BEx LLC (Foreign Exchange Platform)
2018
$65M
Outcome
Streamlined automated currency hedging and execution algorithms for global custody pension clients.
Northern Trust
Wealth Management & Global Custody BankingFounded 1889- HQ today: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Company data updated: November 2026
Acquisitions
Northern Trust Acquisitions
3
Major Deals Covered
$615M
Disclosed Deal Value
What are Northern Trust's biggest acquisitions?
Northern Trust's largest disclosed acquisition here is UBS Asset Servicing (Switzerland & Luxembourg) for $450 in 2017. This page covers 3 major deals from 2011 to 2018, each with its price where disclosed and the reason behind it.
- Major deals covered
- 3
- Largest deal
- UBS Asset Servicing (Switzerland & Luxembourg) ($450)
- First deal
- 2011
- Most recent
- 2018
| Company | Year | Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omnium LLC (Citadel Solutions) | 2011 | $100.0M | — |
| UBS Asset Servicing (Switzerland & Luxembourg) | 2017 | $450.0M | — |
| BEx LLC (Foreign Exchange Platform) | 2018 | $65.0M | — |
- What companies has Northern Trust bought?
- Major acquisitions by Northern Trust documented here include UBS Asset Servicing (Switzerland & Luxembourg) (2017), Omnium LLC (Citadel Solutions) (2011) and BEx LLC (Foreign Exchange Platform) (2018).
- What is Northern Trust's most recent acquisition?
- The most recent Northern Trust acquisition documented here is BEx LLC (Foreign Exchange Platform), in 2018, for $65.
UBS Asset Servicing (Switzerland & Luxembourg)
2017
$450M
Outcome
Added roughly $420 billion in assets under administration and expanded Northern Trust's presence across continental Europe.
Omnium LLC (Citadel Solutions)
2011
$100M
Outcome
Created Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services, which quickly scaled to service over $400 billion in alternative fund assets.
Northern Trust's Growth & Acquisition Strategy
The bank's strategy centers on expanding alternative asset servicing capabilities, scaling digital family office software tools, deepening penetration among sovereign wealth funds, and maintaining disciplined operational expense control through automated back-office fund reconciliation.
How Northern Trust Makes Money
Northern Trust operates a fee-dominant, capital-light institutional asset servicing and wealth management business model. Over 75% of its total revenue is derived from non-interest trust, investment, and servicing fees. The Asset Servicing division charges institutional clients (pension funds, endowments, sovereign wealth funds) basis-point custody and fund administration fees, securities lending fees, and foreign exchange trading fees. The Wealth Management division provides fiduciary trust administration, family office technology, and investment advisory to ultra-high-net-worth families, earning steady, non-cyclical fee income. The remaining revenue is earned through conservative net interest margins on institutional client deposits.
Northern Trust Acquisitions FAQ
Does Northern Trust acquire other companies?
Yes, Northern Trust executes targeted acquisitions to integrate complementary technologies, expand intellectual property, and enter new market verticals.
What is Northern Trust's acquisition strategy?
Northern Trust focuses on bolt-on acquisitions that can be rapidly integrated into its core technology architecture and commercial distribution channels.
How does Northern Trust fund its acquisitions?
Acquisitions are typically funded through cash from operations, revolving credit facilities, and strategic equity considerations.
What was one of Northern Trust's notable acquisitions?
Northern Trust has acquired specialized technology assets that enhance its core platform capabilities and expand its addressable customer base.
How does Northern Trust handle post-merger integration?
By migrating acquired codebases into its unified cloud infrastructure and retaining key engineering talent within specialized innovation pods.
Are acquisitions a primary or secondary growth driver?
Inorganic growth is secondary to robust organic product development, serving as a tactical accelerator for specific strategic capabilities.
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