Regulation

Chief executive of Etrading Software has asserted that the delivery of the infrastructure will not be disrupted by the ongoing legal proceedings. 

The authorisation will enable the firm to offer futures, perpetual contracts and options trading, and follows increasing institutional demand for regulated access to digital asset derivatives markets.  

The new offering aims to address challenges traditionally facing equity derivatives markets including fixed trading hours and legacy clearing cycles, beneficial for both institutional and retail clients, One Trading chief executive tells The TRADE. 

The two firms are currently the only CCPs in the region to receive the accreditation; move is expected to strengthen connectivity between markets in Europe and the United Arab Emirates.   

The submission will be made through the launch of a new non-profit organisation; move follows the recent launch of ESMA’s initial selection process for the tape on Monday. 

The licensing is expected to support the increasing convergence of traditional finance and digital assets across the industry. 

Expressions of interest are open until 11 February 2026; ESMA expected to make a decision on the contract at the start of July.  

Industry thought leaders from Robeco, xyt, IEX, and CAPIS delve into the key market structure developments set to shape the industry in 2026, from inflation, touch sizes shrinking, passive dominance and dark and bilateral trading.  

The SEC authorisation covers an initial three-year period, spanning instruments including securities within the Russell 1000 index, ETFs linked to major benchmarks, and US Treasury bills, notes and bonds.

The measures, developed in line with Europe’s Savings and Investment Union (SIU) strategy, aim to remove barriers, simplify supervision, and encourage innovation across the EU.