CLS has onboarded First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and UBS on its bilateral payment netting calculation service for over 120 currencies, CLSNet.
The market infrastructure group delivering settlement, processing and data solutions now counts with seven of the top ten global banks among its CLSNet community of global and regional banks.
Deutsche Bank, Mashreq and Standard Chartered have recently committed to using the platform as part of efforts to expand the roster of netting counterparties.
CLSNet has seen a 179% year-on-year increase in the average daily notional of net calculations in H1 2022.
+120 currencies for FX products, including same-day trades and NDFs
CLSNet standardizes and centralizes post-trade processes across the global currency spectrum – and in doing so reduces risk, enhances efficiency and improves liquidity for a growing network of FX market participants.
A centralized platform like CLSNet allows clients, such as UBS and FAB, to access matching and legal confirmation of over 120 currencies for FX products, including same-day trades and NDFs.
The adoption of CLSNet also reinforces FX market participants’ adherence to the FX Global Code, in particular to Principles 35 and 50,1 as all trade instructions sent to CLSNet are automatically validated and matched up to the pre-determined cut-off times between counterparties for each currency.
This means that only matched trade instructions are included in the automated net calculation and provides a single common record of the net payment obligations.
By automating the netting calculation process via a centralized platform, users benefit from greater operational efficiency through substantially enhanced straight-through processing rates as well as increased risk mitigation for currency flows not settling via CLSSettlement.
Single common record of the net payment obligations
Lisa Danino-Lewis, Chief Growth Officer, CLS, commented, “We are delighted that FAB and UBS have gone live on CLSNet. The escalating interest in CLSNet is a testament to its centralized model. Through the expanding global network, market participants will be able to maximize the intraday liquidity, operational efficiency and risk mitigation benefits of the service.”
Anan Samaneh, SVP & Head of FXMM & Control Operations, FAB, said, “CLSNet offers standardization and automation through a centralized platform which will significantly enhance our post-trade process – thereby enhancing operational efficiency, risk mitigation and reduced funding requirements. Participating in CLSNet also supports FAB’s adherence to the best practice settlement risk principles of the FX Global Code.”
Steve Forrest, Global Head FX Operations, UBS, added, “CLSNet will enable us to address our wider post-trade processing needs and automate our bilateral netting activity with fellow participants. Further, as a centralized infrastructure, it not only delivers risk mitigation for participants but also facilitates front office benefits such as liquidity optimization and reduced funding requirements.”
CLS provides settlement services and complementary products for improved risk management across the full FX lifecycle, including processing tools or market intelligence.
