CFETS and ICAP officially launch voice-broking joint venture in Shanghai

London and Shanghai, 13 September 2007 - ICAP plc (IAP.L), the world’s premier voice and electronic interdealer broker, and the China Foreign Exchange Trading System & National Interbank Funding Center (CFETS), today formally launched their joint venture – Shanghai CFETS-NEX International Money Broking Co. Ltd. (CFETS-NEX)(formerly named as CFETS-ICAP). CFETS-NEX is a 67/33 joint venture interdealer broking business, providing voice broking services to the money, bond and derivative markets in both the Renminbi and international markets.

CFETS-NEX commenced voice broking operations on Thursday 13 September 2007, following approval for operation by the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC). Based in the centre of the financial district of Shanghai, CFETS-NEX comprises 30 staff. The joint venture will run by Danny Cheung, General Manager and Pan Sizhong, Deputy General Manager. CFETS-NEX was officially inaugurated at an opening ceremony attended by officials from the People’s Bank of China, China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) and the Shanghai Municipal Government.

Li Yu, Vice President of CFETS, said: “China is making great strides in developing its financial markets and the interbank market will continue to play a key role in this. Working with ICAP, the world’s largest interdealer broker, in this joint venture will further support the growth of this market. This offers an excellent opportunity to apply current practices in the development of deep and liquid financial markets“.

Mark Yallop, Group Chief Operating Officer of ICAP plc said “China is at a critical point in the development of its financial markets and this joint venture offers a unique opportunity to participate in the growth of the Chinese interbank market – potentially one of the largest in the world. Combining the expertise of the world’s premier interdealer broker and one of China’s most significant financial institutions will ensure that China’s expansion in the interbank market will continue at a rapid pace and that ICAP is at the forefront of this growth.”

About CFETS:

The China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS), also known as the National Interbank Funding Center (the Center), is a sub-institution of the People’s Bank of China (PBC). Its main functions include: providing systems for foreign exchange (FX) trading, RMB lending and bond trading; organizing interbank FX trading, RMB lending and bond trading; handling settlement and clearing of FX trading; prompting the clearing of RMB lending and bond trading; providing an online commercial paper (CP) quotation system; providing information on the FX, bond and money markets; and engaging in other businesses authorized by the PBC. With its head office in Shanghai and its back-up center in Beijing, CFETS has 18 sub-centers all over the country.

Under the guidelines of “multiple technological means and trading patterns to meet market demands of various levels”, through the advanced electronic trading mode, based on dedicated line and internet, facing the interbank FX market, bond market and money market, CFETS has played a significant role in optimizing RMB exchange rate forming mechanism, transmitting central bank monetary policies, serving financial institutions and supervising market operations.

About ICAP:

ICAP is the world’s premier voice and electronic interdealer broker and the source of global market.