Glenn Lesko, Instinet’s Asia CEO, expects to see more dark pools set up in Asia – by large regional banks, among others – and hence more tie-ups such as this one.
The buy-side trading platform expects to agree at least one alliance with a traditional exchange in Asia in 2012. Singapore's bourse is a likely contender, say traders.
Alternative trading venues are living up to their billing as good execution venues for less liquid stocks, according to figures from several platform providers.
Brokers have been asked to identify transactions that have been crossed from alternative trading systems onto Hong Kong's exchange, with a view to improving data transparency.
Richard Coulstock of Prudential AM predicts strong growth in electronic trading in Asia, with buy-side dealers taking greater control of their own trade execution.
Singapore Exchange may be improving its technology to increase trading speeds and liquidity, but it is aware that clearing and settlement remains an issue.
Research from the US-based dark pool provider shows a marked improvement in the performance of certain brokers' algorithms, following big investments in e-trading systems in Asia.
Takayuki Saito adds to the US bank's list of big hires in electronic trading, with a remit to expand the business under the Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities joint venture.
But Hong Kong still lacks competition in this arena, and Asia has some way to go on best execution, says Glenn Lesko, the agency broker's chief executive.