Chris brings over 20 years' experience in financial markets to Cleartrade Exchange, with a background in trading and sales, most recently in the energy sector.

"This appointment signals CLTX's commitment to our continued global expansion," said Richard Baker, CEO of Cleartrade Exchange. "With membership of the exchange and liquidity on the platform constantly increasing, we needed to grow our leadership team to ensure that we can continue to provide the service levels which our clients have come to expect."

Bennett says: "It is very exciting to join CLTX during this important stage in its development. In my former life as a trader I benefited from secure and efficient trade execution via electronic marketplaces and I am delighted to now have the opportunity to promote those benefits in new markets."

Baker added: "With new derivatives legislation now beginning to bite, the ability to execute on many different contracts by organisations in many different jurisdictions, in a single regulated marketplace is becoming invaluable. Organisations in the marketplace recognise this, leading to a big increase in our business. Chris's experience ensures that he can relate to our members and I expect him to make an immediate impact."

Chris Bennett will be responsible for developing the iron ore, freight, fuel oil and other CLTX markets in Europe and North America.