LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thomson Reuters and Markit (Nasdaq:MRKT) today announced that the directory for the open messaging network powered by Markit’s Collaboration Services has been fully integrated with Eikon Messenger, extending the reach of the industry’s first vetted, cross-network directory. Financial market professionals from across the industry can now securely find contacts from a growing address book of 250,000 individuals, work more efficiently and create new business opportunities through improved collaboration.
Instant messaging has become an ingrained part of how the financial industry conducts business. However, the disparate, closed systems typically in use today hamper collaboration and can lead to inefficiencies, compliance risks and increased costs. Today, banks are evaluating how to manage their messaging infrastructure better and are looking for ways to demonstrate strong compliance and security controls for their communications systems.
In Eikon Messenger, Thomson Reuters provides the industry with an open and secure messaging service and a set of tools that help companies comply with both external regulations and internal policies. Thomson Reuters was a founding member of Markit’s Collaboration Services network, the first open messaging network for the financial services industry. The network allows different messaging platforms to connect to each other, removing barriers to communication and helping firms improve efficiencies.
“Instant messaging and other chat tools are embedded in the workflows of financial services professionals because they are simply indispensable,” said Paul Rowady, principal and director of data and analytics research, TABB Group. “However, spend on these tools is now under scrutiny by trading and investment firms. Compliance and security are also areas of concern. Innovations like the open network from Markit and Thomson Reuters are solid examples of new tools that aim to deliver better communications and collaboration functionality to the industry at a lower cost.”
“Thomson Reuters has always been a proponent of open systems, reflecting the need of the financial industry for greater compliance, interoperability and cost control,” said Yvette Jackson, global head of collaboration services at Thomson Reuters. “The integration of the Markit directory into Eikon Messenger is just the latest development in the continuing evolution of our instant messaging service.”
“Thomson Reuters has been a key part of the open messaging network initiative from the start,” said Brad Levy, global head of Processing at Markit. “Our vision has been to bring best in class assets from multiple vendors together in an open environment, to benefit all parts of the financial industry. Our integrated directory service shows how service providers are working together to create an industry-wide solution.”
Thomson Reuters Eikon Messenger is an open and secure instant messaging collaboration tool for the global financial community. Available both inside Thomson Reuters Eikon and as a free of charge, standalone application, it provides its users with access to a community of over 250,000 financial professionals from more than 180 countries. Eikon Messenger includes a suite of compliance enabling tools, available free to all users.
Collaboration Services is an open messaging network launched in October 2013 by Markit in partnership with Thomson Reuters and eight global banks. The network enables financial professionals to send instant messages securely across disparate messaging platforms.
Notes to Editors
About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.
About Markit
Markit is a leading global diversified provider of financial information services. We provide products that enhance transparency, reduce risk and improve operational efficiency. Our customers include banks, hedge funds, asset managers, central banks, regulators, auditors, fund administrators and insurance companies. Founded in 2003, we employ over 3,000 people in 10 countries. Markit shares are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “MRKT.” For more information, please see www.markit.com.
