Clearstream

Clearstream’s main activity is providing infrastructure services for financial markets, particularly clearing, settlement, and custody of financial securities. Clearstream acts as an international central securities depository (ICSD) and a central securities depository (CSD), facilitating the settlement of securities transactions, position management, and the safekeeping of financial assets for financial institutions worldwide.

Clearstream offers a range of products and services, including:

• Settlement/delivery of securities (stocks, bonds, funds, etc.)
• Custody and management of financial assets
• Collateral management services
• Regulatory reporting and reference data services
• Fund distribution services

Clearstream’s target market mainly includes banks, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, and other institutional players operating in international and domestic financial markets. Clearstream plays a key role in capital market infrastructure, ensuring the security, efficiency, and transparency of securities operations.

Clearstream is a company specializing in post-trade services, including clearing, settlement, and custody of financial securities. It plays a key role in the infrastructure of global financial markets, facilitating the movement of securities and liquidity between financial institutions.

Creation and beginnings
Clearstream was created in 2000 following the merger of two major entities: Cedel International (Luxembourg) and Deutsche Börse Clearing (Germany). This merger aimed to strengthen the company’s position in the European post-trade market and to offer a wider range of services to its clients.

Development of products and services
Over the years, Clearstream has expanded its service offering to include liquidity management, collateral management, investment fund services, and fund distribution. It has also developed innovative solutions to meet its clients’ growing needs for regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Partnerships and acquisitions
Clearstream has established numerous strategic partnerships with other market infrastructures, central banks, and international financial institutions. These collaborations have improved system interoperability and expanded the geographic coverage of its services. The company has also made targeted acquisitions to strengthen its technological capabilities and broaden its service portfolio.

Strategic changes
Throughout its history, Clearstream has adapted its strategy to respond to market developments and regulatory requirements. It has invested in the digitalization of its processes, cybersecurity, and automation, while pursuing a policy of international expansion. Clearstream is part of the Deutsche Börse Group, which provides it with a solid financial base and a global network.

Role in the banking sector
Clearstream is a central player for banks, asset managers, and financial institutions, offering them settlement, custody, and risk management solutions. It contributes to the stability and efficiency of global financial markets.

For more details on key milestones and reference data, Clearstream regularly publishes reference documents and reports on its official website, detailing its development, innovations, and major partnerships.

Clearstream, a subsidiary of the Deutsche Börse Group, does not have a single identified founder, as it is an entity resulting from the merger of Cedel International and Deutsche Börse Clearing in 2000. It is an integral part of the Deutsche Börse Group, a major player in financial market infrastructure in Europe.

The management team of Clearstream is composed of members of the executive committee, the main ones being:

• Philippe Seyll – CEO of Clearstream Banking S.A.
• Berthold Kracke – CEO of Clearstream Banking AG
• Stephan Leithner – Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Börse Group, responsible for Post-Trading, from the group’s management

Other members of the management team can be found on the official website of Clearstream or the Deutsche Börse Group, as the governance structure is shared among the different entities of the group.