Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 10, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleThe London Metal Exchange will automate its metal options expiry process from September 21, 2026, transitioning from manual workflows. Market feedback overwhelmingly supports the move, which aims to reduce operational risk, complexity, and align with global practices.
March 10 (Reuters) - The London Metal Exchange said on Tuesday it had decided to move to an automated expiry process for metal options from the existing manual process, effective September 21, 2026.
The LME said in a statement that respondents to its consultation on the issue were "overwhelmingly in favour" of the move proposed by the exchange and its central clearing house, LME Clear, noting that several had said it would reduce operational risk and complexity.
Respondents emphasized that automation would significantly reduce operational risk associated with manual processes.
Several participants noted that the new process would simplify the expiry procedure, making it more efficient for all parties involved.
The automated expiry process is scheduled to take effect on September 21, 2026.
(Reporting by Tom Daly; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
The London Metal Exchange will adopt the automated expiry process for metal options on September 21, 2026.
The move aims to reduce operational risk and complexity, as supported by respondents to the LME's consultation.
Respondents were overwhelmingly in favour of the automated expiry process.
The London Metal Exchange and its central clearing house, LME Clear, are implementing the process.
The existing manual process for expiring metal options will be replaced.
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