Google invests US$1bn in CME Group and signs Cloud deal

Google Cloud and CME Group, have announced a 10-year strategic partnership to accelerate CME Group's move to the cloud and transform how global derivatives markets operate with technology.

Alongside the agreement, Google has also made a $1 billion equity investment in a new series of non-voting convertible preferred stock of CME Group.  Under the agreement, CME Group will migrate its technology infrastructure to Google Cloud beginning next year with data and clearing services, and eventually moving all of its markets to the cloud.

"Through this long-term partnership with Google Cloud, CME Group will transform derivatives markets through technology, expanding access and creating efficiencies for all market participants," said Terry Duffy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CME Group. "To ensure a smooth transition, we will work closely with clients to implement a phased approach. This partnership will enable CME Group to bring new products and services to market faster – all in a flexible and scalable environment that will create a wide range of opportunities for the marketplace."

What will the partnership deliver? 

The partnership will focus on delivering significant benefits to all market participants by:

• Expanding access: Using Google Cloud's global network, CME Group will be able to scale its infrastructure, while increasing access for more market participants, optimising costs, and helping onboard new users more easily and quickly.

• Creating real-time data and analytics capabilities: Google Cloud's data analytics and machine learning solutions will help CME Group provide clients with on-demand information and toolkits for developing models, algorithms, and real-time risk management.

• Introducing new products and services: With Google Cloud's technology, CME Group will co-innovate new products, such as risk mitigation tools, analytics services, and user-centric platforms. The two companies will also continue to explore ways to work together on go-to-market initiatives that deliver new innovations for CME Group's customers.

• Increasing efficiencies: By moving to the cloud, CME Group will be able to streamline operations, optimise its IT infrastructure, and automate non-trading operations.

• Driving resiliency in the financial markets ecosystem: As CME Group's trusted cloud provider, Google Cloud will deliver open-source technology standards and enhanced cybersecurity protection, underpinned by a global network.

"Bringing together CME Group's best-in-class financial talent with Google Cloud's deep engineering expertise will help accelerate technological innovation in capital markets infrastructure," said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud.