Transformative EasyFocus+ platform to enhance T+1 settlement efficiency delivering a harmonised, pan-European client experience
Brussels/London, 16 June 2025 – Euroclear, in line with its strategy of reducing industry fragmentation and delivering services that optimise market wide connectivity, has today announced a strategic collaboration with software providers Meritsoft, a Cognizant business, and Taskize to launch the next generation of its EasyFocus service.
This enhanced, AI-powered platform, running on a Microsoft cloud, will deliver real-time data, insights and resolution capabilities across all of Euroclear’s Central Securities Depositories (CSDs), supporting the industry’s transition to T+1 settlement in Europe by October 2027.
EasyFocus+ aligns with Euroclear’s commitment to increase client efficiency and proximity and to advance the EU’s Savings and Investments Union (SIU) by fostering harmonisation through its open, interconnected, neutral infrastructure, whilst also driving innovation at scale by leveraging new technology and data analytics.
EasyFocus+ uses predictive analytics to accelerate the resolution of matching and settlement issues — flagging likely mismatches, identifying root causes, and resolving exceptions quickly. The new version integrates Meritsoft’s Instruction Tracking and Exception Management (ITEM) solution and Taskize’s communication and collaboration platform, providing a single, consolidated view of all settlement instructions across the Euroclear CSDs which represent over 60% of EU settlement. EasyFocus+ allows clients to reduce fails, streamline operations, and benchmark their performance internally and across the industry to identify and address recurring issues.
Isabelle Delorme, Head of Product Strategy and Innovation, Euroclear group said: “As the industry adapts to evolving regulations such as T+1, we are leveraging leading-edge technologies like Microsoft Cloud and AI technology, to ensure the market is not only prepared but a step ahead. It is a harmonised and consolidated solution for every Euroclear client to help them overcome the operational challenges of a shortened settlement cycle and boost settlement efficiency. EasyFocus+ is part of our commitment to both make our clients’ life easier and to support the SIU by driving market improvements through our open, neutral infrastructure. Euroclear’s open access model gives clients a choice of interconnected international and national CSDs, supporting competition, avoiding costly silos – ultimately delivering a single, seamless interface.”
Helen Adair, Taskize’s Chief Product Officer, commented: “We’ve worked closely with Euroclear and Meritsoft to devise, develop and bring something brand new to the market with EasyFocus+, a platform that turns trade data into actionable insights. But what happens when those insights reveal exceptions, queries, and friction that will delay settlement and impact T+1 resolution? That’s where Taskize comes in. Connecting our collaboration platform to EasyFocus+ will provide visibility, ownership, prioritisation, automated routing and proven faster resolution of exceptions.”
John Da Gama-Rose, Head of Banking & Finance EMEA & Asia Pacific and Japan at Cognizant, Meritsoft’s parent company, added: “We are excited to be working with Euroclear and Taskize to bring EasyFocus+ to market. By integrating Meritsoft’s technology with Euroclear’s steadfast commitment to innovation, we are paving the way for a more efficient and resilient settlement ecosystem. This launch exemplifies the power of industry collaboration and innovation and is testament to Cognizant’s commitment to helping drive solutions that address complex industry challenges. Coming at a pivotal moment for the industry, this new service empowers Euroclear’s clients to navigate the transition to T+1 in Europe with confidence and agility.”
About Euroclear
Euroclear group is the financial industry’s trusted provider of post trade services. Guided by its purpose, Euroclear innovates to bring safety, efficiency and connections to financial markets for sustainable economic growth. Euroclear provides settlement and custody of domestic and cross-border securities for bonds, equities and derivatives and investment funds. As a proven, resilient capital market infrastructure, Euroclear is committed to delivering risk-mitigation, automation and efficiency at scale for its global client franchise. The Euroclear group comprises Euroclear Bank, the International CSD, as well as Euroclear Belgium, Euroclear Finland, Euroclear France, Euroclear Nederland, Euroclear Sweden, Euroclear UK & International.
About Taskize
Taskize is one of the most influential fintechs in pre- and post-trade automation, trusted by 600 financial firms – custodian banks, buy-sides, broker-dealers and FMIs – across 88 countries. Quick and easy to deploy, Taskize’s interoperable, web-native collaboration and workflow platform is used by investment operations teams including securities, corporate actions, and collateral for exception management and query resolution and to ultimately minimise risk, improve client service and increase capacity. Taskize is a member of the Euroclear group of companies. More info: www.taskize.com
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. Our Meritsoft software solutions help capital markets participants manage their complex post-trade processing and compliance requirements by delivering settlement efficiency improvements, trade expense optimisation, CSDR penalties processing, interest claims management, transaction tax processing and asset servicing claims management.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you prepare for T+1: MeritsoftCapMarkets@Cognizant.com.
