Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE) (NYSE:ICE) is a leading operator of global exchanges, clearing houses and data services. Founded in 2000 by Jeffrey C. Sprecher, ICE was originally created to bring transparency and electronic trading to the energy markets. Over time, the company has expanded its footprint to include a diverse array of asset classes, ranging from agricultural commodities and energy futures to equity and bond markets. ICE’s acquisition of the New York Stock Exchange in 2013 marked a significant milestone, positioning it as a central hub for capital formation and market infrastructure.
ICE’s core business is organized into three segments: trading and clearing, data services and listings. The trading and clearing operations encompass ICE Futures U.S., ICE Futures Europe and multiple clearing houses that manage counterparty risk across swaps, futures and options contracts. Its data services division delivers real-time and historical pricing, analytics and market intelligence to institutional clients, helping participants manage risk and execute strategies more efficiently. The listings segment, anchored by the NYSE, provides companies with access to public capital markets, as well as technology and regulatory support throughout the listing lifecycle.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Intercontinental Exchange maintains a global presence with offices and data centers across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its technology platforms support trading activity in more than 190 countries, serving a wide range of market participants including banks, asset managers, hedge funds and corporates. Under the leadership of founder and chairman Jeffrey C. Sprecher, alongside a senior management team drawn from both financial services and technology sectors, ICE continues to invest in cloud infrastructure and digital innovation to enhance market efficiency, transparency and resilience.
