• Citi now enables FIX API connectivity on its global ETF platform for clients in Asia Pacific
• This integration will streamline ETF order placement and primary market transactions for
  authorized participants
• After a successful U.S. implementation, the service will expand from Australia to Hong
  Kong later this year, delivering an efficient ETF order management solution

Citi Investor Services has enabled Financial Information eXchange (FIX) API connectivity for Asia Pacific ETF clients on its global proprietary ETF platform, ACES (Advanced Citi ETF System).

Starting with Australia, the integration allows Authorized Participants (APs) to connect directly to the ACES platform for simplified ETF order placement, and primary market creations and redemptions. Following Australia, the service will expand to Hong Kong later this year.

The FIX protocol is a global messaging standard for the real-time exchange of securities transaction information, and its adoption in the primary market order process has seen a significant uptick in the Asia Pacific region. Given its ability to increase straight through processing and improve workflows, a FIX working group is also currently driving the standardization and simplification of the ETF full lifecycle to cover all aspects of the ecosystem, over and above creation and redemption processes.

Citi’s ACES platform features a comprehensive suite of efficient workflow tools that automates the entire ETF process to reduce time to market and costs for ETF issuers with uniform onboarding. The platform also automates basket creation with accounting data and index providers.

Direct integration into the ACES platform heightens operational efficiency for APs who must otherwise reconcile and manage instructions on multiple and separate platforms across the ETF value chain. With this, Citi is responding to the industry’s increasing demand for standardization and automation in managing ETF flows.

Peggy Vena, Head of ETF Services at Citi Investor Services, said, “The ETF sector globally, including in Asia Pacific, continues to see significant growth. To service these increasing flows, digitization is critical for speed, efficiency and standardization. Extending FIX API connectivity to Asia Pacific demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in our platform and ETF Servicing business to benefit clients and the broader ecosystem.”

At the end of February 2026, ETF industry assets in the Asia Pacific region (ex-Japan) hit a record US$1.81 trillion with the potential to reach US$3 to US$3.5 trillion by 2029.

The ETF segment is a key area of opportunity for Citi’s Investor Services business. As was shared at the recently held Citi Investor Day, ETFs continue their growth driven by clients’ desire for simpler, more accessible and cheaper solutions. To lead in this critical market, we are enhancing our proprietary ETF platform to deliver superior client solutions and capture momentum.

Driving our success, Citi’s ETF servicing model leverages the bank’s global footprint and expertise delivered through modern and scalable technology to provide market-leading services. Over the course of this year, the business has announced meaningful mandates across different regions worldwide. As of Q1 2026, Citi recorded over US$31 trillion in Assets under Custody and Administration.

Source: Citi