Trade surveillance technology stack: systems, data, and integration

Surveillance teams can’t afford delays, blind spots, or manual workarounds. 

When every alert, timestamp, and handover counts, the quality of your technology stack is what defines your capability.

Whether you're monitoring equities, crypto, or OTC (over-the-counter) derivatives across multiple venues, your tools need to work together fast, accurately, and transparently. 

That means getting the right systems in place, making sure they speak the same language, and building for scale from the start.

In this guide, we'll look at what a strong surveillance tech stack looks like in 2025: from core components and integration strategies to common pitfalls and best practices.

Whether you're overhauling legacy infrastructure or expanding into new markets, it’s your blueprint for a surveillance setup that’s ready to perform under pressure.

Why your technology stack defines your compliance capability

Trade surveillance is only as strong as the technology behind it. 

In 2025, regulators expect surveillance systems to handle multi-asset, multi-venue, and cross-border activity with speed, precision, and explainability. 

It's no surprise to anyone that the combination of human expertise and technology is what makes market and trade surveillance effective. 

As Gabriella Bussien, CEO at Trapets, notes: 

"Companies must invest in experts with the right skills to leverage technology to its fullest potential. Technology and know-how go hand in hand, but that requires time, resources and commitment." 

What makes up a trade surveillance tech stack?

A surveillance technology stack is the combined set of systems, tools, and integrations used to detect, investigate, and report market abuse. 

It spans data ingestion, detection engines, workflow management, and reporting outputs.

Tech stack essentials checklist:

• Data ingestion layer - Aggregates multi-venue order, trade, and communication data in real time.
• Data normalisation and enrichment – Standardises formats, timestamps, and identifiers; enriches with client and KYC/PEP data.
• Detection engine - Combines rules-based and AI/ML detection (see AI in trade surveillance).
• Workflow and case management - Manages investigations, escalations, and STOR preparation.
• Reporting module - Produces regulator-ready reports for MAR, MiCA, and MiFID II (see Global trade surveillance regulations).
• Explainability tools - Provide transparent logic for each alert, satisfying audit and regulator requirements.

Common integration challenges

Even the strongest surveillance components can fall short if they don’t connect seamlessly.

True effectiveness comes from how systems share data, adapt across assets, and keep pace with fast-moving markets. 

The most common challenges are:

• Fragmented data sources - Multiple, incompatible feeds slow detection and create blind spots.
• Vendor lock-in - Proprietary systems that make integration or migration costly.
• Cross-asset complexity - Linking equities, derivatives, FX, and crypto in a single platform.
• Latency issues - Slow ingestion or detection in high-frequency trading environments.

Best practices for building and optimising your stack

Building an effective surveillance stack requires a focus on quality, adaptability, and long-term scalability. 

Key best practices to guide this work are:

1. Start with data quality: Ensure accurate, timely, and complete data ingestion before adding advanced analytics.
2. Adopt hybrid detection models: Blend regulatory rules with AI for flexibility and adaptability.
3. Prioritise integration: Choose platforms that work seamlessly with existing systems and can expand as new venues or asset classes are added.
4. Embed explainability: Use detection engines that clearly show why an alert was triggered.
5. Plan for scalability: Build a stack that can handle increasing volumes and regulatory changes without major reengineering.

In-house vs. managed technology approaches

Firms can choose between managing surveillance technology internally or outsourcing it as a service. 

Each approach offers distinct benefits depending on resources and priorities:

• In-house: Full control over configuration and vendor relationships, but requires internal expertise and resource allocation for maintenance.
• Managed services:Outsourced operational monitoring and technology management; ideal for firms lacking internal capacity.

The Trapets advantage

Trapets provides a fully integrated surveillance stack designed to give firms clarity, coverage, and confidence. 

Built for flexibility and regulatory trust, our solution for market and trade surveillance supports growth while keeping compliance strong. 

Key capabilities include:

• Surveillance in real-time or T+1 to comply with MAR, MiFID, and UK MAR
• Adjustable alerts and thresholds with built-in testing feat
• Customisable dashboards for operational clarity and control
• Built-in STOR/STR generation to streamline reporting

Looking ahead: the next generation stack

Surveillance technology will continue to evolve as markets and regulations grow more complex. 

The next generation of stacks is expected to emphasise speed, openness, and explainability, with key developments such as:

• Cloud-native, low-latency detection environments
• Open APIs for faster integration with niche analytics tools
• AI explainability as a standard, not an add-on
• Integration of crypto and DeFi monitoring into core stacks

Final word

A well-built technology stack forms the backbone of any compliance programme. With the right systems working seamlessly together, firms gain the visibility and agility needed to meet evolving regulatory demands.

Book a demo to see how Trapets can help you design and implement a future-ready surveillance technology stack.