Glenn Lesko, Instinet’s Asia CEO, expects to see more dark pools set up in Asia – by large regional banks, among others – and hence more tie-ups such as this one.
Alternative trading venues are living up to their billing as good execution venues for less liquid stocks, according to figures from several platform providers.
The bank is offering Asian users of its crossing engine its advanced order protection system to soothe fears over high-frequency and proprietary flow.
Richard Coulstock of Prudential AM predicts strong growth in electronic trading in Asia, with buy-side dealers taking greater control of their own trade execution.
Takayuki Saito adds to the US bank's list of big hires in electronic trading, with a remit to expand the business under the Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities joint venture.
Average execution sizes on the trading platform in Asia rise to $1.3 million from $800,000-900,000 six months ago, as liquidity returns.
Zach Tuckwell has joined from Deutsche Bank to head up the US firm's Asia-Pacific electronic trading business.
Liquidnet boss Seth Merrin is in Asia to garner support for the trading platform provider as competition for electronic trading venues emerges.