ION adds Tradeweb ETF Trading to Fidessa platform

By Vriti Gothi

ION has expanded exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading capabilities on its Fidessa platform through a new integration with Tradeweb, enabling Request for Quote (RFQ) workflows for ETFs directly within the Fidessa trading environment.

The integration allows mutual clients of ION and Tradeweb to access Tradeweb’s electronic ETF RFQ functionality without leaving Fidessa, streamlining execution for equities trading desks. Tradeweb operates an electronic trading network serving more than 3,000 institutional clients globally, including banks, asset managers, hedge funds, insurers, and wealth managers.

The development reflects broader industry efforts to automate ETF trading workflows as institutional participation in ETFs continues to grow and execution quality, transparency, and compliance requirements become more stringent. By embedding RFQ functionality into existing order management and execution systems, firms aim to reduce operational friction and improve access to liquidity.

Through the integration, users can automate ETF RFQ processes, including quote requests, liquidity provider selection, and price acceptance, while benefiting from straight-through processing across the trade lifecycle. The combined workflow is designed to reduce manual intervention from execution through settlement, supporting operational efficiency and lowering the risk of errors.

The connection also expands access to global liquidity providers, while providing firms with greater visibility into pricing and execution outcomes. For buy-side and sell-side institutions, this is particularly relevant in meeting best-execution obligations, as the integrated workflow generates a transparent and auditable record of quote requests and responses.

Adam Gould, Global Head of Equities at Tradeweb, said “The collaboration aims to deliver a more automated ETF trading experience. This integration gives customers efficient access to Tradeweb’s advanced RFQ functionality, competitive pricing and deep pool of liquidity providers in a seamless and streamlined way,” he said, adding that it supports greater transparency and improved best-execution outcomes.

The move underscores the increasing convergence between execution management systems and electronic trading venues, as market participants seek more integrated, data-driven trading infrastructure for ETFs and other liquid asset classes.