Derivatives team launches new desk, focused on base and battery metals in futures and physical markets

Clarksons financial derivatives division has established a new desk focused on broking base and battery metals in both the futures and physical markets.

Due to growth in production of electric vehicles and green energy storage, the demand for these metals is increasing considerably. The newly established desk will focus on both types of metals, including the highly liquid lithium and cobalt markets, via the CME Group and SGX exchanges.

The desk will be headed up by Philip Lye based in the Geneva office. Philip will leverage his strong experience in the metals and derivatives sales and trading market, and his broking experience within the Clarksons dry cargo division to meet the needs of clients looking to build long-term strategies and execute short-term deals.

Philip says: “The market for battery cells will grow, on average, by more than 20 percent per year until 2030. In regard to Lithium alone, we’re seeing record-setting activity both in terms of volume traded and the pools of participants. Our global client base will want to manage price risk and exposure via experienced broking experts, as they take advantage of the opportunities this bourgeoning market presents."

The derivates offering from Clarksons is unique in its breadth of market coverage, and its access to information and insight from within the Clarksons group. Whilst based in Switzerland, Philip will be supported by colleagues in global offices to support the needs of a world-wide client base.

As the world progresses towards 2050 net-zero targets, battery use will help to eliminate vehicle emissions and provide essential green energy storage solutions.  Clarksons commitment to its strategy pillars of ‘breadth’ and ‘understanding’ underpins the move to expand its service offering to meet the emerging needs of clients, of global trade and enabling positive change.

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