.
A golden opportunity for foreign custodians in China
Most foreign players’ ability to unlock China's domestic wealth has been unimpressive over the past 20 years. Citigroup made headlines in September with the announcement that its China unit has been awarded a local fund custody license. How would it be different this time?