The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), representing over 250 market infrastructures globally, has unveiled its strategic priorities for 2025. The agenda, announced in a press release, was finalised during a recent meeting of the WFE Board, which consists of 18 leaders from exchanges and central counterparties (CCPs) worldwide.
As alternative, less regulated trading platforms grow in prominence, the WFE reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for regulation across all forms of financial trading. The organisation stressed the importance of maintaining trustworthy, inclusive, and transparent markets that serve the diverse needs of investors, issuers, and other market participants.
Leading on ESG standards
Regulated marketplaces are positioned as champions of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The WFE plans to develop practical guides to support securities issuers and derivatives markets in improving disclosures and managing transitions, reinforcing its role in promoting ESG leadership.
The rapid evolution of technology, including artificial intelligence, remains a core focus for the WFE. The organization intends to assess the impact of IT on market infrastructures and address key concerns around security and resilience. The WFE aims to work with regulators to ensure that emerging standards support innovation while protecting investors.
Optimising market interactions
The WFE highlighted the growing complexity in the interaction between public and private markets, particularly with increased secondary trading and retail access to private markets. It aims to evaluate this relationship to ensure that the benefits of public, transparent trading platforms remain aligned with market incentives.
As the largest global organisation representing CCPs, the WFE emphasised the importance of navigating regulatory changes, particularly those related to margin practices. The organisation aims to ensure that the voice of CCPs is clearly heard in policy discussions and that consensus is achieved.
Strengthening industry education
With the Market Infrastructure Certificate entering its third year, the WFE is committed to supporting the education of future leaders in the industry. The certificate program is designed to meet the learning needs of those working in a rapidly changing financial environment.
Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the WFE, states: “We will continue to champion the sustainable growth of public markets and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure their ongoing health and robustness, given their important economic and social role to the global economy.”
