360 Treasury Systems AG
360 Treasury Systems AG stands as Europe's leading institutional foreign exchange trading platform and Deutsche Börse Group's global FX powerhouse, having evolved from a specialized OTC trading venue into a comprehensive multi-asset marketplace spanning traditional currencies and digital assets. Founded in 2000 and acquired by Deutsche Börse for €725 million in 2015, the Frankfurt-based company serves over 2,900 institutional clients and connects more than 200 liquidity providers across 75 countries through its award-winning web-based trading technology.
Platform Comparison | 360T / 3DX | Industry Average | Premium Alternative |
---|---|---|---|
Regulatory Status | BaFin supervised (MiCA) | EU regulated mix | NYDFS, EU registrations |
User Type | Institutional only | Retail & pro | Institutional & pro |
Liquidity Model | Multi‑LP aggregation | Single‑venue orderbook | Deep prime liquidity |
Supported Assets | BTC, ETH (initial) | 50–200 assets | 200+ assets |
Settlement | EUR, USD fiat | Fiat & crypto | Fiat & crypto |
Fee Model | Negotiated tiers | Posted schedule | Low schedule fees |
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The platform distinguishes itself through three key innovations: pioneering regulatory compliance with comprehensive MiCA licensing from BaFin for crypto-asset services, industry-leading technological infrastructure that processes institutional-scale transactions with exceptional reliability, and strategic positioning as a neutral marketplace that serves neither as a liquidity provider nor competitor to its clients. Recent expansion into digital assets through the 3DX platform represents a significant evolution, enabling institutional clients to access crypto spot and derivatives trading through familiar workflows while maintaining the regulatory certainty and operational excellence that define 360T's traditional FX operations.
Recent institutional commentary emphasizes 360T/3DX’s professional execution environment—tight pricing via multi‑LP aggregation, robust workflow automation, and regulated settlement—while noting it is not a retail, high‑leverage or scalping venue; pricing and leverage are relationship‑based rather than public schedule.
Company History & Development
360T's journey began in 2000 as an innovative response to the fragmented OTC foreign exchange market, founded with the vision of creating transparent, efficient web-based trading technology that could connect global market participants. The company's early development focused on building robust multi-bank portals for foreign exchange, money market products, and FX derivatives, establishing itself as a provider of institutional-grade trading solutions during the early digital transformation of financial markets.
A pivotal transformation occurred in July 2015 when Deutsche Börse Group completed its acquisition of 360T for €725 million, following regulatory approval from antitrust authorities and BaFin. This strategic acquisition positioned 360T as Deutsche Börse's center of competence for global FX strategy while maintaining its innovative culture and customer-focused approach under the continued leadership of founder and CEO Carlo Kölzer. The integration brought significant operational scale, regulatory credibility, and cross-selling opportunities while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that had driven 360T's initial success.
Post-acquisition growth accelerated dramatically, with the platform expanding from primarily European operations to a truly global presence through subsidiaries in New York, Singapore, India, Dubai, and London. The company systematically broadened its product offering beyond traditional spot FX to encompass forwards, swaps, NDFs, options, and money market instruments, while continuously investing in technological infrastructure to handle increasing transaction volumes and complexity.
The most significant recent milestone came in 2024-2025 with 360T's expansion into digital assets through regulatory innovation. Following comprehensive evaluation and licensing processes, the company secured MiCA authorization from BaFin, enabling the launch of 3DX Digital Exchange in May 2025. This crypto-asset trading platform represents the successful integration of Deutsche Börse Digital Exchange (formerly DBDX) with 360T's established infrastructure, creating synergies across organizational, regulatory, and go-to-market dimensions while positioning the company as a leader in regulated institutional cryptocurrency trading.
Business Model & Core Services
360T operates as a technology-driven marketplace connecting institutional market participants through sophisticated web-based trading infrastructure, generating revenue primarily through transaction fees and technology licensing arrangements. The company's business model centers on providing neutral market access without competing as a proprietary liquidity provider, creating a trusted environment where banks, asset managers, hedge funds, corporate treasuries, and other institutional clients can access deep liquidity from over 200 connected providers.
Core foreign exchange services encompass the complete spectrum of institutional trading needs, from spot transactions through 360TGTX ECN to complex derivatives via the Active Trading Suite. The platform's EMS (Execution Management System) enables complete workflow automation for corporate treasurers and asset managers, while Bridge provides real-time request-for-streaming functionality designed by traders for optimal user experience. Advanced offerings include the Swaps User Network (SUN) for FX swaps trading and streaming NDFs services that leverage the platform's extensive liquidity network.
The newly launched 3DX platform extends this proven model into digital assets, offering both crypto spot trading and crypto NDFs under comprehensive MiCA regulation. This expansion enables clients to access Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure through familiar trading workflows, with settlement in EUR and USD, while maintaining the institutional-grade security and regulatory compliance standards established in traditional FX operations. The integration with existing 360T connectivity and technology creates seamless multi-asset trading capabilities for sophisticated institutional strategies.
Revenue streams include transaction-based fees that scale with client trading volumes, technology licensing arrangements for white-label implementations, and premium services for enhanced connectivity and risk management tools. The platform's value proposition focuses on reducing operational costs and regulatory risks across the entire trading lifecycle while providing access to unique liquidity sources that may be unavailable through direct bilateral relationships due to credit or operational constraints.
Regulatory Compliance & Trust
360T exemplifies regulatory excellence in the institutional trading landscape, operating under the supervision of Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) with comprehensive licensing that enables EU-wide service provision. The platform's regulatory framework encompasses both traditional financial services and cutting-edge digital asset operations, positioning it uniquely among institutional trading venues seeking to serve clients across evolving asset classes.
The company's recent achievement of MiCA licensing from BaFin represents a significant regulatory milestone, establishing 360T among the first institutional platforms authorized to provide crypto-asset services across the European Economic Area. This authorization enables the 3DX platform to offer both crypto spot trading under MiCAR and crypto NDFs through the EU Multilateral Trading Facility framework subject to MiFID II requirements, providing clients with regulatory clarity and consumer protection measures that align with European financial services standards.
Beyond digital asset innovation, 360T maintains robust compliance frameworks across its global operations, with subsidiaries holding appropriate authorizations in key jurisdictions including the UK (FCA supervision), United States (CFTC oversight), and Asia-Pacific markets (ASIC regulation where applicable). The platform's compliance infrastructure supports complex cross-border trading requirements while ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory standards including anti-money laundering protocols and market abuse prevention measures.
Operational transparency reflects 360T's commitment to regulatory best practices, with the platform functioning as a Multilateral Trading Facility that ensures MiFID II compliance and transparent price discovery. This regulatory positioning provides institutional clients with confidence that their trading activities operate within established financial services frameworks while accessing innovative trading technologies and comprehensive liquidity networks.
Economics & Value Proposition
360T's pricing structure reflects its institutional focus, with fee arrangements typically negotiated based on trading volumes, relationship depth, and service requirements rather than standardized retail pricing models. Commission structures vary significantly depending on instrument types, with competitive rates available for high-volume clients who can achieve substantial cost savings through 360T's extensive liquidity aggregation capabilities.
The platform's economic value proposition extends beyond simple fee competitiveness to encompass operational efficiency improvements and risk reduction across the entire trading lifecycle. Institutional clients benefit from streamlined connectivity that eliminates the need for multiple bilateral relationships, comprehensive workflow automation that reduces manual intervention and operational risks, and access to diverse liquidity sources that improve execution quality and reduce market impact costs.
For foreign exchange transactions, the platform offers competitive spreads across major currency pairs while providing access to regional and emerging market liquidity that may be challenging to source directly. Advanced clients utilizing 360TGTX ECN benefit from tight spreads and minimal market impact through the platform's anonymous trading capabilities, while corporate treasurers accessing EMS functionality achieve significant operational cost savings through automated execution and enhanced compliance monitoring.
Crypto-asset trading through 3DX provides institutional clients with regulated access to digital asset markets without the operational complexity of establishing direct relationships with specialized cryptocurrency venues. The platform's integration with traditional FX workflows enables sophisticated cross-asset strategies while maintaining familiar risk management and settlement procedures, creating compelling value for institutions seeking controlled digital asset exposure.
Technology & User Experience
360T's technological infrastructure represents nearly 25 years of continuous development focused on institutional trading requirements, emphasizing reliability, scalability, and comprehensive functionality over simplified user interfaces. The platform's architecture supports high-frequency trading operations while maintaining the stability necessary for large-scale institutional transactions during volatile market conditions.
Core technology offerings include the comprehensive EMS platform that enables complete trading workflow automation, the Bridge interface designed specifically for professional traders requiring real-time market access, and the SuperSonic Trader system that provides streaming liquidity aggregation across multiple providers. These solutions prioritize functional depth and customization capabilities that serve sophisticated institutional requirements rather than emphasizing ease of use for occasional traders.
API connectivity represents a particular strength, providing institutional clients with comprehensive programmatic access to trading functionality, market data, and risk management tools. The platform's API infrastructure supports algorithmic trading strategies, automated risk monitoring, and seamless integration with existing institutional technology stacks, enabling clients to leverage 360T's capabilities within broader trading and risk management frameworks.
Platform reliability demonstrates consistent excellence, with robust infrastructure maintained through Deutsche Börse Group's institutional-grade technology standards. The system handles significant transaction volumes during high-demand periods while maintaining real-time price discovery and trade execution capabilities that meet professional trading requirements. However, the platform's complexity may present learning curves for users transitioning from simpler trading interfaces, reflecting its design priorities toward comprehensive functionality rather than intuitive simplicity.
Scalping-Friendliness (Commissions, Leverage & Slippage)
Public reviews of 360T/3DX focus on institutional workflow and connectivity rather than retail-style trading metrics. Pricing is negotiated bilaterally with liquidity providers, spreads reflect multi‑LP aggregation, and execution is engineered for low‑slippage institutional tickets. The venue does not advertise retail leverage or margin and is not positioned as a scalping platform; suitability depends on institutional agreements, credit lines, and connectivity rather than posted fees.
Security & Risk Management
Security infrastructure reflects institutional-grade standards appropriate for Deutsche Börse Group's operational requirements, with comprehensive protection measures that safeguard client funds and sensitive trading information. The platform maintains multi-layered security protocols including secure data transmission, robust authentication mechanisms, and segregated client fund handling that meets regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Risk management capabilities extend beyond basic security measures to encompass sophisticated trading risk controls, including real-time position monitoring, automated limit enforcement, and comprehensive audit trails that support regulatory compliance and internal risk management procedures. The platform's Limits Monitor system provides enhanced risk management for both traditional FX and crypto-asset exposures, enabling institutional clients to maintain appropriate risk controls across diverse trading strategies.
Operational security benefits from Deutsche Börse Group's institutional infrastructure, including comprehensive cybersecurity measures, regular security assessments, and incident response procedures that meet the standards expected by major financial institutions. The platform's track record demonstrates consistent operational security throughout its 25-year history, with no significant security incidents affecting client funds or trading operations.
Insurance and fund protection measures align with institutional trading standards, though specific coverage details remain confidential as is typical for B2B institutional platforms. The company's regulatory oversight by BaFin and other major financial authorities provides additional assurance regarding operational standards and consumer protection measures that safeguard institutional client interests.
Market Position & Suitability
360T occupies a unique market position as the premier institutional-only trading platform combining traditional FX excellence with regulated digital asset access, serving sophisticated market participants who require professional-grade infrastructure and comprehensive regulatory compliance. The platform excels for major financial institutions, corporate treasuries managing significant FX exposures, asset managers requiring efficient multi-currency trading capabilities, and hedge funds implementing complex cross-asset strategies.
Large banks and broker-dealers benefit from 360T's neutral marketplace model that provides access to diverse liquidity without direct competition from the platform itself. The extensive network of over 200 connected liquidity providers creates opportunities for improved execution quality and reduced transaction costs, while comprehensive API access enables seamless integration with existing trading and risk management systems.
Corporate treasurers represent a core user segment, particularly those managing substantial foreign exchange exposures who benefit from the EMS platform's workflow automation and comprehensive risk management capabilities. The platform's established track record and Deutsche Börse backing provide the operational confidence necessary for large-scale treasury operations, while competitive pricing structures reward volume commitments typical of major corporate programs.
Professional asset managers and hedge funds utilizing sophisticated trading strategies find value in 360T's advanced features, including anonymous trading capabilities through 360TGTX ECN, comprehensive derivatives access, and the ability to implement complex multi-asset strategies that span traditional currencies and digital assets. However, the platform's institutional focus and B2B service model make it unsuitable for retail traders or smaller institutions seeking simplified trading interfaces and standardized pricing structures.
Conclusion
360 Treasury Systems AG represents a compelling evolution of institutional trading infrastructure, successfully combining decades of foreign exchange expertise with innovative expansion into regulated digital asset markets. Under Deutsche Börse Group ownership, the company has strengthened its position as Europe's premier institutional trading venue while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture and client focus that drove its initial success.
The platform's greatest strengths lie in comprehensive regulatory compliance that provides operational certainty for institutional clients, sophisticated technological infrastructure that handles complex institutional trading requirements, and strategic positioning as a neutral marketplace that serves client interests without direct competition. The successful launch of MiCA-regulated crypto trading through 3DX demonstrates the company's ability to innovate within established regulatory frameworks while expanding service offerings to meet evolving institutional demands.
Areas for potential enhancement include expanding geographic coverage for crypto-asset services as other jurisdictions develop regulatory clarity, broadening the range of supported digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, and continuing development of user interface improvements that maintain functionality while reducing complexity for less frequent users. The platform's institutional focus inherently limits its addressable market, though this specialization enables the depth of service and regulatory compliance that institutional clients require.
Looking forward, 360T appears well-positioned to benefit from continued institutional adoption of digital assets while maintaining its leadership position in traditional foreign exchange markets. The company's regulatory pioneering with MiCA compliance, combined with Deutsche Börse's financial strength and strategic support, creates a foundation for sustained growth as institutional trading continues evolving toward multi-asset, electronically-enabled market structures. For institutional market participants seeking regulated, comprehensive access to both traditional and digital asset trading within a proven operational framework, 360T offers compelling advantages that justify its premium positioning in the European institutional trading landscape.