The following week, State Street on behalf of PIMCO and other customers began testing FpML communication with Bank of New York, Mellon Bank, Northern Trust and State Street Corporation.

SWIFT has launched the SWIFTNet FpML programme, in cooperation with ISDA (the International Swaps and Derivatives Association) earlier this year. This initiative seeks to automate OTC derivative post-trade processing. By using SWIFTNet FpML the industry players will be able to manage the rapidly growing volumes in the OTC derivatives market in a more efficient way.

"Our successful test is evidence of Brown Brothers Harriman's commitment to improving STP and reducing risk for our clients' derivatives activity," said Cherie Graham, Head of Brown Brothers Harriman's Derivatives Product Group. "We are excited to play a key role in helping the industry move forward with making derivative trade automation a reality through the FpML format."

Steve Goswell, Director, Barclays Global Investors, a strong advocate for automation and standardisation in the asset management community, said, "Barclays Global Investors is building a strategic platform to support the growth in OTC derivative volumes. With the help of SWIFT we have a global, secure, and reliable transport mechanism."

"This industry initiative will become an additional vehicle for improving the STP handling of OTC derivatives and help to mitigate the settlement risk for these products," said Terry Randall, senior vice president of State Street Corporation.

The first phase of SWIFTNet FpML involves transporting contract notification messages between asset managers and custodians. Later phases involve additional market participants, such as dealers and additional services, including trade confirmations and portfolio statements.

"This initiative brings the industrial strength and reach of SWIFTNet to the OTC Derivatives processing area, complementing our existing post-trade messaging services for the FX, equities and fixed income spaces," said Fabian Vandenreydt, Acting Head, Securities Industry Division, SWIFT.