Mondo Visione Worldwide Financial Markets Intelligence

FTSE Mondo Visione Exchanges Index:

HKEx Introduces DCASS Today

Date 06/04/2004

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) introduced the Derivatives Clearing and Settlement System (DCASS) today (Tuesday), following successful conversion to DCASS from the Traded Options System (TOPS) and the INTRACS/400 system on Saturday, 3 April and Sunday, 4 April.

DCASS has replaced the two separate clearing systems that had been used by the HKFE Clearing Corporation and the SEHK Options Clearing House since before they became part of HKEx in 2000. It provides a common platform for the clearing and settlement of all derivatives products traded on the HKEx markets, including index futures and options, single stock futures and options and interest rate futures contracts.

A two-week stabilisation period began with today's implementation, as a prudent measure. During the stabilisation period, special backup arrangements will be in place in the unlikely event that there is an incident that requires fallback to TOPS and INTRACS/400.