According to a company announcement by British CFD brokerage, ETX Capital, the firm is expanding its focus on technology by acquiring UK-based Ariel Communications. The move represents an effort by ETX to deliver solid technological solutions to its clients.
Ariel's multi-asset Trading Platform fits in well with ETX Capital's global spread betting, leveraged Forex and CFD trading business. The company is already serving retail and institutional clients through its existing FCA regulated offering.
The acquisition of a major technology provider like Ariel widens the scope for the firm to start offering a full white labeling solution from the ground up. The firm has already been using Ariel Communications' trading platform as its main offering.
ETX Capital partnered last year with Gold-i to deliver Gold-i's MT4 Bridge technology and offers the most popular trading platform to its clients. The focus on having a fully in-house developed solution signals more differentiation seeking from major brokers.
The move also provides ETX with an increased flexibility in offering the right toolset in a rapidly evolving market place which is increasingly dependent on an integrated multi-asset solution.
Lower trading volumes across the forex markets have seriously impacted revenues at many brokers (and software providers) since the beginning of the year. As customer demands are evolving, a firm technological positioning for major CFD and forex brokerages is essential to quickly deliver on those.
Ariel Communications previously received a government grant worth £238,000 in October last year, securing funding for new projects under the Technology Strategy Board. The funding came on the back of a complete restructuring of the company.
Ariel Communications' CEO, Simon Cox, stated in the company announcement, "We are delighted to be working with ETX Capital to deliver cutting edge trading technology and a market leading client experience to a global customer base."
ETX Capital's Executive Chairman, John Wilson, added, "By controlling our own technology we will be able to deliver to customers the trading experience they want, when they want it and where they want it. The acquisition of Ariel brings us preeminent trading technology, significant IP and control."
