SEC approves 7 derivatives contracts for listing on NGX

Contracts supported by NG Clearing

FUR THERANCE OF ITS EFFORT to ensure the widespread understanding of derivatives, their applicability, and how investors can reap maximum value from the asset class, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) says it has received approval for seven such derivatives contracts from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ahead of its launch of the first West African Exchange Traded Derivatives (ETDs).

A derivative is a contract between two or more parties whose value is based on an agreed-upon underlying financial asset or group of assets while ETDs are variants of derivatives traded on an organised securities exchange as against those other derivatives traded through informal over-thecounter (OTC) markets. Common underlying instruments include bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, market indices, and stocks.

This announcement comes after the successful registration of NG Clearing by SEC, as a premier Cen1 tral Counterparty, effective 7 June 2021. The NGX, in a disclosure, stated that the approved contracts are Access Bank Plc Stock Futures, Dangote Cement Plc Stock Futures, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Stock Futures, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc Stock Futures, Zenith Bank Plc Stock Futures, NGX 30 Index Futures, and NGX Pension Index Futures.

With these approvals, NGX is inching closer to launch West Africa’s first Exchange Traded Derivatives supported by NG Clearing in the risk management process. As such, derivatives can be used as a risk management instrument and are suited to both professional and private investors who wish to hedge an open position or gain exposure to assets and markets without necessarily holding the underlying assets. Temi Popoola, chief executive officer, NGX, commenting on the proposed ETDs launch said, “The launch of the derivatives market aligns with our commitment to building a market that thrives on innovation and responds to the needs of stakeholders in accessing and using capital. We are, therefore, excited about the prospects of deepening Africa’s position in the global financial markets through ETDs, as well as enhancing liquidity and mitigating against price, duration, and other financial risks that may arise from sophisticated financial transactional activities.”

Prior to this announcement, however, the Nigerian Exchange Group has collaborated with both local and international organisations such as SEC, JPMorgan Chase, CBOE Options Institute, and NG Clearing to facilitate indepth capacity-building programmes on the derivatives market.

In addition, through its learning and development arm, X-Academy, NGX has hosted training programmes to prepare capital market players who wish to undertake the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment UK Global Derivatives qualification exam and is on track to host further training for other stakeholders in the near term.