The World Federation of Exchanges announces the industry’s priorities for 2026

 

PRESS RELEASE

The World Federation of Exchanges announces the industry’s priorities for 2026

London, 26 March 2026 – The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the global industry group for exchanges and CCPs, today announces its 2026 areas of focus. 

The WFE Board – comprising 18 leaders of market infrastructures from around the world – met recently to discuss and agree the priorities. The WFE, which represents more than 250 market infrastructures, will focus on the areas below: 

• The Role and Purpose of Market Infrastructures The WFE will continue its work on the evolving role of exchanges and CCPs in supporting economic growth, capital formation and market integrity. As markets continue to evolve, the WFE will advocate for frameworks that support transparent, fair and well-functioning markets serving issuers, investors and other market participants. 
• Tokenisation, Crypto Assets and Market Design The WFE will examine developments in tokenisation, crypto assets and broader market design. This includes implications for price formation, liquidity, settlement and overall market structure, as well as the need to ensure that innovation develops within frameworks that support trust, resilience and financial stability. 
• Investor Protection and Market Participation The WFE will focus on strengthening investor protection in the context of greater participation across public and private markets. This includes the impact of technology, product innovation and new access models on investor outcomes and the role of education and confidence in supporting informed participation. 
• Public and Private Markets – Market Development The WFE will examine the interaction between public and private markets and its implications for capital formation and market transparency. This includes the growing access of retail and institutional investors to private markets and the importance of maintaining incentives for transparent, listed markets. 
• Clearing, CCPs and Market Resilience The WFE will continue its work on clearing and settlement, alongside relevant regulatory developments affecting CCPs and risk management practices. It will also focus on ensuring clearing continues to underpin financial stability and resilient market functioning. 
• Extended Trading Hours and 24/7 Markets The WFE will examine the implications of extended trading hours and the potential evolution towards near-continuous or 24/7 markets. This includes impacts on liquidity, operational resilience and settlement processes as well as broader implications for market structure and risk management.

Nandini Sukumar, CEO at the WFE, said: “We will continue to champion the role of public markets in supporting sustainable economic growth and work with stakeholders to ensure markets remain transparent, resilient and trusted. As market structures evolve, it is essential that innovation is supported within frameworks that protect investors and preserve market integrity.” 

For more information, please contact:

Oonagh Shiel
Communications Manager

Email: communications@world-exchanges.org

About the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE):

Established in 1961, the WFE is the global industry association for exchanges and clearing houses. Headquartered in London, it represents the providers of over 250 pieces of market infrastructure, including standalone CCPs that are not part of exchange groups. Of our members, 37% are in Asia Pacific, 43% in EMEA and 20% in the Americas region. The WFE’s 87 member CCPs and clearing services collectively ensure that risk takers post some USD 1.1 trillion (equivalent) of resources to back their positions, in the form of initial margin and default fund requirements. The exchanges covered by WFE data are home to over 49,054 listed companies, and the market capitalization of these entities is over USD116.58tr; around USD155tr in trading annually passes through WFE members (at end-2024). 

The WFE is the definitive source for exchange-traded statistics and publishes over 350 market data indicators. Its free statistics database stretches back 50 years and provides information and insight into developments on global exchanges. The WFE works with standard-setters, policy makers, regulators and government organisations around the world to support and promote the development of fair, transparent, stable and efficient markets. The WFE shares regulatory authorities’ goals of ensuring the safety and soundness of the global financial system. 

With extensive experience of developing and enforcing high standards of conduct, the WFE and its members support an orderly, secure, fair and transparent environment for investors; for companies that raise capital; and for all who deal with financial risk. We seek outcomes that maximise the common good, consumer confidence and economic growth. And we engage with policymakers and regulators in an open, collaborative way, reflecting the central, public role that exchanges and CCPs play in a globally integrated financial system. If you have any further questions, or wish to follow-up on our contribution, the WFE remains at your disposal. ^[1] 

Website: www.world-exchanges.org

Twitter: @TheWFE

[1] Our EU Transparency Register number is 973382524675-69

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