Dealer platforms weigh up life under Mifid

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive creates a new type of trading venue for the execution of over-the-counter derivatives and, as things stand, dealers’ existing platforms do not qualify. Joe Rennison analyses the potential for a reprieve

There were 14 escape attempts from the famous Alcatraz prison before it closed in 1963. Some were more sophisticated than others – one man climbed a fence, and was shot for his troubles; two filed through the iron bars covering a window, but were swept out to sea; and a group of four prisoners succeeded in escaping following a meticulously planned operation that involved, among other things, accordions, soap, an improvised drill and a raft made of stolen raincoats.

Single-dealer platforms (SDPs)