6th February 2024

Case Study: Building an FDC3-enabled, interoperable trading desktop platform

How Adaptive built a fully integrated, FDC3-enabled interoperable desktop for a US Custodian

Over a two-year period, Adaptive has partnered with a global, US-based custodian to deliver a next-generation, consolidated FX trading desktop environment for its buy-side clients. The new FDC3-enabled platform equips the custodian and its customers with a state-of-the-art interoperable desktop that brings together disparate trading apps under a single, intuitive user interface to increase trade workflow efficiencies.

An industry challenge: Data silos, operational risk and delays

For asset managers, who handle complex portfolios and invest across a vast array of asset classes, having a clear view of their investments is vital. However, the problem many firms face is the accumulation of trading systems and supporting applications over time. These platforms are often produced inconsistently, built in-house or through third parties, leaving a complicated ecosystem of non-integrated tools that require significant context-switching.

There has been a trend to consolidate applications into interoperable desktops for increased productivity and intuitiveness. Bringing together trading systems and operations in one place – whether middle and back-office functions, investment tools, or portfolio intelligence – is a significant strategic advantage. To compete and differentiate, the global US-based custodian wanted to focus on creating a system for its clients that would offer a seamless user experience, able to evolve and adapt in the long term.

Our Brief: Combine execution & post-trade functions / allow traders to stream prices & market intelligence

The custodian chose a leading provider of desktop interoperability solutions as their desktop integration tool and partnered with Adaptive to design and implement the overall solution.

The firm was aware of Adaptive’s ongoing work in the FDC3 space, which was strategic to them.

Key Features included:

Single Web UI: Streamline access to multiple apps simultaneously
Effortless Interoperability: Cross-application workflows with minimal development effort
Customizable Framework: Easily add new widgets and applications