By Greg Burns | A deal
between Korea’s top derivatives exchange and the German Eurex exchange
shows how Asia has become a critical battleground for growth in the
futures business.

Under a “product cooperation” accord unveiled Wednesday, the trading
hours and reach of the Korea Exchange’s KOSPI 200 Options will become
available through Eurex beginning Aug. 30.

The deal reflects Asia’s status as “the” growth market, “and not just for us,” noted Andreas Preuss, deputy chief executive of Eurex co-owner Deutsche Borse AG.

Eurex expects trading in Asia to account for as much as 10 percent of exchange volume in three to five years, said Michael Peters, a member of the Eurex executive board. “We expect to grow aggressively.”

Chicago-based CME Group  the world’s largest derivatives exchange, said it has entered into a cross-listing pact with India’s National Stock Exchange, a move that would allow Indian investors to trade in U.S. indexes and expand CME’s footprint in emerging markets.