ICAP launches internet-based FX trading

LONDON, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Interbank foreign exchange and interest rate broker ICAP (IAP.L) said on Monday it had launched a service offering spot currency trading via the internet on its EBS trading platform, aiming in part at small emerging markets.

Previously traders could only access prices via a dedicated EBS keypad, which requires a separate telecoms line. EBS traded an average of $216 billion per day in June.

ICAP said the ability to access prices via the internet on EBS Global Access would boost its geographical range of clients.

"It will be particularly attractive for smaller banks and institutions in certain regional areas where telecoms costs are high," said Candice Adam, spokeswoman at ICAP.

Thomson Reuters TRIL.L, the other major provider of interbank foreign exchange spot trading, has an extensive existing network in emerging markets, where banks access spot prices via its Reuters terminals.

(Reporting by Simon Falush; editing by Ron Askew)