Fujitsu Partners with ASX and TSE to Launch Innovative ETF Trading Platform
Fujitsu to Develop ETF Trading Platform with ASX and TSE
Fujitsu Limited, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), and the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. (TSE) have recently inked a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at revolutionizing the ETF trading landscape in Australia. This collaboration, formalized on June 2, 2025, marks a pivotal step towards modernizing ETF pricing processes through the development of a new Software as a Service (SaaS) Request for Quote (RFQ) platform, built upon TSE's established CONNEQTOR system.
Introduction to the Project
The primary goal of this initiative is to bring enhanced efficiency and lower costs to the ETF trading environment in Australia. Fujitsu has committed to designing and maintaining this advanced RFQ platform tailored for the needs of the ASX and its participants. This system is set to take advantage of the proven capabilities of TSE's CONNEQTOR platform, which has been operational since its launch in February 2021.
The CONNEQTOR platform is already recognized as one of Asia's leading RFQ solutions, empowering over 290 users while leading to substantial reductions in trading costs and operational inefficiencies. Notably, in April 2025, the platform achieved a historic trading value of 306.4 billion JPY, confirming its effectiveness in the Asian ETF market.
Roles of the Partners
Fujitsu: The Service Provider
Fujitsu will assume the role of service provider for this new platform. They will spearhead service development while also offering necessary support and guidance for its utilization. Their expertise and experience in managing financial infrastructures will be invaluable in ensuring the platform's success and reliability.
TSE: The Licensor and Operator
Meanwhile, TSE will contribute by acting as the licensor and managing the CONNEQTOR system. Their support will be crucial in integrating the platform's features and functionalities within the existing trading framework of the ASX.
Andrew Walton, the General Manager of Trading at ASX, expressed enthusiasm regarding this partnership: "ASX is excited to partner with Fujitsu and TSE to explore the opportunities the Fujitsu RFQ platform can deliver for the Australian market. With the ability to increase liquidity and price discovery, ASX sees the potential to support the development of this market segment and its participants." He mentioned that extensive engagement with the Australian industry would follow to collect feedback on the feasibility of launching this platform by the first half of 2026.
Technological Perspective
Satoshi Takura, Senior Executive Officer of TSE, remarked on the importance of this collaboration from a technological viewpoint: "It is great to join forces on the feasibility of a service based on TSE's CONNEQTOR. By providing international and diverse market functions, we hope to contribute to the development of the global ETF market from a technological perspective."
Fujitsu's Commitment
Masaru Yagi, Corporate Executive Officer and EVP at Fujitsu, voiced optimism about the potential of this collaboration: "Fujitsu is excited to explore this opportunity to provide the Fujitsu RFQ platform for the Australian Securities Exchange. Leveraging our deep experience in building and maintaining financial infrastructure with cutting-edge technology, we're confident that our strong partnership with the Tokyo Stock Exchange will unlock even greater value for the ASX and its global customers."
Conclusion
This partnership is poised to modernize the ETF trading ecosystem in Australia significantly. As the ASX and Fujitsu advance towards launching this innovative platform, it holds the promise of enhancing trading efficiency and contributing to the growth of the ETF market in the region. Stakeholders in the finance and investment sectors are keenly watching this development, anticipating the positive impact it may have on future trading practices.