GENERAL: NZX: FCStone starts the process of becoming NZX General Clearing

21 May 2010 1:01 pm

NZX 21/05/2010 GENERAL

REL: 1301 HRS NZX Limited

GENERAL: NZX: FCStone starts the process of becoming NZX General Clearing

21 May 2010 - NZX is pleased to announce that the commodities advisory and trading firm FCStone Group, Inc. ("FCStone") has initiated the process for its subsidiary, FCStone Australia Pty Ltd., to become a General Clearing Participant for the NZX Derivatives Market. General Clearing Participants provide the vital link from customer to clearing house, settling and clearing trades on behalf of all trading participant clients. FCStone is a global leader in physical commodities and derivatives trading.

"FCStone's global reach and expertise in agricultural markets, and particularly their depth of knowledge and experience in dairy, makes them an ideal partner for NZX in delivering a world-class derivatives market," said NZX CEO Mark Weldon.

Peter Rizzo, Managing Director of FCStone Australia Pty Ltd., commented, "We are pleased that we have been able to work closely with NZX in the development of a derivatives marketplace that will assist the dairy industry throughout the Australasia region to help protect against the risk of price volatility. Now, as a General Clearing Participant, we'll be able to serve our dairy-industry clients in the region more effectively than ever. We also look forward to applying our expertise in currencies, electrical power and other commodities where there is a substantial need in the region for effective risk management."

FCStone is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Assets Holding Corporation ("INTL") (NASDAQ: IAAC). INTL provides execution, advisory and clearing services in commodities, currencies and international securities. FCStone is the fourth-largest independent futures commission merchant in the USA and traded 43 million contracts in 2009.

"FCStone has been working closely with NZX in the development of the derivatives market. To receive a General Clearing Participant application from a global firm of FCStone's stature and reputation is significant," commented Weldon.

ENDS

For more information please contact: NZX Media & Investor Relations Merja Myllylahti +64 4 496-2890 merja.myllylahti@nzx.com End CA:00195178 For:NZX Type:GENERAL Time:2010-05-21:13:01:52

More announcements for NZX