The launch of index futures contracts in Thailand in coming weeks could boost OTC equity structured products, as dealers will be able to hedge out to longer maturities. Following the recent first round of licensing, regional equity derivative players have been eyeing the development of SET50 index futures in anticipation of offering longer-dated index structures to offshore investors (DW, 4/15).
Among the 20 initial brokers recently given licensing for the Thailand Futures Exchange, local arms of Nomura Securities, JPMorgan, UBS, Credit Suisse First Boston and CLSA have been selected for an initial trial run in October and for the opening of the market in November, according to equity officials at houses involved in the market.