Exclusive Interview with Christina Barbash of Point Nine, a Dedicated Regulatory Reporting Firm Focused on Providing Trade/Transaction Reporting Services to Legal Entities Across the Globe

Point Nine Data Trust is an industry-leading team of experts specialising in trade processing and reporting. Point Nine serves as a dedicated regulatory reporting firm focused on providing trade/transaction reporting services to legal entities across the globe. We have recently sat down with Christina Barbash, Business Development Manager at Point Nine, for an exclusive interview.

Here is the full interview:  

FAZZACO: The current rate of technology advancements has accelerated end-user demands at a higher velocity than ever before. What modern technologies must brokerages adopt and acquire in order to keep up with end users' demands today?

Christina: We all know that technology has transformed how end users access information. The growing internet and smartphone usage have made information easily accessible to and by everyone. Therefore, brokerages no longer need in-house research teams, and as a result, the trading infrastructure has changed substantially. Of course, technology still plays a role in brokerages today, particularly with AI algorithms that enhance liquidity management and execution. But I think it's more about the processes brokerages use and follow and how they leverage technology for in-house purposes and end users.

FAZZACO: Even with the rapid development and advancement of new technologies, what role of the "human element" do you think is still critical to brokerages?

Christina: Today's most innovative brokerages leverage new technologies, again, powered by various AI algorithms, however, I think it's important for brokerages to remember that they are still dealing with people. In conjunction with policymakers, brokerages also fight the great fight every day to protect consumer data. Unfortunately, what is often overlooked in these scenarios is focusing on how technology is used and applied rather than the why or the values behind using the platforms.

Therefore, if brokerages focus only on technology and forget that human-centricity isn't at the core of their innovation strategies today, then how can they expect their products and services to create human-centricity tomorrow?

FAZZACO: How can brokerages engage in "digital intimacy" today to keep up with customer demands while also ensuring security, privacy, and compliance standards?

Christina: It's really amazing when you think about it. End users and consumers share their most private and personal information through their mobile devices without giving it a second thought. Referring back to the human element, successful brokerages must remember that they are dealing with people.

And although technology is often the manifestation of our belief systems today, it's up to brokerages to continue to operate ethically — and empathetically — take ownership of that responsibility, and put end-user and consumer's security, privacy, and safety at the forefront of all operations. It's these brokerages and organisations that do this successfully that will also see continued success tomorrow.

FAZZACO: Point Nine DT works with many different types of clients and end user. How does Point Nine DT earn the "digital trust" of its customers?

Christina: Point Nine DT collaborates with both buy- and sell-side financial firms, service providers, and corporations across the globe. For us, it's about solutions. For example, providing reliable and transparent reporting. We have processed over 7 billion transactions since October 2015, and those transactions are submitted according to compliance requirements by each reporting regime, such as EMIR. So, I think our track record alone speaks volumes to our customers, thus earning their 'digital trust' and turning them into legacy customers. And, yes, we use our proprietary technology to do so.

FAZZACO: Referring back to the role technology plays in the fast-changing and evolving world of Fintech, what do you think is the most crucial element a brokerage can contribute in order to be successful in the future?

Christina: I think there are two crucial elements that go hand in hand, and those are customisability and agility. When we think about technology — any form of technology — we think of it as being customisable. The times when end users were forced to rely on or adapt to the technology and solutions offered by brokerages are long gone. It's now the other way around. Technology must adapt to needs, and end users and customers drive those needs. And I think the Fintech industry as a whole represents this.

For example, at Point Nine, our team quickly responds to our clients' errors, but our technology allows us to do this while simultaneously providing clients with a seamless, end-to-end experience. All in all, technology is important because it allows us to deliver that level of 'human-centricity' we spoke of earlier, allowing us to respond to human needs. I think this is something that brokerages can easily emulate in their own organisations.

FAZZACO: It is said that Great Britain has become a world leader in the ever-growing and rapidly-developing Fintech, with the industry being worth £7 billion to the UK with roughly 60,000 employees. Point Nine is based in Cyprus. What role do you think Cyprus plays in this?

Christina: History teaches us that Cyprus and Britain have strong ties. Cyprus also has a reputation for becoming a 'home' for many forex companies. This is primarily due to its low corporate tax rates and the access it provides fintech businesses to other providers and businesses throughout the EU. As a result, Cyprus is attracting more and more fintech businesses. However, many of these businesses face issues, particularly regarding regulatory challenges — and that's where Point Nine steps in.

FAZZACO: What do you think are the most important things brokerages need to invest in today to secure a better future tomorrow?

Christina: Similar to the approach we have taken at Point Nine, I think it comes down to the quality of solutions and also making smart investments. Of course, investing in big things is important, such as developing applications, platforms, and so on that support teams operationally. However, adding to that list is also the end-user experience, the quality of solutions provided to them, and, of course, the technology leveraged in which to deliver those solutions and provide them with that experience.

For example, brokerages should choose technology that does not hinder the use of tools produced by other companies. It's about operating with the end user in mind. This solidifies their competitive advantage, which paves the way for a better future.

Also, we talk about the future as though it will suddenly be here when we wake up one morning, like just another event on our calendars. However, the mindset that we need to develop today is asking ourselves what can we invest in today for a better tomorrow.

For example, as a leader, I am constantly asking myself what can I do that is best for the Point Nine team and the organisation as a whole. It comes down to investing in human capital. As long as human beings walk the planet, the need and desire for 'human-centricity' will never go away.

About Point Nine

Point Nine Data Trust is an industry-leading team of experts specialising in trade processing and reporting. Point Nine serves as a dedicated regulatory reporting firm focused on providing trade/transaction reporting services to legal entities across the globe.

Originally founded in 2002, Point Nine works with financial firms, both on the buy- and sell-sides, financial services providers, and corporations to help them ensure high-quality and accurate reporting to remain compliant with the following:

• EU and UK (EMIR, MiFIR, SFTR)

• Australia ASIC

• Singapore MAS

• Switzerland FinfraG

Point Nine maintains 100% accuracy in MiFIR, SFTR, and ASIC reporting, and 99.95% accuracy in EMIR reporting.

Through the decades, the ever-evolving financial services landscape, and changing regulatory requirements, Point Nine has learned how to best support clients to ensure their success. As a result, Point Nine has developed processes, platforms, and policies to ensure that each and every client receives timely and best-in-class support when they need it most.