BBVA and BBVA Bancomer deploy DLT-based FX matching pilot from Calypso Technology and R3

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 16, 2017 /CNW/ – Leveraging distributed ledger technology and cloud services, BBVA and BBVA Bancomer are piloting an FX matching application developed by Calypso Technology, a leading provider of cloud-based cross-asset trading software solutions for the financial markets, and enterprise software firm R3. The application, which runs on R3's Corda platform and is facilitated by Calypso's Cloud Services, has already been used by the two banks to match a live FX trade.

Following a successful proof-of-concept earlier this year, the pilot was developed by BBVA, R3 and Calypso to enable seamless, real-time FX confirmation matching between banks and their counterparties, providing an alternative to the slow and costly systems and processes used for FX trade matching today.

Currently, financial institutions rely on systems that often struggle to communicate with each other, frequently causing errors in the matching process. Fixing these errors requires manual intervention, which has significant cost and resourcing implications.

BBVA and Bancomer entered into the pilot as part of their larger initiative to apply distributed ledger technology to their FX businesses to reduce total cost ownership, simplify operations and enhance overall efficiency.

"BBVA is very excited about this initiative for two reasons. Firstly, it gives us the opportunity to assess the impact of a disruptive technology such as DLT, to generate efficiencies in one of our strategic business lines. Secondly, it has the potential to set a new standard in customer experience on the servicing ground", stated Ramon Martinez Sobrado, Global Head of CIB Operations at BBVA.

"Calypso sees Distributed Ledger Technology as an important component of our innovative offerings to transform post-trade processing operations. We are excited that after successful completion of the initial PoC, BBVA, BBVA Bancomer and our strategic blockchain partner R3, have engaged in the next phase of Calypso FX Matching Distributed Ledger Technology service supported by our Cloud services," commented Mayank Shah, Head of Strategy, Marketing and Alliances.

"Reconciliation is a major issue for banks when trading FX, with whole departments often dedicated to resolving the issues that occur during the matching process. Corda removes this issue entirely by creating a single, undisputable record of each trade. We are pleased to be working with our members BBVA and BBVA Bancomer on this pilot with Calypso and look forward to extending the initiative to other industry participants in the coming weeks," said Todd McDonald, Co-Founder at R3.

About R3

R3 is an enterprise software firm working with over 100 banks, financial institutions, regulators, trade associations, professional services firms and technology companies to develop Corda, its distributed ledger platform designed specifically for businesses. R3's global team of over 140 professionals in nine countries is supported by over 2,000 technology, financial, and legal experts drawn from its global member base. R3 recently announced the successful completion of the first 2 of 3 tranches in a Series A fundraise valued at USD 107 million.

Corda is the outcome of over two years of intense research and development by R3 and its members and meets the highest standards of the banking industry, yet is applicable to any commercial scenario. It records, manages and executes institutions' financial agreements in perfect synchrony with their peers, creating a world of frictionless commerce.

About Calypso Technology, Inc.

Calypso Technology, Inc. is a Cloud-enabled provider of cross-asset front-to-back solutions for financial markets. Its award-winning software improves reliability, adaptability, and scalability across several verticals, including capital markets, investment management, central banking, clearing, treasury & liquidity, and collateral. For the past 20 years, Calypso has delivered innovative solutions for trading, risk management, processing, and accounting, bringing simplicity to complex challenges.

With over 35,000 users in over 60 countries, Calypso is on the cutting-edge of emerging technologies including big data, Blockchain, and AI. "Calypso" is a registered trademark of Calypso Technology, Inc. in the U.S., EU and other jurisdictions. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.

www.calypso.com

About BBVA

BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States; and it is also the leading shareholder in Garanti, Turkey's largest bank by market capitalization. Its diversified business is focused on high-growth markets and it relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices.

SOURCE Calypso Technology

Calypso Technology, Yuni Iwata, [phone], [email protected]; R3, Nick Warren/Nick Murray-Leslie - Chatsworth Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Charley Cooper / R3 [phone], [email protected]; BBVA, Ulla Karppinen, [phone], [email protected]