Fortis already had a direct connection to French market infrastructures, mainly servicing its professional traders and broker-dealers' execution and clearing needs. The additional service complements Fortis's existing product range in the securities sector provided by Fortis Clearing, Funds & Custody: direct market access and connectivity solutions, global clearing, settlement, integrated brokerage-custody and global and local custody services. This move will strengthen Fortis's position as a key provider of clearing, settlement and custody in Europe.

"This direct connection completes the suite of services we offer to our international clients on the French market. It also reinforces Fortis's leadership in global clearing across Euronext equities and derivatives markets," says Jan Bart de Boer, Global Head of Commerce Brokerage, Clearing & Custody. "It underlines Fortis's strategy to become a driving force in the French market, offering comprehensive, flexible and dynamic solutions to its clients," says Gildas Le Treut, Senior Sales Manager at the Fortis Paris office.

"Fortis's expansion in Germany and Asia and its constant development of central counterparty services to Multilateral Trading Facilities, combined with its complete offering in France, is proof of our commitment to continue growing our leadership position in securities services," says Jan Bart de Boer.