no 04/09 Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V. enters Nord Pool's carbon market as the first non-clearing member

(Lysaker, 5 February 2009) In connection with Nord Pool Clearing's introduction of the general clearing member model (GCM), Nord Pool ASA also introduced a new exchange member category - non-clearing member (NCM). Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V. has now signed up as the first NCM member and will start trading carbon contracts from 5 February.  

The new membership category increases the accessibility for those market participants who do not desire a full clearing membership at Nord Pool. The NCM enters into a trading agreement with Nord Pool ASA, while the clearing of contracts is provided by a general clearing member (GCM).

The GCM may authorise their clients, who have entered into a non-clearing membership agreement with Nord Pool ASA, to carry out exchange transactions. These transactions will be registered on the clearing account of the GCM. This process will not need any further approval from the GCM. However, the GCM must meet the requirements for clearing of the relevant transactions with Nord Pool Clearing. The NCM assumes total responsibility under the trading rules for these transactions. 

“We are pleased to have become Nord Pool's first non-clearing member. In combination with Fortis Bank Global Clearing N.V.'s recent general clearing membership, this new membership category enables us to have direct market access and efficient settlement of our growing market activity in emission allowances”, said Peter de Waal, head of sales-trading carbon banking, Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V.

Earlier this year Nord Pool Clearing ASA (part of NASDAQ OMX Commodities) reported that Fortis Bank Global Clearing N.V. (FBGC) became the first full GCM member at Nord Pool. Fortis Bank Nederland N.V. is a separate company. 

About Nord Pool ASA and NASDAQ OMX Commodities 
Nord Pool ASA and NASDAQ OMX Commodities provide access to the world's largest power derivatives markets and one of Europe's largest carbon markets. Nord Pool ASA is responsible for the exchange operations, including the ownership of the Nordic derivative products. NASDAQ OMX Commodities comprises the international derivatives, the carbon products, the clearing business and the consulting services provided for commodities markets globally. Nord Pool ASA and NASDAQ OMX Commodities have more than 390 members from over 20 countries across a wide range of energy producers and consumers, as well as financial institutions. For more information, please visit http://www.nordpool.com www.nordpool.com  or http://www.nasdaqomx.com/commodities www.nasdaqomx.com/commodities 

  

For further information, please contact: 

Erik Thrane, president & CEO, Nord Pool ASA, 
phone +47 6752 8089/+47 9019 7057

Lars Galtung, corporate communications, 
NASDAQ OMX Commodities, phone +47 9821 4812

Peter de Waal, head of carbon banking, Fortis Bank Nederland N.V., 
phone + 31 2053 57156