The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has granted the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) the first licence to conduct futures exchange activity for derivative contracts based on securities listed in the Egyptian market, opening the way for the launch of an onshore derivatives market. The approval follows completion of the required regulatory and legislative framework and coordination with EGX and Tasaweat for Clearing Services. The rollout is structured in four phases, starting with futures on the EGX30 index with trading targeted for March 2026, followed by futures on the EGX70 index, then single-stock futures, and finally options on equities and indices. The framework includes an integrated risk management setup, with clearing arrangements that reference membership requirements, initial and variation margin, and funding of a central counterparty guarantee account through contributions from clearing members, the clearing and settlement company, and allocations from the investor protection fund; seven brokerage firms have applied for licences to intermediate in futures contracts. EGX expects connectivity between firms and the clearing company to be completed within a month ahead of the planned start of EGX30 index futures trading.
Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority 2026-01-18
Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority grants Egyptian Exchange the first licence to operate a futures exchange and sets a four-phase derivatives rollout
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has licensed the Egyptian Exchange for futures exchange activity, paving the way for an onshore derivatives market. The rollout will occur in four phases, starting with futures on the EGX30 index in March 2026, followed by futures on the EGX70 index, single-stock futures, and options on equities and indices. The framework includes integrated risk management and clearing arrangements, with seven brokerage firms applying for licenses to intermediate futures contracts.