What is Clearing?

Clearing Definition. Clearing is an integral part of the overall settlement process that creates the funds that are freely available for further trading. After a trade has been matched by a trading system, it needs to be cleared and settled so that the seller gets paid and the buyer gets ownership of the security or currency traded. Clearing is comprised of all steps of the post-trade processes apart from the final payment and change in ownership. It’s closely associated with the control of counter-party risk. Clearing houses may act as central counter-parties, for example. Many of these operations are now computerized. International claims are settled by clearing unions, groups of central banks, and other major financial institutions.


Risk Statement: Trading Foreign Exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The possibility exists that you could lose more than your initial deposit. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you.