Wednesday, November 2, 2011

News: Chi-X E to G, G20 GS GLB rant, Policy? can't get enough of it!, ASX-SGX-OTC-HMT, Quotes Swift Swat....LNH Spring!

RWC:

Dreadful news to report I’m afraid.

Australia was outclassed in every aspect of play against the Kiwis.

Australia now play Wales for 3rd place.

I think we could have won the Kiwi game, but on the day, on the field the players did not think clearly, or execute well under pressure.

It hurts me to say it, but the Kiwi’s deserved to win.

Aust to beat Wales

NZ to beat France

...see ya all in 2015!

Lots of visitors this week. Including the presentation of the Autotrader survey results (Tue) and the FIX conference (Thu).

I liked Paul Hilgers (Optiver) observations on the Autotrader panel. regulators are moving into trying to regulate technology, and policy setting is swaying to politicians not practitioners. Meanwhile Alex Frino wondered about what happened following the ASX / SGX deal...well Treasury published it’s consultation paper on infrastructure today.

Oh...and ISDA had a 2 day OTC conference and then there was some commodity gig on too. What is it about Sydney this week?

G20 & Capital surcharge for banks.

Yes, I believe this will come to pass, in 2016 or before, along with Basel III. The tide is against banks today, but their lobbying power and network will once again resurface. At some future juncture, this legislation will be ‘tinkered’ with, just like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act 1999) that repealed sections of Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, to re-dress the balance between regulation and the interests of Financial Services.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gramm%E2%80%93Leach%E2%80%93Bliley_Act

Lots of news from the Chi-X family. CXE clears with ACCC. Then we jump over to CXG where CXG announces syndication partners BAML, MS, GS, Getco and Quantlab. CXA gets a launch date and CXJ results.

Quote...ouch

Now, for those that like a read, how on earth are we going to get through all this policy stuff?

ASIC releases their CP on market structure issues following competition (start with Table 2)

MH Treasury has some foresight? (only 56 pages)

IOSCO joins the club...and they some MiFID mayhem.

Aussie Treasury (as mentioned above 50 pages)

ISDA make some great comments on OTC clearing issues.

And...please, nicking code, is a trend that is not too clever. Yes, I used to nick stuff from the stationary cupboard....but even a convict like me knows there is some kind of line you’re crossing when your walk out the door with more than your average USB stick can hold.

If you have any free time on Sunday pop along to...

http://www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au/auctions/SpringFair11.htm

....2 sleeps to go, I can’t wait! WooHoo.

But next weekend...the ocean swimming begins....

http://www.heronisland.com/oceanswims.aspx

...Ahhhh, lovely!

Have a great week end all.

Scott Riley

s.riley.mail@googlemail.com

http://clearingandsettlement.blogspot.com/

Platforms

CXA GETS A START DATE!

ASIC today confirmed Chi-X Australia Pty Ltd (Chi-X) has met its licence pre-conditions to commence as a provider of exchange markets in Australia and it can commence operations from 31 October 2011.

http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byHeadline/11-223AD%20ASIC%20confirms%20readiness%20for%20competition?opendocument

CHI-X JAPAN SEPTEMBER STATS

http://www.chi-x.com/resources/jp/file/monthly/CXJ%20Monthly%20Report%20September%202011.pdf

CEO backs consortia model as Chi-X Global unveils new stakeholders

Chi-X Global has confirmed that five firms have acquired minority stakes in the exchange operator and trading technology provider from agency broker Instinet, which remains its majority shareholder.

The five new investors are brokers Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and electronic market makers Getco and Quantlab.

http://www.thetradenews.com/trading-venues/exchanges/6913

Cohen anticipates post-trade independence for Chi-X Australia

"Right now our focus is on getting through the launch, after which we will look for new ways to lower the overall cost of trading," said Cohen. "One option might be to reassess clearing in Australia." He added that the concepts and workflows created for Chi-East's clearing model could form the basis of an Australian post-trade solution.

http://www.thetradenews.com/trading-venues/exchanges/6922

UK COMPETITION COMMISSION GIVES BATS-CHI-X MERGER PROVISIONAL APPROVAL

http://www.finextra.com/news/announcement.aspx?pressreleaseid=41571

A Look at NSE and BSE Colocation Service

Beginning in 2009 the NSE (National Stock Exchange of India) and the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) each established and expanded co-location facilities and services.

http://www.asiaetrading.com/a-look-at-nse-and-bse-colocation-service/

QUOTE MTF SEVERS TIES WITH SWIFT TRADE

Pan-European equity trading venue Quote MTF has severed all ties with Peter Beck, controversial CEO of the former day trading firm Swift Trade, which has run foul of global regulators for alleged market abuse.

More on this story: http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23065

Policy

ASIC today released a second-phase consultation paper on equity market structure issues arising from recent and anticipated developments in Australia’s financial markets.
Consultation Paper 168 Australian equity market structure: Further proposals (CP 168) seeks views on proposed market integrity rules relating to:

· automated trading including high frequency trading;

· volatility controls for extreme price movements;

· enhanced data for supervision;

· the product scope of best execution; and

· pre-trade transparency and price formation in the market.

http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/pdflib.nsf/LookupByFileName/cp168-published-20-October-2011.pdf/$file/cp168-published-20-October-2011.pdf

This Foresight project, sponsored by Her Majesty’s Treasury, is led by the Government Office for Science under the direction of the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Sir John Beddington. It involves leading experts in this field and will explore how computer generated trading in financial markets might evolve in the next ten years or more, and how this will affect:

  • Financial stability;
  • Integrity of financial markets including price information and liquidity;
  • Competition;
  • Market efficiency for allocating capital;
  • Transaction costs on access to finance; and
  • Future role and location of capital markets.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/bispartners/foresight/docs/computer-trading/11-1276-the-future-of-computer-trading-in-financial-markets.pdf

IOSCO publishes recommendations on market integrity

The Technical Committee of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published its Final Report on Regulatory Issues Raised by the Impact of Technological Changes on Market Integrity and Efficiency, containing Recommendations aimed at promoting market integrity and efficiency and to mitigate the risks posed to the financial system by the latest technological developments including high frequency and algorithmic trading.

Report FR08/11 Regulatory Issues Raised by the Impact of Technological Changes on Market Integrity and Efficiency, Report of the Technical Committee of IOSCO

http://www.iosco.org/library/pubdocs/pdf/IOSCOPD361.pdf

MIFID REFORMS PUBLISHED; COMPLIANCE BILL TO HIT EUR732M IN YEAR ONE AND EUR586M PER ANNUM THEREAFTER Financial markets in Europe are set to undergo a fundamental overhaul, as the European Commission rolls out new rules and regulations covering every aspect of the trade lifecycle, from pre-and post-trade transparency, through to execution and clearing and settlement.

Full story: http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23079

Consultation Paper - Council of Financial Regulators: Review of Financial Market Infrastructure Regulation

The Council of Financial Regulators (the Council) has released a consultation paper on proposals to enhance the supervision of Australia’s critical financial market infrastructure.

The proposals include new powers to require certain systemically-important market infrastructure to have key aspects of their operations located in Australia and overseen by 'fit and proper' persons, as well as increased power for regulators to intervene in the event of infrastructure experiencing substantial difficulties.

http://www.treasury.gov.au/contentitem.asp?NavId=002&ContentID=2201

Australia

ISDA submission to Reserve Bank of Australia on discussion paper ‘Central Clearing of OTC Derivatives in Australia’

http://www2.isda.org/regions/asia-pacific/

G-20 leaders support capital surcharge for major banks
A proposed capital surcharge on major banks received support from Group of 20 central bankers and finance ministers. The surcharge, from 1% to 2.5%, would be phased in starting 2016, according to a communique released after a G-20 meeting. Sources said the Financial Stability Board will reveal a list of 50 systemically important financial institutions at next month's G-20 summit in Cannes, France. Reuters (15 Oct.), The Wall Street Journal (Europe) (15 Oct.)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/15/us-g20-regulation-idUSTRE79E13Z20111015

Indian Finance ministry planning to reduce STT & Stamp Duty.

Indian finance ministry is planning to reduce duties on transactions in equities and currency derivatives. It is considering a cut in the securities transaction tax (STT) as well as a reduction in stamp duty on ‘futures and options’ and currency derivatives.

http://algotradingindia.blogspot.com/

Participants

EX-CITADEL STAFFER CHARGED OVER CODE THEFT A former Citadel quantitative financial engineer has been arrested and charged in relation to the theft of trading-related computer code.

Full story: http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23061

Related News

31 August, 2011 Citadel gets restraining order against employee it says stole data

07 July, 2011 FBI arrests CME software engineer on code theft charges

21 March, 2011 Ex-Goldman programmer jailed for eight years over HFT code theft

23 November, 2010 Former SocGen trader found guilty of code theft

15 February, 2010 UBS algo trading code theft case dropped

12 February, 2010 Former Goldman programmer indicted over HFT code theft

14 July, 2009 UBS files code theft lawsuit

10 July, 2009 Citadel sues ex-staff for contract breach; raises code-theft spectre

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

CXA, Direct Edgy, UBS, HK Short, ESMA....RWC semi


G’day All,

A fast and hectic week. Afraid reading has suffered. Oh well. If it’s important it’ll be reported again next week. Now, apart from C&S....that RWC is important!

I do think Wales are playing the best and most consistent rugby. So farewell les blues.

To date, I have been decidedly underwhelmed by the wobblies. How we won against SA? I don’t know. We did not once manage to put 5 phases of play together against a continual onslaught and a better executed game strategy from the Sth Africans. Still, I know in their hearts the Saffa’s will be happy for us. Better team on the day, blah, blah.

Wales 33, France 19

Aust 18, NZ 16

The Horwill story is moving.

Berlusconi’s comments....are remarkable, but unfortunately believable.

CXA comes out with Aussie pricing.

MTFs do get it wrong, but I never imagined they could get it as wrong as Direct Edge. You live and learn!

If you want to find patterns and trends you can. The Kerviel / Adoboli profiling is just too ambiguous.

For those of you that have access to sports channels...enjoy the Rugby.

And if that don’t rock your boat, have a great w/end whatever you’re up to.

Warm regards all,

Scott.

s.riley.mail@googlemail.com

http://clearingandsettlement.blogspot.com/

Wallabies skipper armed with a life and death memory

When James Horwill leads the Wallabies on to the field at Eden Park, the last thing he will look at is the white tape on his left forearm.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup/wallabies-skipper-armed-with-a-life-and-death-memory-20111013-1lmeo.html

Nice piccie from: Jhiob Berckheyde/Mary Evans Picture Library/Everett Collection

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903703604576584713529436704.html

Those Italians have ‘style’?

Berlusconi’s comments are those of a man who has lost touch with reality. I use this url because all others quote the comments in full.

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/berlusconirsquos-derogatory-tirade-against-angela-merkelrsquos-figure-caught-on-tape-2879174.html

Platforms

CXA came out with their pricing.

http://www.chi-x.com/resources/au/file/Market%20Operations%20Notice%200019-11.pdf

Passive Order execution: 0.06 bps

Aggressive Order execution: 0.12 bps

SEC SANCTIONS DIRECT EDGE FOR WEAK CONTROLS

US electronic exchange operator Direct Edge has been sanctioned by the SEC for "weak internal controls" that led to trading losses of millions of dollars and a systems outage.

More on this story: http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23060

Hong Kong regulators deny market declines a result of short selling
There is no indication that recent declines in the Hong Kong stock market have been caused by short selling activities, says China's capital markets regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).

http://www.securitieslendingtimes.com/securitieslendingnews/article.php?article_id=217809

Policy

Asian policymakers aim to protect their economies
Bank Indonesia unexpectedly dropped interest rates and the Philippines launched stimulus efforts, as Asian policymakers become increasingly concerned about weakening global growth affecting their economies. "We want to be ahead of the curve in anticipating the impact of the global economy," said Perry Warjiyo, director of economic research at Bank Indonesia. "It will impact through the region, and we will see there is a decelerating trend of inflation and a downward revision to economic growth. Sooner or later, central banks need to rebalance the preference of their monetary-policy response." Bloomberg (11 Oct.)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-11/indonesia-unexpectedly-lowers-interest-rate-to-bolster-economic-expansion.html

ESMA consultation on Platforms & HFTs

Consultation on the Guidelines on systems and controls in a highly automated trading environment for trading platforms, investment firms and competent authorities

http://www.esma.europa.eu/index.php?page=consultation_details&id=186

Responses:

http://www.esma.europa.eu/index.php?page=responses&id=186

Participants

CITI CHOOSES FIDESSA FOR GLOBAL DERIVATIVES PLATFORM

American banking giant Citi has contracted UK vendor Fidessa for the provision of a workflow and trading platform for its global listed derivatives business.

Full story: http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23045

UBS and Rouge trader profiling.

A number of commentators have picked up on clear similarities between the cases of SocGen's Jerome Kerviel and UBS' Kweku Adoboli. Based purely on an analysis of the information and reporting already available, those similarities become breathtaking, rather than merely noteworthy. Expanding on the profile drawn above:

http://www.chasecooper.com/Downloads/metric/back-issues/metric_rogue_trading_special_edition.pdf

Stuff

Reaction to dangerously rising inflation

Rising inflation is a fact of life worldwide. More ominously, some authorities in the developed world are signalling that some inflation would help to get their economies out of the public debt hole, as happened after the Second World War. US commentators in particular are pointing to the anchoring of inflation expectations as a reason for not worrying. Many are not convinced. More tellingly, the all-important issue of accounting in the presence of inflation is being resurrected. It was debated in the '70s, but has been largely dormant since.

http://www.edhec-risk.com/latest_news/featured_analysis/RISKArticle.2011-09-22.5414?newsletter=yes

You may have already read this one, but I love Piri’s (Piri Piri PooPoo to you Scotty) Mums’ comment:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10758627

Sharks make golf course a real hazard

http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/fitness/sharks-make-golf-course-a-real-hazard-20111013-1lm40.html

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and scientist

Sunday, October 9, 2011

111007 News: CXA, CXE Cheri, RBA, FSA, CCP, ECB, FOA EMIR....RWC IRE FRA AUS NZzz & GBS!


I can’t believe how quickly the RWC is flying by now. I guess I better get some predictions out for this weekends games.

I must say, if the wobbly wallabies had to lose to anyone, I’m glad it was Ireland.

For me, Ireland and Wales have been the ‘in form’ teams. I was deeply impressed by the clinical nature of Wales over Fiji and their valiant efforts against the Boks....but something has me falling for the Irish.

France of course could go either way.

Ire 19 Wales 17

Eng 12 France 21

SA 21 Aust 26

NZ 44 Arg 6

I did ask about the Greeks and the Euro ‘crisis’ (which I think will pass) and got this wonderful reply...

The Greeks have scratched their beards and wore s(c)andals since Socrates and Sophocles.


CXA is gearing up for an end of month launch.

CXE goes CHERI whilst Turquoise stays in house with the FTSE stable.

Couple of good clearing papers this week.

RBA Assessment and FSA CP11/19

I don’t see the LSE.LCH.CN deal closing.

Bravo Britain V the ECB. A nice back door angle.

Excellent comment by Belchambers on EMIR.

I just don’t understand the UBS loss. I’m still waiting for the final analysis.

Some nice quotes from Steve Jobs.

Have a great week-end all. Create the circumstances you need to make it happen. Wise man old GBS.

And go those wobblies!

Scott.

s.riley.mail@googlemail.com

http://clearingandsettlement.blogspot.com/


Platforms Asia

CHI-X AUSTRALIA ADDS DAVID TRUDE AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

http://www.finextra.com/news/announcement.aspx?pressreleaseid=41249

Chi-East matched volumes up 203% in Q3

Chi-East, the pan-Asian joint venture dark pool between Singapore Exchange and exchange operator Chi-X Global, announced a 203% increase to US$71.06 million in Q3 2011 from US$23.45 million in Q2 in the value of trades matched.

http://www.thetradenews.com/regions/asia/6840

EXCHANGE SPENDING CUTBACKS HIT PATSYSTEMS

UK screen-dealing software house Patsystems has issued a profits warning as sales to emerging exchanges are hit by economic and financial turmoil.

Full story: http://www.finextra.com/news/fullstory.aspx?newsitemid=23023

TSE sets date for new futures and options platform

The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is to launch its ‘Next Tdex+ System’ for futures and options trading, together with a third-generation system for the trading of stock and corporate bonds, on 21 November 2011.

http://www.thetradenews.com/trading-venues/6816


Platforms

NYSE, DB Receive Statement of Objections from EU Commission

The two exchange operators, who hope to complete their $10.4 billion merger by year’s end, did not disclose what the objections are. The commission has not yet posted a statement about its objections, for public viewing.

The EU Competition Commission has indicated it plans to make its ruling on whether the merger will clear its antitrust concerns, by December 13.

The merger also must get approval from the United Kingdom’s competition commission.

Shareholders of the two companies approved the merger in July.

http://www.securitiestechnologymonitor.com/news/nyse-db-antitrust-europe-statement-of-objections-received-from-eu-29180-1.html?ET=securitiesindustry:e2892:171544a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SIN_DailyClose__100511

Chi-X Europe Founder, Tony Mackay, cuts ties with Nomura & Instinet.

(see attached)

Chi-X picks CHERIs for first taste of derivatives competition

A partnership between pan-European equities trading platform Chi-X Europe and indices provider Russell Indexes has borne fruit with the launch of the Chi-X Europe Russell Index (CHERI) series.

http://www.thetradenews.com/trading-venues/exchanges/6830

CBOE STOCK EXCHANGE TO BUY NSX

http://www.finextra.com/news/announcement.aspx?pressreleaseid=41268

LSE hires Chi-X Europe’s Jenkins as head of compliance and regulation

http://www.atmonitor.co.uk/news/newsview.aspx?title=lse-hires-chi-x-europe-s-jenkins-as-head-of-compliance-and-regulation

Turquoise launches FTSE Index Options on derivatives platform

Turquoise announced that from today it has introduced FTSE Index Options on to its Turquoise Derivatives platform.

Three market makers have committed to provide liquidity from today, including Citigroup and securities trading firm, Tibra Trading Europe Limited.
A three month fee holiday has been introduced for market-makers at launch. Thereafter market-makers will be charged 5p per contract. All other customers will be charged 15p per contract.
The clearing fee for options will also be 2p per contract (same as for the Turquoise FTSE Futures)

http://www.atmonitor.co.uk/news/newsview.aspx?title=turquoise-launches-ftse-index-options-on-derivatives-platform

Order Machine to Take QuantHouse Data Feeds

A new Netherlands-based supplier of smart order routers for European banks and brokers will be using QuantHouse feeds of market data

http://www.securitiestechnologymonitor.com/news/order-machine-quanthouse-data-feeds-29158-1.html?ET=securitiesindustry:e2892:171544a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SIN_DailyClose__100511


Clearing

The Reserve Bank of Australia has released its 2010/11 Assessment of Clearing and Settlement Facilities in Australia against the Financial Stability Standards. The Assessment can be viewed at:

http://www.rba.gov.au/payments-system/clearing-settlement/pdf/report-2010-2011.pdf

LCH.Clearnet confirms exclusive LSE talks

LCH.Clearnet Group Limited confirms that it has entered into exclusive discussions with London Stock Exchange Group plc regarding a possible transaction.
There can be no certainty that the discussions will result in any transaction.

http://www.atmonitor.co.uk/news/newsview.aspx?title=lch-clearnet-confirms-exclusive-lse-talks

MarkitServ Promotes Same-Day Clearing of Swaps

MarkitServ on Thursday said it has launched a same-day clearing service for credit default swaps executed between brokers with Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley as its first users.

http://www.securitiestechnologymonitor.com/news/markit-swaps-clearing-29181-1.html?ET=securitiesindustry:e2892:171544a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SIN_DailyClose__100511

Britain appears set to win clearing battle with ECB

The European Central Bank proposed a rule that would require clearinghouses that handle euro-denominated securities to be in the euro zone. Britain sued the ECB over the rule and appears poised to win the battle, after officials changed the draft derivatives law, EU diplomats said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/29/eu-clearing-idUSL5E7KS6FB20110929


NASDAQ OMX Nordic to introduce competitive CCP clearing

(NASDAQ:NDAQ), has announced its intention to introduce competitive Central Counterparty (CCP) clearing by end of April 2012* in cooperation with EMCF, EuroCCP and SIX x-clear.

http://www.automatedtrader.net/news/exchange-news/90925/nasdaq-omx-nordic-to-introduce-competitive-ccp-clearing


Regulation

CP11/19: Financial resources requirements for Recognised Bodies

The FSA's Consultation Paper CP11/19 is entitled 'Financial resources requirements for Recognised Bodies'. It was published in October 2011. The Financial Services Authority invites comments on this Consultation Paper. Comments should reach us by 6 January 2012

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/cp/cp11_19.pdf

Can MiFIR bring competition to derivatives that EMIR can’t reach?

European finance ministers yesterday agreed a common position on the European markets infrastructure regulation (EMIR) that fosters competition in the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market, but rules out an extension of the regulation to listed derivatives.

Anthony Belchambers, CEO of UK-based trade body the Futures and Options Association, suggested that EMIR’s delineation between OTC and listed derivatives would become meaningless as the former became standardised and exchange traded.

“As a significant proportion of OTC derivatives are standardised and will be increasingly traded on multilateral platforms, opening access to OTC derivatives may not amount to very much in the long run,” he said. “A question that needs to be addressed is whether regulators are opening up access to a potentially dwindling set of instruments.”

http://www.thetradenews.com/asset-classes/derivatives/6844


Stuff

UBS

Watch where the data goes...

Track where messages get sent. Start gathering more data from those places that are repeated sources of interaction, even if intermittent. Start making those sources of data part of the data you make a habit of capturing.

http://www.securitiestechnologymonitor.com/photo_gallery/1_79/29021-1.html

STEVE JOBS (RIP)

http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/business/quotes-of-steve-jobs-on-life-20110902-1jpi2.html

MARKET DATA EXPLOSION

The chart below shows how many quotes it takes to get $10,000 worth of stock traded in the U.S. for any point in time during the trading day over the last 4.5 years. Higher numbers indicate a less efficient market: it takes more information to transact the same dollar volume of trading.

Quote traffic, like spam, is virtually free for the sender, but not free to the recipient. The cost of storing, transmitting and analyzing data, increases much faster than the rate of growth: that is, doubling the amount of data will result in much more than a doubling of the cost. For example, a gigabit network card costs $100, while a 10 gigabit network card costs over $2,000. A gigabit switch, $200; a 10 gigabit switch, $10,000. This October, anyone processing CQS (stock quotes) will have to upgrade all their equipment from gigabit to 10 gigabit. Which would be fine if this was due to an increase in meaningful data.

http://www.nanex.net/Research/ExhibitA/ExhibitA.html

The Top 400 Banks on Twitter

http://thefinancialbrand.com/19914/400-retail-banks-on-twitter/


''People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and, if they can't find them, make them.''

George Bernard Shaw, from Mrs Warren's Profession