Cleaning up

Asia’s exchanges have been slow to warm to the idea of a pan-Asian central clearer, which could create opportunities for foreign groups such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Georgina Lee speaks with the exchange’s head of clearing, Kimberly Taylor

Japan, India and Singapore are all moving to set up clearing houses for over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. But most dealers and corporate treasurers in Asia remain doubtful as to whether or not clearing will result in higher charges or cost benefits. This uncertainty, together with an apparent lack of urgency by regional regulators to clarify the situation, has allowed established US and European exchanges to reposition their strategies for Asia in a bid to grab market share before any of the