NYSE Euronext has appointed a new chief risk officer to its London-based clearing business, as the exchange pushes ahead with plans to launch a full-service derivatives clearing house by June next year.

The appointment represents an important hire for the Big Board, whose clearing project is regarded as critical to the long-term future of the exchange group. NYSE is attempting to capitalise upon sweeping new rules that will force a large swathe of over-the-counter derivatives through clearing houses.