Euroclear, the central securities depository, is to launch an interim single custody and settlement platform for Euronext's European markets a year ahead of the full launch after coming under pressure to accelerate the move.

Euroclear said: "The Euroclear board of directors agreed to accelerate the delivery of certain aspects of settlement platform consolidation and market-practice harmonisation within the Euroclear group, following months of intensive market dialogue and consultation."