Finance

LME launches consultation for proposed rules on position limits

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 27, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

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LONDON, Feb 27 (Reuters) - The London Metal Exchange (LME) on Friday issued a consultation paper on proposed changes to rules on position limits to comply with a directive from Britain's financial

LME opens consultation on proposed position limits rules ahead of July 6 shift

Consultation on proposed LME position limits rule changes

Regulatory backdrop and July 6 transition

LONDON, Feb 27 (Reuters) - The London Metal Exchange (LME) on Friday issued a consultation paper on proposed changes to rules on position limits to comply with a directive from Britain's financial regulator.

The Financial Conduct Authority currently sets and administers position limits in commodity derivatives to prevent market manipulation and abuse, but this responsibility will pass to the trading venues themselves from July 6.

"The new regime will give the LME greater insight into positions across the market and an ability to calibrate and manage position limits directly," the LME, the world's primary metals marketplace, said on Friday.

Prior announcement and consultation details

It first outlined the plan in December.

Compliance costs and market impact

"The LME acknowledges that there may be costs in complying, or otherwise in connection, with the proposals set out in this consultation," it said in the 149-page paper.

"However, the current view of the LME is that the proposals are justified as they are in the interests of the wider market and would strengthen LME markets."

Response deadline

The consultation will be open for responses until 6 p.m. (1800 GMT) on March 27.

Source and credits

(Reporting by Polina DevittEditing by David Goodman and Tomasz Janowski)

Key Takeaways

  • Regulatory shift: FCA policy PS25/1 confirms that from 6 July 2026 UK trading venues (including the LME) will set/administer position limits, exemptions and related controls—moving away from the FCA-run model. (fca.org.uk)
  • Market impact: LME says the new regime should improve its ability to calibrate limits using broader position insight (including OTC-linked exposures) and plans to apply new controls across “critical” core metals contracts and related instruments (eg, options and TAS). (lme.com)
  • Compliance and divergence: The UK approach is designed to be more venue-led and flexible post-FSMA 2023, and commentators expect further UK–EU divergence as EU national regulators retain primary responsibility for position limits. (legislation.gov.uk)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the LME issue regarding position limits?
The LME issued a consultation paper on proposed changes to its rules on position limits to comply with a directive from Britain’s financial regulator.
Who currently sets and administers position limits in commodity derivatives?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) currently sets and administers position limits in commodity derivatives to prevent market manipulation and abuse.
When will responsibility for position limits move from the FCA to trading venues?
This responsibility will pass to the trading venues themselves from July 6.
What did the LME say the new regime would allow it to do?
The LME said the new regime will give it greater insight into positions across the market and an ability to calibrate and manage position limits directly.
When does the LME consultation close for responses?
The consultation will be open for responses until 6 p.m. (1800 GMT) on March 27.

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