ICAP Successfully Tested Spot/Forward FX Trades on Blockchain

ICAP (LSE:IAP) just revealed that its Post Trade Risk and Information (“PTRI”) division has completed a proof of technology test for a distributed ledger using Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Read this Term technology. The trail completed on the 26th of February 2016 and ICAP says it has the potential to significantly transform post trade operations, while complying with new market practices within the post-crisis regulatory environment.

PTRI leveraged the multi-asset messaging and matching Harmony network and the blockchain infrastructure provided by Axoni, a New York-based technology firm, to create a private, peer-to-peer, distributed ledger network using smart contracts. Axoni’s implementation of blockchain technology provides complex life cycle automation, transactional privacy, sufficient processing of trades to support high-volume markets, automated reporting, and a dynamic permissioning system to onboard new network participants.

Explaining the process, PTRI says that it tested using bilaterally executed spot/forward foreign Exchange Exchange An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv Read this Term block trades, imported matched messages from Harmony and converted them in real time to blockchain-based smart contracts. The smart contracts were then distributed to nine representative participant nodes on the blockchain network, where trades were permissioned for additional services such as valuation, compression and reporting.

Jenny Knott, CEO of ICAP’s Post Trade Risk and Information Services division, said: “In successfully completing a proof of technology test, ICAP has demonstrated one of the first real world applications of distributed ledger technology that has the ability to significantly transform the post trade landscape. Realising the value of ICAP’s unique portfolio of PTRI businesses and investee companies, we have combined our expertise, networks and technology with Axoni’s distributed ledger technology to push the boundaries of post trade innovation.”

“Partnering with ICAP was an easy choice,” said Greg Schvey, CEO of Axoni. “There’s no shortage of demand for distributed ledger projects. ICAP’s thoughtful consideration of where this technology can be most valuable, its ambitious deployment objectives, and market-leading client reach offer a high probability of success when combined with Axoni’s advanced blockchain infrastructure.”

The companies say the proof of technology demonstrated the potential to: provide a common golden source of user transaction and reference data cross assets; enrich and enhance the accuracy and timeliness of data by users and attach further information; continuously update copies of the data to be stored locally on users’ servers; securely code messages to be viewed only by permissioned participants; reduce operational risk and improve reconciliation and operations processes; and realise multiple back office and technology cost savings.

It also represents for them a major step forward in the practical use of blockchain technology by: focusing on the distribution of data and not the agreement and settlement of bilateral transactions; building on existing PTRI solutions and not challenging the fundamental role of participants; and operating safely in parallel with existing architecture which does not require an immediate switch-over.