Banks use several platforms to communicate and trade in the foreign exchange (FX) market. Among the most prominent are EBS, Reuters, and Bloomberg, all of which provide critical tools for accessing FX data, executing trades, and staying informed on global currency markets.
EBS (Electronic Broking Services) is a key platform for FX trading, offering liquidity and a secure environment for banks to trade major currencies. Its strong presence in interbank markets makes it a go-to choice for foreign exchange transactions.
Reuters, now part of Refinitiv, also plays a major role in the FX market, offering real-time news, pricing data, and trading services. Banks use Reuters to stay updated on currency movements and execute trades in a fast-paced environment.
Lastly, Bloomberg offers extensive FX analytics and data through its Bloomberg Terminal. It provides tools for real-time currency tracking, analysis, and communication with other market participants, making it essential for FX traders. Together, these platforms help banks operate smoothly in the foreign exchange market.
Interbank Foreign Exchange is the top level of Forex:
The deals are usually very large (hundreds of millions)
The deals are over-the-counter (OTC)
A certain degree of counter-party credit risk is involved
Typical Interbank participants are Tier 1 banks or equivalent