London/Berlin/Brussels, 17 November 2008.
SIX x-clear AG, the central counterparty (CCP) and licensed Swiss bank, and Equiduct Trading have signed a Letter of Intent stating that SIX x-clear will act as the CCP for German and Swiss securities traded through Equiduct Trading. The securities will be delivered via the national custodian, which for German securities is Clearstream Frankfurt and Clearstream Luxembourg, and for Swiss securities SIX SIS AG.
With this relationship, Equiduct Trading will offer optimised and cost-effective flexibility and choice in its clearing structure. The rollout of SIX x-clear is in addition to the existing clearing contracts with LCH.Clearnet S.A. for Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, and with LCH.Clearnet Ltd. for Great Britain.
Equiduct Trading is soon to start its new pan-European market, offering cross-border trading services and market data.
Willy Van Stappen, COO Equiduct Trading: "Equiduct Trading's cooperation with SIX x-clear, adds the next building block to its post trade environment in line with its strategy to offer wherever possible a post trade solution that leverages existing infrastructures and local presence. Together with SIX x-clear we are able to offer our members clearing and local settlement optimisation for their existing CSD relations."
Marco Strimer, CEO of SIX x-clear, commented: "We are very pleased to clear the markets for Equiduct and look forward to working with them as they expand their reach. The choice of SIX x-clear as a clearing partner reflects the strength of our offering and the associated benefits of a short time-to-market service as well as an affirmation of our vision of providing a high quality service at a fair cost."