SWIFT today announced that the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) has selected SWIFT for its clearing and settlement messaging.

The decision to adopt international standards for its messaging coincides with the intention of NZX to replace its legacy equities and debt settlement system with a new Central Counterparty Clearing House and a new Central Securities Depository.

Singapore records 42 million SWIFT core FIN messages in 2007 Growth reinforces Singapore's status as one of the most influential commercial centre and easiest city to do business in Southeast Asia as reported in recent global index

SWIFT, the global provider of secure messaging services, in its 2007 annual report published that Singapore recorded 42 million SWIFT core FIN messages sent in 2007, making it the fastest growing country in Southeast Asia and the second fastest amongst major countries across the globe.

According to the annual report, Asia Pacific recorded 407 million FIN messages in 2007, of which Singapore represented approximately 10 percent of this figure. (See Appendix A below for relevant graphs and statistics)

Collaboration between KITA, KEB, China International Electronic Commerce Network, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and SWIFT announced

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korea Exchange Bank (KEB), China International Electronic Commerce Center (CIECC), the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and SWIFT today announced new initiatives designed to deliver trading efficiencies and enhance the attractiveness of Korea as a global trading partner.

The first initiative is to introduce electronic presentation of letter of credit documents to globally exchange high volumes of letter of credit document files securely and cost-effectively.

Powerful solution from global leader expected to boost China’s capability

SWIFT, the global provider of secure messaging services, today announced the appointment of Mr Alan Wong as Regional Solution Manager Supply Chain and Trade, Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Mr Wong will be responsible for spearheading sales of supply chain solutions including SWIFTNet Trade Services Utility. Mr Wong brings more than 25 years of experience within the banking sector in Hong Kong, London and Toronto.

SWIFT, the global provider of secure messaging services, today announced the appointment of Caroline Lacocque, Regional Manager, Corporate Connectivity. Based in Hong Kong, Ms Lacocque will be responsible for promoting SWIFTNet offerings directed at corporate-to-bank activities.

Automation that speeds up transaction time to provide a strategic advantage

JF Asset Management has officially adopted SWIFTNet Funds, from SWIFT, the industry-owned co-operative supplying secure, standardised messaging services and interface software. This new implementation which automates back-office funds transaction processing for certain number of distributors, promises to provide a strategic advantage, shortening transaction time as well as improving operational scalability and service for JF Asset Management, one of Asia's leading investment houses.

Chris Church to head the Americas region and lead securities globally

SWIFT announced today that Chris Church will join SWIFT in August as Chief Executive Americas and Global Head of Securities. He will report to SWIFT CEO Lázaro Campos and be a member of the Leadership Council. He will also take responsibility for coordinating the Securities Steering Committee of the Board.

Chris joins from BT Global Financial Services where he has been Managing Director of Radianz Services since 2006. In this role he was responsible for global sales, marketing, customer service, finance, product development and operations of the Radianz Shared Market Infrastructure.

26 industry speakers and 330 participants gathered at the SWIFT Business Forum in Hong Kong optimistic on the prospects for Hong Kong’s financial industry

SWIFT, the global provider of secure messaging services, held its second annual SWIFT Business Forum in Hong Kong on May 7 and 8. The forum was well-attended by more than 330 participants from the financial services industry.

Major costs savings - A$0.12c using SWIFTNet Funds messaging compared to A$20 for a paper-based funds transfer

Nine leading participants in the SWIFTNet Funds market practice and pilot have committed to going live with electronic messaging for funds transfers within 12 – 18 months.

The declaration is considered a major breakthrough in the development of automated funds transactions in the Australian financial services sector and the adoption of SWIFTNet Funds as the industry standard.