In a move that underscores the fast-evolving nature of global financial markets, the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) recently hosted a forward-looking webinar themed “Always On: Building Infrastructure for 24×7 Exchange Operations.” The virtual event brought together an elite panel of exchange leaders, technology experts, and policy influencers to discuss how markets can transition to round-the-clock operations in an increasingly digital and interconnected economy.
As financial ecosystems become more dynamic and investor behavior continues to evolve, the WFE’s initiative comes at a critical moment. The session examined the growing need for continuous trading systems, cyber-resilient architectures, and regulatory frameworks that can support 24-hour market activity across asset classes — including equities, derivatives, and digital instruments.
Opening the session, Nandini Sukumar, Chief Executive Officer of the WFE, emphasized that the future of exchanges depends on their ability to adapt to real-time demands. “Investors today are borderless — they expect access, liquidity, and information around the clock. To meet that expectation, exchanges must evolve beyond traditional operating hours and build infrastructures that are secure, reliable, and always on,” she noted.
The WFE, representing more than 250 market infrastructures worldwide, including stock exchanges, clearing houses, and central counterparties, continues to drive conversations around innovation, market integrity, and technological modernization. The “Always On” webinar forms part of a broader effort to prepare global exchanges for the next phase of capital market digitization — one that aligns with the speed of technological change and investor expectations.
Panelists discussed how exchanges can achieve operational resilience without compromising on market stability. Experts highlighted key enablers such as cloud computing, real-time settlement systems, blockchain applications, and enhanced cybersecurity protocols as vital tools for ensuring seamless 24×7 trading operations.
A senior representative from a leading Asia-Pacific exchange pointed out that while technology is critical, the transition must be anchored on regulatory harmony and market fairness. “A truly global 24×7 market infrastructure cannot exist in isolation. Regulators, exchanges, and participants must work together to ensure that continuous operations are inclusive, transparent, and efficient,” he said.
The session also reflected on how lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic — particularly the need for flexible, digital-first market infrastructure — accelerated discussions on continuous operations. During periods of global disruption, exchanges that had already invested in automation, cloud migration, and digital connectivity were able to sustain operations seamlessly, underscoring the urgency of modernization.
Analysts at the webinar agreed that the push toward “Always On” exchange systems is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic shift redefining how financial markets operate. By enabling constant access to liquidity, information, and settlement systems, exchanges can deepen global participation, enhance transparency, and improve investor confidence.
In her closing remarks, Sukumar reaffirmed the WFE’s commitment to supporting its members in achieving this transition. “The goal is to ensure that the world’s financial markets remain open, resilient, and trustworthy in an age where technology never sleeps. The WFE will continue to lead this conversation and collaborate with all stakeholders to shape the future of global trading infrastructure,” she stated.
The “Always On” webinar thus stands as a defining moment in the journey toward 24×7 global market connectivity, representing a pivotal dialogue between innovation and regulation in the next era of financial market transformation.
The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) hosted a landmark webinar titled “Always On: Building Infrastructure for 24×7 Exchange Operations” to explore the next frontier of continuous global market trading. Industry leaders discussed how exchanges can evolve through technology, resilience, and cross-border cooperation to meet modern investor demands.
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
