MexDer launches options trading business

MexDer, the derivatives exchange of Mexico, celebrated the launch of its market for financial options yesterday.

The derivatives exchange, a subsidiary of the Mexican Stock Exchange, has until now been a futures-only market. It will be supported by infrastructure provided by Asigna, the clearing and settlement arm for the exchange-traded derivatives market managed by Mexican bank Bancomer.

In addition, Mercado Espanol de Futuros y Opciones Financieros (Meff), the Spanish futures and options market, has provided MexDer with its trading platform S/Mart. Meff chief executive Josep Basanez said it will also assist the Mexican exchange in development of new products.

“The launching of exchange-traded options in Mexico gives us a great sense of accomplishment, as it marks the culmination of two years of planning and development,” said Guillermo Prieto, chairman of the Mexican Stock Exchange. The derivatives exchange was committed to developing a transparent and efficient options market, he added.