S&P Global takes strategic stake in SSImple to target SSI automation

S&P Global has made a strategic investment in SSImple, the SSI management company said, in a deal aimed at improving data quality and automation in post-trade settlement. SSImple did not disclose the size of the investment, the valuation, or other financial terms.

The company described the transaction as a milestone in its collaboration with S&P Global and said the two firms share a focus on improving the quality, governance and automation of Standing Settlement Instructions, or SSIs. In capital markets operations, SSI data sets out the standing details used by market participants to settle trades, making accuracy and control over those records a core part of post-trade processing.

SSImple said the investment comes as the industry prepares for T+1 settlement and increases its use of automation. A move to T+1 shortens the standard settlement cycle to one business day after a trade date, reducing the time available for counterparties, custodians and other market participants to match details, resolve breaks and complete settlement-related workflows.

According to SSImple, the planned collaboration combines its SSI management capabilities with S&P Global’s client reach and market capabilities. The company said the aim is to help firms reduce operational risk, raise efficiency and support resilience in post-trade processes.

SSI quality is a longstanding operational issue for capital markets firms because errors or outdated records can create settlement exceptions. Automation can reduce manual intervention, but it depends on governed reference data and reliable processes for maintaining and distributing instructions across counterparties and service providers.

SSImple said it expects to build on its work with S&P Global and support clients through what it described as the next phase of post-trade transformation. The announcement did not specify product changes, integration timelines or customer commitments linked to the investment.

S&P Global is listed by Finextra as a related company to the announcement, alongside SSImple. The announcement was published in the markets channel, which covers capital markets, exchanges, trade execution and post-trade settlement.

This story draws on original reporting from Finextra Research.