The Options Industry Council to Survey European Financial Firms on Their Use of U.S. Options Marketplace Capco Selected to Conduct Study

Chicago—June 15, 2006

The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that is has selected Capco to conduct a survey to obtain an independent view of the needs and requirements of European financial institutions regarding their U.S. exchange-traded options activities and plans.

While it is generally accepted that a substantial amount of U.S. exchange-traded options business originates from Europe, a proper confirmation of “European” volume has never previously been undertaken. The primary goal of the survey, however, is to assess the special needs of European customers, including a look at whether there are barriers - such as burdensome regulations, lack of product information or technology limitations - keeping certain European customers from participating (or participating at a greater level) in the U.S. options market.

Capco, one of the leading global providers of integrated consulting, processing services and products for the financial services industry, will engage a number of firms in confidential interviews over the next few months. Results of the survey are expected to be released by the end of September.

About OIC

OIC is a non-profit association funded by the American Stock Exchange, Boston Options Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, International Securities Exchange, NYSE Arca, Philadelphia Stock Exchange and The Options Clearing Corporation. OIC's free resources include: the Options Help Desk at 1-888-OPTIONS, an educational web site at www.888options.com, evening seminars throughout the continental United States and Canada, educational literature and software.

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