EBS, ICAP's market-leading electronic FX platform, today announces that it has acquired Global Research and Consulting Limited, known as ClientKnowledge, the leading advisory liquidity optimisation firm specialising in FX.
ClientKnowledge was established in 1993 by Justyn Trenner and provides expert advice and consultancy services to participants in the FX market in sales, trading and associated technology, using quantitative analysis and research.
It is anticipated that, in due course, ClientKnowledge will become part of EBS’s operations and its services will be offered to existing and new customers, under the name EBS Liquidity Optimization Services. It will allow EBS to provide a wide range of unique quantitative and analysis services, alongside existing products, to support efficiency, best execution and improved profitability for EBS’s customers.
This acquisition follows the announcement on November 27 that EBS is launching EBS Direct, its relationship-based disclosed liquidity offering and further delivers on EBS’s strategy of expanding its role and partnership with the FX market. EBS will continue providing innovative and value-added liquidity enhancing tools and services across a range of FX products, focusing on improving the trading experience and efficiencies of its customers and partners, reducing costs, and ensuring a robust and fair market for all participants.
The acquisition was completed on 28th November 2012 and Justyn Trenner will join EBS’s Executive Team as the Global Head of Liquidity Optimization Services.
Gil Mandelzis, Chief Executive Officer, EBS, said: "ClientKnowledge has developed unique capabilities in the FX market, working closely with and assisting their customers in analysing their liquidity needs and strategy and optimising their approach to achieve their goals. Last week we unveiled EBS Direct, our disclosed liquidity offering, with over 100 customers already signed up it will complement our traditional anonymous liquidity.
"With the introduction of EBS Liquidity Optimization Services, based on ClientKnowledge’s exceptional and unique skills and reputation, we will be able to work closely with our customers to analyse their particular needs and deliver any type of liquidity their strategy calls for. We are really impressed with the ClientKnowledge team, their entrepreneurship, leadership and passion. I am delighted to welcome Justyn and his team to EBS and together we look forward to delivering exceptional value to our customers."
Justyn Trenner, Global Head of Liquidity Optimization Services said: "I am thrilled that ClientKnowledge is joining EBS. Together we will be in an extremely strong position to help customers to generate improved yield from their client flow and further innovate in looking at risk, execution, their business workflow and technology. With EBS’s unparalleled reputation and customer reach our combined efforts will be a great addition to the already deep partnership EBS has with the FX community."