Investec Bank is set to launch a new electronic trading platform aimed at facilitating low-touch equity trading, The TRADE can reveal.

Dominic Lowres
Named ZebrA-X, the platform will help mid-market clients “execute at scale with limited signalling”.
“Over the past 18 months, we have observed significant changes in the medium-scale electronic agency landscape, particularly due to recent mergers and acquisitions within the industry,” Dominic Lowres, head of electronic trading and execution strategy, tells The TRADE.
“This dynamic environment has presented us with the opportunity to introduce an innovative offering that aligns with our clients’ evolving needs.”
Specifically, ZebrA-X includes a comprehensive suite of benchmark, liquidity-seeking algorithms, and is supported by a consultative Investec execution team.
“The ZebrA-X dark algorithm, along with Zebra dark lit strategies, Zebra block and the wheel solution, as well as benchmark strategies, allow them to execute trades efficiently, with a large amount of configuration choices,” adds Lowres.
“We anticipate a diverse stream of unique flows into ZebrA-X which will benefit all types of clients who will benefit from deep mid-price resident liquidity. We believe this approach delivers long-term value to clients and will help enhance overall levels of execution quality.”
The platform is designed to facilitate the efficient execution of block trades and helps in reducing both pre- and post-trade signalling through the capability to internalise institutional and retail order flow.
Speaking to The TRADE about what the offering entails more specifically, Lowres explains: “By pegging orders at mid-price for the duration of the trade, we effectively mitigate the risks associated with market signalling. Our strategic exchange memberships, along with our relationships with systematic internalisers and electronic liquidity providers, enable us to place orders directly across a diverse range of trading venues.
“[…] At the core of ZebrA-X is our commitment to bespoke execution consultancy, enhancing our relationships with clients through tailored execution analysis and insights. This integration of an expert ‘human touch’ approach with an innovative technology-led strategy allows us to deliver a high level of service to our clients.”
Investec’s market expertise spans the UK and South Africa, and trades in 64 markets from these two regions. Through ZebrA-X it is set to continue its recent expansion efforts into e-trading – which included the establishment of a dedicated electronic equity trading desk, headed up by Lowres, to meet the growing automated trading demand.
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Clive Murray, head of equities, says: “Bespoke execution consultancy is at the heart of our model, and ZebrA-X not only complements our existing high-touch trading solutions but also provides in-depth execution analysis that enhances our relationships with clients, helping to deliver an out of the ordinary level of service to them.”