London Stock Exchange And Borsa Istanbul Signed Agreement

London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has signed a partnership agreement with Borsa İstanbul, covering derivatives and index products, according to a joint statement by both institutions released on Tuesday.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement London Stock Exchange Derivatives Market (LSEDM) would offer trading in futures and options on the BIST 30 Index and on leading Turkish stocks. In addition, LCH.Clearnet would provide central counterparty services to LSEDM and its clearing members.

The flagship BIST 30 Index futures currently trade, on average, more than 170,000 contracts per day on Borsa İstanbul. Subject to regulatory approval and customer readiness, London trading in the products was expected to be available in the second half of 2015, said in the statement.

"In addition, FTSE and Borsa İstanbul plan to launch, by the end of 2015, an index partnership involving all Borsa İstanbul-owned and other relevant indices reference Turkish securities. The partnership will enable Borsa İstanbul's Turkish market platform to enjoy the full benefits of FTSE's unique technical expertise, top global positioning, and leading customer footprint. The partnership will deliver a set of index products which have adopted the IOSCO regulatory standards, and represent a significant enhancement in accessibility for international investors to Turkish markets."

"One of the most exciting emerging markets in the world"

"Turkey is currently one of the most exciting emerging markets in the world, and will be in a key position to help shape the global economic agenda" Xavier Rolet, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group said in the statement and added:

"With its export-oriented economy, and dynamic corporations, its capital markets exhibit enormous potential. London Stock Exchange Group is the natural trading and index partner for Borsa İstanbul as the Turkish capital markets rapidly develop into a major regional financial hub, alongside the Istanbul Financial Centre initiative."

"This agreement is an important step in the ongoing development of London Stock Exchange Derivatives Market, presenting our global client base with the unique opportunity to trade and clear Turkish futures and options in international markets" Rolet said.

"It underlines the Group's commitment to enhancing London's position as the world's most international capital market, working with Borsa İstanbul to help boost its liquidity and appeal to global investors" he went on and added:

"The index partnership will build on the Group's powerful track record of working with ambitious exchanges around the world to develop cutting-edge index products. Following our recently completed acquisition of the Frank Russell Group, this further highlights the unique global reach that the FTSE and Russell index franchises can provide for our global partners."

"One of the most thoughtful and pioneering exchange operators in the world"

Dr Ibrahim Turhan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Borsa İstanbul, said, "London Stock Exchange Group is one of the most thoughtful and pioneering exchange operators in the world, providing depth and breadth of liquidity for an extremely wide range of products and securities" and added:

"Its strategy has been calibrated to build leadership positions in a wide array of market infrastructure operations with global appeal for the investment community. It is a truly balanced business, with operations spanning trading, post-trade, and indexes, amongst others."

"As we in Istanbul build the infrastructure of the Turkish capital markets, LSEG is an inspiring partner for us, both as a model for a successful strategy in the sector, as well as a key operating partner for many of our business operations. I am absolutely delighted about our accords, which form the first step in a long journey together, serving our joint customers around the world" he said. - Istanbul