Nasdaq Iceland is set to introduce central counterparty clearing (CCP) to Iceland’s equity market, with launch scheduled for Q1 2028.
Nikolaj Kosakewitsch
The development marks a significant modernisation step for the market and will align Iceland more closely with international standards and investor expectations.
Through the implementation, the Icelandic market is also set to benefit from enhanced resilience, efficiency and accessibility, which will in turn bolster long-term growth and global competitiveness.
In addition, Cboe Clear Europe will act as Nasdaq’s CCP partner for the implementation.
“At Nasdaq, we are committed to building resilient and connected capital markets that support economic growth and serve issuers and investors across the region,” said Nikolaj Kosakewitsch, head of European markets services at Nasdaq.
“The introduction of CCP clearing in Iceland is an important step that will bring Iceland’s capital market further in line with the structure and clearing model used across most developed European equity markets.”
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Specifically, implementing CCP clearing is expected to bring benefits including: more efficient clearing and settlement through multilateral netting, lower settlement and capital costs, increased international accessibility, enhanced liquidity and price formation, reduced counterparty risk and improved market stability.
Nasdaq has confirmed that CCP clearing will initially target selected equities listed on Nasdaq Iceland, with this coverage expected to expand in the future.
“The introduction of central counterparty clearing marks a major milestone in the continued development of Iceland’s capital markets,” says Magnus Hardarson, president of Nasdaq Iceland.
“CCP clearing will strengthen the market’s competitiveness, improve access for international investors, and support greater liquidity and participation.”