Davies Partner Christian Lee is among the first industry voices to respond to the recent announcement from the European Union on clearing arrangements. The EU has confirmed plans to extend temporary equivalence permits. These permits allow banks, brokers and fund managers to continue using UK clearing houses. The extension will run for three years, until June 2025.
The decision was announced by EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. Her portfolio includes financial services, financial stability and capital markets. The move aims to safeguard market continuity and reduce systemic risk.
Christian Lee, widely recognised for his expertise in clearing and risk management, commented:
“This is a significant boost to the City of London and to LCH in particular. The risk of market disruption has clearly influenced this decision. The status quo for OTC clearing is being maintained.
Nevertheless, the concerns major buy- and sell-side participants have regarding concentration of risk mean that alternative EU-based solutions will continue to develop and co-exist alongside LCH.”
The extension offers much-needed certainty for firms that rely on UK clearing houses for derivatives transactions. These markets are large and complex, so stability is critical. The decision shows the EU’s pragmatic approach to financial stability.
However, the debate over clearing dominance and risk concentration is not over. EU regulators remain focused on reducing reliance on UK infrastructure. Market participants will watch closely as EU-based clearing solutions evolve alongside established UK systems.