Citi has upgraded its global exchange-traded fund ( ETF ) platform to allow Asia-Pacific clients to connect to it instantly using API ( application programming interface ) software, starting in Australia and expanding into Hong Kong later this year, allowing authorized participants to directly access it for simplified ETF order placement, and primary market creations and redemptions.

The Financial Information eXchange ( FIX ) API protocol is a global messaging standard for the real-time exchange of securities transaction information, and its adoption in the primary market order process has increased significantly in Asia-Pacific.

Given its ability to increase straight-through processing and improve workflows, a FIX working group is also currently driving the standardization and simplification of the ETF full lifecycle to cover all aspects of the ecosystem, beyond creation and redemption processes, Citi says.

The ACES platform features a comprehensive suite of efficient workflow tools that automate the entire ETF process, reducing time-to-market and costs for ETF issuers through uniform onboarding. The platform also automates basket creation with accounting data and index providers.

Direct integration into the ACES platform enhances operational efficiency for authorized participants who must otherwise reconcile and manage instructions on multiple and separate platforms across the ETF value chain. With this, Citi is responding to the industry’s increasing demand for standardization and automation in managing ETF flows.

Peggy Vena, head of ETF services at Citi Investor Services, says: “The ETF sector globally, including in Asia-Pacific, continues to see significant growth. To service these increasing flows, digitization is critical for speed, efficiency and standardization. Extending FIX API connectivity to Asia-Pacific demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in our platform and ETF servicing business to benefit clients and the broader ecosystem.”

At the end of February 2026, ETF industry assets in Asia-Pacific region ex-Japan hit a record US$1.81 trillion, with the potential to reach US$3-3.5 trillion by 2029, according to research and consultancy firm ETFGI.

The ETF segment is a key area of opportunity for Citi Investor Services, the bank’s division that provides comprehensive, end-to-end pre-trade and post-trade platform for global institutional clients. ETFs continue their growth due to clients’ desire for simpler, more accessible and cheaper solutions.

To lead in this critical market, Citi is enhancing its proprietary ETF platform to deliver superior client solutions and capture momentum. As of Q1 2026, the business recorded over US$31 trillion in assets under custody and administration.