TRADING SYSTEM - HKATS
THE HISTORY
The Futures Exchange’s first electronic screen-based trading system, the Automated Trading System was introduced in November 1995. In October 2013, the trading system, Hong Kong Futures Automatic Trading System (HKATS), for the derivatives market was upgraded to a new technology platform, Genium INET. In May 2019, HKATS was further upgraded to a newer version of Genium platform.
THE SYSTEM
HKATS is a transaction-based trading system. Trading on HKATS can be conducted through OMnet Application Programme Interface (OAPI) and/or HKATS Online (a browser based frontend application).
ACCESS TO MARKET
Exchange Participants may access to HKATS directly through an application programming interface (API) or a browser based frontend application called HKATS Online.
The minimum requirements for each HKATS access connection are one personal computer, two SDNet lines, two routers, a switch, connection cable(s) and the application software. Details of the equipment requirement and estimated set-up costs and running costs which an Exchange Participant is required are described below.
Exchange Participants which want to install more than the maximum number of connections allowed at any location or using multiple APIs at different locations will need to acquire additional lines, routers and switches.
CENTRAL GATEWAYS
Participants can directly connect to the HKEX host servers via Central Gateways as the primary access points. These Central Gateways are located on the high speed message bus of the central system and thereby provide significant improvements in transaction latency.
APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE (API) APPROACH
The API is the customer interface to HKATS. The interface enables programming of fast and reliable business transactions. All trades are synchronous and sequential, i.e., the API processes only one transaction and process at a time. However, a single transaction may contain many operations, requests or orders, forcing central resources to process different requests concurrently.
Through the use of the API, Exchange Participants can connect their in-house trading front ends, clearing and risk management systems to HKATS.
HKATS ONLINE WORKSTATION APPROACH
A browser based frontend application, HKATS Online, is provided by HKEX for block trade facilities and serving as a contingency access to the HKATS.
HOW DO MARKET PARTICIPANTS BENEFIT?
HKATS creates a fair, efficient and accessible market place for all market participants. HKATS equips market participants with comprehensive real-time market information, putting them in a stronger position to capture investment opportunities.
- Level Playing Field
All HKATS participants, whether they are retail investors, institutional investors or market makers, trade in one centralised market place. In addition, there are no time and place advantages as all orders are executed electronically based on strict price/time priority.
- More Efficient Trading
With HKATS, orders are placed through API or HKATS Online at Exchange Participants' offices. The system then automatically matches the orders with corresponding buy or sell orders in real-time based on price/time priority. The trade information is captured and reported back to the Exchange Participants who can confirm the trades with the clients immediately.
- Lower Costs
Experience elsewhere has shown that electronic trading leads to lower operating costs for Exchange Participants in the long run, and that often leads to lower transaction costs for their clients.
- Enhanced Customer Service
Traders can provide full electronic order routing, straight-through trade processing, internet trading and other value-added services to clients.
- Flexibility
One of the great advantages of HKATS is that it can easily accommodate the introduction of new products and extended trading hours.
HKATS SPECIFICATIONS
In order to trade through the HKATS environment, at least one pair of SDNet/2 lines with modems and routers, one switch/hub, and LAN connection cables are needed.
The supported Google Chrome browser version for HKATS Online and HKATS Risk Functions is 80.0.3987.122.
You may refer to the Appendix for
• The system configuration of HKATS Online workstation
• Details of estimated set up costs and running costs of HKATS with one HKATS Online workstation
• Details of estimated set up costs and running costs of HKATS with one OAPI connection with throughput of 5 transactions per second to central gateway
HKATS CONNECTIVITY CONTINGENCY GUIDELINES
HKATS OAPI disconnection from the HKEX derivatives market systems could be due to a variety of reasons. Participants should devise with their technical teams necessary recovery plans and follow their own troubleshooting procedures to determine the appropriate course of remedial actions according to their contingency plan.
Below are some general guidelines for reference by the Participants when considering their own recovery plan.
- Investigate if the disconnection is caused by the Participant software or infrastructure. Take remedial steps where necessary before reconnection.
- When recovering from an OAPI disconnection, the OAPI Programs shall first attempt to reconnect to the current HKATS Primary Central Gateway.
- If the Primary Central Gateway remains inaccessible, Participant shall attempt to reconnect to the Backup Central Gateways in accordance to the designated connection settings provided by the Exchange.
- Participants should report connectivity issues for their SDNet communication links to the respective telecommunication service providers. Hosting clients shall contact the HKEX Hosting Services Hotline in case of communication link issues.
- In the event HKEX announces a site failover, Participants shall switch their connections to the Backup Data Centre according to the arrangement previously provided. This includes both the OAPI Programs and HKATS Online.
- Participants may contact HKEX via the HKATS Hotline for further assistance.