Shortly after expanding its focus on fintech, CMB digitized much of its operations with domestic asset managers. Highly manual processes, namely offline trading via fax, were phased out due to low operational efficiency, high operational risk and ineffective post-investment management. 

As CMB began to implement digitization with international asset managers, it was clear from experience with domestic partners that the speed, efficiency and customization of Application Programing Interface (API) trading, compared to traditional trading transmission, was essential to enhancing CMB’s capabilities. 

While CMB had integrated API systems with numerous domestic asset managers, connecting with an international partner for the first time brought several challenges: 

• Technology capability and resources – CMB needed its partner to possess expertise in API, programing skills, information technology (IT) support and investment.
  
  
• Need for customization – differences between Chinese and international products and regulations required adapting the way product features were displayed on CMB’s platform.
  
  
• Language and time zone differences – CMB’s technology team and platform operate in Chinese and in the Asia time zone, whilst most international providers speak English and are based in the US and Europe.

Through a long-standing relationship and money market investment experience, CMB knew about J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s wide range of currency options and that its platform, MORGAN MONEY, is one of the leading API-enabled liquidity platforms. In addition, JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to technology – a USD 12 billion annual investment in technology and a team of 50,000 technologists³ – gave CMB confidence that it was collaborating on this new endeavor with a trusted partner and solution.

The partnership was a pilot to both institutions. Among the first steps was to form a working group of business representatives, technologists and other subject matter experts from both sides, which met regularly over the course of six months. The group discussed CMB’s objectives and needs and identified areas of customization, such as modifying the way cut-off times, interest balances and yields are displayed for the Chinese market. The group conducted several rounds of user acceptance testing (UAT) before moving on to production. 

A bridging API was eventually built and enabled CMB’s computer network to talk directly to MORGAN MONEY infrastructure. The first trade was done for a notional value with same-day settlement; it went smoothly and efficiently. 

Business commitment and technology resources from both organizations were critical to the success. CMB had a clear vision to transform into a fintech, and its IT professionals had a high level of expertise in API from their previous experience with domestic partners. J.P. Morgan Asset Management leveraged the skills of MORGAN MONEY technology team and tapped into the company’s technologist network across the globe to fill additional programming and language skill requirements, while also providing continuous education through its client services team. 

A project roadmap, including a timeline, a checklist and milestones for both parties, also played an important role in this complex project.

Since the two platforms have been connected, CMB and its clients have already realized the benefits of an API connectivity for their international money market funds:

• Secure trading in real time – CMB’s platform users can now trade and access balances in real time via asynchronous API connections.
  
  
• Improved operational efficiency – CMB reduces trading errors by eliminating the old manual processes.
  
  
• Seamless connectivity and customization – CMB is able to provide live product information supplied by J.P. Morgan Asset Management on its platform in a consistent display with its other domestic products.