In this episode of Marex Market Pulse, John Frewin, Global Head of OTC Clearing Sales, discusses the key forces reshaping the clearing landscape, and why non‑bank FCMs are becoming a more important part of the global derivatives ecosystem.
In this episode we discuss:
Why non-bank FCMs are growing
- Banks are reducing clearing supply due to high capital costs, increased regulatory burden and the ongoing cost of maintaining global clearing platforms
- Clearing demand continues to rise as more hedge funds launch, more products become mandated, and more firms require OTC and listed derivatives access
- Non‑bank FCMs are stepping in to provide the capacity and flexibility the market needs
The difference between bank and non-bank clearing models
- Banks typically prioritise a small “platinum list” of clients, bundling multiple services and focusing on large, integrated relationships
- Non‑bank FCMs specialise in clearing and execution only, providing a more focused, responsive model
- Many clients now blend the two models to diversify counterparty risk and gain more flexible access
Where non-bank FCMs add value
- Faster onboarding and greater ability to support niche, emerging or less‑liquid products
- Innovation in areas where traditional providers are slower to adapt, including cross‑product margining, commodities, and digital asset derivatives
- Ability to respond quickly when client opportunities are time‑sensitive (e.g., recent institutional interest in Bitcoin basis trades)
Innovation in digital assets
- Many institutions remain cautious, but Marex treats digital assets like any other product set: with strong risk frameworks and client‑driven development
- Fast onboarding enabled clients to seize short‑lived opportunities in digital markets, demonstrating the benefit of an agile non‑bank model
How Basel III will shape the future
- Final Basel III rules will increase capital requirements for banks, making clearing more expensive
- As bank supply contracts and exchange volumes continue expanding, non‑bank FCMs will play a bigger role in supporting global clearing capacity
About Marex Clearing
Marex is one of the world’s leading non‑bank FCMs, providing global access, strong risk management and a client‑first service model.
What sets Marex apart
- Investment‑grade credit rating
- Connectivity to 60+ global exchanges
- Only non‑bank LCH SwapClear member for interest rate swaps
- Cross‑product and cross‑exchange margin efficiencies
- Fast, streamlined onboarding
- Deep expertise across commodities, financial futures, FX and OTC clearing
Through a combination of specialisation, agility and institutional‑grade stability, Marex supports clients as clearing needs expand and market structure continues to evolve.
To learn more about our clearing services, visit our clearing page.
