FIS modernises cross-asset trading for asset managers

By Aarav Garg

FIS has upgraded its Cross-Asset Trading and Risk Suite, expanding access to institutional-grade trading technology for buy-side firms seeking to compete more effectively in increasingly complex public and private markets.

The enhanced platform combines front-to-back trading operations on a single system, covering order management, portfolio oversight, position monitoring and risk management. FIS said the model is designed to replace fragmented legacy infrastructure that has traditionally forced investment firms to rely on multiple disconnected vendors and manual workflows.

Matt Stauffer, Head of Trading and Asset Services at FIS said, “Markets are more complex than ever and buy-side firms need cross-asset strategies to find returns. But legacy systems and manual processes are holding them back. We’re eliminating those barriers, helping firms of all sizes put their capital to work more effectively.”

The update is particularly relevant for mid-sized and smaller asset managers, hedge funds and alternative investment firms, many of which have faced higher operating costs and limited access to advanced trading tools compared with larger global institutions.

By consolidating core workflows into one platform, firms can potentially reduce total cost of ownership while improving speed and control across investment operations.

FIS also introduced new software-as-a-service capabilities aimed at alternative investments, reflecting growing demand for technology that can support both traditional and private market strategies within a unified environment.

The company said upgraded dashboards and interface tools were designed to improve usability and decision-making. AI-enabled features have also been added to automate tasks and streamline workflows, part of a wider industry shift toward intelligent operations across trading desks and middle-office functions.

For buy-side firms, the ability to manage listed assets and private investments on one platform has become increasingly valuable as portfolios diversify beyond equities and fixed income into private credit, infrastructure and other alternatives.

The announcement highlights a broader trend in capital markets technology, where vendors are repositioning platforms around integration, automation and cross-asset flexibility rather than standalone trading tools.

As margin pressure and operational scrutiny rise, investment firms are increasingly seeking scalable platforms that can support growth without significantly expanding technology overheads. FIS said the upgraded suite is intended to help firms of all sizes implement more sophisticated strategies previously associated with the largest market participants.