German Financial Reform Opens Eurex to Global Market Makers and Strengthens International Derivatives Liquidity

German Financial Reform Opens Eurex to Global Market Makers and Strengthens International Derivatives Liquidity

(IN BRIEF) Eurex has highlighted a major improvement in market accessibility following Germany’s Financial Centre Promotion Act, which exempts non-EU market makers from prior licensing and local establishment requirements. The reform reduces administrative complexity and costs, making it easier for international firms to provide liquidity on German-regulated exchanges. Expected outcomes include increased competition, deeper liquidity, and greater global participation in Europe’s derivatives markets. The change aligns with Eurex’s long-term strategy to lower access barriers and enhance market efficiency while reinforcing Germany’s role as a leading financial centre.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 16-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Eurex has welcomed the implementation of Germany’s Financial Centre Promotion Act, a regulatory reform designed to broaden international access to the country’s derivatives markets and strengthen Germany’s competitiveness as a global financial hub. The updated legislation revises the framework governing third-country Regulatory Market-Makers (RMMs), lowering barriers for firms outside the European Union to participate directly in German-regulated exchanges.

Under the new rules, non-EU market makers are no longer required to establish a local legal entity or apply for individual exemptions to operate in Germany. The change removes a key administrative and cost burden that previously limited participation by global liquidity providers and simplifies the process of offering trading services on platforms such as Eurex.

The reform is expected to improve overall market efficiency by encouraging greater international involvement, enhancing competition among liquidity providers, and deepening available liquidity across European derivatives markets. Eurex, part of Deutsche Börse Group, has long advocated for regulatory adjustments that facilitate easier cross-border participation and align Germany’s framework with other major European financial centres.

The legislative update complements Eurex’s ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility, including its Sponsored Access model and liquidity provider programmes, which are structured to attract global trading firms and foster a more dynamic marketplace. Following the reform, Eurex is engaging with participants in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, North America and Asia to support their entry into the European derivatives ecosystem under the revised rules.

About Eurex
Eurex is the leading European derivatives exchange and – with Eurex Clearing – one of the leading central counterparties globally. As architects of trusted markets characterized by market liquidity, efficiency, and integrity, we provide our customers with innovative solutions to seamlessly manage risk.

Media Contacts:

Irmgard Thiessen
+49 (69) 211 1 59 11
irmgard.thiessen@deutsche-boerse.com

Fabian Vichtl
+49 69 211-1 65 95
fabian.vichtl@deutsche-boerse.com

SOURCE: Deutsche Börse Group