This harmonization is based on the successful Amsterdam market model. It aims at allowing an enhanced access of the Brussels derivatives market for more market participants, like on screen market makers and retail flow providers. With the introduction of the Prof Trade facility in the Brussels derivatives market, professional market participants are offered a flexible mechanism to trade wholesale size in a regulated environment without counterparty risk.

It also will enable a growing number of both retail and professional investors to invest in the Belgian equity options, thus increasing volumes, enhancing liquidity and lowering spreads. Joint marketing efforts will be launched in Belgium and in the Netherlands.

Vincent van Dessel, CEO of NYSE Euronext, Brussels said: "The Amsterdam derivatives market being one of the most successful for both retail and professional investors, we have considered it a natural move to harmonize our markets rules and procedures with a view to enhance and promote our domestic option classes to a larger client base, especially as liquidity in Belgian shares reached comparable levels. Furthermore, as Belgian retail investors are familiar with the Amsterdam model, we expect them to enlarge their scope to the Belgian products as their liquidity will increase."

Alan Van Griethuysen, Business Head Benelux and Asia at NYSE Liffe added: "We are convinced that this harmonization of our markets will encourage our numerous intermediaries to gain access to the Belgian derivatives market. Our marketing efforts will be aimed at attracting more of our active European market makers and retail investors to the Belgian options market."