Beijing, Hong Kong, London, New York - NYSE Euronext (NYX) and the China Financial Futures Exchange (CFFEX) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote a bilateral partnership to support the development of the exchanges futures and options markets.

The agreement was designed to explore opportunities for extending the reach of both exchanges. The MOU will enable the two exchanges to explore opportunities for information sharing; exchanging and training employees; as well as business cooperation such as joint research into developing strategies for the derivatives market.

"Asia is a strategic priority for NYSE Euronext and we are delighted to partner with Mr. Yuchen and his colleagues at the China Financial Futures Exchange," said Duncan L. Niederauer, Chief Executive Officer, NYSE Euronext. "This agreement deepens our long term commitment to the region, and by sharing best practices and working collaboratively, CFFEX and NYSE Euronext will further promote the development and advancement of both the Asian and global financial markets."

Garry Jones, Group Executive Vice President and Head of Global Derivatives, NYSE Euronext, said: "We have customers who trade our derivatives contracts all over Asia and this MOU with the China Financial Futures Exchange - along with our physical presence in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo - further illustrates our commitment to Asian markets. We look forward to unlocking efficiencies and trading opportunities in both markets by working closely and sharing expertise with the CFFEX."

"This collaboration will further develop both exchanges derivatives markets and facilitate the experiences of our customers and NYSE Euronext's," said Zhu Yuchen, Chief Executive Officer , Chinese Financial Futures Exchange.