The move will provide a competitive clearing environment for QUOTE MTF's equity trade flows as it adopts a dual CCP model which allows customers to select the CCP of their choice. SIX x-clear will provide customers with benefits in netting, collateral management, margining and settlement in all stock that are traded on QUOTE MTF.

This development follows the co-operation first announced in February 2009 where EMCF, QUOTE MTF's incumbent CCP, and SIX x-clear outlined their commitment to offer competitive-clearing services under the multiple CCP model to any of the exchanges or platforms they work with.

Marco Strimer, CEO of SIX x-clear, commented: "Offering clearing services and supporting QUOTE MTF is another important step in our market coverage and will provide clients with clearing choice at a wider number of venues. We look forward to working closely with QUOTE MTF and are pleased to see that another market is embracing the healthy competition that the dual CCP model provides."

Tamas Madlena, CEO of QUOTE MTF, commented: "QUOTE MTF will go live on 4 September so SIX x-clear will service our customers almost from the start. For QUOTE MTF - being a "no-frills" trading venue - industry standards and market efficiencies are essential. We are strongly committed to driving efficiencies across the market and passing on benefits to our clients. We look forward to working with SIX x-clear and feel certain our subscribers will value the choice of CCPs."