Nasdaq and Sequitor Unveil Next-Generation Cloud-Based Testing Platform for Global Financial Markets

Financial institutions now have access to a sophisticated new solution for validating trading infrastructure. Nasdaq has introduced Nasdaq Universal Test Facility, a cloud-enabled software platform developed in partnership with Swedish fintech innovator Sequitor. This represents a significant step forward in how trading systems can be stress-tested and optimized before deployment in live market environments.

Addressing Critical Market Testing Gaps

The Universal Test Facility serves a pressing need within the financial sector. Market participants have long struggled with limited options for comprehensive system validation. This platform offers something different: a service-based approach to executing simulated trading activities across multiple global electronic marketplaces without the constraints of traditional testing infrastructure.

What sets this solution apart is its architectural design. The platform delivers high-fidelity replicas of actual exchange testing environments, allowing financial institutions to run isolated test scenarios with complete control over parameters and conditions. This isolation means teams can analyze system behavior and performance metrics in a sandbox setting, reducing the risk of unexpected outcomes during actual market transitions.

Nikolaj Kosakewitsch, who leads European Equities operations at Nasdaq, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative. “Client feedback has consistently pointed to the need for more robust testing capabilities,” he explained. “By combining Nasdaq’s market infrastructure expertise with Sequitor’s specialized engineering approach, we’re delivering a tool that helps the trading community strengthen operational resilience and accelerate product development across the industry.”

The Sequitor Background and Market Opportunity

Sequitor was established in 2019 by Rolf Andersson and Pablo Landherr, both of whom identified a critical gap in available testing solutions while working directly with electronic trading systems. The founders recognized that existing facilities lacked the sophistication needed for modern, complex trading operations.

“Partnering with Nasdaq provides the perfect channel to bring our testing and simulation platform to financial institutions worldwide,” said Rolf Andersson, CEO and co-founder of Sequitor. “This collaboration enables us to help market participants accelerate their go-to-market timelines, mitigate operational risks, and focus resources on innovation rather than troubleshooting infrastructure problems.”

Implementation and Availability

The Universal Test Facility operates as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, eliminating the need for capital expenditure on dedicated testing hardware. Financial institutions can begin leveraging the platform immediately, with support available through Nasdaq’s established client relationships and Sequitor’s technical expertise.

The solution represents a convergence of two complementary strengths: Nasdaq’s deep knowledge of global market infrastructure combined with Sequitor’s specialized capabilities in simulation and testing architecture. For trading teams seeking to enhance system reliability, reduce time-to-launch for new services, and lower market-related operational risk, the platform is available now through Nasdaq’s service offerings.