Refinitiv launches Forwards Matching API solution enabling further efficiencies in FX Swaps trading

Provider of financial markets data and infrastructure Refinitiv has launched the Forwards Matching API solution, enabling automated access to the market leading Forwards Matching MTF venue. The move is supporting the ongoing shift in the FX markets to trade more volume in FX Swaps electronically.

Electronic trading could enhance the efficiency of eHedging flows and positions especially given the recent growth in FX Swaps trades, and further support improved ways of trading in the markets given the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

Based on the Spot Matching API already used by many FX participants, the Forwards Matching API will further support trading efficiencies and the management of costs for Refinitiv clients. With APIs also available for FX Swaps, customers will benefit from additional transparency on data and quick access to liquidity bringing greater efficiency across the trading workflow.

From a regulatory perspective Forwards Matching is part of Refinitiv’s MTF, regulated by the Central Bank or Ireland, and fully supports MiFID II execution, monitoring and reporting requirements. On the Matching platform, clients can trade FX Swaps on the MTF and FX Spot off the MTF.

FX swaps are among the instruments with biggest growth in the FX markets. According to the 2019 BIS Triennial Survey, FX Swaps accounted for 49% of the overall FX volume, and had increased in volume by 35% from $2.377 trillion in 2016 to $3.2 trillion in 2019. A Greenwich Associates study noted that the percentage of deliverable forwards and swaps traded electronically were 77% and 75% in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Refinitiv FX trading platforms recently saw Forwards volumes of $399 billion in average daily trading volumes for the month of March, a new record, and Spot volumes rise over $100 billion in average daily trading volumes for the months of February and March.