Euroclear, in line with its strategy of reducing industry fragmentation and delivering services that optimise market wide connectivity, has today announced a strategic collaboration with software providers Meritsoft, a Cognizant business, and Taskize to launch the next generation of its EasyFocus service.

This enhanced, AI-powered platform, running on a Microsoft cloud, will deliver real-time data, insights and resolution capabilities across all of Euroclear’s Central Securities Depositories (CSDs), supporting the industry’s transition to T+1 settlement in Europe by October 2027.

EasyFocus+ aligns with Euroclear’s commitment to increase client efficiency and proximity and to advance the EU’s Savings and Investments Union (SIU) by fostering harmonisation through its open, interconnected, neutral infrastructure, whilst also driving innovation at scale by leveraging new technology and data analytics.

EasyFocus+ uses predictive analytics to accelerate the resolution of matching and settlement issues — flagging likely mismatches, identifying root causes, and resolving exceptions quickly. The new version integrates Meritsoft’s Instruction Tracking and Exception Management (ITEM) solution and Taskize’s communication and collaboration platform, providing a single, consolidated view of all settlement instructions across the Euroclear CSDs which represent over 60% of EU settlement. EasyFocus+ allows clients to reduce fails, streamline operations, and benchmark their performance internally and across the industry to identify and address recurring issues.

Isabelle Delorme, Head of Product Strategy and Innovation, Euroclear group said: “As the industry adapts to evolving regulations such as T+1, we are leveraging leading-edge technologies like Microsoft Cloud and AI technology, to ensure the market is not only prepared but a step ahead. It is a harmonised and consolidated solution for every Euroclear client to help them overcome the operational challenges of a shortened settlement cycle and boost settlement efficiency.  EasyFocus+ is part of our commitment to both make our clients’ life easier and to support the SIU by driving market improvements through our open, neutral infrastructure. Euroclear’s open access model gives clients a choice of interconnected international and national CSDs, supporting competition, avoiding costly silos – ultimately delivering a single, seamless interface.”

Helen Adair, Taskize’s Chief Product Officer, commented: “We’ve worked closely with Euroclear and Meritsoft to devise, develop and bring something brand new to the market with EasyFocus+, a platform that turns trade data into actionable insights. But what happens when those insights reveal exceptions, queries, and friction that will delay settlement and impact T+1 resolution?  That’s where Taskize comes in. Connecting our collaboration platform to EasyFocus+ will provide visibility, ownership, prioritisation, automated routing and proven faster resolution of exceptions.”

John Da Gama-Rose, Head of Banking & Finance EMEA & Asia Pacific and Japan at Cognizant, Meritsoft’s parent company, added: “We are excited to be working with Euroclear and Taskize to bring EasyFocus+ to market. By integrating Meritsoft’s technology with Euroclear’s steadfast commitment to innovation, we are paving the way for a more efficient and resilient settlement ecosystem. This launch exemplifies the power of industry collaboration and innovation and is testament to Cognizant’s commitment to helping drive solutions that address complex industry challenges. Coming at a pivotal moment for the industry, this new service empowers Euroclear’s clients to navigate the transition to T+1 in Europe with confidence and agility.”

Source: Euroclear