Optiver exhibited a robust financial position at the end of 2019, with total equity of € 1,532 million (compared to € 1,321 million at end-2018). We maintain a conservative capital structure, to meet business and regulatory requirements. Total assets were € 22.5 billion as at 31 December 2019, an increase of 10% compared to 2018.
Geopolitical developments were the main driver of movements in the financial markets in 2019. Factors such as the US-China trade negotiations, Brexit and central bank monetary policy increased the demand for liquidity, which market makers like Optiver provide.
“The continuous efforts of our people around the globe made 2019 a successful year for Optiver. We remain firm in our commitment to improving the market by providing liquidity and tightening the bid-ask spread in all market circumstances,” said Optiver CEO Jan Boomaars.
Commenting on the current market turbulence, Boomaars said: “The current global health crisis has significantly increased global economic uncertainty and that has had a dramatic effect on volatility levels of markets across the world. The role of liquidity providers like Optiver is now more important than ever to ensure that financial markets remain stable and continue to function orderly.”
