Demystifying Derivatives Trading in the EU

This paper examines the dynamics of derivatives trading in the EU. It analyzes transactions executed on and off trading venues (TVs), such as multilateral trading facilities and organized trading facilities. The analysis considers why some transactions outside the scope of the derivatives trading obligation are executed on TVs.

The paper also explores the composition of transactions executed by systematic internalizers (SIs) and describes the role SIs play in the market, both as liquidity providers to clients and on TVs, where they are commonly referred to as market makers or dealers.

The analysis is based on European data collected by ISDA from 30 European approved publication arrangements (APAs) and TVs in the fourth quarter of 2021. EU interest rate derivatives (IRD) trading activity is measured by IRD traded notional reported by APAs and TVs located in the EU. Of the 30 APAs and TVs included in the ISDA database, 13 are located in the EU.

Documents (1) for Demystifying Derivatives Trading in the EU

Creating Value - IQ June 2025

Ever since its establishment 40 years ago, ISDA has worked to enhance the safety and efficiency of derivatives markets. That has motivated everything we do – from the development of standard documentation and the rollout of new digital solutions to...

Paper on EC’s Sustainability Omnibus Proposal

On June 9, ISDA published a position paper setting out its views on the European Commission’s (EC) Sustainability Omnibus Package. In the paper, ISDA urges European authorities to: Ensure a proportionate, harmonized and symmetrical approach to the use of derivatives...