Citi has launched a new suite of intelligent execution algorithms for global listed derivatives. These algorithms have been specifically engineered for the futures markets and are available across all major exchanges in the North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. The suite of futures execution algorithms includes other intelligent benchmark algorithms such as TWAP, VWAP and Close; as well as a broad range of tactical strategies and smart order types.
The flagship algorithm, Arrival, is an implementation shortfall strategy that has been engineered from scratch on the new platform. Named after its price benchmark, Arrival works to minimize slippage (deviation of the actual price from the benchmark) by balancing the cost trade-off between market impact and price volatility, across a variety of market conditions in real-time. Arrival combines into one simple access point a collection of strategies, each tuned to specific market microstructure situations.
“Our clients don’t want to enter numerous parameters to execute an order,” said Gordon Ball, Citi’s EMEA head of Futures Electronic Execution, in a statement. “The complexity of operating an intelligent algorithm and fine-tuning customizations sits with us, so our clients can focus on their overall investment and trading objectives.”
With the industry trend towards multi-asset trading desks and the convergence of best practices, the more sophisticated algorithms and TCA tools regularly used in equities are now being adapted for fixed income and commodity trading. “It was critically important for us to build algorithms specifically for listed derivatives, catering to the unique characteristics of these diverse instruments and their market microstructures,” Wilson added.
Citi’s advances in algorithm development include the capture of more detailed instrument and contract specific information to enable dynamic modeling of the order book and adaptive behavior to optimize execution performance. The platform is designed to accommodate different investment objectives and risk tolerances, providing solutions for clients’ diverse requirements.