Updated
Updated · Markets Media · Aug 20
MEMX Launches MX2 Options on Sept. 14, Scaling to All Names by Sept. 29
Updated
Updated · Markets Media · Aug 20

MEMX Launches MX2 Options on Sept. 14, Scaling to All Names by Sept. 29

1 articles · Updated · Markets Media · Aug 20

Summary

  • Sept. 14 will mark the start of trading on MEMX’s second options exchange, MX2 Options, with 10 symbols listed on day one.
  • Three industry tests are supporting the rollout: MEMX said the first user acceptance test at Equinix NY4 successfully connected to OCC and OPRA, with most tested functions working as expected.
  • Sept. 16 and Sept. 18 will bring 125 and 150 more symbols, lifting the first-week total to 185 names before the exchange adds 500 symbols a day over the next seven business days.
  • Several firms have already committed to serve as Lead Market Makers under a new LMM program, which MEMX said it created after discussions with members and its options market structure committee.
  • The launch expands MEMX’s options offering with a second venue, though the exchange said the phased schedule could still change if conditions require a reevaluation.

Insights

Why is MEMX launching a second options exchange right as regulators debate tearing up national best execution rules?
Could the MX2 platform rollout secretly be a live testing ground for MEMX's aggressive international expansion into Brazil?