Northern Trust announced that its Integrated Trading Solutions (ITS) outsourced trading business has continued to experience strong growth, with its client base increasing by nearly 17% from year-end 2023 to the end of the first quarter, 2025. The growth has been driven by an increase in demand for fixed income outsourced trading as well as asset managers looking to reduce costs in a challenging market environment.

ITS has observed impressive growth in fixed income trading from a multitude of different client profiles – ranging from traditional asset managers to hedge funds, public and corporate treasurers, and other asset owners. ITS fixed income trading volume quadrupled in the last three years in the U.S. while doubling in EMEA as clients looked to add exposure across investment grade and high yield credit, U.S. Treasuries, developed rates and emerging market debt, municipals, money markets, asset-backed and securitized products.

ITS provides a global outsourced trading solution that covers multiple asset classes and offers 24/6 market coverage in more than 80 markets. Through ITS, Northern Trust’s clients can access a large global network of more than 450 brokers, including global firms and local specialists in equities, fixed income, and derivatives.

Amy Thorne, Head of Integrated Trading Solutions, EMEA, said: “As one of the first custodians to offer outsourced trading capabilities, we’re gratified to see the growing demand for our Integrated Trading Solutions. As we continue to expand, we’re committed to delivering tailored outsourced trading experiences that meet our clients’ needs.”

Stephanie Farrell, Head of Integrated Trading Solutions, Americas, said: “Our ITS offering continues to build upon Northern Trust’s foundation of strength and stability, and clients value the combination of consultative service and global capabilities we offer. As a pioneer in outsourced trading, we continue to be a leader in this industry, delivering solutions that help our clients succeed.”

Rob Arnott, Head of Brokerage, Asia Pacific, said: “Our growth in the APAC region and expansion into fixed income trading allows Northern Trust to better serve our clients with advanced trading technology, regional expertise, and experienced traders. Our solutions-oriented approach helps our clients navigate trading complexities more effectively.”

Northern Trust’s outsourced trading capability combines worldwide agency-only trading expertise in equities, fixed income and exchange traded derivatives across global markets, coverage from multiple trading locations, access to high-quality liquidity and a fully integrated middle and back-office service. ITS helps asset owners and asset managers to meaningfully lower costs, reduce risk, manage regulatory compliance and enhance transparency and operational efficiency.

ITS is offered through Institutional Brokerage, a part of Northern Trust Banking & Markets, which also provides foreign exchange, securities lending and transition management services.

Source: Northern Trust