BT signed a seven-year deal with TP ICAP, which is among the world's larger interdealer brokers. By working with BT Trading, TP ICAP will provide its 700-member broker team with a new software-based program that has remote work capabilities.
TP ICAP will also benefit from decreasing broker operations expenditures by reducing the real estate needed for the technology infrastructure and disaster recovery sites. TP ICAP acts as an intermediary between market participants who are seeking to buy and sell financial products in markets where there are no centralized exchanges or market makers, such as over-the-counter or bond markets.
BT is also deploying its BT Trading soft turret app that replicates, on a mobile device or PC, the hardware turrets, also known as dealer boards, used by brokers on trading floors. That feature ensures that brokers can stay in touch with their clients remotely while also accessing the markets just as if they were in their offices.
BT Trading is a software-defined trading application integrated with Cisco Call Manager or Microsoft Skype for Business, which are two of the most widely deployed unified communication and collaboration systems used by enterprises globally.
Based on session initiation protocol (SIP), VoIP, and IP technologies, BT said it simplifies institutions’ management of their communications and collaboration systems by running on standard IT virtual server infrastructure that operate over standard enterprise network environments.
With compliance laws varying from one country to another, BT Trading also adheres to standard security and operational policies.
It can be installed in distributed deployments and works on premises, cloud or hybrid models. By using BT Trading, traders can collaborate with their global colleagues. It also gives brokers access to data and analysis, along with real-time streaming media, and other vital information.
BT Trading also integrates with enterprise directories, allowing it to share presence. Traders can access the services via a range of fixed and mobile devices and applications.
“Our global broking business enables our clients to execute trades across multiple asset classes and markets," said TP ICAP's Martin Ryan, group chief operating officer, in a statement. "Excellent client service is a prerequisite, and this system enables us to meet those demands. BT’s deep knowledge of voice and collaboration technology complements our wider ambitions to improve the efficiency of our client-facing services.”