Derivatives associations plan to establish a European derivatives umbrella association

Zurich, January 7, 2008 – The national derivatives associations of Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland intend to found a joint umbrella association. This aims to represent the sector’s interests in Europe.

The derivatives market has grown strongly throughout Europe over the past years. Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland are among the leading markets. One of the reasons for this is that in those countries the national associations have created important structures and ensured transparency in the market. The aim of the umbrella association is to coordinate future transparency initiatives at the European level and so create uniform standards in Europe. Founding members are the Associazione Italiana Certificati e Prodotti di Investimento (ACEPI), Deutscher Derivate Verband, the Swiss Structured Products Association SSPA and the Zertifikate Forum Austria.