In this article from A&M’s Financial Services Industry Group, we explore the shift toward continuous trading as U.S. markets prepare for extended hours—a move that could fundamentally reshape how institutions operate.
While infrastructure readiness is essential, it must be paired with targeted adaptations across financial institutions, exchanges, and clearing houses. Each type of institution faces distinct challenges and threats that must be addressed.
As the industry moves toward extended trading hours, organizations must carefully evaluate their readiness and develop a comprehensive strategy to adapt. This transformation is not just about extending trading hours—it is about rethinking how your organization operates in a near-continuous market environment.
If you are considering this shift, here are the critical areas to focus on:
- Assess operational readiness
- Adapt Technology
- Reimagine key processes
- Address market-specific challenges
By addressing these areas, your organization can position itself to thrive as trading hours evolve. Taking proactive steps now will ensure you are ready to meet the demands of a globalized, real-time market.
Read the Full Article
The Spanish Banking Pulse Q4 2025
April 22, 2026
In this edition, we share results from our research examining 10 biggest Spanish banks (“top 10”) with regard to their activities within Spain and highlight key performance indicators of the Spanish banking industry.
The Mutual Holding Company Decision: Converting Structural Flexibility into Competitive Advantage
April 22, 2026
Mutual Holding Company (MHC) conversion has emerged as a credible strategic option, offering a way to address market headwinds without sacrificing mutual identity. However, structural change alone does not guarantee improved performance. Success depends on disciplined capital deployment, targeted technology and talent investment, and the governance capability to manage greater complexity.
Insurance agency compensation in focus
April 20, 2026
Agency distribution continues to be the main distribution channel for life insurance across Asia. However, traditional agency compensation models that rely heavily on large first-year commissions (FYC) are creating challenges such as low agent activation, weak customer persistency, and shrinking margins.
Alvarez & Marsal Releases FY 2025 KSA Banking Pulse
April 16, 2026
The latest edition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Banking Pulse analyzes the FY 2025 performance of the kingdom’s ten largest listed banks. The year reflects resilience and rebalancing in the Saudi banking sector, with moderating credit growth alongside strong profitability, improved asset quality, and solid balance sheet strength, supported by a favorable macro-outlook and ongoing Vision 2030 momentum.
