World Federation of Exchanges
The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) is the global industry association representing regulated exchanges and clearing houses that facilitate securities and derivatives trading.[1] Founded in 1961 as the Conference of European Stock Exchanges and renamed in 2001, it is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and serves as a key advocate for the development and integrity of organized financial markets.[2] WFE membership encompasses over 250 market infrastructure providers, including stock, futures, and options exchanges as well as central counterparties (CCPs), with geographic distribution comprising 37% from Asia-Pacific, 44% from Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and 19% from the Americas; this includes 87 member CCPs managing approximately $1.3 trillion in risk-backing resources.[2] Collectively, WFE members host over 50,000 listed companies, underpin an equity market capitalization surpassing $100 trillion, and record annual trading values around $140 trillion as of end-2024.[1][2] The organization advances its mission through advocacy with international bodies like the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), while producing comprehensive market statistics—tracking over 350 indicators since 1961—and conducting research on topics such as sustainability and emerging market development.[2] Key initiatives include annual sustainability surveys assessing environmental, social, and governance practices among members, post-trade representation to enhance clearing and settlement standards, and educational efforts to promote regulated market principles globally.[2] By fostering policy dialogue and data transparency, WFE supports the resilience and efficiency of capital markets, which enable capital formation, investor protection, and economic growth without reliance on less accountable alternatives like unregulated trading venues.[1]