TAB Global Financial Markets Award programme recognises the competition amongst various financial market infrastructure participants operating in the dynamic pre and post trading landscape.

The programme is designed to be a repository of evolving best practices from which players operating in the financial market ecosystem can benchmark their own products and processes over the long term. It is based on a set of transparent indicators upon which scorecards are developed. Organizations under consideration must broadly demonstrate a clear track-record of excellence and commitment in the following domains:

This programme has been administered by TAB Global since 2001 and we have refined our evaluation process to reflect the rapid development of Asian financial markets. Winners are determined following an exhaustive evaluation of submissions along with on-site research and interviews conducted by our research team. TAB Global is dedicated to transparency and fairness that is evidenced through the various scorecards that we publish for all awards categories.

We encourage all participating institutions to address the evaluation criteria relevant to the project as the evaluation of the submission will reflect the degree to which this is judged to have been done.

The research team evaluates the submissions and conducts independent verifications to be able to complete the scoring for each element of the scorecard. This may include requests for additional information or interviews with key executives.

Stock Exchange of the Year

We believe that a well managed stock exchange facilitates efficient raising of capital and enables price determination for participants. The institution has an established track record of delivering strong financial performance, healthy liquidity and depth. The exchange adopts international best practices for corporate governance and employs business strategies that foster product development & growth. Market access and connectivity is enabled through use of streamlined trading architecture, superior technology and robust risk management processes.

Financial Derivative Exchange of the Year

We believe that a well managed financial derivative exchange facilitates efficient transfer of risk and enables price determination for participants. The institution has an established track record of delivering strong financial performance, healthy liquidity and market depth. The exchange adopts international best practices for trading efficiency and employs business strategies that foster product development & growth. Market access and connectivity is enabled through use of streamlined trading architecture, superior technology and robust risk management processes.

Commodities Exchange of the Year

We believe that a well managed commodities exchange facilitates efficient transfer of risk and enables price determination for participants. The institution has an established track record of delivering strong financial performance, healthy liquidity and market depth. The exchange adopts international best practices for trading efficiency and employs business strategies that foster product development & growth. Market access and connectivity is enabled through use of streamlined trading architecture, superior technology and robust risk management processes.

Trading Platform of the Year

We believe that a high-functioning trading platform facilitates efficient processing of investor transactions. The system is operationally stable and clients are offered a diverse set of asset class with enhanced geographic coverage. The platform adopts international best practices for trading efficiency resulting in low cost and high liquidity. Market access and connectivity is enabled through use of streamlined trading functionality, advance technology and robust risk management processes.

Alternative Trading System of the Year

We believe that a high-performing alternative trading system facilitates efficient big ticket trading transactions without impacting transaction price. The system is operationally stable delivering equally strong financial performance. The platform adopts international best practices for trading efficiency resulting in high liquidity and volume to match block trades. Participants of the ATS are protected from the ill-effects of adverse selection through implementation of superior risk mitigation policies.

Trading & Reference Data Provider of the Year

We believe that a high-performing alternative trading system facilitates efficient big ticket trading transactions without impacting transaction price. The system is operationally stable delivering equally strong financial performance. The platform adopts international best practices for trading efficiency resulting in high liquidity and volume to match block trades. Participants of the ATS are protected from the ill-effects of adverse selection through implementation of superior risk mitigation policies.

Financial Markets Technology Implementation of the Year

We believe that a successful technology implementation project establishes an architecture that will support the financial institution's growth and provides the organization with requisite operational gains. The implementation process starts with a clear business case, delivers the project as planned and results in measurable qualitative and quantitative efficiencies for the organization on a sustained basis.

Clearing House of the Year

We believe that a well established clearing house facilitates efficient clearing of securities for market participants. The institution has an established track record of delivering strong financial performance. The house adopts benchmark clearing capabilities enhanced with a customer-centric focus that provides superior collateral and incorporates robust risk management practices.

Central Securities Depository of the Year

We believe that a well run central securities depository ensures appropriate safekeeping of securities for market participants. The institution has an established track record of delivering strong financial & operational performance. The depository adopts an issuer-centric solutions focus, which is further enhanced through superior collateral management, robust risk management practices and extended customer support.

Custodian Bank of the Year

We believe that a well-run custodian bank ensures appropriate safeguarding of securities under its purview. The institution has an established track record of delivering strong financial performance while acquiring new mandates on a consistent basis. The custodian bank operates across multiple jurisdictions in the region and has well-developed partnerships with respective local custodians. The custodian bank further offers client-focused asset-servicing solutions strengthened by robust risk management practices, technology driven customer services and post-settlement facilities.

Sub-Custodian Bank of the Year (Country Award)

We believe that a well-run sub-custodian bank ensures appropriate safeguarding of securities under its purview. The institution has an established track record of delivering sustainable financial performance while acquiring new mandates on a consistent basis predicated on a strong relationship with global custodians. The custodian bank further offers client-focused asset-servicing solutions strengthened by robust risk management practices, technology driven customer services and post-settlement facilities.

Leadership in Financial Markets of the Year

The winner of the exchange of the year award, categories 1-3, will automatically be considered for the ultimate Leadership in Financial Markets of the Year prize hence no separate submission is required.

Best Financial Derivatives Provider

We believe that a well-managed financial derivatives provider encompasses deep market insight and robust risk management capabilities by offering customised solutions that cater to the unique risk and investment profiles of clients. This provider prioritises market transparency and regulatory compliance, contributing to overall market stability. Utilising advanced technology, they excel in efficient trade execution and risk analysis, and setting industry standards.

Best Digital Asset Custody Service

We believe that a well-managed digital asset custody service encompasses a diverse spectrum of assets, from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum to blockchain-based tokens that denote ownership or rights, including security tokens, utility tokens, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Furthermore, digital assets extend to digital representations of tangible assets, such as shares of stock, real estate, or artwork tokenised on the blockchain, alongside digital identities and rights. The essence of a sound digital asset custody service is underscored by the institutions capacity to facilitate secure, transparent, and efficient transfers of ownership. It focuses on services that provide robust storage and management solutions for digital assets, recognising their critical importance in safeguarding asset integrity and access.