The twin irresistible forces of globalization and new technology are radically altering market landscapes, while the immovable objects of transparency and regulation continue to limit the ways in which alteration can take place.

Market infrastructure providers are under increasing pressure from their customers to reduce transaction fees, enhance trading efficiencies and increase transparency. The traditional players also face strong competitive pressure from new entrants - alternative trading systems but also institutions expanding from other markets. These are putting pressure not just on fees but also on service levels and liquidity.

In the face of this pressure and facing fragmenting markets and greater internalization of trades by brokers and ATS', market infrastructure providers worldwide have cut transaction fees. But maintaining liquidity and sustaining value for customers requires more than just cost cutting. Market participants are looking for a broader range of service improvements that encompass items such as shorter settlement cycles, better connectivity, standardization of protocols, trade practices and system upgrades, uniform approval across regions and markets for membership requirements, and standardized margining methods and collateral standards.

Given the pressures, market infrastructure providers are addressing a series of challenges that address not only core technology investment and cost reduction but also revenue replacement opportunities, market expansion, governance and entity transformation.

Credit Eterna helps market infrastructure providers with these challenges as a consultant and managed services provider.