The post EU Launches Full Probe Into Deutsche Boerse, Nasdaq Over Derivatives Cartel Allegations appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Europe’s competition regulator has fired a major warning shot at two of the world’s biggest exchanges – Deutsche Boerse AG and Nasdaq Inc. The European Commission (EC) has opened a full-scale antitrust investigation into the firms, suspecting they may have struck non-competitive agreements in the listing, trading, and clearing of derivatives.

The move has rattled markets and reignited debate over how far regulators are willing to go to keep financial markets fair. 

Deutsche Boerse shares tumbled more than 7%, their sharpest fall in two years, while Nasdaq slipped 1

  • Also Read :
  •   Trump Vows to Make America the ‘Bitcoin Superpower’ and ‘Crypto Capital of the World’
  •   ,

The EC’s formal probe gives it the authority to impose fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue if violations are confirmed. 

While the opening of an investigation doesn’t imply guilt, it signals Europe’s growing intolerance for any hint of market collusion.

Growth Continues Despite Scrutiny

Interestingly, Deutsche Boerse isn’t slowing down. On the same day the probe was announced, the firm revealed that the European Central Bank will join Eurex’s centrally cleared repo market in Q1 2026, a major step in expanding its market infrastructure.

What direction will this crackdown move in? Time will tell. 

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

Why is the EU investigating Deutsche Boerse and Nasdaq?

The EU suspects the exchanges may have coordinated prices or shared sensitive data in ways that could violate competition rules.

What agreement triggered the EU’s antitrust concerns?

The probe focuses on a 1999 cooperation deal involving Eurex and HEX, later owned by Nasdaq, which may have shaped derivatives trading.

How have Deutsche Boerse and Nasdaq responded to the probe?

Both firms say the agreement was lawful, pro-competitive, and previously known to regulators, and they are cooperating fully.

How has the investigation affected market activity?

Shares in both firms fell, though Deutsche Boerse continues expanding, including plans for the ECB to join its cleared repo market in 2026.