LCH SA has launched a new clearing service for cash-settled Bitcoin index futures and options, expanding its offering into digital asset derivatives. The new service, LCH DigitalAssetClear, will clear trades executed on GFO-X, a UK-based digital asset derivatives trading venue regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), announces LCH SA in a press release.
The move enables market participants to access clearing for Bitcoin derivatives through a central counterparty in a regulated environment. All products cleared under the new service will be based on the GFO-X/Coin Metrics Single Asset Real-Time Bitcoin Index (GFOXBR), a reference rate compliant with the EU Benchmark Regulation. The service is designed to address growing institutional interest in digital assets while maintaining the operational and risk management standards typical of traditional post-trade processes.
First members on board
ABN AMRO Clearing Bank, Nomura International, and Standard Chartered Bank are the first institutions to join LCH DigitalAssetClear as clearing members. They will offer clearing services to trading participants and market makers on the platform.
The launch of LCH DigitalAssetClear was developed in close coordination with GFO-X and industry participants. It reflects LCH SA’s intent to provide infrastructure that meets regulatory standards and institutional expectations for the digital asset space, particularly with regard to segregation, risk management, and counterparty protection.
Post-trade expansion
By offering clearing for Bitcoin index futures and options via a regulated MTF, LCH SA signals its broader strategic move into digital assets. The initiative also strengthens the London Stock Exchange Group’s post-trade ecosystem by integrating a new asset class into its clearing offering, claims LCH SA.
“The combination of GFO-X’s dedicated digital asset derivatives offering and LCH DigitalAssetClear brings much needed choice and venue diversification to institutional investors”, says Arnab Sen, CEO and Co-Founder, GFO-X.
The service is now live and clearing trades executed on GFO-X.