Market making: Winners and losers in the FX spread war

Spot FX prices are so tight that it is almost impossible to make a profit from market making. Some providers are going to struggle to remain profitable, which might not be a bad thing.

The move by Barclays Capital to introduce what it termed “precision pricing” on its eFX platform last April might prove the initial catalyst that will lead to many smaller players being squeezed out of the market. On the other hand, it might prove little more than a slick piece of marketing that will ultimately have little impact.

Ostensibly, Barclays’ decision to quote less than a tick in, by FX standards, small amounts for various currencies, has almost completely eroded the bid-offer spread.

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