While securities services have traditionally been viewed as unexciting, back-office, post-trade administrative activities, emerging technologies are giving providers an opportunity to move up the value chain. Joy Macknight reports.

Philippe Denis, the chief digital officer of BNP Paribas Securities Services, built his first computer in 1978 at the age of 18, and it is this commitment to embracing new technology that is driving his work at the French company, from his innovative use of big data to hosting brainstorming sessions on blockchain technology.

Julian Kasparien, head of sales and relationship management for the UK at BNP Paribas Securities Services, explains how new regulation has changed the role of the securities services division. 

Brokers are outsourcing their dealing desks to other sell-side firms. Dan Barnes investigates what is left of a broker that does not trade.

Once regarded as national treasures, over the past few years many exchanges have been evolving into cross-border operations, focused on capturing larger market shares. Following this wave of consolidation and collaboration, however, it still remains to be seen whether bigger really means better.

More people need it, there might not be enough of it, and much of it is locked up and cannot get to where it needs to go. Collateral is in demand and the hunt is on.

As their global operating models evolve, what do investment managers need from their service providers and what can they do to help themselves?

Philippe Chambadal, CEO of middle- and back-office processing technology provider SmartStream, discusses the post-trade landscape and the regulatory and operational challenges facing market participants.