Investors in Morocco are set to gain new tools to protect their investments against market risks after Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) and its subsidiary Upline Securities secured regulatory approval to operate in the country’s futures market.
The approvals come ahead of the market’s launch, which is expected to mark a new step in the development and modernisation of the national financial sector.
BCP has secured two licences, allowing it to operate as both a clearing member and a trading member. This means the bank can take part in different stages of transactions involving financial derivatives.
Clearing operations will be handled by its subsidiary, BCP Securities Services, while BCP will also be able to provide a wider range of services to other market participants.
Upline Securities has obtained a trading licence, strengthening its role as an intermediary in financial markets.
The futures market is designed to give investors new ways to protect themselves against financial risks and manage potential losses. It is also expected to improve liquidity, making it easier to buy and sell financial instruments, and increase the efficiency of the country’s financial market.
BCP said the new licences were part of its wider strategy to expand its expertise in capital markets and offer clients modern financial products that meet international standards.
The bank added that the development would strengthen the services offered by the group and its subsidiaries as the financial sector continues to evolve.
BCP is one of the country’s major banking groups, with a strong presence in savings collection and financing for the economy.
The group operates in 32 countries worldwide, including 18 in Africa. Its activities extend across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Indian Ocean region.
Its operations include commercial banking, investment banking, insurance and financial technology services.
