Total Touch products already support over 3,000 securities worth $20bn in the Americas, linking the value-added services associated with high-touch, or voice, trading with the convenience of electronic execution.

"The evolution in the European equity markets creates an opportunity to add more sophisticated trading practices to the region," said Steve Garrard, Head of Execution Services for Citi in EMEA "Leveraging Citi's execution capabilities and local footprint, we are able to respond to client demands for electronic execution with price protection and ultimately help prevent slippage in fast moving situations."

Initially, Total Touch will support approximately 560 symbols across European equity markets.

Investor interest in Total Touch is being driven by the increase in client demand for block trading. With the electrification of markets, there has been a decrease in the average order execution size in equity markets around the world.

Total Touch re-aggregates liquidity at the block level, making it easier for institutional investors to execute large orders at better prices.

"The European equities market is at a crucial and unique phase in its evolution," said Sean Shanker, Citi's Global Head of Total Touch Products. "The intersection of experienced human trader expertise and robust electronic capabilities creates an opportunity for market participants to take advantage of a unique approach to trading."