Cross-border investments 2026: key findings

Foreign investor flows are growing across every region. Explore the barriers to further growth.

In Partnership with

Content Types

Key findings

Topics

Settlements and T+1

Region

Europe

SHARE THIS INSIGHT

Based on insights from 25 securities depositories globally, our latest research with ISSA explores the opportunities and challenges shaping cross-border investment and market access.

Connecting markets

Market linkages

Connectivity is a key trigger for growth.

The same proportion prioritise real-time processing and data visibility as CSDs look to support greater foreign investment.

Core platforms are changing

Infrastructure

77% of organizations are planning core platform transition or modernization.

Transformation is widespread.

Settlement and corporate actions are also major areas of planned transformation before 2030.

Market access

Barriers

Fifty-seven percent cite market liquidity as a top-three challenge.

Foreign investment still faces significant friction.

Local tax complexity is another major challenge, cited by 43% of CSDs.

Foreign investor flows have grown by an average of 4% year-on-year over the last three years. Our latest research with ISSA explores the barriers to further growth and where CSDs see opportunities to improve market access.

The findings reveal:

76% see foreign investor growth as highly important over the next three years
65% prioritise increased links with nearby markets
65% prioritise real-time processing and data visibility
57% cite market liquidity as a top three barrier to foreign investor flows
77% are planning core platform transition or modernisation

The findings also explore investor access, messaging standards, CSD links and the regional differences shaping cross-border markets.

Keep reading — it's free

Verify your email to read this content