The chief executive of the London Stock Exchange said today that Asia represented a "big opportunity" for its future plans, but admitted that regulatory restrictions would limit opportunities to partnerships, rather than acquisitions.

Xavier Rolet, speaking to Financial News this morning following the LSE's half-year results statement, said: "There is a big opportunity in Asia, which is why we have been focusing in that area in terms of offering clearing services and partnering up with local participants. Asia represents 2% of global OTC derivatives trading and clearing, so the potential for further growth there is huge."