ANNUAL REPORT
2023
April 4, 2024
Fellow Shareholders,
I was honored to take the role of Chair of the Board of Directors in September 2023. I joined the
Cboe Board as a director in 2016 and have been proud to represent our shareholders over the last eight years.
As Chair, I am committed to helping ensure our Board is acting in your best interest and believe we have
an excellent group representing you here. During my tenure on the Board, I have had the opportunity to
witness the growth of the company from a local options exchange to a global multi-asset market operator.
Fifty years after the creation of listed options, the evolution of options trading has surpassed all initial
expectations. What was viewed as a radical idea in the not-too-distant past has had staying power that is
now enabling more people than ever to manage risk and generate wealth. Of course, 50 years of options
trading means 2023 also marked Cboe’s 50th anniversary. With record net revenue, Cboe stock reaching all-
time highs and record options trading volumes across the industry, 2023 was truly a milestone year.
Cboe also navigated a challenging leadership transition in 2023. I am proud of our Board for acting with
integrity, putting our values first and doing what was necessary in the best interests of Cboe and its
shareholders. I am even prouder of the entire Cboe team for the resiliency and optimism they have shown
through this experience. While it was not easy, the team never faltered, ensuring we maintained our momentum
and finished the year strong.
When we needed someone to step in during a difficult situation, Fred Tomczyk was the clear choice.
Fred’s tenure as a Board member and familiarity with Cboe’s business, combined with his multi-decade
experience in the financial services industry, has provided stability over the past six months. His ability to
seamlessly transition into the CEO role is a testament to the best-in-class governance we cultivate on our
Board.
Today, all but one of our Board of Directors are independent. With 5 out of 12 directors being women,
and four representing racial diversity, Cboe has reaffirmed our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We
believe that having a diverse and inclusive Board is the right thing to do, particularly now that we have become
a more global company. The recent additions of Erin Mansfield and Cecilia Mao further enrich the
Board’s collective expertise across risk management and technology. Their diverse skill sets, combined with
the perspectives of members with shorter tenure and those with longer tenure, positions Cboe’s Board well in
terms of diversity of skills, experiences and perspectives as we become an increasingly global company.
So much has changed in the last 50 years, not the least of which is the market environment and the
way people trade. What has not changed is Cboe’s reputation of building trusted markets and our
commitment to delivering solutions and creating accessibility. That innovative spirit that drove the creation
of Cboe is still alive and well here. So, when you invest in Cboe, you’re investing in creating opportunities for
investors of all kinds. Your support of Cboe helps enable us to keep innovating, making markets more
accessible, providing valuable education and, most importantly, continuously operating a trusted, inclusive
global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future.
William Farrow, III
Chairman of the Board
April 4, 2024
Dear Shareholders,
In 2023, we marked 50 years of building trusted markets as a leading global exchange operator. We
recognized this milestone with the traditional fanfare—parties and bell-ringings—as well as some
unconventional choices, including donations to associate-selected charities and a brand refresh to set the
stage for our next 50 years. It was a wonderful acknowledgement of not just our history, but our future and
how we plan to shape the next 50 years.
In a year filled with celebrations, 2023 also threw us some unexpected curveballs. However, expecting
the unexpected is what we do best and the Cboe team handled a difficult situation with grace. Resiliency,
integrity and teamwork pulled us through, and today I believe the team is stronger than before, united in our
purpose of building trusted markets.
I took the helm as CEO in September amid this unexpected challenge, and I greatly appreciate the
warm welcome I received from the team. I have served on Cboe’s Board for more than four years, so I was
no stranger to the business, but I have greatly enjoyed getting in the weeds, connecting with our associates and
learning about the impactful work they do.
A Year for the Record Books
2023 was a pivotal year at Cboe, laying the foundation for 2024 to be a year of alignment and unlocking
our full potential. It was another record year, in which we grew net revenue 10% to a record $1.9 billion and
adjusted earnings per share (EPS) 13% to a record $7.801. We had another strong year of performance in
our stock price bringing our three-year total return to 101% from 2021 to 20232. We also continued to
maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, returning $308 million to shareholders during the year,
while continuing to invest strategically in our business.
We continued to introduce innovative products to meet client demand, and enhanced our market data
tools and services to better serve investors worldwide. Additionally, we successfully executed technology
migrations in two key markets, Australia and Japan, and created a first-of-its-kind offering for companies
wanting to access global capital markets for their corporate and ETF listings. We set a new benchmark for
ourselves as we made meaningful progress on our strategic initiatives, and our trajectory for 2024 is promising.
Over the last few years, Cboe has built a unique global derivatives and securities network that spans
multiple continents and asset classes. With this comprehensive network established and nearly all our
acquisitions fully integrated, we are turning our attention to unlocking the value of this network through
strategic, organic growth. We are ready to start our next chapter, sharpening our strategy to deliver on our
key objectives. Looking inward, we are prioritizing projects and investments that fit our strategy and are
expected to set us up for long-term success. And of course, we are in continued conversation with our
customers, keeping a pulse on what is most important to them to determine how we can capitalize on
opportunities and solve their challenges.
As we sharpen our strategy, our core strengths are top of mind. Our global footprint, renewed focus on
trusted, superior technology and our emphasis on product innovation all set Cboe apart. We have honed
these core strengths in recent years, creating a solid foundation for continued growth initiatives that we expect
to drive net revenue and earnings growth in 2024 and beyond.
A Global Exchange Powerhouse
No other exchange operator has a global footprint that compares to Cboe’s. It is now our time to
realize the full potential of this network as we set our sights on organic growth opportunities. Providing a
1
2
On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share was $7.13 in 2023. A reconciliation of adjusted diluted
earnings per share to a GAAP measure is provided on page 73 of the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023. Includes reinvestment of all dividends.
globally consistent, locally optimized experience is our North Star, guiding us to help ensure our customers,
no matter where they are, know they can rely on Cboe.
Whether our end users are trading cash equities in London or options in Chicago, we provide the
infrastructure, tools and education they need to pursue a sustainable financial future. Developing a strong
financial foundation and effectively managing personal finances are critical pillars for building a prosperous
life. And helping more people across the globe achieve their financial objectives motivates us to keep
innovating—to make markets more accessible so even more people can generate wealth and protect their
assets.
What makes Cboe unique is the interconnectedness of our 27 markets around the world. Our local
teams help us identify what works well in one market or asset class and apply it elsewhere, creating a more
efficient and dynamic trading experience for our customers. Likewise, our leading-edge technology is key to
providing a globally consistent experience for our customers. As the only truly global derivatives and
securities exchange operator, we are committed to providing comprehensive access and tailored solutions
for all types of investors.
Derivatives and Data: A Network of Opportunity
We are focused on maintaining a healthy ecosystem of access, data and products and services that
create short, medium and long-term growth opportunities for the company. Cyclical and structural drivers
indicate that investors are expected to continue to turn to derivatives to achieve their goals. With record
options trading volumes in 2023, we are seeing increased demand for options from all corners of the
world, as more people realize the potential value and opportunity the asset class provides. We believe options
are an unmatched tool to help manage risk and generate income, democratizing access to strategies
previously reserved for institutional investors. This combination creates an opportunity for Cboe to follow
our effective U.S. playbook, using our network to bring our products and services to new markets.
Access and data drives markets and the breadth of Cboe’s data and analytics offering is robust. We see
immense potential for our Data and Access Solutions business in 2024 as we plan to expand access, bringing
market data and related tools to more people worldwide. Our cash equities, data and derivatives businesses
work together in a virtuous cycle of revenue generation to drive growth. With our global equities footprint
spanning 7 of the top 10 global equities markets, Cboe’s data is unparalleled. Strong cash equities trading
generates valuable market data that we can use to develop new derivative products. These derivatives, in turn,
attract more customers to our platform, increasing trading activity and further data generation.
Our trusted partnerships and collaboration are also key to Cboe’s product innovation process. We are
excited to deliver new and enhanced offerings this year, including potential new indices and derivatives
products with our partners at S&P Dow Jones, MSCI and FTSE Russell. Their collaboration helps us create
products for people at various stages of the trading and investment lifecycle, keeping our mission at the
core of everything we do.
Earning Your Trust
One thing has become abundantly clear since I became CEO: our people are the heart of this business.
There are more than 1,600 people on board worldwide and I have had the pleasure of meeting many of them
in my first six months here. Whether they joined through acquisition, traditional hiring or they have been
here for decades, the team has truly come together as one. As such, developing talent is another priority for
us in 2024. A focus on internal mobility, leadership training and succession planning help ensure Cboe has a
deep bench of talented people ready to lead and continue our legacy of building trusted markets. Because,
at the end of the day, the trust you—our investors, along with our customers, regulators and partners—have
in our business is built by our people.
No matter the market environment, economic conditions or geopolitical issues, you can trust that Cboe
will provide a place for investors to express their views, manage risk and generate income.Exchanges are an
essential piece of a well-functioning capital market infrastructure. Regardless of market environment, we
believe Cboe is well positioned to manage and build trusted markets.
As we come to the end of our 50th year, we are excited to begin writing the next chapter. Thank you for
your continued investment in Cboe, you are an important part of our story.
Fred Tomczyk
Chief Executive Officer
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this letter may constitute forward-looking statements. We caution readers not
to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. More detailed information about risks and uncertainties may be
found on page 35 of the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2023.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
or
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission file number: 001-34774
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
433 West Van Buren Street
Chicago, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
20-5446972
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
60607
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(312) 786-5600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol (s)
CBOE
Name of Exchange on Which Registered
CboeBZX
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company
or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth
company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that
prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in
the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of the Registrant's outstanding voting common equity held by non-affiliates was
approximately $14.2 billion based on the closing price of $138.01 per share of common stock.
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock as of February 9, 2024 was 105,581,561 shares of common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Cboe Global Market’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days
after December 31, 2023, are incorporated by reference in Part III.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CBOE GLOBAL MARKETS, INC.
2023 FORM 10-K
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 1C.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
8
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
PART II
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
64
PART III
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . 165
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
2
Throughout this document, unless otherwise specified or the context so requires:
CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS
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“Cboe,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “the Company” refers to Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
“ADV” means average daily volume.
“ADNV” means average daily notional value.
“AFM” refers to the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets.
“ATS” refers to an alternative trading system.
“Bats Global Markets” and “Bats” refer to our wholly-owned subsidiary Bats Global Markets, Inc., now known as
Cboe Bats, LLC, and its subsidiaries.
“BIDS Trading” refers to BIDS Trading, L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. The ATS
operated by BIDS Trading is not a registered national securities exchange or a facility thereof.
“BYX” refers to Cboe BYX Exchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“BZX” refers to Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“C2” refers to Cboe C2 Exchange, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Asia Pacific” refers to Cboe Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (formerly known as Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings
Limited), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Australia” refers to Cboe Australia Pty Ltd. (formerly known as Chi-X Australia Pty. Ltd.), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Canada” refers to the former Aequitas Innovations, Inc. and Neo Exchange Inc. (commonly referred to as
“NEO Exchange”), which were wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Canada Inc.” is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and a recognized Canadian
securities exchange. As of January 1, 2024, the Cboe Canada and MATCHNow entities have been
amalgamated into Cboe Canada Inc.
“Cboe Chi-X Europe” refers to Cboe Chi-X Europe Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets,
Inc.
“Cboe Clear Digital” refers to Cboe Clear Digital, LLC (formerly known as Eris Clearing, LLC), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Clear Europe” refers to Cboe Clear Europe N.V. (formerly known as European Central Counterparty N.V.,
formerly defined as “EuroCCP”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Digital” refers to Cboe Digital Intermediate Holdings, LLC (formerly known as Eris Digital Holdings, LLC)
and its subsidiaries. Prior to rebranding under the Cboe Digital name, Eris Digital Holdings, LLC and its
subsidiaries operated under the “ErisX” name.
“Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives” refers to the combined businesses of Cboe Europe and Cboe NL.
“Cboe Europe” refers to Cboe Europe Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc., the UK
operator of our Multilateral Trading Facility (“MTF”), our Regulated Market (“RM”), and our Approved Publication
Arrangement (“APA”) under its Recognized Investment Exchange (“RIE”) status.
“Cboe Fixed Income” refers to Cboe Fixed Income Markets, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global
Markets, Inc.
“Cboe FX” refers to Cboe FX Markets, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Japan” refers to Cboe Japan Ltd. (formerly known as Chi-X Japan Ltd.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe NL” refers to Cboe Europe BV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc., the Netherlands
operator of our MTF, RM, and APA.
“Cboe Options” refers to Cboe Exchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe SEF” refers to Cboe SEF, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“Cboe Trading” refers to Cboe Trading, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“CFE” refers to Cboe Futures Exchange, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“CFTC” refers to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
“CSD Br” refers to CSD Central de Serviços de Registro e Depósito aos Mercados Financeiro e de Capitais S.A.,
a Brazilian trade repository.
“CIRO” refers to the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization.
“EDGA” refers to Cboe EDGA Exchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“EDGX” refers to Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
“ESMA” refers to the European Securities and Markets Authority.
“Exchanges” refers to Cboe Options, C2, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA.
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“FASB” refers to the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
“FCA” refers to the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
“FINRA” refers to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“GAAP” refers to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States.
“MATCHNow” refers to the former TriAct Canada Marketplace LP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cboe Global
Markets, Inc., which was the operator of a Canadian ATS (known as “MATCHNow”).
“Merger” refers to our acquisition of Bats Global Markets, completed on February 28, 2017.
“OCC” refers to The Options Clearing Corporation.
“OPRA” refers to Options Price Reporting Authority, LLC.
“SEC” refers to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“SPX” refers to our S&P 500 Index exchange-traded options products.
“TPH” refers to either a Trading Permit Holder or a Trading Privilege Holder.
“VIX futures” or “VIX options” refers, as applicable, to our Cboe Volatility Index exchange traded options and
futures products.
4
TRADEMARK AND OTHER INFORMATION
Cboe®, Cboe Global Markets®, Cboe Clear®, Cboe LIS®, Bats®, BIDS Trading®, BYX®, BZX®, Cboe Volatility Index®,
CFE®, EDGA®, EDGX®, ErisX®, EuroCCP®, Hybrid®, LiveVol®, MATCHNow®, NANO®, Options Institute®, Silexx®, VIX®,
and XSP® are registered trademarks, and Cboe Futures ExchangeSM, Cboe BIDS EuropeSM, Cboe DigitalSM, C2SM,
f(t)optionsSM, HanweckSM, Nanos by CboeSM, The Exchange for the World StageSM, Trade AlertSM, and VIX1DSM are
service marks of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Standard & Poor's®, S&P®, S&P 100®, S&P 500® and
SPX® are registered trademarks and DSPXSM is a service mark of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and have
been licensed for use by Cboe Exchange, Inc. Dow Jones®, Dow Jones Industrial Average®, DJIA® and Dow Jones
Indices are registered trademarks or service marks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings, LLC, used under license. Russell®
and the Russell index names are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company, used under license. FTSE® and the
FTSE indices are trademarks and service marks of FTSE International Limited, used under license. All other trademarks
and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
MSCI and the MSCI index names are service marks of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) or its affiliates and have been licensed for
use by us. Any derivative indices and any financial products based on the derivative indices (“MCSI-Based Products”) are
not sponsored, guaranteed or endorsed by MSCI, its affiliates or any other party involved in, or related to, making or
compiling such MSCI index. Neither MSCI, its affiliates nor any other party involved in, or related to, making or compiling
any MSCI index makes any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such MSCI-Based Products; makes
any warranty, express or implied; or bears any liability as to the results to be obtained by any person or any entity from
the use of any such MSCI index or any data included therein. No purchaser, seller or holder of any MSCI-Based Product,
or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor,
endorse, market or promote any security without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI’s permission is
required.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes market share and industry data that we obtained from industry
publications and surveys, reports of governmental agencies and internal company surveys. Industry publications and
surveys generally state that the information they contain has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we
cannot assure you that this information is accurate or complete. We have not independently verified any of the data from
third-party sources nor have we ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. Statements as to
our market position are based on the most currently available market data. While we are not aware of any misstatements
regarding industry data presented herein, our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based
on various factors. Please refer to the “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other
filings with the SEC.
5
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by
forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict,"
"potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect
our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking
statements, including statements in "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations." These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies
and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and
projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In
particular, you should consider the risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report and other
filings with the SEC.
While we believe we have identified material risks, these risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Moreover, we
operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time,
and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or
the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained
in any forward-looking statements.
Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:
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the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products;
economic, political and market conditions;
compliance with legal and regulatory obligations;
price competition and consolidation in our industry;
decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our
exchanges;
legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes;
our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches;
our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel;
increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities;
our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties;
global expansion of operations;
factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices;
our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively;
our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs
associated with protecting our intellectual property rights;
our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty, investment, and default risks, associated with
operating a European clearinghouse;
our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases,
without failure or degradation of performance of our systems;
• misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions;
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challenges to our use of open source software code;
our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory
responsibilities and our for-profit status;
our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from
and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges;
damage to our reputation;
the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks;
restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt
obligations;
our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating;
impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets;
the impacts of pandemics;
the accuracy of our estimates and expectations;
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litigation risks and other liabilities; and
operating a digital asset business, and clearinghouse, including the expected benefits of our Cboe Digital
acquisition, cybercrime, changes in digital asset regulation, losses due to digital asset custody, and fluctuations
in digital asset prices.
For a detailed discussion of these and other factors that might affect our performance, see Part I, Item 1A of this
Report. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution you not to place undue
reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this filing.
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Item 1. Business
PART I
The following description of the business should be read in conjunction with the information included elsewhere in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. This description contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ significantly from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements due to the factors set forth in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Overview
Cboe Global Markets, Inc., the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge
trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in
multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, FX, and digital assets, across North America, Europe, and Asia
Pacific. Above all, the Company is committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to
pursue a sustainable financial future.
Cboe’s subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In
addition, the Company operates Cboe Europe, one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns
Cboe Clear Europe, a leading pan-European equities and derivatives clearinghouse, BIDS Holdings, which owns a
leading block-trading ATS by volume in the U.S., and provides block-trading services with Cboe market operators in
Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan, Cboe Australia, an operator of trading venues in Australia, Cboe Japan, an
operator of trading venues in Japan, Cboe Digital, an operator of a U.S. based digital asset spot market and a regulated
futures exchange, Cboe Clear Digital, an operator of a regulated clearinghouse, and Cboe Canada Inc., a recognized
Canadian securities exchange. Cboe subsidiaries also serve collectively as a leading market globally for exchange-traded
products (“ETPs”) listings and trading.
The graphic below provides a brief overview of Cboe’s history:
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Our Business
Cboe reports on the following six business segments:
• Options. The Options segment includes options on market indices (“index options”), as well as on the stocks of
individual corporations (“equity options”) and on ETPs such as exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and exchange-
traded notes (“ETNs”), which are “multi-listed” options and listed on a non-exclusive basis. These options are
eligible to trade, as applicable, on Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX, and/or other U.S. national security
exchanges. Cboe Options is the Company’s primary options market and offers trading in listed options through a
single system that integrates electronic trading and traditional open outcry trading on the Cboe Options trading
floor in Chicago. C2 Options, BZX Options, and EDGX Options are all-electronic options exchanges, and
typically operate with different market models and fee structures than Cboe Options. The Options segment also
includes applicable market data fees revenues generated from the consolidated tape plans, the licensing of
proprietary options market data, index licensing, routing services, and access and capacity services.
• North American Equities. The North American Equities segment includes U.S. equities and ETP transaction
services that occur on fully electronic exchanges owned and operated by BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, equities
transactions that occur on the BIDS Trading platform in the U.S. and Canada, and Canadian equities and other
transaction services that occur on or through Cboe Canada Inc.’s order books. The North American Equities
segment also includes listing services on Cboe Canada Inc., corporate and ETP listings on BZX, applicable
market data fees revenues generated from the consolidated tape plans, the licensing of proprietary equities
market data, routing services, and access and capacity services.
• Europe and Asia Pacific. The Europe and Asia Pacific segment includes the pan-European listed equities and
derivatives transaction services, ETPs, exchange-traded commodities, and international depository receipts that
are hosted on MTFs operated by Cboe Europe Equities (Cboe Europe and Cboe NL equities exchanges) and
Cboe Europe Derivatives (“CEDX”). It also includes the ETP listings business on RMs and clearing activities of
Cboe Clear Europe, as well as the equities transaction services of Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan, operators of
trading venues in Australia and Japan, respectively, along with equities transactions that occur on the BIDS
Trading platform in Australia and Japan. Cboe Europe operates lit and dark books, a periodic auctions book, and
Cboe BIDS Europe, a Large-in-Scale (“LIS”) trading negotiation facility for UK symbols. Cboe NL, launched in
October 2019 and based in Amsterdam, operates similar business functionality to that offered by Cboe Europe,
and provides for trading only in European Economic Area (“EEA”) symbols. Cboe Europe Derivatives, a pan-
European derivatives platform launched in September 2021, offers futures and options based on Cboe Europe
equity indices, and single stock options. This segment also includes Cboe Europe, Cboe NL, CEDX, Cboe
Australia and Cboe Japan revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from access and
capacity services.
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Futures. The Futures segment includes transaction services provided by CFE, a fully electronic futures
exchange, which includes offerings for trading of VIX futures and other futures products, the licensing of
proprietary market data, as well as access and capacity services.
• Global FX. The Global FX segment includes institutional FX trading services that occur on the Cboe FX fully
electronic trading platform, non-deliverable forward FX transactions (“NDFs”) offered for execution on Cboe SEF,
as well as revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from access and capacity
services. The segment includes transaction services for U.S. government securities executed on the Cboe Fixed
Income fully electronic trading platform.
• Digital. The Digital segment includes a U.S. based digital asset spot market, a regulated futures exchange, and
a regulated clearinghouse, as well as revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from
access and capacity services.
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 16
(“Segment Reporting”) in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for discussion of revenues and certain
operational and financial metrics, and operating income (or loss) by business segment. Certain activities within our
segments operate globally. For information regarding risks related to our international operations see “Risk Factors.”
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Executive Transitions
On July 6, 2023, Brian Schell, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, announced his
departure from the Company to pursue a new professional opportunity outside of the exchange industry. Jill Griebenow,
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, was appointed to serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer effective July 10, 2023, and currently serves as Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer.
On September 18, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), Edward T. Tilly, former Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
resigned and voluntarily terminated his employment with the Company. Mr. Tilly also resigned as Chairman of the
Company’s Board of Directors, effective as of the Effective Date. Mr. Tilly’s resignation followed the conclusion of an
investigation led by the Board of Directors and outside independent counsel that was launched in late August 2023. The
Board of Directors determined that Mr. Tilly did not disclose personal relationships with colleagues, which violated the
Company’s policies and stands in stark contrast to the Company’s values. The conduct was not related to and does not
impact the Company’s strategy, financial performance, technology and market operations, financial reporting or internal
controls over financial reporting. Following Mr. Tilly’s resignation, Fredric J. Tomczyk, an existing director of the Company,
was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of the Effective Date. As a result of Mr. Tomczyk’s
appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tomczyk stepped down from the Board of Directors’ Compensation
Committee and Finance and Strategy Committee as of the Effective Date. Also as of the Effective Date, William M.
Farrow III was appointed as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors (in substitution of his prior role as Lead
Director of the Board of Directors).
Competitive Strengths
Cboe is a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products across cash and spot markets, derivatives
markets, and data and access solutions. Cboe delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions across the
globe through a comprehensive ecosystem that helps drive innovation and growth.
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Key Growth Strategy Initiatives
Our strategy is to build one of the world’s largest global derivatives and securities networks to create value and drive
growth by:
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Innovating to capture growing demand for trading products and data services, globally. We plan to
increase access to data products and trading solutions, provide unrivaled transaction capabilities, and have a
global presence in the highest value markets. In 2023, we delivered on this initiative by expanding the use of
zero days to expiry (0-DTE) products, expanding Cboe Global Indices to Europe, launching the 1-Day Volatility
Index (VIX1D), designed to measure volatility over the current trading day, launching the Cboe S&P 500
Dispersion Index (DSPX), a volatility index designed to measure expected dispersion in the S&P 500 Index,
launching new options on futures on two corporate bond index products, and launching four new Credit VIX
Indices, designed to provide a VIX Index-like measures for credit market volatility.
• Unlocking the value capabilities of our ecosystems to increase efficiency and better serve customers.
We aim to unlock the value, capabilities, and efficiencies of our ecosystems to increase efficiency and utilize our
client coordination model to better serve our customers. We leverage industry-leading technology, apply a non-
siloed integration approach to expand ecosystems and fuel our flywheel and generate strong free cash flow as
we improve operating efficiency. In 2023, we delivered on this initiative by completing the migration of Cboe
Australia and Cboe Japan to the Cboe technology platform, launching BIDS in Australia and Japan, successfully
integrating Cboe Canada (which was the trade name of the former Aequitas Innovations Inc. and Neo Exchange
Inc.) and the MATCHNow ATS into Cboe Canada Inc., a recognized Canadian securities exchange, and
launching the Cboe Theoretical Options Pricing Service.
• Growing by accessing untapped addressable markets. We are expanding and diversifying our revenue
opportunity set through organic investment and merger and acquisition activity. In 2023, we delivered on this
initiative by expanding into pan-European single stock options and completing phase 1 of our initiative to offer
options on leading European companies, adding extended trading hours for corporate bond index futures,
developing plans to introduce a clearing service for securities financing transactions through Cboe Clear Europe,
announcing and then launching in January 2024 margined futures on Bitcoin and Ether, Cboe FX successfully
trading U.S. Treasury products, and launching Cboe Global Listings, the first-of-its-kind, global listing network
facilitating worldwide access to capital and secondary liquidity for companies and ETFs, and successfully
attracting its first intralisted corporate issuer to the global platform.
Proprietary Products
In addition to operating cash and spot markets and derivative markets, and providing data and access solutions, we
are a leader in the volatility space with the proprietary products we offer for trading. These proprietary products are built
through Cboe Labs, a dedicated team centered on the creation, development, and implementation of new ideas and our
strategic relationships and license agreements with index providers, which are both described below in further detail. Our
most frequently traded proprietary products include SPX options and VIX options and futures.
SPX Options
The S&P 500 Index is an index comprised of 500 large-cap U.S. listed companies. It is one of the most commonly
followed indices and is considered a bellwether for the U.S. economy. The SPX options we offer on the S&P 500 Index
are exclusive to Cboe and contribute substantially to our volumes and transaction fees. Because of the S&P 500 Index’s
status as a bellwether, SPX options are used in many different trading strategies by customers with different goals,
including pension funds hedging their equity exposure by buying put options, asset managers seeking enhanced returns
by selling covered call options and hedge funds using risk-managed strategies to capture so-called “risk premia”
embedded in option prices. We also offer zero days to expiry (0-DTE) products, Mini- and Nano-SPX options, FLEX- and
FLEX micro-SPX options, and SPX Weeklys options, which have settlements on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays and on the last trading day of each month and 24x5 trading in SPX options. We believe these
additional expirations provide customers with more precision when hedging overall portfolio risk.
Volatility Trading
Cboe pioneered the trading of exchange-traded volatility products with its introduction of VIX futures in 2004 and VIX
options in 2006. The VIX Index (as defined below), although not directly tradable, is based on the mid-point of real-time
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quotes of SPX options and is designed to reflect investors’ consensus view of future 30-day expected stock market
volatility. The VIX Index methodology provides the basis for the creation of VIX options and futures. The final settlement
value of VIX options and futures is determined on their expiration date through a Special Opening Quotation (“SOQ”) of
the VIX Index. The SOQ calculation uses opening trade prices of selected options; unless there is no opening price, in
which case the opening price used in the SOQ calculation is the midpoint of the highest bid and lowest offer at the time of
the opening. Since we started offering these products, we have seen trading from a number of different customer
segments utilizing a number of different trading strategies, including hedging extreme stock market declines, also known
as “tail risk” hedging, and risk-managed strategies that seek to capture the relative price changes of expected volatility at
different times in the future. We also offer the 1-Day Volatility Index (VIX1D), VIX Weeklys options and futures, mini VIX
futures, and 24x5 trading in VIX options and futures to provide investors with additional tools to trade volatility.
Proprietary Indices
We also calculate and disseminate proprietary indices that are licensed for use by third parties or are used as the
basis for Cboe proprietary products. These proprietary indices are built both through our in-house research and
development staff of the Data and Access Solutions business and our strategic relationships and license agreements with
index providers, which are both described below in further detail. Our proprietary indices include:
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volatility indices based on broad-based market indices, such as the S&P 500 and the Russell 2000,
volatility indices based on ETFs, and
options strategy benchmark indices, such as the Cboe BuyWrite, PutWrite and Collar indices based on the
S&P 500 and Russell 2000, BuyWrite and PutWrite indices based on MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Markets
indices, and BuyWrite indices based on other broad-based market indices.
In addition to any transaction fee revenue generated from trading of products based on these indices on Cboe
exchanges, we distribute these indices through the Cboe Global Index Feed index data subscription service and, together
with index providers with whom we have strategic relationships, we license proprietary indices for third parties to use to
create third-party indices and products. Accordingly, we generate revenue from proprietary indices by distributing them for
reference purposes, using them as the basis for proprietary products and licensing them for use for third-party indices and
products.
Strategic Index Provider Relationships
The Company has long-term business relationships with several providers of market indices. We license their indices,
including on an exclusive basis, as the foundation for indices, index options and other products. The Company also
agrees to work jointly with key providers to develop new products and services that are expected to capitalize on our core
competencies and diversify our sources of revenue. Of particular note are the following:
• S&P Global. We have the following licensing arrangements with S&P Global, Inc. subsidiaries:
o S&P Dow Jones Indices. We have the exclusive right to offer exchange-listed options contracts in the
United States on the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 100 Index, the S&P 500 ESG Index, and the S&P Select
Sector Indices as a result of a licensing arrangement with S&P Dow Jones Indices, LLC (“S&P”). Our
license from S&P is through December 31, 2033, with an exclusive license to trade options on the S&P
500 Index through December 31, 2032. We use the market data from the trading of options on the S&P
500 Index and S&P 100 Index for the creation of Cboe volatility indices, such as the Cboe Volatility
Index (“VIX Index”), and to create tradable products on those volatility indices.
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IHS Markit. Under our licensing agreement with IHS Markit Ltd. (acquired by S&P Global in 2022), we
have a worldwide license through August 23, 2025 to offer options and futures on indices designed to
reflect values of investment grade and high-yield U.S. corporate bonds. Unless either party elects
otherwise, this agreement auto-renews for successive two-year periods. We offer futures and options
on futures on high yield and investment grade corporate bond indices.
o DJI Opco. We have the exclusive right during standard U.S. trading hours to offer listed options
contracts in the United States on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“DJIA”) and Dow 10 Index, and
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non-exclusive rights to offer listed options on several other Dow Jones indices including the Dow Jones
Utilities Average and Dow Jones Transportation Average. This licensing arrangement with DJI Opco,
LLC (acquired by S&P in 2012) extends through December 31, 2033. We use market data from the
trading of options on these indices to create Cboe volatility indices, variance indicators and BuyWrite
indices, and we trade options and other products on these indices.
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FTSE Russell. Under our license agreement with the London Stock Exchange Group’s (“LSEG”) leading global
index franchises, Frank Russell Company and FTSE International Limited (together “FTSE Russell”), we have
the exclusive or first right in the United States to offer listed options on more than two dozen FTSE Russell
indices, which represent a diverse group of domestic and global equities with international appeal. Our exclusive
license from FTSE Russell is through April 1, 2030. We offer options on the Russell 2000, Russell 1000, Russell
1000 Value and Russell 1000 Growth indices and mini-options on the Russell 2000 Index.
• MSCI. We have an agreement with MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) until December 31, 2031 in which we have the right to
offer U.S.-listed options on several of MSCI’s indices including the MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Markets
indices. We use market data from the trading of the MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Markets index options
(among other inputs) to calculate volatility indices and several versions of BuyWrite and PutWrite strategy
indices.
Data and Access Solutions
The Data and Access Solutions business provides an offering of market data and information solutions products
across multiple asset classes and geographic regions that are designed to suit our customers’ diverse needs. The Data
and Access Solutions business consists of three product groups:
• Market Data and Access Services. Data products include real-time depth of book quotation information,
auction and complex option information, top of book quotes and trades, last sale information, and consolidated
equity feeds. In addition to market data, access services include all access and capacity products including
connectivity, terminal and other equipment rights, maintenance services, trading floor space and permits for the
opportunity to trade.
• Cboe Global Indices. Services include index creation, calculation, licensing, and data dissemination. In addition
to index data dissemination, through Cboe’s Global Indices platform, we distribute real-time cryptocurrency
prices and indicative net asset values. See above for additional information regarding our proprietary indices.
• Risk and Market Analytics. Services include analytics and historical data with three areas of focus:
o Data and Market Analytics. Services include aggregated equity and derivative market statistics, theoretical
values, trading indicators, portfolio and margin risk, scenarios, and historical data from Cboe’s markets as
well as third-party consolidated data.
o Front-End Platforms. Cboe provides multiple trading solutions and services including Cboe Silexx, LiveVol
Pro, FT Options and Trade Alert.
o Connectivity. Services include FIX Order Routing, Trade Drop Copy Network, consolidated audit trail
(“CAT”) reporting, and broker connectivity.
We provide data services to market participants globally through a number of distribution channels including direct,
via our vendor partners and Cboe Global Cloud, which is our global cloud data distribution service.
U.S. Tape Plans
We also derive a portion of our revenue from market data fees from U.S. tape plans, including Unlisted Trading
Privileges (“UTPs”), the Consolidated Tape Association (“CTA”) and OPRA. Fees, net of plan costs, from UTP, CTA, and
OPRA are allocated and distributed to plan participants like us according to their share of tape fees based on a formula,
required by Regulation NMS, which may take into account both trading and quoting activity.
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Our Market Models
We operate a variety of derivatives and cash and spot markets. Our markets use a combination of pricing and market
models to differentiate them from each other and from our competitors.
For our U.S. derivatives options markets, Cboe Options is a hybrid market combining open outcry floor trading with
electronic trading. For multi-listed products, we utilize public customer priority, market turner in certain products,
participation rights and pro-rata allocation market models, combined with the “classic” pricing model. Under the classic
pricing model, professional participants pay transaction fees, public customers generally do not pay transaction fees and
market makers compensate brokers for sending order flow to the exchange (known as payment for order flow). For
proprietary products, we use price-time or pro-rata allocation, sometimes with public customer priority, and market turner
market models, combined with a pricing model where all market participants generally pay fees. Our other three options
markets are fully electronic. BZX options utilizes a price-time market model, combined with a “maker-taker” pricing model.
Under the maker-taker pricing model, market participants who make the market (a “maker”) generally receive a rebate,
while market participants who trade against those markets (a “taker”) pay a transaction fee. EDGX options utilizes
customer priority, participation rights and pro-rata allocation market models, combined with the classic pricing model. C2
options utilizes a pro-rata allocation market model, combined with the maker-taker pricing model.
For CFE’s U.S. derivatives futures market, which is fully electronic, CFE utilizes a price-time market model, combined
with a pricing model where all market participants generally pay fees, subject to specified exceptions.
For our U.S. cash and spot markets, the U.S. equities exchanges, which are fully electronic, offer various market
models. BZX equities utilizes a price-time market model, combined with the maker-taker pricing model. EDGX equities
utilizes a price-time with retail priority market model, combined with the maker-taker pricing model. BYX equities utilizes a
price-time with price improvement for retail customers market model, combined with the “taker-maker” pricing model.
Under the taker-maker pricing model, market participants who make the market pay a transaction fee, while market
participants who trade against those markets receive a rebate. EDGA equities utilizes a price-time market model,
combined with a taker-maker pricing model. In addition to these market models, each of the U.S. equity exchanges
provides numerous specific order types that are designed to enhance their respective market models.
For our cash and spot markets, BIDS Trading, the U.S. equities ATS market, which is fully electronic and is an
independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with the Exchanges, utilizes a
sponsored access model to provide anonymous executions in NMS stocks. BIDS Trading provides numerous order types,
including both firm and conditional orders. All orders matched within BIDS Trading are executed at or better than the
National Best Bid and Offer (“NBBO”). BIDS Trading charges fees based on disclosed, objective criteria: (i) means of
access; (ii) the type of order; and (iii) the total volume of executions during the calendar month. Cboe and BIDS Trading
collaborate in operating similar venues with our cash and spot markets in Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan.
In Canada, for our cash and spot markets, Cboe Canada Inc., a recognized Canadian securities exchange, which is
fully electronic, offers four order books: NEO-L, which provides resting orders with priority over high-frequency orders and
combines a maker-taker pricing model with a NEO trader priority; NEO-N, which prioritizes larger resting orders over
smaller orders, imposes a speed bump, and displays volume aggregate by price, with a taker-maker pricing model; NEO-
D, which allows participants to submit marketable and resting orders with specified parameters and NEO trader priority
with size-time priority, with a taker-maker pricing model; and MATCHNow, which combines frequent call matches and
continuous execution opportunities in a confidential trading book, using real-time quotes for protected transparent
Canadian markets, accepting both firm and conditional orders, and matching firm orders at three levels of price
improvement. Trading fees are typically calculated as a function of trade volume and share price.
In Europe, we operate a number of market models, including continuous Lit orderbooks, periodic auction orderbooks,
dark midpoint orderbooks, a post-closing cross, as well as BIDS Europe. Fees are typically charged on an ad valorem
basis based on traded notional value, and are differentiated by orderbook, by order type, by monthly value traded, and in
the case of Lit orderbooks by liquidity providing/taking orders where (on a subset of orderbooks) a rebate may be paid to
the provider of passive liquidity. Following the implementation of the Directive on Markets in Financial Instruments
(Directive 2014/65/EU) (“MiFID II”), for the derivatives and cash and spot markets, rebates are generally available if they
are tied to a market making scheme or specific service.
In Australia, for our derivatives and cash and spot markets, Cboe Australia, a regulated stock exchange, which is fully
electronic, utilizes a model that charges a different ad valorem fee rate depending on whether a participant is making or
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taking liquidity. Fee waivers are also provided to participants registered as market makers, but payments for order flow
are prohibited.
In Japan, for our cash and spot markets, Cboe Japan, offers two fully electronic displayed markets, Cboe-Alpha,
which utilizes a price-time market model, combined with the “maker-taker” pricing model and Cboe-Select, which utilizes a
price-time retail customers focused market model, combined with the “taker-maker” pricing model. Cboe Japan also offers
two fully electronic non-displayed markets, Cboe-Match, which matches volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) orders
during pre-market hours and Cboe BIDS Japan, which utilizes a price-time market model aiming for primary market mid-
point trades.
For our FX spot markets, the Cboe FX platform utilizes a price-firmness-time priority market model, combined with a
pricing model where users are charged either a flat or tiered commission rate based upon the notional amount traded on
the platform. For our FX NDF markets, Cboe SEF utilizes a price-firmness-time priority market model and charge a flat
commission based upon the notional amount traded on the platform and the capacity in which a participant is trading.
Cboe Digital, which is fully electronic, for our digital asset spot and futures markets, utilizes a price-time priority model.
Our markets also charge fees for the opportunity to trade or access our markets, including fees for trading-related
functionality. To facilitate trading, we also charge fees for certain technology services, terminal and other equipment
rights, maintenance services, trading floor space and telecommunications services.
Listing
Cboe operates five listing venues across the globe that are structured and designed, in the U.S. and Canada, for all
types of equity instruments, such as ETPs, corporate securities, warrants and depositary receipts, while in the UK and EU
they support ETPs only. In Australia, both ETPs and warrants are supported. Over the course of 2023, Cboe added
approximately 800 listings across the globe and had approximately 2,080 listings for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cboe also launched Cboe Global Listings in June of 2023, the first-of-its-kind, global listing network facilitating worldwide
access to capital and secondary liquidity for companies and ETFs, and successfully attracted its first intralisted corporate
issuer to the global platform.
Clearing
Our subsidiary Cboe Clear Europe, a European central counterparty (“CCP”), provides post-trade clearing services,
to stock exchanges, multilateral trading facilities and for over-the-counter equities trades and exchange-traded derivatives
trades. Cboe Clear Europe acts as a central counterparty that, for its clearing participants, becomes the buyer to every
seller and the seller to every buyer. As a result, it guarantees the timely performance of the settlement obligations of
buyers and sellers and takes on the risk of the performance of the transactions that it clears. Additionally, as a Financial
Market Infrastructure, Cboe Clear Europe is subject to strict business continuity requirements and regulatory oversight. In
2023, Cboe Clear Europe provided CCP protection for an average of €44 billion of cleared value on a daily basis. Through
the process of netting, in 2023, Cboe Clear Europe eliminated 71%, or €31 billion of the average daily cleared value,
leaving an average daily settlement value of €13 billion. In 2022, Cboe Clear Europe provided CCP protection for an
average of €48 billion of cleared value on a daily basis. Through the process of netting, in 2022, Cboe Clear Europe
eliminated 71%, or €34 billion of the average daily cleared value, leaving an average daily settlement value of €14 billion.
Cboe Clear Digital is a digital asset clearinghouse and central counterparty that provides clearing and settlement of
digital asset trades for its affiliate, Cboe Digital Exchange. Cboe Clear Digital clears cryptocurrencies from 50 U.S.
jurisdictions authorized by license or not subject to licensing. In 2023, Cboe Clear Digital cleared $18 billion in notional
volume. In 2022, for the period subsequent to the acquisition, Cboe Clear Digital cleared $4 billion in notional volume.
Customers
Our customers generally include financial institutions, trading platforms, institutional and individual investors, and
professional traders. Our equities and options customers in the United States include trading permit holders and members
(as applicable) of Cboe Options, C2, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, which are SEC-registered broker-dealers, and the
customers of those broker-dealers. Our Canadian equities customers include members of Cboe Canada Inc., which are
Canadian registered investment dealers. Our Australian customers include trading participants of Cboe Australia, which
are Australian registered investment dealers, and certain clients of those dealers. Our Japanese customers include
participants of Cboe-Alpha, Cboe-Select, Cboe-Match and Cboe BIDS Japan, which are Japanese registered broker-
dealers, and certain clients of those dealers. Our ATS equities participants in the United States include subscribers of
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BIDS Trading, which are SEC-registered broker-dealers, and certain customers of those broker-dealers. Our futures
customers include banks, futures commission merchants and their customers, hedge funds, asset managers, proprietary
trading firms, and Commodity Trading Advisors. Similarly, our equities’ customers in Europe are European Union (“EU”)
regulated brokerage and proprietary trading firms, as well as sponsored access clients of these brokerage firms and
certain non-EU regulated and unregulated direct access participants. Cboe Clear Europe clears equities, equity like
instruments traded on 47 European trading segments. Cboe Clear Europe also clears equity derivative instruments traded
on Cboe NL. Cboe Clear Europe clearing participants include EEA regulated banks and brokerage trading firms. Our
institutional global FX customers include banks, broker-dealers, hedge funds, asset managers, proprietary trading firms,
Commodity Trading Advisors, and corporates. Our digital asset customers in the U.S. include SEC-registered broker-
dealers, the customers of those broker-dealers, financial institutions, trading platforms, institutional and individual
investors, futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, and professional traders. Access to our markets and
trading rights and privileges depend upon the nature of the customer, such as whether the individual or firm is (or is
eligible to become) a trading permit holder, trading privilege holder, member, participant, or subscriber of one of our
markets.
Competition
The industry in which we operate is intensely competitive. We believe we face competition on a number of factors,
including:
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price, quality and speed of our trade and clearing execution;
functionality and ease of use of our trading and clearing platforms;
reliability, integrity, range and functionality of our products and services;
integrity of our marketplaces;
technological innovation and adaption;
our brand awareness; and
our reputation.
We believe that we compete favorably with respect to these factors through a variety of methods, including:
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offering access to a broad array of products and services, including proprietary products and market data;
offering fee schedules and pricing models that both attract order flow and provide incentives to liquidity
providers;
providing advanced technology that offers broad functionality, low latency, fast execution, ease of use,
scalability, reliability and security;
offering efficient, transparent and liquid marketplaces;
offering deep and liquid markets with opportunities for price improvement;
offering broad trading platform access in the EU;
offering efficient and transparent clearing services designed to help maximize netting opportunities;
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• maintaining close relationships with customers; and
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providing customers with a comprehensive source of information on options and ETPs as well as extensive
options education.
In our proprietary products, we compete against other futures exchanges and swap execution facilities that offer
similar products, as well as against financial market participants that offer similar over-the-counter derivatives. We also
compete against certain multi-listed options products, such as SPY options and cash settled index options, which may
offer similar market exposure of our proprietary products, such as SPX options.
The multi-listed options industry is extremely competitive. We expect this trend to continue. As of December 31,
2023, our four options exchanges compete with 13 other U.S. options exchanges, in large part due to existing exchange
holding companies opening new exchanges that offer different markets and pricing models on existing technology. Most
of the equity and ETP options listed and traded on our exchanges are also listed and traded on the other exchanges. In
addition, the options exchanges that we compete with set fees and rebates to attract multi-listed options business to their
exchanges, which has historically reduced the net revenue per contract that we generate from multi-listed options, and the
options exchanges that we compete with structure their options businesses in partnership with established market
participants, such as consolidators, and other order flow providers, to increase their volume traded.
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Our U.S. equities and the BIDS Trading ATS compete against 12 other equities exchanges as of December 31, 2023,
and over 25 other ATSs and single dealer platforms. Market participants have multiple venues for the execution of orders,
including national securities exchanges and numerous off-exchange venues, including other ATSs and broker-dealers
that internalize orders off-exchange. Additionally, corporate and ETP issuers have multiple venues they can choose from
in the listing of their products. In Canada, our recognized Canadian securities exchange, Cboe Canada Inc., competes
with several Canadian exchanges and ATSs. In Australia, our exchange, Cboe Australia, competes with other Australian
exchanges and ATSs. In Japan, our equities exchanges and ATSs, compete with several Japanese exchanges and other
ATSs.
The market for execution and clearing services in Europe became more competitive following the introduction of
MiFID II and the Regulation on Markets in Financial Instruments (Regulation (EU) No 600/2014) (“MiFIR”). Our major
competitors in Europe include national stock exchanges, other pan-European MTFs, systematic internalizers, and other
European clearinghouses.
The global FX market remains severely fragmented, with transparent automated marketplaces such as Cboe FX
challenging a small number of similarly situated competitors. While the global FX market has experienced a shift from
competing interbank platforms to ECNs, the electronification of the spot and NDF FX market may encounter resistance
from customers that still prefer to utilize the phone, instant chats, terminals and key banking relationships for price
discovery and trading. Furthermore, electronification of the FX market appears to be experiencing more resistance
outside the U.S. The electronic spot FX market is also intensely competitive, with over 10 other venues competing for
market share as of December 31, 2023. Cboe measures and reports on market share against a narrower set of
competitors, included in those venues.
Our digital asset spot market, regulated futures exchange, and regulated clearinghouse, compete against other spot
trading platforms, futures exchanges, and decentralized trading platforms that offer similar instruments.
In addition, our data and access solutions face competition from other securities exchanges, technology companies,
third-party market data providers, and information and software vendors, which have their own substantial market data
distribution capabilities that serve as alternative means for receiving open market data feeds instead of connecting directly
to our exchanges or trading venues. The sale of our proprietary data products is also under competitive threat from ATSs
and trading venues that offer similar products. Distributors and consumers of our market data may also use our market
data as an input into a product that competes against one of our traded or cleared products.
Technology
Cboe Trading Technology
The trading platform for our equities, options, and futures markets is developed, owned, and operated in-house and is
designed to optimize reliability, speed, scalability, and versatility. Our exchanges provide different market models,
appealing to different user bases, and the trading technologies support all of them. Further, the technologies are designed
to support many specialized features for each of the markets, such as: dark pools, trade reporting facility, systematic
internalizer, Large-in-Scale, smart order routing, FLEX options, 24x5 trading, and hybrid trading (combining electronic and
open outcry). In addition, Cboe and its applicable subsidiaries operate separate trading and/or clearing platforms, as
applicable, for BIDS Trading, certain Cboe Canada Inc. order books, Cboe Digital, Cboe Clear Europe, and Global FX.
Our trading platforms have generally experienced very low operational downtime and low latency. The trading
platforms use readily available hardware, thereby minimizing capital outlays required for each new market entry. Also, in
order to continue to implement new enhancements to our trading platforms, new releases of software are generally
deployed routinely in all of the applicable markets.
Disaster Recovery
We operate and maintain geographically diverse disaster recovery facilities for all of our markets. We expect that the
disaster recovery facilities can be up and running in a short period of time and in certain instances we work with our
market participants to try to quickly reopen marketplaces. We regularly test our data center recovery plans and
periodically carry out weekend tests using our back-up data centers, as well as an annual test with our U.S. trading
participants. In Canada, as required by local regulations, Cboe Canada Inc. conducts internal testing of its disaster
recovery data processing capabilities at least annually, and it participates in the bi-annual testing coordinated by CIRO.
Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan conduct internal testing of their disaster recovery data processing capabilities at least
annually. In Europe, we also regularly test our data center recovery plans and periodically carry out weekend tests which
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use our back-up data center, as well as an annual test with our European trading participants. We continue to work to
improve both the availability of our technology and our disaster recovery facilities.
Emerging Technologies
We are exploring the potential use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (“AI”), machine learning,
blockchain, distributed ledger technology, quantum computing, tokenization, the cloud, and other emerging technologies
to potentially help drive new products, increase productivity, improve our self-regulatory oversight responsibilities, and
increase automation of tasks.
Routing and Clearing
OCC is the sole provider of clearing on all of our U.S. options exchanges and CFE. National Securities Clearing
Corporation (“NSCC”), a subsidiary of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (“DTC”), is the sole provider of
clearing on our U.S. listed equity exchanges. The Canadian Depository for Securities (“CDS”) is the sole provider of
clearing on all equities transactions occurring on Cboe Canada Inc. With respect to Australian equities and derivatives,
Cboe Australia delivers matched trades of its customers to ASX Clear Pty Ltd and ASX Settlement Pty Ltd. ASX Clear Pty
Ltd acts as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Australia. The Japan Securities Clearing
Corporation (“JSCC”) is the sole provider of clearing on all equities transactions occurring on Cboe Japan’s Cboe-Alpha,
Cboe-Select, Cboe-Match and Cboe BIDS Japan. BofA Securities, Inc. (“BOA”) is the sole provider of clearing on all
equities transactions occurring on BIDS Trading. Cboe Europe Equities relies on LCH Limited and LCH SA (“LCH”), Cboe
Clear Europe, and SIX x-clear Ltd (“SIX x-clear”) to clear trades in European listed equity securities and exchange traded
products as part of an interoperable clearing model. For derivatives, Cboe NL relies on Cboe Clear Europe to clear both
index and single stock derivative contracts. Cboe Clear Digital is the sole provider of clearing and settlement of all digital
asset transactions occurring on Cboe Digital Exchange.
Cboe Trading is a routing broker-dealer used by our four U.S. equities exchanges and our four U.S. options
exchanges, including the electronic platform portion of Cboe Options. Cboe Trading’s clearing firms are Wedbush
Securities, Inc. (“Wedbush”) and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“Morgan Stanley”).
Digital Assets and Recent Developments
Cboe Digital is an operator of a U.S. based digital asset spot market, a regulated futures exchange, and a regulated
clearinghouse. As described in further detail below, Cboe Digital does not engage in proprietary trading activities and
does not maintain a trading entity. Cboe Digital does not itself trade digital assets, does not trade on its own exchange,
and does not maintain an affiliate trading entity for purposes of trading, market making, or liquidity provision on its
exchange. Cboe Clear Digital maintains its own operating funds in separate bank accounts from its customer funds. Each
bank account and digital wallet is appropriately titled in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements thus helping
to ensure that customer assets are clearly denoted as such.
Cboe Digital takes several steps to isolate the digital assets held for customers from its own assets and to structure
customer accounts in a way that reinforces customer ownership of digital assets. Primarily, Cboe Digital holds customer
digital assets separate from its own assets in customer accounts, referred to as wallets, with long-term storage by a third
party custody provider and licensed trust company. When Cboe Digital temporarily holds digital asset for customers to
enable the inbound receipt and outbound transmittal of virtual currencies, customer digital assets are held in omnibus
wallets titled for the benefit of customers of Cboe Digital. Digital assets of customers (but not those of Cboe Digital) are
held together in the omnibus wallets, and Cboe Digital maintains the records of the amount and type of digital asset
owned by each of its customers in the omnibus wallets. Cboe Digital does not hold its own corporate assets together with
the customer digital assets in the omnibus wallets, other than corporate assets that are held in omnibus wallets to
facilitate customer transactions relating to the digital assets contained in the omnibus wallet, including in order to pay
customary transaction fees and expenses. Because Cboe Digital does not have a trading entity for proprietary or liquidity
trading purposes, Cboe Digital maintains its own digital assets only to facilitate customer trading. Cboe Digital does not
currently pledge, rehypothecate, or invest customer digital assets, although its customer agreements and rulebook permit
it to do so in the future. Additionally, Cboe Digital does not otherwise use customer digital assets for its own corporate or
business purposes.
Further, Cboe Digital holds customer digital clearing assets through accounts with third party custodians and, in the
case of hot and warm wallets, through self-custody. Cboe Digital’s custody strategy is designed to maximize liquidity and
efficient access to assets by making those assets readily available. Cboe Digital monitors its cash and the digital asset
balances it maintains with custodians. Digital assets require control of one or more unique public and private keys relating
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to the local or online digital wallet in which the digital assets are held. The networks require one or more private keys
relating to a digital wallet to authorize a spending transaction. If private keys are lost or destroyed, this could prevent the
ability to transfer the corresponding digital asset. Security breaches, computer malware, and computer hacking attacks
have been a prevalent concern in digital asset markets. Cboe Digital has committed to securely store digital assets it
holds on behalf of users. As such, Cboe Digital may be liable to its users for losses arising from theft or loss of user
private keys. Cboe Digital has no reason to believe it will incur any expense associated with such potential liability
because (i) it has no known or historical experience of claims to use as a basis of measurement, (ii) it accounts for and
continually verifies the amount of digital assets within its control, and (iii) it has established security around custodial
private keys to minimize the risk of theft or loss.
Also, Cboe Digital is exposed to risk with respect to digital asset prices and valuations which are largely based on the
supply and demand for those digital assets in financial markets. Cboe Digital’s valuation governance framework includes
numerous controls and other procedural safeguards that are intended to maximize the quality of fair value measurements.
New products and valuation techniques are reviewed and approved by senior management. Cboe Digital’s valuation
process for digital assets are fair value estimates that are also validated by the finance control function independently.
Independent price verification is performed by finance control through benchmarking fair value estimates with observable
market prices or other independent sources. Reasonably designed controls and governance framework are in place and
are intended to help ensure quality third-party pricing sources were used.
Cboe Clear Digital clears cryptocurrencies from 50 U.S. jurisdictions authorized by license or not subject to licensing.
Cboe Clear Digital performs a guarantee function whereby Cboe Clear Digital helps to ensure that the obligations of the
transactions it clears are fulfilled. Spot trading is either cleared on a fully funded basis or by providing non-material daily
trading limits to certain well-qualified institutional clearing members. In order to help mitigate the impact of any potential
default by such a clearing member, extension of any trading limits is accompanied by performing credit due diligence,
requiring posting of collateral or other forms of financial guarantee and hard pre-trade limits. Cboe Digital does not allow
access from unauthorized or impermissible jurisdictions, and has taken active steps to help prevent such access and to
help prevent circumvention of our controls. To help ensure an orderly market, Cboe Digital maintains digital assets to
support its clearing operations which may be subject to significant changes in value and therefore exposed to market risk
with the fluctuation in market prices. Cboe Digital monitors this risk on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The business
model is such that Cboe Digital earns digital assets and at times may accumulate positions that are subject to market risk.
Customer positions do have market risk based on daily activity and settlement prices.
While Cboe Digital and its vendors have experienced cybersecurity threats and events of varying degrees, we are not
aware of any of these threats or events having a material impact on Cboe Digital’s business, financial condition or
operating results to date. However, there can be no assurance that we or our vendors and custodians will not experience
future threats or events that may be material. If any such threats or events materialize, we may be subject to contractual
restrictions, liability and damages, loss of business, penalties, unfavorable publicity, and increased scrutiny by regulators,
which may have an adverse effect on our business.
The bankruptcy of FTX and the bankruptcies of other digital asset platforms has brought increased scrutiny to the
digital asset industry. FTX’s bankruptcy and the bankruptcies of other digital asset platforms did not have a direct material
effect on Cboe’s overall business or financial condition in 2023.
Cboe Digital launched trading and clearing in margin futures on Bitcoin and Ether on January 11, 2024. With this
launch, Cboe Digital became the first U.S. regulated crypto native exchange and clearinghouse to enable both spot and
leveraged derivatives trading on a single platform.
See “Risk Factors” for more information regarding Cboe Digital.
Regulatory Environment and Compliance
Various aspects of our business are subject to regulation by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA, the New York Department of
Financial Services (“NYDFS”), various state regulators, CIRO, the Canadian Securities Administrators (and, in particular,
the Ontario Securities Commission or “OSC”), the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (“ASIC”), JFSA,
JSDA, ESMA, FCA, the Central Bank of the Netherlands (“DNB”), AFM, Bank of England, and other international
regulatory authorities where our exchanges or Cboe Clear Europe may be authorized to act as foreign exchanges or
provide clearing services, and market participants may be subject to regulation by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA, National
Futures Association (“NFA”), FCA, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, U.S. Department of the Treasury and/or
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foreign regulators. The following is a discussion of the more significant areas of regulation of us by the SEC, the CFTC,
and certain European regulators.
Recent Developments
Laws and regulations regarding our business are frequently modified or changed to address perceived problems,
new products, or competition or at the request of market participants. The following is a brief discussion of recent
regulatory developments that may significantly impact our business.
United States
Equity Market Structure
In December 2022, the SEC released four proposals that could impact equity market structure: (1) Disclosure of
Order Execution Information (Rule 605); (2) Regulation NMS Amendments: Tick Size, Access Fees, and Transparency;
(3) Regulation Best Execution; and (4) Proposed Rule to Enhance Order Competition. These proposals have been
noticed for public comment. If adopted as-is, final implementation of these equity market structure proposals could occur
in late 2024 and 2025 and could result in market technology changes and additional compliance costs to Cboe. Further, it
is possible that additional proposals or changes to the existing equity market structure, which could have a negative
impact on our operations. In addition, bills are sometimes introduced in the U.S. Congress that could also potentially
impact equity market structure and adversely impact our volumes and operations. See “Risk Factors” for more
information.
Volume Based Pricing Proposal
On October 18, 2023, the SEC released a proposed rule that would impact the way in which volume based discounts
are applied (“Volume Based Proposal”). If adopted, this Volume Based Proposal would prohibit national securities
exchanges, including Cboe’s equities exchanges, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, from offering volume-based transaction
pricing in connection with the execution of agency or riskless principal orders in NMS stocks. Although the new rules do
not appear likely to have a near term material impact, the new rules may have a long term material impact on our
business, financial condition and operating results if, for example, there is a reduction of overall volumes, liquidity, or
market share on Cboe’s equities exchanges, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA. See “Risk Factors” for more information.
Digital Asset Legislation
Members of U.S. Congress have introduced various bills related to the regulation of digital assets, however no
legislation has been passed and the details of any potential legislation remain to be discussed and agreed. While some of
these contemplated changes could reduce regulatory uncertainty, increase transparency, and promote investor
protection, which could be beneficial for Cboe Digital’s volumes and liquidity, the implementation of certain changes could
result in a reduction in overall volumes and liquidity or require additional resources to comply with any new rules included
as part of the legislation, which could have a negative impact on our operations. See “Risk Factors” for more information.
Europe
Capital Markets Union
The European Council (“E.C.”) has highlighted one of its top priorities as being the establishment of a fully
functioning, well-regulated Capital Markets Union (“CMU”). An Action Plan of concrete steps was set out in
September 2015, and an update of the list of initiatives was published in September 2016. In November 2019, the E.C.
set up a High Level Forum on CMU, resulting in a final report published in June 2020. On September 24, 2020, the E.C.
published a new CMU Action Plan, and on November 25, 2021, published a set of legislative proposals in furtherance of
the CMU, including proposals to amend the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (“MiFIR”) described in the EU
Transparency Rules section below. This therefore remains an ongoing project for the E.C., which may result in additional
regulation or legislation. In November 2021 the EU Commission published an update regarding progress against the CMU
Action Plan alongside a number of new legislative proposals designed to contribute to the objectives of CMU.
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These included proposals to:
• Create a European Single Access Point (“ESAP”) which will be a common source of public, free information
about EU companies and investment products, regardless of where in the EU they are located or originated.
• Amend the ELTIF framework to promote long-term investments through European Long-Term Investment Funds
(“ELTIFs”).
• Make funding more diversified for companies by reviewing the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive
(“AIFMD”).
• Enhance market transparency by reviewing the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (“MiFIR”).
• Create a binding, comprehensive information and communication technology risk management framework for
the EU financial sector through the Digital Operational Resilience Act (“DORA”).
Many of the above initiatives have been legislated for and are now in the process of being implemented. Further
detail on the MiFIR review is provided below.
OTC Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories
Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 4, 2012 on OTC derivatives,
central counterparties and trade repositories (the “European Market Infrastructure Regulation” or “EMIR”) sets out rules
relating to over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets, central counterparties and trade repositories. EMIR was
enhanced and amended by EMIR REFIT and EMIR 2.2. In December 2022, the EU Commission published a proposal to
further amend EMIR with the primary goal of making EU clearing services more attractive to market participants. This
proposal is currently going through the usual legislative procedure.
In addition, regulation governing the authorization and supervision of Central Securities Depositories (“CSDR”) was
approved in September 2014, with the publication of most “Level 2” Regulatory Technical Standards in March 2017, with
implementation in March 2019. Rules in relation to the calculation and collection of cash penalties have come in to force
in February 2022. In November 2022, ESMA published a proposal to amend CSDR to simplify the cash penalties process
for cleared transactions. This proposal has since been adopted and will come into force in September 2024. Furthermore,
CSDR Refit has been adopted and will come into force from the 1st of May 2024 onwards depending on the specific
articles.
The Central Counterparty Recovery and Resolution Regulation (“R&R Regulation”) was published in the Official
Journal of the EU on January 22, 2021, which resulted in an increase in the amount of prefunded capital Cboe Clear
Europe is required to maintain. This additional prefunded capital is required to be drawn before any recovery measures
can be taken by the CCP. On July 12, 2021, and November 18, 2021, ESMA proposed a set of level 2 and level 3
guidance pursuant to the R&R Regulation, which have been adopted by the European Commission and, except for one
regulation, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
EU Transparency Rules
On November 11, 2021, the European Council (“E.C.”) published its proposal for a review of EU market structure
legislation, including proposed amendments to Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (“MiFiR”) and Directive
2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments (“MiFID II”). The legislative phase of the review is now almost complete.
The final text includes, among other provisions, provision for a consolidated tape for the EU and changes to the
transparency regime for equities. These provisions are expected to be implemented in 2025. The legislation, as drafted,
does not appear likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
However, there are review clauses contained in the legislation which provide a further opportunity to review the
effectiveness of the transparency regime, at which point, potential changes may have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and operating results. See “Risk Factors” for more information.
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Compliance
U.S. Securities Industry
Federal securities laws have established a two-tiered system for the regulation of securities exchanges and market
participants. The first tier consists of the SEC, which has primary responsibility for enforcing federal securities laws. The
second tier consists of self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”), which are non-governmental entities that must register with
and are regulated by the SEC. The Exchanges are SROs, each registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (“Exchange Act”) as a “national securities exchange,” and are subject to oversight by the SEC.
SROs are an essential component of the regulatory scheme of the Exchange Act for providing fair and orderly
markets and protecting investors. To be registered as a national securities exchange, an exchange must successfully
undergo an application and review process with the SEC prior to beginning operations. Among other things, the SEC
must determine that the SRO has the ability to comply with the Exchange Act and to enforce compliance by its members
and persons associated with its members with the provisions of the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations thereunder
and the rules of the exchange.
In general, an exchange SRO is responsible for operating its trading platforms consistent with its rules, and regulating
its members through the adoption and enforcement of rules governing the business conduct of its members. The rules of
the exchange must also assure fair representation of its members in the selection of its directors and administration of its
affairs and, among other things, provide that one or more directors be representative of issuers or investors and not be
associated with a member of the exchange or with a broker or dealer. Additionally, the rules of the exchange must be
adequate to ensure fair dealing and to protect investors and may not impose any burden on competition not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Exchange Act.
As registered national securities exchanges, virtually all facets of our Exchange operations are subject to the SEC’s
oversight, as prescribed by the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act and the rules thereunder impose on us many regulatory
and operational responsibilities, including record keeping and the day-to-day responsibilities for market operations and
broker-dealer oversight. Furthermore, as SROs, the Exchanges are potentially subject to regulatory or legal action by the
SEC or other interested parties. The SEC also has broad enforcement powers to censure, fine, issue cease-and-desist
orders, prohibit us from engaging in some of our businesses, suspend or revoke our designation as a registered securities
exchange or remove or censure any of our officers or directors who violate applicable laws or regulations. For example, in
the past we have entered into consent orders with the SEC, under which our subsidiaries were censured, ordered to
cease and desist from violating certain sections of the Exchange Act, paid fines and completed certain undertakings.
As part of its regulatory oversight, the SEC conducts periodic reviews and inspections of exchanges, and the
Exchanges have been subject to such routine reviews and inspections. To the extent such reviews and inspections result
in regulatory or other changes, we may be required to modify the manner in which we conduct our business, which may
adversely affect our business. We collect certain fees to cover Section 31 fees charged to the Exchanges by the SEC and
certain fees derived from our regulatory function and fines in connection with our disciplinary proceedings. The
Exchanges are responsible for the ultimate payment of Section 31 fees to the SEC. Additionally, under the rules of each
of our exchanges, as required by the SEC, any revenue derived from the regulatory fees and fines cannot be used for
non-regulatory purposes.
Section 19 of the Exchange Act also provides that we must submit to the SEC proposed changes to any of the
Exchanges’ rules, including revisions of their certificates of incorporation, bylaws, or other governing documents of the
SROs or their parent companies. The SEC will typically publish the proposal for public comment, following which the SEC
may approve or disapprove the proposal, as it deems appropriate. Certain categories of rule changes, like fee changes,
can be effective on filing, but the SEC retains the ability to suspend or reject such filings within a prescribed period of
time.
Canadian Securities Industry
Cboe Canada Inc. is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by its primary provincial securities regulatory
authority, the OSC. In addition, Cboe Canada Inc. is a Marketplace Member of, and subject to a regulation services
agreement with, CIRO. The regulations applicable to Cboe Canada Inc. cover a wide array of areas, including, but not
limited to, marketplace operations (which include corporate governance, fair access, systems compliance and integrity,
and conflict management requirements), trading rules, electronic trading risk management, and financial viability.
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Australian Securities Industry
Cboe Australia is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by ASIC. The regulations applicable to Cboe
Australia cover a wide array of areas, including, but not limited to, marketplace operations (which include corporate
governance, fair access, systems compliance and integrity, and conflict management requirements), trading rules,
electronic trading risk management, and financial viability.
Japanese Securities Industry
Cboe Japan is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the JFSA and the JSDA. The regulations
applicable to Cboe Japan cover a wide array of areas, including, but not limited to, marketplace operations (which include
corporate governance, fair access, systems compliance and integrity, and conflict management requirements), trading
rules, electronic trading risk management, and financial viability.
Futures and Swaps Industry-CFE and Cboe SEF
The operations of each of CFE and Cboe SEF are subject to regulation by the CFTC under the Commodity Exchange
Act (“CEA”). The CEA generally requires that futures trading in the United States be conducted on a designated contract
market and, in some cases, requires swaps trading to be conducted on a swap execution facility (“SEF”) or designated
contract market (“DCM”). The CEA and CFTC regulations establish criteria for an exchange to be designated as a
contract market on which futures and futures options contracts may be traded, and for a trading platform to be designated
as a swap execution facility on which certain swaps may be traded. Designation as a contract market or swap execution
facility for the trading of specified futures or swaps contracts is non-exclusive. This means that the CFTC may permit
additional exchanges or trading platforms to be contract markets or swap execution facilities for trading the same or
similar contracts.
CFE is a designated contract market, and Cboe SEF is a swap execution facility, each of which is subject to the
oversight of the CFTC and to a variety of ongoing regulatory and reporting responsibilities under the CEA. As a
designated contract market, CFE is required to comply with the applicable core principles and regulations under the CEA,
as is Cboe SEF as a swap execution facility. Each of CFE and Cboe SEF has surveillance and regulatory operations and
procedures to monitor and enforce compliance by trading privilege holders with CFE rules, and by participants with Cboe
SEF rules, as applicable. If CFE or Cboe SEF fails to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations, it may be subject
to censure, fines, cease-and-desist orders, suspension of its business, removal of personnel or other sanctions, including
revocation of CFE’s designation as a contract market or Cboe SEF’s designation as a swap execution facility.
Digital Assets
Cboe Digital Exchange is a designated contract market, and Cboe Clear Digital is a derivatives clearing organization,
each of which is subject to the oversight of the CFTC and to a variety of ongoing regulatory and reporting responsibilities
under the CEA. As a designated contract market, Cboe Digital Exchange is required to comply with the applicable core
principles and regulations under the CEA, as is Cboe Clear Digital as a derivatives clearing organization. Each of Cboe
Digital Exchange and Cboe Clear Digital has surveillance and regulatory operations and procedures to monitor and
enforce compliance by trading privilege holders with Cboe Digital Exchange rules, and by participants with Cboe Clear
Digital rules. If Cboe Digital Exchange or Cboe Clear Digital fails to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations, it
may be subject to censure, fines, cease-and-desist orders, suspension of its business, removal of personnel or other
sanctions, including revocation of Cboe Digital Exchange’s designation as a contract market or Cboe Clear Digital’s
designation as a derivatives clearing organization.
Cboe Clear Digital also maintains a license to operate as a money transmitter in the states where such licenses or
equivalent are required to conduct business. In addition, Cboe Clear Digital has a BitLicense from the NYDFS. As a
licensed money transmitter and an entity subject to the BitLicense regulatory regime, Cboe Clear Digital is subject to,
among other things, the Bank Secrecy Act, restrictions and requirements with respect to the investment of customer funds
and use and safeguarding of customer funds and crypto assets, and bonding, net worth, customer notice and disclosure,
reporting and recordkeeping requirements applicable to the company and control persons, and inspection and
examination by state regulatory agencies.
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Europe
Cboe Europe is located in London and is subject to regulation in the UK and to certain European regulations. The
current UK regulatory system was established by the Financial Services Act 2012 (“FSA12”), which amended the
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The legislation replaced the previous financial services regulator, the Financial
Services Authority, with three new bodies: The Financial Policy Committee (“FPC”), The Prudential Regulation Authority,
and the FCA. Financial conduct of markets, including activity on, and the operation of, markets is regulated by the FCA,
which is an independent non-governmental body, given statutory powers by the FSA12. The FCA has three statutory
objectives: to secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers; to protect and enhance the integrity of the UK
financial system; and to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers in the markets for financial services.
The FCA is accountable to His Majesty’s Treasury Ministers and, through them, to Parliament.
Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe NL are located in Amsterdam and subject to Dutch law and regulation. The current
Dutch regulatory system was established by the Act on Financial Supervision. Financial conduct of markets, including
activity on, and the operation of, markets is regulated by the AFM. Financial conduct of CCPs, including clearing activity is
regulated by the AFM and DNB. The AFM is an independent non-governmental body, given statutory powers by the Act
on Financial Supervision. The AFM has three strategic objectives: to promote the fair and conscientious provision of
financial services, to promote the fair and efficient operation of the capital markets and to contribute to the stability of the
financial system. The AFM is accountable to the Minister of Finance. The DNB is the Dutch central bank, financial sector
supervisor and resolution authority. The DNB is committed to a stable financial system: stable prices, solid financial
institutions and properly functioning payment transfers. Cboe Clear Europe is recognized as a non-UK CCP in the United
Kingdom, which allows it to provide services to UK Clearing Participants and UK trading venues. Cboe Clear Europe is
also recognized as a foreign central counterparty in Switzerland, which allows it to provide services to Swiss Clearing
Participants and SIX Swiss Exchange AG.
Much of the UK and Dutch financial services regulation originates from the EU. Such regulation includes
organizational requirements, capital resources requirements and the specific requirements for RMs and MTFs and are
applicable to both Cboe Europe and Cboe NL. MiFID II and MiFIR set out requirements for RMs and MTFs with respect to
the establishment of transparent and non-discretionary rules and procedures governing access and for fair and orderly
trading and the efficient execution of orders, as well as to facilitate the efficient settlement of transactions conducted on
RMs and MTFs and monitoring compliance with the rules. EMIR governs the CCPs operating in the EU and requires them
to meet common risk management, governance and capital adequacy standards. The regulatory functions required of
Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives, including Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe NL, by MiFID II, MiFIR, EMIR and other
relevant legislation and regulations are performed by in-house staff. Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives utilizes the
same state-of-the-art, real-time surveillance system is used on the U.S. to monitor trading and market activities on BZX,
BYX, EDGA, and EDGX. Cboe Clear Europe utilizes proprietary risk management software to monitor settlement and
funding flows.
Global FX
While the global institutional spot FX market remains largely unregulated, the enactment of the Dodd Frank Act and
its related regulations in the United States and the ongoing implementation of MiFID II and MiFIR in Europe have
impacted the regulatory landscape for currency derivative products. For example, certain standardized currency derivative
products are required to trade on an organized trading venue such as a SEF or DCM in the United States or on an MTF or
organized trading facility in Europe. Moreover, even in the largely unregulated spot FX market, this movement towards
additional trading standards and norms is highlighted by the publication of the FX Global Code in 2017 by the Global
Foreign Exchange Committee, reflecting principles of good conduct for the wholesale FX market, and whose publication
may lead to additional oversight in the global FX market. Cboe FX issued a Statement of Commitment declaring its
commitment to conduct its FX market activities in a manner consistent with the principles of the FX Global Code.
Following the publication of the FX Global Code regulators are taking a new look at the spot FX market, and any decision
to impose new regulations may affect our spot FX business line.
Broker-Dealers
Cboe Trading, BIDS Trading, and Cboe Fixed Income are registered broker-dealers regulated by the SEC, FINRA,
other SROs of which they are members and various state securities regulators. Cboe Trading currently operates as a
routing broker-dealer for sending orders from the Exchanges to other venues for execution, including routing orders
among the Exchanges. Cboe Trading is considered a facility of each of the Exchanges and is subject to the rules of the
Exchanges. The Exchanges are responsible for enforcing Cboe Trading’s compliance with their rules, including to ensure
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Cboe Trading is not given preferential treatment. BIDS Trading currently operates an ATS, which is designed to bring
counterparties together to anonymously trade large blocks of U.S. equities. BIDS Trading is not a member of any of the
U.S. national securities exchanges and is not subject to exchange rules. Cboe Fixed Income, a registered broker-dealer
and member of FINRA, operates an electronic trading system for U.S. government securities targeted at the institutional
inter-dealer market for trading on-the-run U.S. Treasury bonds and notes in the secondary OTC markets. Cboe Fixed
Income’s participants are SEC registered broker-dealers that are members of The Depository Trust and Clearing
Corporation’s Fixed Income Clearing Corporation.
Cboe Trading, BIDS Trading, and Cboe Fixed Income are subject to SEC and SRO rules, as applicable, and, as
registered broker-dealers, regulations concerning all aspects of their businesses, including trading practices, order
handling, best execution, anti-money laundering, handling of material non-public information, safeguarding data,
reporting, capital adequacy, record retention, market access and the conduct of their officers, employees and other
associated persons. The SEC, SROs and state securities commissions may conduct proceedings which can result in
injunctions or other sanctions, censures, fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders or the suspension or expulsion of
a broker-dealer, its officers or employees. The SEC and FINRA impose certain minimum capital requirement rules that
require notification when a broker-dealer’s net capital falls below certain predefined criteria, dictate the ratio of debt to
equity in the regulatory capital composition of a broker-dealer, constrain the ability of a broker-dealer to expand its
business under certain circumstances and impose certain requirements that may have the effect of prohibiting a broker-
dealer from distributing or withdrawing capital.
In addition, the ATS operated by BIDS Trading is not a registered national securities exchange or a facility thereof, as
such, Cboe intends to maintain the BIDS ATS as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from
and not integrated with the Exchanges. The Chief Executive Officer of BIDS Trading is expected to lead BIDS Trading as
an independent business within Cboe, reporting into an independent committee of the board of Cboe Global Markets.
Further, Cboe Trading will not route orders to BIDS Trading on behalf of the Exchanges.
Cboe Global Markets
Certain aspects of Cboe Global Markets are also subject to SEC, FCA and AFM oversight, including certain
ownership and voting restrictions on its stockholders. The focus of the SEC’s regulation of Cboe Global Markets is to
assure fair representation of members in the selection of the directors of the Exchanges, public participation in the
governance of the Exchanges and that the Exchanges can satisfy their regulatory responsibilities under the Exchange
Act. Furthermore, the SEC requires that Cboe Global Markets give due regard to the preservation of the independence of
the self-regulatory function of the Exchanges and to Cboe Global Markets’ obligations to investors and the general public.
The SEC also requires that Cboe Global Markets not take any actions that would interfere with the effectuation of any
decisions by the Board of Directors of any of the Exchanges relating to its regulatory functions or the structure of the
market that it regulates or that would interfere with the ability of such Exchange to carry out its responsibilities under the
Exchange Act. To the extent that Cboe Global Markets’ business activities involve or relate to the Exchanges, the officers
and directors of Cboe Global Markets may be deemed to be officers and directors of the exchanges for purposes of and
subject to oversight under the federal securities laws. Accordingly, the SEC may exercise direct supervision and
disciplinary authority over certain Cboe Global Markets’ activities and those activities may be subject to SEC approval
and, in some cases, public notice and comment.
In addition, Cboe Global Markets indirectly holds all of the issued share capital and voting rights in Cboe Europe and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Cboe Chi-X Europe and Cboe NL. As a result, we and any person who holds, or has voting
power with respect to, 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Cboe Global Markets common stock may be subject to
certain regulatory requirements under UK and Dutch law.
U.S. Regulatory Responsibilities
Our U.S.-based exchanges are responsible for assessing the compliance of their TPHs or members, including Cboe
Trading, with the respective exchange’s rules and the applicable rules of the SEC and/or CFTC. The main activities that
the exchanges, as applicable, are required to monitor for the purpose of compliance with these rules include:
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surveillance designed to detect violations of exchange trading rules;
surveillance designed to detect violations of SEC and/or CFTC rules;
investigation of matters involving potential rule violations;
the investigation of complaints about possible rule violations brought by customers, TPHs, members or other
SROs; and
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the examination of TPHs or members for compliance with rules such as those related to net capital, books and
records, market access and other matters related to the TPHs’ or members’ exchange business functions.
In order to ensure market integrity, we regulate and monitor our TPHs’ and members’ trading activities by using both
our employees and/or third parties under regulatory services agreements (“RSAs”). See “U.S. Regulatory Agreements”
below. Providing effective regulation is important for attracting and retaining the confidence and participation of market-
makers, broker-dealers and institutional and retail investors.
We expend considerable time, financial resources and effort to ensure that the exchanges’ rules and regulations
conform to regulatory best practices within the securities and futures exchange industries and within the regulatory regime
overseen by the SEC and CFTC, our primary U.S. regulators. In order to support our efforts and those of our market
participants to comply with applicable law and our exchange rules, we developed a regulatory program to monitor market
activity on our exchanges.
All of our Exchanges, CFE, and Cboe Digital Exchange are participants in various cooperative and regulatory
information sharing agreements, including in the Intermarket Surveillance Group (“ISG”). ISG is an international
information-sharing cooperative governed by a written agreement that provides for a comprehensive surveillance sharing
arrangement. In addition to the agreement for confidential information sharing, the ISG provides a framework for the
coordination of regulatory efforts among exchanges trading securities, commodity futures and related products to address
potential intermarket manipulations and trading abuses.
CFE and Cboe Digital Exchange are also members of the Joint Audit Committee (“JAC”), which is a representative
committee of the U.S. futures exchanges and regulatory organizations which participate in a joint audit and financial
surveillance program that has been approved and is overseen by the CFTC. The JAC’s primary responsibility is to
oversee the implementation and functioning of all terms and conditions of the Joint Audit Agreement and to determine the
practices and procedures to be followed by each designated self-regulatory organization in the conduct of regulatory
examinations and financial reviews of FCMs.
As part of the regulatory program, each of our Exchanges and CFE have rules pertaining to their respective
disciplinary processes.
U.S. Regulatory Agreements
The Exchanges and CFE have entered into agreements under which third parties have agreed to perform regulatory
functions on behalf of our markets (e.g., RSAs). As discussed below, in addition, in certain other instances for our
Exchanges, a third party has been allocated the regulatory responsibility under Rule 17d-1 or Rule 17d-2 under the
Exchange Act, while in others, we retain the regulatory responsibility for the activities.
Regulatory Services Agreement with FINRA
The Exchanges have entered into agreements with FINRA under which FINRA has agreed to provide regulatory
services to the Exchanges. Under these agreements, FINRA performs certain regulatory functions on behalf of the
Exchanges and, to avoid any potential conflicts of interest concerning the regulation and oversight of Cboe Trading,
certain regulatory services specific to Cboe Trading. The Exchanges remain responsible for the regulation of their TPHs,
members and marketplaces, and retain the authority for bringing disciplinary actions against their TPHs and members,
although FINRA performs certain functions on behalf of the Exchanges. The Exchanges also perform certain regulatory
and disciplinary-related functions in-house.
Regulatory Services Agreement with OCC
While CFE also performs most regulatory and disciplinary-related functions in-house, OCC has performed and
continues to perform certain regulatory functions on behalf of CFE pursuant to an RSA with CFE. Whether performed
under an RSA or in-house, CFE retains overall responsibility for the regulation of its marketplace and for bringing
disciplinary actions.
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Rule 17d-1 Designations and Rule 17d-2 Agreements
Section 17(d) of the Exchange Act and the related Exchange Act rules permit SROs to allocate certain regulatory
responsibilities to avoid duplicative oversight and regulation. Under Exchange Act Rule 17d-1, the SEC designates one
SRO to be the designated examining authority (“DEA”) for each broker-dealer that is a member of more than one SRO.
The DEA is responsible for the regulatory oversight of applicable financial responsibility rules pertaining to that broker-
dealer. Cboe Options is the DEA for several of its TPHs. Cboe Trading’s assigned DEA is FINRA.
Exchange Act Rule 17d-2 permits SROs to enter into agreements, commonly called Rule 17d-2 agreements, which
are approved by the SEC and concern the allocation of regulatory responsibility for rules applicable to TPHs and
members that those SROs have in common. The Exchanges have entered into certain bi-lateral Rule 17d-2 agreements
under which FINRA is allocated responsibility for enforcing certain federal securities laws and certain exchange rules that
are common with FINRA rules. The Exchanges have entered into certain other multi-party Rule 17d-2 agreements that
allocate responsibility among the participating SROs, which may include the Exchanges, for oversight of their allocated
common members compliance with certain rules governing, among other items, options related sales practices, options
related market surveillance, insider trading, NMS and consolidated audit trail (“CAT”) NMS plan compliance.
National Market System Plans
We are member participants of several NMS plans including, but not limited to, the following: Cboe Options, C2, BZX,
and EDGX are member exchanges in OPRA, which is the designated securities information processor for market
information that is generated through the trading of exchange-listed securities options in the United States, and it
disseminates certain core trading information, such as last sale reports and quotations. Cboe Options, BZX, BYX, EDGA,
and EDGX also participate in the CTA/CQ and the UTP Plans, which perform analogous services for the U.S. equities
market. Securities Information Automation Corporation (“SIAC”) acts as the “processor” for OPRA and the CTA/QC Plans.
Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC acts as the processor for the Nasdaq Unlisted Trading Privileges Plan. Also, see “Risk
Factors” for more information regarding the consolidated data plan order.
Cboe Options, C2, BZX, and EDGX are also parties to the Options Order Protection and Locked/Crossed Market
Plan, which is designed to prohibit trade-throughs and avoid locked/crossed markets. Cboe Options, C2, BZX, and EDGX
are also parties to the Options Listing Procedures Plan, which sets forth the procedures that the options exchanges must
follow to list new options. Cboe Options, BZX, BYX, EDGA, and EDGX are also parties to the NMS plan for the selection
and reservation of securities symbols.
Under the Options Regulatory Surveillance Authority Plan (“ORSA Plan”), U.S. securities options exchanges are
permitted to act jointly in the administration, operation and maintenance of a regulatory system for the surveillance,
investigation and detection of the unlawful use of undisclosed, material information in trading in one or more of their
markets. The ORSA Plan is intended to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency with which the exchanges regulate their
respective markets and to avoid duplication of certain regulatory efforts. FINRA operates the ORSA Plan facility for
options insider trading.
The Consolidated Audit Trail Plan (“CAT Plan”) involves the creation of a consolidated audit trail that tracks orders
throughout their lifecycle, which strives to enhance regulators’ ability to efficiently monitor trading activity in Eligible
Securities in the U.S. securities markets. Eligible Securities currently include NMS Stocks, Listed Options and OTC
Equities. Order and trade data is required to be reported to the CAT central repository the following day by each SRO (a
“Plan Participant”) and broker-dealer (an “Industry Member”), along with certain customer and account information by
each Industry Member. On November 15, 2016, the SEC approved the CAT Plan and a phased implementation was
originally required to begin in November 2017; however, there were some delays. The first phase of CAT (“Phase 1”)
ultimately went live in November 2018, at which time we and other SROs/Plan Participants began initial reporting of order
and trade file submissions to the CAT. The second phase of CAT (“Phase 2”) for Industry Members began with order and
trade file submissions in June 2020. The final Phase 2 implementation sub-phase (Phase 2e), related to Industry Member
submissions to the customer and account information submissions system (“CAIS”) has been live in production since
April 2022, but its completion has been delayed. The Industry Member full CAIS compliance reporting requirements are
currently scheduled to go into effect May 31, 2024.
On May 15, 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to the CAT to establish financial accountability provisions to
achieve full CAT implementation, including a financial accountability milestone requiring full implementation of the CAT
requirements by December 30, 2022. If the SEC were to determine any financial accountability milestone was not met, it
may limit the SROs’/Plan Participants’ recovery of certain costs. Due to the delayed completion of CAIS, the SROs/Plan
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Participants have submitted to the SEC requests to extend the timeline for the completion of Phase 2e and the deadline
for the final financial accountability milestone and additional requests may be submitted. If the SEC does not grant
extensions and finds that the SROs/Plan Participants did not satisfy the related last financial accountability milestone, it
could result in the SROs/Plan Participants not being able to recover certain costs associated with this final sub-phase,
which amount of unrecoverable costs may increase for additional delays.
On September 6, 2023, the SEC issued an order approving an amendment to the CAT national market system plan
to implement a revised funding model (“CAT Funding Model”) for Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC (“CATLLC”) to fund the
CAT. The approved CAT Funding Model contemplates two categories of CAT fees calculated based on the “executed
equivalent shares” of transactions in eligible securities: (i) CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to Industry Members who are
CAT Executing Brokers (the brokers responsible for executing each side of the transaction) to recover a portion of
historical CAT costs previously paid to CATLLC by the Plan Participants; and (ii) CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to CAT
Executing Brokers and Plan Participants to fund prospective CAT costs. To date, the funding of the CAT has solely been
provided by the SROs/Plan Participants has been done in exchange for promissory notes. The funds generated from the
assessment of CAT fees to recover a portion of historical CAT costs will be used by CATLLC to repay a portion of these
promissory notes to the Plan Participants.
The Plan Participants submitted fee filings during the first week of January 2024 with the SEC to implement the
applicable transaction-based fee rates that are to be assessed by CATLLC to CAT Executing Brokers to recover a portion
of historical CAT costs incurred prior to 2022. Additional CAT fees related to other historical CAT costs and to prospective
CAT costs are planned to be introduced at a later time through separate fee filings submitted by the Plan Participants.
Once the CAT fee related to ongoing prospective CAT costs becomes effective through fee filings submitted by the Plan
Participants, it is anticipated there will no longer be any need for Plan Participants to fund CATLLC in exchange for
promissory notes. On January 17, 2024, the SEC issued orders suspending each Plan Participant’s fee filing and
instituting proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the fees, which orders were published in the
Federal Register on February 13, 2024. Comments are due March 5, 2024, and rebuttal comments are due March 19,
2024.
A challenge to the SEC’s September 6, 2023 order was filed by the American Securities Association and Citadel
Securities, LLC against SEC before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit on October 17, 2023. This challenge or
any other challenge to the SEC order approving the CAT Funding Model and/or Plan Participant(s) fee filings may
significantly delay implementation efforts. As a result, the Plan Participants may continue to incur additional significant
costs, and/or it may result in them not being able to collect on the promissory notes related to the funding of the
implementation and operation of the CAT.
CATLLC, as well as the Cboe U.S. Securities Exchanges, and certain other exchanges/Plan Participants filed
motions to intervene in the aforementioned matter on November 16, 2023 and are waiting the Court’s ruling on the
motions. CATLLC also determined to move forward with implementing its first fee under the SEC-approved CAT Funding
Model. As a result, the Cboe U.S. Securities Exchanges and other Plan Participants submitted fee filings on or near
January 2, 2024 to implement the CAT fee on behalf of CATLLC related to a portion of historical CAT costs incurred prior
to 2022 the discussed above. Although the fee filings were submitted as “immediately effective” filings, the CATLLC fee
will be assessed beginning with trades occurring on March 1, 2024 (with the first monthly invoice for the month of
March being issued in April 2024 and first monthly payment due in May 2024).
Until the fees for historical CAT costs that are associated with the promissory notes are collected from CAT Executing
Brokers and remitted by CATLLC to the Plan Participants, and until CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to CAT Executing
Brokers and Plan Participants to fund prospective CAT costs are implemented, the Plan Participants may continue to
incur additional significant costs, including additional promissory notes to fund CAT. Additionally, portions of promissory
notes related to the funding of the implementation and operation of the CAT may not be collectible, including if the SEC
finds that the SROs/Plan Participants did not satisfy any of the financial accountability milestones. The allowance for
notes receivable credit losses associated with the CAT is calculated using a methodology that is primarily based on the
structure of the notes and various potential outcomes under the CAT Funding Model. See Note 23 (“Commitments,
Contingencies, and Guarantees”) for more information.
Intellectual Property
We own or have rights to a number of intellectual property assets, including trademarks, service marks, domain
names, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets and patents. While the majority of our intellectual property is protected
under U.S. law, we have many intellectual property assets protected by laws in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
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We license some intellectual property assets to other entities. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights, while
respecting the legitimate intellectual property rights of others.
Human Capital Management
Cboe has a robust human capital management program in place focused on equal opportunities including diversity,
equity and inclusion (“DEI”), performance and career development, health and well-being, comprehensive benefits,
training, talent acquisition, and succession planning. Additional information on our approach to human capital and
environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) issues can be found in the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Environmental,
Social and Governance Report located in the Corporate Social Responsibility section of our website at
https://markets.cboe.com/about/corporate-social-responsibility, which does not form a part of this Form 10-K.
Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Pay Equity
Cboe believes in a culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes creativity, collaboration and innovation, which is
critical to the success of our business and defining the markets of tomorrow. Cboe is an equal opportunity employer and
provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to sex, gender, race, color, ethnicity,
creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, disability, marital status,
domestic partnership or civil union status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic status, gender identity or expression,
and any other characteristic protected by applicable law (a “Protected Characteristic”). Cboe is committed to applying our
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy to all employment practices that impact the terms and conditions of employment
including, but not limited to, hiring, evaluation, discipline, promotion, training, compensation, transfer, and termination.
Actively nurturing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive culture at Cboe is a core imperative. We believe that our
collective and unique perspectives fuel our capabilities, enhance our team spirit and enable us to attract and retain top
talent as we define the markets of the future. Our commitment and responsibility in this regard starts at the top, with
leadership and support from the full Cboe Board of Directors and executive team.
To maintain and strengthen our pledge to equity, diversity and inclusion and to keep a level playing field, we regularly
review key touchpoints across the employee journey with Cboe., from the talent selection, promotion, compensation,
leadership development, and succession planning processes and make adjustments, as necessary, to help ensure
opportunity parity across the Company. Our goal is to ensure that fair pay and equal opportunity for all that results in a
collaborative, high performing organization bringing new innovations to market and providing superior service to our
customers.
We also have associate resource groups, including the Cboe Women’s Initiative, the Diversity Leadership Council,
the Veterans Initiative, PRISM+ (People Respecting Individuality and Sexuality in Markets), Cboe UNIDOS, Asian and
Pacific Islanders Network (APIN) and Black Equity and Allyship in Markets (BEAM).
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The Cboe Women’s Initiative works toward its mission: to increase representation, strengthen voices, and
build a culture of opportunity and advancement for the women of Cboe. The Women’s Initiative is led by an
associate board and engages women throughout the Company on a variety of programs. More specifically,
the Women’s Initiative is comprised of three committees that target areas where its membership strives to
promote change, such as networking events, mentorship, and building an advocacy group aimed at
gathering input on topics of importance for its membership. Networking events include the “Trailblazers”
events where senior women share their success stories through personal accounts of career growth and
impact and speakers on Male Allyship in the workplace.
The Diversity Leadership Council focuses on unlocking the potential of a variety of perspectives, capabilities
and cultural experiences. We believe in a culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes creativity,
collaboration and innovation, which is critical to the success of our business and defining the markets of
tomorrow. To reinforce this belief, this council is a collective voice on how Cboe strives to create a diverse
workforce that reflects the world in which we operate. Further, they are charged with oversight on how we
build an inclusive culture where every employee feels welcome, safe and empowered.
The Cboe Veterans Initiative operates based on four main pillars: recruiting, mentorship, service, and
networking. The vision for the Cboe Veterans Initiative is to actively seek Veteran talent, provide mentorship
to veterans within and outside of the Company, commit to giving back to the Veteran community through
financial and non-monetary support, and encourage outreach to Cboe Veterans.
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• PRISM+ is focused on celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community through education and allyship.
• Cboe UNIDOS is committed to increasing and sustaining the visibility of Hispanic/Latinos/Latinx associates
at Cboe by improving opportunities through education, mentorship and networking.
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The Asian and Pacific Islanders Network (APIN) is committed to empower, support and advocate for Asian
and Pacific Islander associates at Cboe. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that
values the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and contributions of APIN associates.
• Black Equity and Allyship in Markets (BEAM) unites Allies and Black professionals to address the unique
challenges to opportunity, entry, and advancement in financial markets and create a workplace where equity
is reimagined, equal opportunities are accessible and associates from all backgrounds can ascend to
leadership roles and contribute to the strategy and achievements of Cboe.
To reinforce our commitment to organization wide education and commitment to diversity and inclusion we also
provide harassment and unconscious bias training for employees.
We also have a community engagement program, Cboe Empowers, that provides mentorship, scholarship and
guidance to under-resourced students throughout their educational journey through access to Cboe’s associates,
resources, work environment and other learning and experience opportunities. Initially launched in Chicago, the vision for
Cboe Empowers is to support students through all stages of education from elementary or primary school to career by
providing mentorship, learning and experience opportunities, professional development and scholarships to students
within the Chicago Public School system and graduates pursuing higher education. Cboe Empowers expects to
supplement its own programs by collaborating with local partners, including the Greenwood Project and Working in the
Schools, to help create maximum impact for its participants. In 2023, Cboe Empowers awarded seven full-ride college
scholarships to under-resourced high school students to attend the school of their choice, expanding the program to
include students from Kansas City. Five of the scholarships were awarded to students from Chicago and two were
awarded to students from Kansas City.
Performance and Career Development
Cboe expects employees to perform their duties to the best of their ability and to develop their competencies for
career growth. We recognize the need to provide ongoing, timely, and constructive performance feedback. Cboe has
designed a Performance Management Program that drives the professional development of our employees while also
providing fair and equitable rewards and recognition.
The principles of performance management include:
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•
align performance expectations with strategy and goals of the business,
ongoing open dialogue regarding performance and development,
foster accountability for behaviors and actions which contribute to a positive culture, and
commitment to deliver results which drive our business.
To help promote career development, among other items, Cboe offers a formal mentorship program among its
associates. The mentorship program was originally developed by the Cboe Women’s Initiative. In 2023, the mentorship
program paired over 60 mentors with mentees across the Company.
Employee Health and Well-Being and Comprehensive Benefits Program
Cboe’s vision is to support the overall wellness of employees and their families through education and activities that
encourage a healthy lifestyle, resulting in improved health and productivity. Our programs and benefit plans provide a
corporate atmosphere of collective well-being and incorporate strategies for physical, emotional, mental and financial
wellness. Our programs include enhanced employee assistance programs, wellness programs and challenges (which
address both mental and physical well-being), and webinars and classes through our retirement vendor to support the
financial health of our employees.
30
With the global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, there was further focus on our Employee Assistance program, which
was strengthened across the globe with a diverse set of mental health resources aimed at supporting our employees
during a unique and challenging time.
Employee Engagement and Pulse Surveys, Town Halls and an Open-Door Policy
In 2023, Cboe conducted our sixth annual employee engagement survey and has implemented career, leadership,
and culture focused programs in response to the survey findings. Our participation rate exceeds standard benchmarks
and a significant majority of our employees would recommend Cboe as a great place to work.
Our senior management team continues to hold the commitment to an open-door policy and encourages the free flow
of information and communication in furtherance of active transparency. With the recent executive transitions, our ability
to tap into the voice of our employees was critically important and we conducted a pulse survey to gauge sentiment. Our
CEO also issues weekly letters to help connect with our employees. Human Resources also provided ongoing regular
resources and tips to help support the variety of challenges, from the new reality of hybrid work to childcare and elder
care, that our employees faced throughout 2023.
Cboe also continues to create an open and frank atmosphere in which any grievance, complaint, suggestion or
question receives a timely response. Cboe offers a whistleblower hotline for complaints, which can be made
anonymously. Additionally, employees can raise questions and suggestions to the Cboe Human Resources team either
in-person or via a group email address and are either responded to individually or addressed at our Global Town Hall
meetings. The objective of these town halls is to provide employees an update on Company news, share updates from
major business lines, as well as provide a forum to ask questions and offer feedback. Town halls can include updates on
anything from legislation that may impact our business to ESG topics. Employees are encouraged to participate in free
flow of information and communication and to offer positive and constructive feedback in furtherance of active
transparency.
Training and Succession Planning
We believe that the development of all Cboe employees helps drive our collective success. Through skill and
competency development we signal our investment in all while also enabling enhanced productivity. Through our tuition
reimbursement program, our employees receive financial support in their pursuit of specialized university courses and
degrees. In addition to our ongoing offering of online courses on diverse topics through our corporate university, CboeU,
employees can participate in the CboeLearns hybrid program focused on virtual classroom instruction combined with work
application and CboeLive, which is focused on business topics to foster organizational-wide knowledge sharing and
education.
Leadership is another critical element of our success at Cboe. The Board of Directors of Cboe and global senior
leaders participated in a Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and workshop to learn about their leadership style and how
to empower Cboe associates based on their natural strengths. Leaders can participate in Lead the Way, Cboe’s
leadership development hybrid program focused on virtual classroom instruction combined with in-person facilitated
workshops and exercises, and individual development plans leveraging insights for a 360-feedback process. This
leadership training program has helped to expand on the development of our high potential leaders, further strengthening
the leadership bench and accelerating readiness of this key talent pool.
Cboe has held several succession planning discussions with the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors to
plan for the fulfillment of essential roles, such as the CEO and other senior officers. This process includes investments in
advanced development planning for targeted successors to accelerate their readiness through key internal projects and
assignments as well as tailored training. Diversity and inclusion are a formal part of Cboe’s succession planning process
as we work to identify and advance internal diverse talent and, in parallel, continually scan external talent pools for
successors. Following the recent executive transitions, one of the new CEO’s top areas of focus is to develop talent and
spend time on succession planning.
31
Employees
As of December 31, 2023, we employed 1,647 individuals in the following locations:
Location
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hong Kong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switzerland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of Employees
1,107
186
125
80
78
30
26
9
5
1
Of these employees, 595 were involved in technology operations and 185 were involved in direct support of trading
operations. The remaining 867 employees provide business development, financial, regulation, human resources,
compliance, legal, planning and research, administrative, and managerial support.
We have three building engineers that are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, which expires on March 31,
2024, with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, AFL-CIO. Management believes that we have strong
relationships with our employees, and we have never experienced a work stoppage.
Information about our Executive Officers
Set forth below is information regarding our executive officers:
Name
Fredric J. Tomczyk . . . . . .
Catherine R. Clay. . . . . . . .
Stephanie Foley . . . . . . . . .
Jill M. Griebenow . . . . . . . .
David Howson . . . . . . . . . .
Adam Inzirillo . . . . . . . . . . .
Christopher A. Isaacson . .
Patrick Sexton . . . . . . . . . .
Allen Wilkinson . . . . . . . . . .
Age
68
56
42
44
47
47
45
59
36
Position
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President, Global Head of Derivatives
Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President, Global President
Executive Vice President, Global Head of Data and Access Solutions
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
Fredric J. Tomczyk. Mr. Tomczyk is our current Chief Executive Officer and director. He has served as our CEO
since September 2023. Mr. Tomczyk served on our Board as an independent director from July 2019 to September 2023.
He is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation, a position he held from
October 2008 to October 2016. Prior to this position, he held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership with the
TD organization from 1999. Mr. Tomczyk was also a member of the TD Ameritrade board of directors from 2006 to 2007
and 2008 to 2016. Prior to joining the TD organization in 1999, Mr. Tomczyk was President and Chief Executive Officer of
London Life. He currently serves on the board of Willis Towers Watson PLC, a publicly traded company, and is a member
of the Cornell University Athletic Alumni Advisory Council. Mr. Tomczyk also previously served as the lead independent
director of Sagen MI Canada Inc., a publicly traded company, and of its operating subsidiary Sagen Mortgage Insurance
Company Canada, as a director of Knight Capital Group, Inc. and a trustee of Liberty Property Trust, both formerly
publicly traded companies, and as a director of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Mr. Tomczyk
holds a B.S. degree in Applied Economics & Business Management from Cornell University and is a Fellow of the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.
Catherine R. Clay. Ms. Clay is our Executive Vice President, Global Head of Derivatives, a position she has held
since October 2023. Previously, she was Executive Vice President, Global Head of Data and Access Solutions from
March 2021 to October 2023, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Information Solutions of the Company’s subsidiary
Cboe Exchange, Inc. from February 2019 to March 2021, and she has held other various senior leadership positions
since 2015, including Vice President Business Development, a position she was appointed to upon the Company’s
acquisition of Livevol, Inc. Prior to that, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Livevol, Inc. from 2013 to 2015 and as its
32
Chief Strategy Officer from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, she served as Founder of Thales LLC from 2006 through 2010.
Ms. Clay holds a B.S. degree from University of Colorado-Boulder.
Stephanie Foley. Ms. Foley is our Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, a position she has held
since October 2023. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company’s
subsidiary Cboe Exchange, Inc. from June 2022 to October 2023. Prior to joining Cboe in 2022, Ms. Foley was Chief
Human Resources Officer, Americas, of Kearney Holdings Limited from August 2016 to May 2022. Ms. Foley holds a
bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a master’s degree in industrial
organizational psychology from New York University.
Jill M. Griebenow. Ms. Griebenow is our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, a position she has held
since July 2023. Previously, she served as Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer from July 2023 to
February 2024, Treasurer from July 2023 to October 2023 and as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer from
August 2018 to July 2023. She also previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Cboe Europe from 2014 to 2018 and
was employed by Bats in the financial area since 2011. Prior to that, she held various positions at Ernst & Young LLP
from 2001 to 2011. Ms. Griebenow is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the
University of Northern Iowa.
David Howson. Mr. Howson is our Executive Vice President, Global President, a position he has held since
May 2022. Previously, he was our Executive Vice President, President Europe and Asia Pacific, from July 2021 to
May 2022, Executive Vice President, President Europe from January 2020 to July 2021 and Chief Operating Officer of
Cboe Europe from 2013 to 2019. Prior to that, he served as Founder, Chief Technology Officer of Equiduct from
April 2006 through June 2013. Prior to that he held various international Financial Services consulting roles between 1998
and 2006 for TIBCO Finance Technology and Thomson Reuters. Mr. Howson serves as the Chairman of the Boards of
Directors of the Exchanges, and of CFE, Cboe SEF, and Cboe Canada Inc. Mr. Howson holds a First Class Honours
bachelor's degree from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Adam Inzirillo. Mr. Inzirillo is our Executive Vice President, Global Head of Data and Access Solutions, a position he
has held since October 2023. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Head of North American Equities since
2020, and Senior Vice President, Head of U.S. Equities since September 2019. Prior to joining Cboe, Mr. Inzirillo was
Managing Director, Head of Order Routing and Execution Products at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he worked for
nearly a decade. Previously, he was Executive Director, Head of Broker Dealer Business Development at UBS Securities
LLC from 2005 through 2010. Mr. Inzirillo also serves on the Board of Directors of Cboe Canada Inc. Mr. Inzirillo holds a
bachelor’s degree in economics from Bucknell University and a M.B.A. degree from Dowling College.
Christopher A. Isaacson. Mr. Isaacson is our Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, a position he has
held since January 2019. Previously he was our Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, a position he was
appointed to upon the Company’s acquisition of Bats. Prior to that, he served as Bats' Executive Vice President and
Global Chief Information Officer since February 2014, he served as Bats' Senior Vice President, Chief Operation Officer
from 2007 to 2014 and he has held other various senior leadership positions since 2005. Prior to being one of the
founders of Bats, Mr. Isaacson was a software developer at Tradebot Systems, Inc. from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Isaacson
serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cboe Digital and previously served as the Chairman of the Boards of
Directors of CFE and Cboe SEF and on the Boards of Directors of Cboe Japan, Cboe Australia, and OCC. Mr. Isaacson
holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems with a minor in math from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an M.B.A.
degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Patrick Sexton. Mr. Sexton is our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, a position he
has held since March 2018. Previously, he was Deputy General Counsel of the Company’s subsidiary Cboe Exchange,
Inc. He served in that capacity from July 2013 to March 2018 and has acted as legal, regulatory and compliance counsel
with increasing responsibility and oversight since joining the Company in 1997. Mr. Sexton holds a bachelor’s degree from
the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. degree with honors from Notre Dame Law School.
Allen Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson is our Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, a position he has held since
February 2024. Previously, he served as Vice President, Controller of the Company, from June 2021 to February 2024
and has been employed in the financial area in various roles since April 2018. Prior to that, he also held various positions
at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from January 2011 to April 2018. Mr. Wilkinson is a certified public accountant and holds
master’s and bachelor's degrees in accounting from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
33
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Company recognizes that operating in a socially responsible manner helps promote the long-term interests of
our investors, associates, customers, community members, and all other stakeholders with whom we live and work. We
are actively engaged with policymakers on behalf of our customers to promote fairness, innovation, trust, and confidence
in our markets, and we continuously seek to further our corporate social responsibility efforts through:
•
Industry Leadership – As an industry leader, we are deeply committed to building trusted markets for
participants.
• Diversity and Associate Engagement – We strive to create a diverse workforce that reflects the world in
which we operate, and to build an inclusive culture where every associate feels welcome, safe and
empowered.
• Corporate Governance – Corporate governance is embedded in the operations of our company. The
Company’s Board of Directors recognizes that operating in a socially responsible manner helps promote the
long-term interests of our organization, stockholders, associates, industry and community.
• Promoting Transparency and Efficient Capital Markets – We maintain a comprehensive regulatory program
in support of providing trusted markets and integrity in the marketplace.
• Environmental Performance – We recognize the need to do our part in supporting the environment.
We believe being a good citizen means that we hold ourselves accountable for the integrity of the markets and to the
communities we serve, seek to help resolve conflicts and build consensus, inform those impacted before taking action,
lead by example and serve as part of the solution. We also seek to be good citizens to the communities we serve by
being committed to being environmentally conscious. Additionally, being good citizens also means that we strive to
support our associates and better serve our industry and community through our human capital development,
volunteerism and policies. See “Human Capital Management” subsection above for more information.
Additional information on our approach to ESG can be found in the 2023 Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Environmental,
Social and Governance Report located in the Corporate Social Responsibility section of our website at
https://www.cboe.com/about/esg/, which does not form a part of this Form 10-K.
Available Information
Our website is www.cboe.com. The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The Company makes available, free of charge, on its website its
annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after
such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The Company's reports filed with, or furnished to, the
SEC are also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
In addition, we have posted on our website the charters for our (i) Audit Committee, (ii) Compensation Committee,
and (iii) Nominating and Governance Committee, as well as our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate
Governance Guidelines. We will provide a copy of these documents without charge to stockholders upon written request
to Investor Relations, Cboe Global Markets, Inc., 433 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607. Our website and
information included in or linked to our website are not part of this Form 10-K.
34
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we believe are material at this time relating to our
business. These risks and uncertainties, however, are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks
and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also significantly impact us.
Any of these risks and uncertainties may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of
operations, liquidity, and cash flows.
Summary of Risk Factors
The following is a summary of the key risks and uncertainties described below that we believe are material to us at
this time:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products;
economic, political and market conditions;
compliance with legal and regulatory obligations;
price competition and consolidation in our industry;
decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our
exchanges;
legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes;
our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches;
our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel;
increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities;
our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties;
global expansion of operations;
factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices;
our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively;
our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs
associated with protecting our intellectual property rights;
our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty, investment, and default risks, associated with
operating a European clearinghouse;
our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases,
without failure or degradation of performance of our systems;
• misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions;
•
•
challenges to our use of open source software code;
our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory
responsibilities and our for-profit status;
our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from
and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges;
damage to our reputation;
the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks;
restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt
obligations;
our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating;
impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets;
the impacts of pandemics;
litigation risks and other liabilities; and
operating a digital asset business, and clearinghouse, including the expected benefits of our Cboe Digital
acquisition, cybercrime, changes in digital asset regulation, losses due to digital asset custody, and fluctuations
in digital asset prices.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Risks Relating to Our Business
Loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures could have a material adverse
effect on our financial performance.
We hold exclusive licenses to list securities index options on the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index, and other
indices granted to us by the owners of such indices, and additionally hold exclusive rights to our proprietary VIX Index
35
methodology that provides the basis for VIX options and futures. In 2023, approximately 69.2% of our transaction and
clearing fees less liquidity payments and routing and clearing costs ("net transaction and clearing fees") were generated
by futures and index options, the overwhelming majority of which were generated by products based on exclusively
licensed indices (e.g., SPX options) and products based on our proprietary VIX methodology (e.g., VIX options and
futures). The bulk of this revenue is attributable to our SPX options and VIX options and futures. As a result, our revenues
less cost of revenues are dependent in large part on the exclusive licenses we hold for these indices and our ability to
maintain our exclusive proprietary rights in the VIX Index methodology and related products and indices.
There is a risk, with respect to each of our current exclusive licenses, that the owner of the index may not renew the
license with us on an exclusive basis or at all. In the first event, we would be subject to multiple listing in the trading of
what is now an index product traded by us on an exclusive basis, which could result in a loss of market share and
negatively impact our profitability. In the second event, we could lose the right to list the index product entirely. The loss or
limited use of any of our exclusive index licenses, especially for the S&P 500 Index, for any reason could have a material
adverse effect on our business and profitability.
In addition to the risks related to our exclusive licenses, if we are unable to retain exclusive proprietary rights in the
VIX Index methodology and related products and indices, our volatility products could be subject to multiple listing which
could have a material adverse effect on us.
The EU has adopted legislation affecting providers and users of benchmark indices in the EU. MiFIR requires
benchmarks used to value a financial instrument in the EU to be made available on a non-discriminatory basis to all EU
trading venues and central counterparty clearinghouses for the purposes of trading and clearing. As a result, owners of
such benchmarks must provide licenses on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. While similar legislation to
MiFIR has not been proposed in the U.S., if it were passed, it could cause us to lose our exclusive rights to list and trade
proprietary and licensed index products. Further, in 2018, the EU implemented the EU Benchmark Regulation, which
regulates users, data providers and calculators of benchmarks (“administrators”) in the EU, and among other things
(subsequent to the transitional period applicable to third country benchmark administrators) prohibits use of benchmarks
provided by administrators outside the EU in connection with EU financial instruments unless the administrator is deemed
to be subject to an EU equivalent regulatory regime or the benchmark is endorsed or recognized in the EU. These
regulations and other emerging regulatory regimes around the world may impact international customers’ interest in or
ability to trade index-based products listed on our U.S. exchanges, as well as impact our expansion into foreign trading of
our index-based products and our ability to license proprietary indices for use outside of the U.S.
Furthermore, our competitors may succeed in developing, offering and providing a market for the trading of index-
based or volatility products, such as cash settled index options or options on ETFs, that are economically similar to those
that we offer and they may become successful and take away volume from our products. It is also possible that a third
party may offer trading in index-based products that are the same as those that are the subject of one of our exclusive
licenses, but in a jurisdiction in which the index owner cannot require a license or in a manner otherwise not limited by our
exclusive license. In addition, a diminished perceived attractiveness of or change in demand for any of the indices
underlying our products and services, especially the S&P 500 Index, for any reason could have a material adverse effect
on our business and profitability.
The value of our licenses to exclusively list index options and futures also depends on the continued ability of index
owners to require licenses for the trading of options and futures based on their indices. Although we and other index
owners have prevailed in legal actions seeking to challenge our rights to exclusively license indices, we may be subject to
changes in the law or other actions taken in the future that might impede our ability to exclusively offer trading in certain
index options and futures.
General economic conditions and other factors beyond our control could significantly reduce demand for our
products and services and harm our business.
The volume of trading and clearing transactions and the demand for our products and services are directly affected
by economic, political and market conditions in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere in the world that are beyond our control,
including:
•
economic, political and geopolitical market conditions;
•
broad trends in business and finance;
•
concerns over inflation levels and recessions;
• wavering institutional or retail confidence levels;
36
•
government or central bank actions, such as changes in government fiscal and monetary policy and foreign
currency exchange rates;
other legislative and regulatory changes;
the availability of short-term and long-term funding and capital;
the perceived attractiveness of the U.S., European, Canadian, Australian or Japanese capital markets;
the availability or perceived attractiveness of alternative investment opportunities or indices;
changes in the level of trading activity in underlying instruments;
changes and volatility in the prices of securities;
changes in the volume of foreign currency transactions;
changes in supply and demand for currencies;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• movements in currency exchange rates;
•
•
•
•
•
the level and volatility of interest rates;
changes in the financial strength of market participants;
consolidation among market participants and market data subscribers;
unforeseen market closures, suspensions of open outcry trading or other disruptions in trading and clearing; and
disruptions due to terrorism, war, extreme weather events, pandemics or other catastrophes.
Any of these factors, individually or collectively, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and operating results by causing a substantial decline in the financial services markets and reducing trading and
clearing volumes and demand for market data.
Our business may be adversely affected by price competition.
The securities industry is characterized by intense price competition, especially with respect to transaction fees. We
may be required to adjust pricing to respond to actions by new or existing competitors, which could adversely impact our
business, financial condition and operating results. We also compete with respect to the pricing of market data and value-
added market data, such as historical market data.
In our options segment, the pricing model for trade execution has changed in response to competitive market
conditions, and our competitors have adjusted transaction fees and fee structures accordingly, including by opening new
exchanges, which allow them to offer multiple pricing models that can appeal to different segments of market participants.
These changes have resulted in significant pricing pressures on us, especially on transaction fees and incentives for
multi-listed products. As a result of these pricing pressures, our average rate per multi-listed options contract may
decrease. It is likely that this pressure will continue and even intensify as our competitors continue to seek to increase
their share of trading by further reducing their transaction fees or by offering other financial incentives to order providers
and liquidity providers to induce them to direct orders to their markets.
In addition, one or more competitors may engage in aggressive pricing strategies and significantly decrease or
completely eliminate their profit margin for a period of time in order to capture a greater share of trading volume. Some
order-providing firms on our exchanges have taken ownership positions in options exchanges that compete with us and
such exchanges have given those firms added economic incentives to direct orders to them.
With respect to our proprietary products, we compete with futures exchanges and swap execution facilities that offer
similar products and other financial market participants that offer over-the-counter derivatives. We also compete against
certain multi-listed options products, such as SPY options, which offer some of the features of our proprietary products,
such as SPX options.
To attract market share, we may offer “inverted” pricing specials or no-transaction fee trading from time to time, per
various fee schedules across our equities exchanges. These forms of promotions, along with other supplemental liquidity
programs, may adversely affect our profitability.
Further, regulatory and legal developments, including the new equity market structure proposals and the new Volume
Based Proposal could also adversely impact, as applicable, our ability to adjust pricing to respond to actions by new or
existing competitors, the amount of liquidity providers can provide, our ability to offer members volume-based pricing.
Additionally, in the U.S., we are generally required to file with the SEC any changes to the fees that we charge and in
recent years the SEC has more heavily scrutinized pricing changes.
37
If we are unable to compete successfully with respect to the pricing of our services and products, our business,
financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected. We could lose a substantial
percentage of our share of trading if we are unable to price transactions in a competitive manner. Also, our profits could
decline if competitive pressures or regulatory changes force us to reduce fees.
A significant portion of our operating revenues is generated by our transaction and clearing-based business. If
the amount of trading volume on our markets or clearing volume decreases, or the product mix shifts to lower
revenue products, our revenues from transaction and clearing fees will most likely decrease.
In 2023, approximately 71.2% of our revenues less cost of revenues were generated by our transaction and clearing-
based business. This business is dependent on our ability to attract and maintain order flow, both in absolute terms and
relative to other market centers. If the amount of trading volume on our Exchanges, Cboe Digital Exchange, CFE, BIDS
Trading, Cboe Canada Inc., notional value traded on Cboe FX, Cboe SEF, Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives, Cboe
Australia, and Cboe Japan or clearing volumes at Cboe Clear Europe or Cboe Clear Digital decrease, we are likely to see
a decrease in fees.
Our total trading or clearing volumes could decline if our market participants reduce their trading or clearing activity
for any reason, such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
heightened capital requirements;
transaction tax;
regulatory or legislative actions;
reduced need to trade due to changes in volatility and/or passive investment trends;
reduced access to capital required to fund trading activities;
consolidation among market participants;
suspensions of open outcry trading; or
significant market disruptions.
Over the past few years, a number of legislative actions have been taken, both domestically and internationally, that
may cause market participants to be subject to increased capital requirements and additional compliance burdens. These
actions, including MiFID II, MiFIR, and the new equity market structure proposals, may incentivize trading away from our
markets or cause market participants to reduce trading activity on or routing to our markets.
In addition, the transaction fees generated are different based on type of product and other factors, including the type
of customer and certain volume discounts. If the amount of our trading volume decreases, including as a result of the
Volume Based Proposal proposed prohibition on volume-based agency tiers, or the mix traded shifts to our lower revenue
per contract products, our revenues from transaction fees will most likely decrease. We can offer no assurance that we
would be able to reduce our costs to match the amount of any such decrease.
Revenues from our market data fees and access and capacity fees may be reduced due to declines in our market
share, trading volumes or regulatory changes.
The occurrence of any event that reduces the amount of market data fees that we receive, whether as a result of fee
reductions, fewer members subscribing to the U.S. tape plans or other market data offerings, lack of new products,
declines in market share, trading volumes, or notional volumes, or regulatory changes may have a direct negative impact
on our business, financial condition, and operating results. For example, if our market share of U.S. listed equities and
options or Cboe’s European equities trading volume were to decline, our share of market data fees could also decline.
Moreover, market data fees could decline as a result of a reduction in the number of market data users, for example
because of consolidation among market data subscribers or due to a decline in professional subscriptions as a result of
staff reductions in the financial services industry or otherwise.
Regulatory and legal developments could also impact the fees we receive from market data and access and capacity,
or our cost in providing such services. In the U.S., we are generally required to file with the SEC any changes to the fees
that we charge for our securities market data products and access and capacity fees. In recent years, certain industry
groups have objected to the ability of exchanges to charge for certain market data products. In addition, the SEC and
some media have scrutinized market data and market access. As discussed above, the implementation of MDIR or the
new equity market structure proposals could cause Cboe’s equities exchanges, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, to require
additional resources to comply with the new rules, and may have a material impact on our business, financial condition,
38
and operating results, including if, for example, there are lower SIP plan revenues or we must reduce the fees or access
fee caps we charge.
In addition, the SEC approved a Consolidated Data Plan to replace the three equity data plans that govern the
dissemination of real-time, consolidated market data for NMS stocks. While the Consolidated Data Plan order must be
resubmitted by SEC, the plan may have a negative impact on the applicable market data revenues that we receive that
are generated from such new plan.
We believe Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives currently offers market data to customers on a non-discriminatory
basis at a reasonable cost. As European regulators determine how market data should be disaggregated and what is a
reasonable commercial basis for providing market data, it could affect our ability to offer market data products in the same
manner that we do today thereby causing an adverse effect on our European market data revenues. While MiFID II and
MiFIR aim to encourage a commercial solution to a consolidated tape in Europe, should this fail to materialize, policy
makers might be encouraged to implement a mandatory solution that could impact our ability to develop our own
commercial offering. As discussed above, the E.C. published provisions for a consolidated tape for the EU, which is
expected to be implemented in 2026. As proposed, these provisions may have a material impact on our business,
financial condition and operating results if, for example, we must reduce the fees we charge for market data.
The technology upon which we rely, including that of our service providers, may be susceptible to security
vulnerabilities or breaches that could harm our business and our role in the global marketplace puts us at
heightened risk relative to other public companies.
The secure and reliable operation of our technology, including our computer systems and communications networks,
and those of our service providers, market participants, investments, and other third parties, is a critical element of our
operations or our business, financial condition or operating results. These systems and networks may be subject to
various cybersecurity incidents such as improper or inadvertent access to or disclosure of confidential, commercially
sensitive, or personally identifiable information, data theft, corruption or destruction, ransomware, supply chain attack,
denial of service attack, malware and other security problems, as well as acts of terrorism, attacks by threat actors
including criminal groups, political activist groups and nation-state actors, attacks in connection with geopolitical activity
such as the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, criminal insider activity, employee error, service provider,
market participant or third-party disruptions or security breaches and other events that are beyond our control.
Additionally, cyber threats and the techniques used in cyberattacks change, develop and evolve rapidly, including from
emerging technologies, such as advanced forms of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and quantum computing. Our increased
adoption of remote working, usage of mobile and cloud-based technologies and amount of newly acquired companies
and related integrations may increase our risk for a cybersecurity incident. Moreover, given our position in the global
financial services industry and as critical infrastructure, we may be more likely than other companies to be a direct target,
or an indirect casualty, of such events. While we have experienced in the past, and we expect to continue to experience,
cybersecurity threats and events of varying degrees, we are not aware of any of these threats or events having a material
impact on our business, financial condition or operating results to date, however we cannot assure you that we will not
experience future threats or events that may be material.
We maintain policies, procedures and controls designed to safeguard against cybersecurity incidents and
unauthorized access by protecting the confidentiality, integrity, availability and reliability of our systems, networks and
information. These policies, procedures and controls are subject to monitoring, auditing, and evaluation practices,
pursuant to our Enterprise Risk Management program, which is supported by a three lines of defense approach, and our
other governance practices. Further, we developed and maintain cybersecurity and data privacy training programs for our
employees and our third-party consultants who have access to our systems. We also conduct simulations, tabletop
exercises, and response readiness tests and engage independent third parties on a routine basis to perform cybersecurity
penetration assessments. Collectively, these safeguards and measures or those of our third-party providers, including any
cloud technologies, may prove inadequate to prevent the attendant risk posed by cybersecurity incidents, subjecting us to
contractual restrictions, liability and damages, loss of business, penalties, unfavorable publicity, increased scrutiny by our
regulators, and materially impacting our business, financial condition and operating results. We may be required to
expend significant resources in the event of any real or threatened breaches in security, including to protect against
threatened breaches, to alleviate harm caused by an actual breach, and to address any reputational harm or litigation or
regulatory liability. Despite our cybersecurity measures, security vulnerabilities or breaches may remain undetected for an
extended period of time. As a result of our ongoing risk management and related assurance activities, we have identified,
addressed, and continue to address potential security vulnerabilities and/or internal control weaknesses. We are not
aware of any of these vulnerabilities having a material impact on our business, financial condition or operating results to
date. However, we cannot provide assurance that any future vulnerabilities, internal control weaknesses, or events that
39
may be experienced will not be material. Such harms also could cause us to lose market participants, experience lower
trading volume, and negatively impact our competitive advantage and business, financial condition and operating results.
Additionally, as threats continue to evolve and increase, as we continue to expand ongoing risk management and
related assurance activities, and as the domestic and international regulatory environment related to cyber security and
data protection becomes increasingly rigorous, we may be required to devote significant additional resources to modify
and enhance our security controls and to identify and remediate any security vulnerabilities. Those additional resources
could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
If we fail to attract or retain highly skilled management and other employees our business may be harmed.
Our success largely depends on the skills, experience and continued efforts of management and other key
personnel. As a result, to be successful, we must retain and motivate executives and other key employees. However, we
have no assurances that these employees will remain with us. The roles and responsibilities of departing executive
officers and employees will need to be filled either by existing or new officers and employees, which may require us to
devote time and resources to identifying, hiring and integrating replacements for the departed executives and employees
that could otherwise be used to pursue business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our overall
business, financial condition and operating results.
There is substantial competition for qualified and capable personnel, particularly in the technology space, which may
make it difficult for us to retain and recruit qualified employees in sufficient numbers. This competition has continued due
to tighter supply of available labor and compensation inflation. We have previously faced and may in the future face
increased challenges in retaining and attracting qualified employees. If we fail to retain our current employees, it would be
difficult and costly to identify, recruit and train replacements needed to continue to conduct and expand our business. In
particular, failure to retain and attract qualified technology personnel could result in systems failures. Consequently, our
reputation may be harmed, we may incur additional costs and our profitability could decline. There can be no assurance
that we will be able to retain and motivate our employees in the same manner as we have historically done.
Additionally, effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. For example, on
September 18, 2023, Edward T. Tilly, former Chief Executive Officer of the Company, resigned and voluntarily terminated
his employment with the Company. Following Mr. Tilly’s resignation, Fredric J. Tomczyk, an existing director of the
Company, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of September 18, 2023. Further, on
July 6, 2023, Brian N. Schell, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, announced his
departure from the Company to pursue a new professional opportunity outside of the exchange industry. Jill M.
Griebenow, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, was appointed to serve as Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer effective July 10, 2023, and currently serves as Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, on October 12, 2023, Catherine R. Clay was appointed to serve as
Executive Vice President, Global Head of Derivatives and Adam Inzirillo was appointed to serve as Executive Vice
president, Global Head of Data and Access Solutions. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth
transitions involving our management team and key employees, including the recent leadership transitions, could hinder
our strategic planning and execution.
Intense competition could materially adversely affect our market share and financial performance.
The market for trade execution services, clearing and products is intensely competitive in the asset classes and
geographies in which we operate. Increased competition may result in a decline in our share of trading activity and a
decline in our revenues from transaction and clearing fees and market data fees, thereby materially adversely affecting
our operating results. We compete with a number of entities on several different fronts, including the cost, quality and
speed of our trade execution, functionality and ease of use of our trading and clearing platforms, range of our products
and services, our technological innovation and adaptation and our reputation. In particular, we have seen increased
competition from off-exchange venues, which have increased their share of trading activity. See “Business – Competition”
for more information.
Some of our competitors and potential competitors have greater financial, marketing, technological, personnel and
other resources than we do. These factors may enable them to develop similar or more innovative products, to offer lower
transaction and clearing fees or better execution to their customers or to execute their business strategies more quickly or
efficiently than we can. In addition, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely
affected if we cannot successfully develop, introduce and/or market new services and products or if we need to adopt
costly and customized technology for our services and products.
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Furthermore, new or existing competitors may:
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respond more quickly to competitive pressures;
develop products that compete with our products or are preferred by our customers;
offer products and services at prices below ours to gain market share and to promote other businesses;
develop and expand their technology and service offerings more efficiently;
provide better, more user-friendly and more reliable technology;
develop and incorporate more quickly new technologies, such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, distributed
ledger technology, quantum computing, tokenization, the cloud, and other emerging technologies;
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take greater advantage of acquisitions, alliances and other opportunities;
• market, promote, bundle and sell their products and services more effectively;
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leverage existing relationships with customers and alliance partners more effectively or exploit brand names to
market and sell their services; and
exploit regulatory disparities between traditional, regulated exchanges and alternative markets, including over-
the-counter markets, that benefit from a reduced regulatory burden and lower-cost business model.
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If our products, markets, services and technology are not competitive or we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to
changes in technology, customer preferences and regulatory requirements or we encounter any significant delays in
product development efforts our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially harmed.
We depend on third-party service providers for certain services that are important to our business. An
interruption, significant increase in fees or cessation or impairment of such service by any third party could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
We depend on a number of service providers, including clearing organizations such as OCC, NSCC, DTC, CDS,
LCH, Cboe Clear Europe, and Cboe Clear Digital, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, JSCC, ASX Clear Pty Ltd, and SIX
x-clear; securities information processors such as the CTA, UTP Securities Information Processor and OPRA; regulatory
and other service providers such as FINRA and OCC; the hosts of our data and disaster recovery centers; and various
vendors of communications and networking products and services. In addition, we also depend on third party routing and
clearing firms that are involved in processing transactions on our behalf. More specifically:
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If OCC, NSCC, DTC, CDS, LCH, Cboe Clear Europe, Cboe Clear Digital, JSCC, ASX Clear Pty Ltd, and SIX x-
clear were unable to perform clearing services for existing or new products, or their clearing members were
unable or unwilling to clear through them, transactions could likely not occur on our markets or there may be
delays, including until clearing is moved to another clearing agency. In 2023, approximately 69.2% of our net
transaction and clearing fees were generated by options and futures that were cleared through OCC.
• OPRA, UTP Securities Information Processor and the CTA consolidate options and equities market information,
respectively, such as last sale reports and quotations. If any of them were unable to provide this information for a
sustained period of time, we may be unable to offer trading on our options and equities markets.
• We are heavily dependent on technology for our markets, including third-party operation of production and
disaster recovery data centers, as well as certain communications and networking products and services. If this
technology is unavailable, as a result of a number of potential causes, including technical failure, natural
disasters, extreme weather events, fraud or security attacks that we cannot predict or prevent, and cannot be
replaced in a sufficiently short time period, we may be unable to operate our markets.
• We utilize a third-party cloud service provider to maintain secondary offsite backups of our and our customers’
data and to distribute real-time data, and we may utilize third-party cloud service providers in the future for
additional services. We do not control the operations of third-party cloud service providers or their facilities and
may be vulnerable to disruptions in our access to the platform as a result of a number of potential causes,
including technical failure, natural disasters, extreme weather events, fraud or security attacks that we cannot
predict or prevent. Additionally, any vulnerability of third-party cloud service providers could expose our or our
customers’ confidential data, which could result in harm to our business reputation.
FINRA and OCC provide certain regulatory services and functions for our options, equities and futures
exchanges, while we retain regulatory responsibilities for such services. If FINRA or OCC stopped providing
services, or provided inadequate services, we may be subject to action by the SEC or CFTC, or may have
limitations placed upon our markets.
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• We rely on FINRA CAT LLC, a subsidiary of FINRA, to provide services for the implementation of the CAT. If
FINRA CAT LLC or its third-party service providers stop providing services or provide inadequate services, we
and the other SROs may not be able to recover costs related to the implementation of CAT, incur penalties for
delays of implementation, incur related litigation and other expenses, or incur regulatory liability including
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enforcement action by the SEC or limitations placed upon our markets. In addition, until the funding model that
shares the cost of the CAT between the SROs and industry members is implemented, the SROs may continue to
incur additional significant costs, or result in not being able to collect on the promissory notes related to the
funding of the implementation and operation of the CAT. See Note 8 (“Credit Losses”) and Note 9 (“Other
Assets, Net”) for further information.
• We rely on third party routing and clearing firms to clear trades in U.S. listed equity securities routed by us to
other markets, and to execute trades in options that we route to other markets.
With respect to options, all contracts traded on our exchanges must be cleared through clearing members of OCC. At
December 31, 2023, there were 117 TPHs that are clearing members of OCC. Three clearing members accounted for
approximately 79.6% of transaction and other fees collected through OCC in 2023. Additionally, the three largest clearing
members clear the majority of the market-maker sides of transactions at Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX and at all of the
options exchanges. Should one of these clearing members or liquidity providers exit the business or withdraw from our
options exchanges, impose additional market-maker financial requirements or if market-makers were unable to transfer to
another clearing member or other liquidity providers were unable to provide additional liquidity, this could create a
significant disruption to the options markets, including ours.
We cannot provide assurance that any of these providers will be able to continue to provide these services in an
efficient manner or that they will be able to adequately expand their services to meet our needs. An interruption or
malfunction in or the cessation or impairment of an important service by a third party or disruption of a third party’s
operations could cause us to halt trading in some or all of our products or our services, make us unable to conduct other
aspects of our business, cause us to experience the loss of a significant number of market participants or cause us to
experience a significant reduction in trading activity on our options and futures markets, each of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, our inability to make
alternative arrangements, such as moving clearing to another clearing agency, in a timely manner, or at all, could have a
material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
If an index provider from which we have a license or a service provider with respect to proprietary products fails
to maintain the quality and integrity of their indices or fails to perform under our agreements with them, if we fail
to maintain the quality and integrity of our proprietary indices or indices and other values that we calculate as an
index provider, or if customer preferences change, the revenues that are generated from the trading of
proprietary products or the calculation and dissemination of index values may suffer.
We are a party to a number of license agreements that permit us to list tradeable products related to various indices
that are among the most actively traded products on our exchanges. We also enter into agreements pursuant to which we
act as an index provider and calculate and disseminate proprietary indices and other values. We believe that demand for
our products is based in part on market perception of the quality and integrity of these indices. The quality and integrity of
these indices are dependent on the ability of index providers, including us, to maintain the index. Maintenance includes
ongoing index calculation, index rebalancing and dependance on index providers for a number of things, including the
provision of index data. We also rely on index providers to enforce intellectual property rights against unlicensed uses of
the indices and uses of the indices that infringe on our licenses. Some of our agreements concerning our proprietary
products obligate the parties to those agreements to provide important services to us. If any of our index providers,
including us, are unable to maintain the quality and integrity of indices, or if any of the index providers or service
providers, including us, fail to perform their obligations under the agreements, trading in these products, and therefore
transaction fees we receive, may be materially adversely affected or we may not receive the financial benefits of the
agreements that we negotiated.
Differences in the calculations from methodologies described in published materials or incorrect calculations of our
indices, including those instances that we announced on July 30, 2021, or the failure to implement any planned remedial
changes may result in the loss of perceived quality and integrity of our indices, loss of demand for our products, increased
potential for investigations and enforcement proceedings, increased potential for failure to perform our obligations under
agreements concerning our products or in our capacity as an index provider, and increased exposure to third party claims
and related litigation expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
operating results.
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We may not effectively manage our growth, which could materially harm our business, financial condition and
operating results.
We expect that our business will continue to grow, which may place a significant strain on our management,
personnel, systems and resources. We must continually improve our operational, billing, financial and regulatory systems
and managerial controls and procedures, and may need to continue to expand, train and manage our workforce. We must
also maintain close coordination among our technology, legal, accounting, finance, marketing, sales, regulatory and
compliance functions. If we fail to manage our growth effectively, our business, financial condition and operating results
could be materially harmed. For example, from time to time we discover and remediate billing errors, however, we are not
aware of any of these errors having a material impact on our business, financial condition or operating results to date,
however we cannot assure you that we will not experience future errors or events that may be material or result in
additional regulatory scrutiny. Furthermore, failure to successfully expand into new asset classes, such as the digital asset
space or U.S. Treasuries, or new geographies may materially adversely affect our growth strategy and our future
profitability.
Our continued growth will require increased investment by us in technology, facilities, personnel, and financial and
management systems and controls. It also will require expansion of our procedures for monitoring and assuring our
compliance with applicable regulations, and we will need to integrate, train and manage a growing employee base. The
expansion of our existing businesses, any expansion into new businesses and the resulting growth of our employee base
will increase our need for internal audit and monitoring processes, which may be more extensive and broader in scope
than those we have historically required. We may not be successful in identifying or implementing all of the processes that
are necessary. Further, unless our growth results in an increase in our revenues that is proportionally greater than or
equal to the increase in our costs associated with this growth, our business, financial condition and operating results may
be materially adversely affected.
Our global operations are complex and subject us to increased business and economic risks that could
adversely affect our financial results.
In addition to our operations in the U.S., we have operations in the UK, continental Europe, Canada, Hong Kong,
Australia, Japan, Philippines, and Singapore. In connection with our expanded global operations, we face certain risks
inherent in doing business globally. These risks include:
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fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
complying with extensive and complex compliance requirements, regulations and oversight by regulators other
than our primary functional regulators;
difficulties in staffing and associated costs in managing multiple international locations;
general economic, social, and political conditions, including the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East;
protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses in some countries;
reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
different technology platforms;
language and cultural differences;
potentially adverse tax consequence; and
natural disasters and extreme weather events that may impact global operations differently.
If we are unable to manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, or if the risks above become
substantial for us, our financial performance and operating results could suffer. Further, any measures we may implement
to reduce risks of our global operations may not be effective, may increase our expenses and may require significant
management time and effort.
More specifically, we have exposure to exchange rate movements between the British pound, the Euro, the Canadian
dollar, the Hong Kong dollar, the Australian dollar, the Japanese Yen, the Philippine Peso, and the Singapore dollar
against the U.S. dollar. Significant inflation or changes in foreign exchange rates with respect to one or more of these
currencies could occur as a result of general economic or political conditions, acts of war or terrorism, changes in
governmental monetary or tax policy, or changes in local interest rates. These exchange rate differences would affect the
translation of our non-U.S. results of operations and financial condition into U.S. dollars as part of our consolidated
financial statements. See Note 16 (“Segment Reporting”) for additional information about the Company’s geographic
exposure.
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We and our licensors may not be able to protect our respective intellectual property rights.
We rely on patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark laws, the law of the doctrine of misappropriation and
contractual provisions to protect our proprietary technology, proprietary products, index methodologies and other
proprietary rights. In addition, we rely on the intellectual property rights of our licensors in connection with our listing of
exclusively-licensed index options and futures products. We and our licensors may not be able to prevent third parties
from copying, or otherwise obtaining and using, our intellectual property without authorization, listing our proprietary or
exclusively-licensed index products without licenses or otherwise infringing on our rights. We and our licensors may have
to rely on litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of
others or defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. We and our licensors may not be successful in this regard.
Such litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs to us, diversion of our resources or a
reduction in our revenues, any of which could materially adversely affect our business.
Our clearinghouse operations expose us to associated risks, including credit, liquidity, market and other risks
related to the defaults of clearing participants and other counterparties, and risks related to investing of
collateral.
We are subject to risks related to operating our clearinghouse, Cboe Clear Europe, including the risks of failing to
meet strict business continuity requirements and regulatory oversight, risks of default by clearing participants and
counterparties, due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons, the risks associated with the
adequacy of participants’ margin, default and interoperable funds, and risks related to investing of such funds. These risks
could subject our business to substantial losses, reputational harm, regulatory consequences, including litigation, fines
and enforcement actions, and the inability to operate our business, including the continued development of the European
derivatives buildout. See below for additional risks related to our digital asset clearinghouse, Cboe Clear Digital.
To mitigate the credit risks related to defaults of clearing participants and other counterparties, including the market
risk that we would only be able to close out a defaulting participant’s positions at a loss, there are minimum participation
criteria to become a clearing participant and clearing participants are required to provide collateral to cover the margin
requirement and default fund contributions. Furthermore, Cboe Clear Europe interoperates with two central counterparties
and requires its applicable participants to make deposits to an interoperable fund, which are pledged to the interoperable
central counterparties. No guarantee can be given that the collateral provided will at all times be sufficient, maintain its
value, or provide absolute assurance against us experiencing financial losses from defaults by the participants or
counterparties on their obligations. In addition, although such collateral is preferably held in European central banks,
Cboe Clear Europe also holds collateral in central securities depositories and commercial banks, which can expose us to
risk of default by those institutions, and invests cash collateral in accordance with its investment policy, such as in
securities issued by pre-approved sovereign issuers and reverse repurchase agreements with overnight maturities, which
expose us to risk of counterparty default which may result in losses and cause its clearing participants to lose confidence
in our clearinghouse.
Cboe Clear Europe entered into a €1.25 billion committed syndicated multicurrency revolving and swingline credit
facility that is available to be drawn by Cboe Clear Europe towards (a) financing unsettled amounts in connection with the
settlement of transactions in securities and other items processed through Cboe Clear Europe’s clearing system and
(b) financing any other liability or liquidity requirement of Cboe Clear Europe incurred in the operation of its clearing
system, however we can give no assurance that this facility will be sufficient to meet all such obligations or sufficiently
mitigate Cboe Clear Europe’s liquidity risk to meet its payment obligations when due. Substantial amounts of the
collateral, and any amounts drawn under this facility, may be at risk if a clearing participant defaults on its obligations to
our clearinghouse and its margin, default and interoperability fund deposits are insufficient to meet its obligations. This
facility is expected to terminate on June 28, 2024 and we may not be able to enter into a replacement facility on
commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Additionally, investment losses in excess of capital set aside by Cboe Clear
Europe for counterparty risk are allocated back to clearing participants. We cannot assure you that the mitigating
measures, policies, safeguards and risk management procedures will be sufficient to detect problems or to protect us
from a default or that we will not be materially and adversely affected in the event of a significant default.
Computer and communications systems failures and capacity constraints could harm our reputation and our
business.
Our business depends on the integrity and performance of our computer and communications systems. If our
systems cannot expand to cope with increased demand or otherwise fail to perform, as a result of a number of potential
causes, including technical failure, natural disasters, extreme weather events, flooding, fraud or security attacks that we
cannot predict or prevent, and cannot be replaced in a sufficiently short time period, we could experience unanticipated
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disruptions in service, slower response times and delays in the introduction of new products and services. These
consequences could result in trading outages, lower trading and clearing volumes, financial losses, decreased customer
service and satisfaction and regulatory sanctions and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our
business. Although we have a back-up plan with respect to our significant trading and key corporate systems, the back-up
systems or disaster recovery plans may prove to be inadequate in the event of a systems failure or cyber-security breach.
Despite having disaster recovery facilities, there can be no guarantees that we will be able to open an efficient,
transparent and liquid marketplace, if we can open at all, following a systems failure. Moreover, with extended trading
hours, we have to operate our systems longer and have fewer non-trading hours to address any potential concerns with
the systems on which we rely.
Our markets and clearinghouses have experienced occasional systems failures and delays in the past and in the
future our systems may fail, in whole or in part, or may operate slowly, causing one or more of the following:
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unanticipated disruption in trading of our exclusively listed proprietary products or in service to our participants;
failures or delays during peak trading times or times of unusual market volatility;
slower response times and delays in trade execution, clearing and processing;
incomplete or inaccurate accounting, recording, clearing or processing of trades; and
distribution of inaccurate or untimely market data to participants who rely on this data in their trading activity.
Any of these events may cause:
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a loss in transaction, clearing or other fees due to the inability to provide trading in our exclusively listed
proprietary products or provide services for a time;
requests by market participants or others that we reimburse them for financial loss, either within the constraints
of the limited liability provisions of our exchanges’ rules or in excess of those amounts;
trading and clearing volumes to diminish on our markets and clearinghouse due to dissatisfaction with the
platforms; and
one or more of our regulators to investigate or take enforcement action against us.
As a consequence of any of these events, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer
materially.
In addition to other measures, we test our systems to confirm whether they will be able to handle anticipated present
and future peak trading and clearing activity or times of unusual market volatility. However, we cannot assure you that our
estimates of future trading or clearing volume will be accurate or that our systems will always be able to accommodate
actual trading or clearing volume without failure or degradation of performance.
We anticipate that we will need to continue to make significant investments in hardware, software and
telecommunications infrastructure to accommodate the increases in traffic, technology migrations, and system updates.
Additionally, disruptions to the supply chain may interfere with the ability of our employees, vendors, technology
equipment suppliers, data and disaster recovery centers, and other service providers to provide the requested hardware,
software, and telecommunications infrastructure. If we cannot migrate, update, or increase the capacity and capabilities of
our systems to accommodate increased trading or clearing activity and to execute our business strategy, our ability to
maintain or expand our businesses would be materially adversely affected.
Our use of open source software code may subject our software to general release or require us to re-engineer
our software, which could harm our business.
Our technology platform uses open source software code. Companies that incorporate open source software into
their products have, from time to time, faced claims challenging the ownership of open source software. As a result, we
could be subject to suits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe to be open source software. In addition, some
open source software licenses require users who distribute open source software as part of their software to publicly
disclose all or part of the source code in their software and make any derivative works of the open source code available
on unfavorable terms or at no cost. Open source license terms may be ambiguous, and many of the risks associated with
usage of open source software cannot be eliminated. We believe that our use of open source software is in compliance
with the relevant open source software licenses and does not require disclosure of any of our source code. However, if we
were found to have inappropriately used open source software, we may be required to release our proprietary source
code, re-engineer or discontinue use of our software or take other remedial action any or all of which could cause
disruptions in, or impose significant costs on, our business.
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Damage to our reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating
results.
We believe one of our competitive strengths is our strong industry reputation. Various issues may give rise to
reputational risk, including issues relating to:
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the representation of our business in the media;
the quality and benefits of using our proprietary products, including the reliability, integrity and functionality of our
transaction-based business and index calculations and the accuracy of our market data;
the ability to execute our business plan, key initiatives or new business ventures and the ability to keep up with
changing customer demands and regulatory initiatives;
our regulatory compliance and our enforcement of compliance on our customers;
the accuracy of our customer billing, financial statements, and other financial and statistical information;
the quality of our corporate governance structure;
the quality of our disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting, including any failures in
supervision;
the integrity and performance of our computer and communications systems;
the ability to successfully complete technology migrations;
the failure to successfully expand into new asset classes, such as the digital asset space or U.S. Treasuries, or
new geographies;
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security breaches, including any unauthorized delivery of proprietary data to third parties;
• management of our outsourcing relationships, including our relationship with FINRA and NFA;
•
any misconduct or fraudulent activity by our employees, especially senior management, or other persons
formerly or currently associated with us;
our listings business and our enforcement of our listing rules; and
any negative publicity surrounding the ETPs that we serve as the listing destination.
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Damage to our reputation could cause a reduction in the trading volume of our proprietary products or on our markets
or cause us to lose customers. This, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
operating results.
Financial or other problems experienced by third parties could have an adverse effect on our business.
We are exposed to credit risk from third parties, including customers, clearing agents and counterparties. For
example, we are exposed to credit risk for transaction fees we bill to customers on a monthly basis in arrears. Our
customers and other third parties may default on their obligations to us due to a lack of liquidity, operational failure,
bankruptcy or other reasons. For additional credit risks related to our clearinghouse operations, see the Risk Factor “Our
clearinghouse operations expose us to associated risks, including credit, liquidity, market and other risks related to the
defaults of clearing participants and other counterparties and risks related to investing of collateral”
In addition, with respect to orders Cboe Trading routes to other markets for execution on behalf of our customers,
Cboe Trading is exposed to counterparty credit risk in the case of failure to perform on the part of our routing and clearing
firms that are involved in processing equities and options transactions on our behalf, as well as failure on the part of such
brokers to pass back any transactional rebates. Wedbush and Morgan Stanley guarantee equity trades until one day after
the trade date, after which time NSCC provides a guarantee. Thus, Cboe Trading is potentially exposed to credit risk to
the counterparty to an equity trade routed to another market center between the trade date and one day after the trade
date in the event that Wedbush or Morgan Stanley fails to perform. Additionally, BIDS Trading has counterparty credit risk
exposure to BOA related to clearing until the day following the trade date, after which time NSCC provides a guarantee.
With respect to U.S. listed equity options and futures, we deliver matched trades of our customers to the OCC, which acts
as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX, and CFE and, as such,
guarantees clearance and settlement of all of our matched options and futures trades. With respect to Canadian equities,
we deliver reports of matched trades of our customers to CDS, which acts as a central counterparty on all transactions
occurring on Cboe Canada Inc. and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of our matched Canadian
equities trades. With respect to trades in options and futures occurring on Cboe Europe Derivatives, Cboe Clear Europe
acts as a central counterparty that, for its clearing participants, becomes the buyer to every seller and the seller to every
buyer. As a result, Cboe Clear Europe guarantees the timely performance of the settlement obligations of buyers and
sellers and takes on the risk of the performance of the transactions that it clears. With respect to Australian equities and
derivatives, we deliver matched trades of our customers to ASX Clear Pty Ltd and ASX Settlement Pty Ltd. ASX Clear Pty
Ltd acts as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Australia and, as such, guarantees clearance and
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settlement on all of our matched trades in Australia. With respect to Japanese equities, we deliver matched trades of our
customers to the JSCC, which acts as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Japan and, as such,
guarantees clearance and settlement on all of our matched trades in Japan. With respect to trades in digital assets
occurring on Cboe Digital Exchange, we deliver matched trades of our customers to Cboe Clear Digital, which acts as a
central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Digital Exchange and, as such, guarantees clearance and
settlement of all of those matched spot and futures trades.
With respect to routed U.S. equity transactions, Cboe Trading has counterparty credit risk exposure to Wedbush and
Morgan Stanley related to clearing until the day following the trade date. Cboe Trading uses Wedbush to clear trades
routed through affiliates of Bank of America Corporation as well as for trades routed directly to other exchanges and
optionally dark pools. Morgan Stanley clears trades routed through the Morgan Stanley routing brokers and also clears
executions routed to most dark pools. Cboe Trading maintains counterparty credit risk exposure from routing brokers with
respect to rebates earned until completion of the routing brokers next invoice cycle following the execution.
With respect to U.S. listed equity and exchange traded product options, Cboe Trading is subject to counterparty
credit risk exposure with respect to rebates earned from routing brokers until completion of the routing brokers’ next
invoice cycle following the execution.
Our exposure to credit risk may be further impacted by volatile securities markets that may affect the ability of our
customers, counterparties and other third parties to satisfy their obligations to us. Moreover, we may not be successful in
managing our credit risk through mitigating measures, policies, safeguards and risk management procedures, reporting
and control procedures or by maintaining credit standards. Any losses arising from such defaults or other credit losses
could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
While neither Cboe FX nor Cboe SEF has direct counterparty risk, Cboe FX or Cboe SEF may suffer a decrease in
transaction volume if a bank or prime broker experiences an event that causes other prime brokers to decrease or revoke
the credit available to the prime broker experiencing the event. Therefore, Cboe FX and Cboe SEF may have risk that is
related to the credit of the banks and prime brokers that trade spot FX on the Cboe FX platform, or NDFs on Cboe SEF.
We may be required to assume ownership of a position in securities in connection with our order routing service,
which could subject us to trading losses when our broker-dealer disposes of that position.
We offer a smart-order routing service through our broker-dealer subsidiary, Cboe Trading, which provides its
customers with access to other market centers when we route their orders to those market centers for execution. In
connection with this service, we may assume ownership of a position in securities. This may occur, for example, when a
market center to which we have routed a customer’s order experiences systemic issues and is unable to determine the
status of that order. When this happens, we may make a business decision to provide a cancellation notice to our
customer, relieving our customer of any liability with respect to the order. We may be informed later, however, that the
order was executed at the market center to which we routed it, in which case Cboe Trading would be required to take
ownership of that securities position. Our third party clearing brokers maintain error accounts on behalf of Cboe Trading
into which such positions settle, and we require the respective clearing broker to trade out of those positions as
expeditiously as possible, which could result in our incurring trading losses.
We selectively explore acquisition opportunities and strategic alliances relating to other businesses, products or
technologies. We may not be successful in integrating other businesses, products or technologies with our
business. Any such transaction also may not produce the results we anticipate, which could materially adversely
affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We selectively explore and pursue acquisition and other opportunities to strengthen our business and grow our
Company. We may enter into business combination transactions, make acquisitions or enter into strategic partnerships,
joint ventures or alliances, any of which may be material. The market for acquisition targets and strategic alliances is
highly competitive, which could make it more difficult to find appropriate merger or acquisition opportunities. If we are
required to raise capital by incurring debt or issuing additional equity for any reason in connection with a strategic
acquisition or investment, financing may not be available or the terms of such financing may not be favorable to us and
our stockholders, whose interests may be diluted by the issuance of additional stock.
For example, in 2022 we completed our acquisitions of Cboe Digital, an operator of a U.S. based digital asset spot
market, a regulated futures exchange and a regulated clearinghouse, and Aequitas Innovations Inc. and Neo Exchange
Inc., which at the time were recognized Canadian securities exchanges. In 2021 we purchased Cboe Asia Pacific, a
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holding company of alternative market operators in Australia and Japan, and in 2020, we purchased Hanweck and the
assets of FT Options, which are providers of risk analytics market data, the assets of Trade Alert, a real-time alerts and
order flow analysis service provider, Cboe Clear Europe, an operator of a European clearinghouse, and TriAct Canada
Marketplace LP, which at the time was an operator of an equities ATS in Canada called MATCHNow. At the end of 2020,
we also purchased BIDS Trading, a registered broker-dealer and operator of the BIDS ATS in the U.S., which is not a
registered national securities exchange or a facility thereof. Cboe maintains the BIDS ATS as an independently managed
and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with the Exchanges.
The process of integration, including in new geographies and asset classes with new regulatory regimes, may expose
us to a number of unforeseen risks and operating difficulties, including risks relating to information technology migrations,
integrations and security, regulatory issues, and other issues, and may divert the attention of management from the
ongoing operation of our business and harm our reputation. We may not successfully achieve the integration objectives,
and we may not realize the anticipated cost savings, revenue growth and synergies in full or at all, or it may take longer to
realize them than expected, any of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results.
Further, the success of acquisitions, integrations, and future operations may also depend in part on our ability to
retain following acquisitions key employees of acquired companies or find suitable candidates to replace such key
employees who leave. If we are unable to retain such key employees, including management, we could face disruptions
in our operations, integrations, loss of customers, loss of key information, expertise or know-how, and unanticipated
additional recruitment costs.
For additional risks related to our Cboe Digital acquisition, see the Risk Factors Section entitled “Risks Relating to
Our Cboe Digital Business” below.
A pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effects may have significant impacts on economies around
the world. Impacts of a pandemic could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
operating results and cash flows.
A pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may have significant impacts on economies around the world.
Governments, public institutions, and other organizations around the world may take or reimpose previous, emergency
measures to combat a potential pandemic, including vaccination requirements, implementation of travel bans, stay-at-
home orders, border closures, and closures of offices, factories, schools, public buildings and businesses. These
measures may disrupt the supply chain and may interfere with the ability of our employees, vendors, technology
equipment suppliers, data and disaster recovery centers, and other service providers to perform their respective
responsibilities and obligations relative to the conduct of our business. In addition to uncertain expenses and impacts to
our business we may incur due to a pandemic as part of us providing a safe and healthy work and trading environment,
employees working remotely from different locations and in connection with our return to our offices, we may also be
subject to claims from employees or customers alleging failure to maintain safe premises and restrictions with respect to
protocols relating to such pandemic. Further, changes in trading behavior, impacts to trading behavior due to market
disruptions, temporary suspensions of open outcry trading, temporary regulatory measures and other future
developments caused by the effects of a pandemic, including a re-occurrence of cases and the emergence of variants,
could impact trading volumes and the demand for our products, market data and services, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows and could heighten many of the other
risks described herein.
Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters
We operate in a highly regulated industry and may be subject to censures, fines and other legal proceedings if
we fail to comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
Cboe Options, C2, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA are registered national securities exchanges and SROs, and, as
such, are subject to comprehensive regulation by the SEC. CFE is a DCM and Cboe SEF is a SEF, each registered with
the CFTC and subject to comprehensive regulation by the CFTC. In addition to its other SRO responsibilities, BZX, as a
listing market, also is responsible for evaluating applications submitted by issuers interested in listing their securities on
BZX and monitoring each issuer’s compliance with BZX’s continued listing standards. The Exchanges may be subject to
additional responsibilities in other international jurisdictions where the Exchanges may be authorized to act as foreign
exchanges. Failure to comply with these SRO and other responsibilities could result in potential sanctions or fines and a
negative impact on Cboe’s reputation and/or branding.
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Our European businesses are subject to regulatory oversight in the UK by the FCA and in the Netherlands by the
DNB and the AFM, which, through the “passporting” regime, provides authorization to carry on business in other Member
States of the EU and the EEA in accordance with the applicable EU legislation and regulation to which our European
business is subject. Cboe Canada Inc. is subject to regulatory oversight in Canada by its primary provincial securities
authority, the OSC. In addition, Cboe Canada Inc. is a Marketplace Member of, and subject to a regulation services
agreement with, CIRO. Cboe Australia is subject to regulatory oversight in Australia by the ASIC. Cboe Japan is subject
to regulatory oversight in Japan by the JFSA and the JSDA. BIDS Trading is a registered broker-dealer subject to
regulatory oversight in the U.S. by the SEC and FINRA and is maintained as an independently managed and operated
trading venue, separate from and not integrated with the SROs. The Chief Executive Officer of BIDS Trading leads BIDS
Trading as an independent business within Cboe, reporting into an independent committee of the Board of Directors of
Cboe Global Markets. If a regulatory authority makes a finding of non-compliance, conditional fines could be imposed,
and our licenses could be revoked. Any such fine or revocation of a license could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and operating results. The Cboe Digital futures exchange and clearinghouse are regulated
by the CFTC and subject to comprehensive regulation by the CFTC. For risks related to Cboe Digital see also below
“Risks Relating to Our Cboe Digital Business.”
In addition to the requirements related to operating our U.S. markets imposed by the SEC and the CFTC, we also
have certain responsibilities for regulating the TPHs and members that trade on our Exchanges. While we have entered
into agreements under which FINRA, with respect to our options and equities exchanges provides certain regulatory
services, and under which OCC, with respect to CFE provides certain financial surveillance and regulatory services, we
retain ultimate responsibility for the regulation of our TPHs and members. We have begun to perform internally more of
the regulatory services that FINRA used to handle and now perform internally the regulatory functions that NFA previously
handled on behalf of CFE.
Our ability to comply with applicable laws and rules is largely dependent on the establishment and maintenance of
appropriate systems and procedures, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, the ability of FINRA and OCC to
perform under their respective RSAs, the ability of FINRA and OCC to transition to us any other potential responsibilities
under their respective RSAs, our ability to complete the new additional responsibilities for regulating our TPHs and
members and our oversight of the work done by FINRA and OCC. The SEC and CFTC have broad powers to audit,
investigate and enforce compliance and to punish noncompliance by, as applicable, SROs, DCMs and SEFs pursuant to
applicable laws, rules and regulations.
If a regulatory authority were to find one of our programs of enforcement or compliance to be deficient, our SROs,
DCM, or SEF could be the subject of investigations and enforcement proceedings that may result in substantial sanctions,
including revocation of registration as a national securities exchange, DCM, or SEF. Any such investigations or
proceedings, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs, the diversion of resources, including
management time, and potential harm to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and operating results. In addition, our SROs, DCM, or SEF may be required to modify or restructure
their regulatory functions in response to any changes in the regulatory environment, or they may be required to rely on
third parties to perform regulatory and oversight functions, each of which may require us to incur substantial expenses
and may harm our reputation if our regulatory services are deemed inadequate.
In addition, SROs are required by federal law to perform a variety of regulatory functions. In light of these
responsibilities, some courts have held that SROs are immune to certain private causes of action relating to the
performance of these regulatory functions. There is a risk that some courts may not apply this immunity doctrine to all
claims. There is also a risk that legislative or regulatory developments may change the application of this immunity
doctrine. Limitations on the application of the immunity doctrine could result in an increased exposure to litigation, and
increase liability and/or other legal expenses. Further under the CEA, CFE, Cboe SEF and Cboe Digital Exchange may
be subject to litigation alleging that they have acted in bad faith. We also could be exposed to liability to regulators or
other governmental authorities even in situations where immunity would bar a civil claim.
Legislative or regulatory changes affecting our markets could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and operating results.
Changes in regulation by the SEC, CFTC, FCA, Central Bank of the Netherlands (“DNB”), AFM, CIRO, OSC, ASIC,
JFSA, JSDA, other domestic and foreign regulators or other government action, including approval by these regulators of
rule filings or initiatives by other SROs or entities, including OCC, could materially affect our markets, products and
clearinghouse. In recent years, the securities and derivatives industries have been subject to regulatory changes as a
result of increasing government and public scrutiny of the securities and derivatives industries. We have also
experienced, and we may also experience due to changes in administrations in the jurisdictions that we operate and
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expansion into other asset classes, such as the digital asset space or U.S. Treasuries and geographies, an increase in
rulemaking and legislation that could affect our business.
In particular, in December 2022, the SEC released four proposals that could impact equity market structure:
(1) Disclosure of Order Execution Information (Rule 605); (2) Regulation NMS Amendments: Tick Size, Access Fees, and
Transparency; (3) Regulation Best Execution; and (4) Proposed Rule to Enhance Order Competition. These proposals
have been noticed for public comment. If adopted as-is or additional proposals or changes to the existing equity market
structure proposals emerge, we could experience market technology changes, incur additional compliance costs,
experience negative impacts on our volumes, liquidity, and fees, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and operating results. Further, on October 18, 2023, the SEC released the Volume Based
Proposal and, although the new rules do not appear likely to have a near term material impact, the new rules may have a
long term material impact on our business, financial condition and operating results if, for example, there is a reduction of
overall volumes, liquidity, or market share on Cboe’s equities exchanges, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA.
Under EU and UK regulations, European and UK banks and other European and UK financial institutions become
subject to punitive capital charges if they transact options or futures through a third country central counterparty (“CCP”)
that is not recognized in the applicable jurisdiction. OCC, our clearinghouse for U.S. options and futures, is recognized as
a third country CCP by the EU and is currently operating under the UK’s temporary recognition regime. Although the UK
has not issued any equivalency determination with respect to U.S. CCPs, OCC has submitted its application for
permanent recognition in the UK. The current deadline for recognition in the UK is December 31, 2025, and may be
extended by His Majesty’s Treasury in the future in increments of 12 months each. As a prerequisite to ultimately
achieving recognition in the UK, it is possible that OCC could be required by the UK to contribute capital to its default
waterfall applicable in the event of clearing member default. This capital could be required to be drawn before the default
fund contributions of non-defaulting clearing members in the event that a defaulting clearing member’s margin and other
contributions were to be exhausted. OCC’s stockholders, including Cboe Options, could effectively be required to fund
this capital. If the UK does not recognize OCC as a third country CCP, then UK market participants that clear through
OCC would become subject to punitive capital charges. As a result, we could experience the loss of a significant number
of UK market participants and a significant reduction in trading activity on our options and futures markets, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
The implementation of MiFID II and MiFIR in Europe at the beginning of 2018 has encouraged competition among
market centers in Europe. MiFID II and MiFIR have introduced a number of new rules, including enhanced internal
organizational and compliance monitoring requirements, which apply directly to European trading venues such as our
MTF and RM. The impact of MiFID II and MiFIR is significant, and the increased competition among market centers could
reduce trading fees, while increasing our costs of operating in Europe. Additionally, European authorities are currently
undertaking a review of MiFID as a result of which new rules may come into effect that could have a material impact on
our business.
In 2021 the E.C. published proposals for the review of EU market structure, including provisions for a consolidated
tape for the EU and changes to the transparency regime for equities. These proposals are expected to be implemented
during 2026. As proposed, these new rules may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
operating results.
The legislative and regulatory environment in which the spot FX market operates is evolving and has undergone
significant changes in the recent past, and there may be future regulatory changes in the spot FX industry. The FX Global
Code was published in 2017 and sets forth standards of conduct agreed by market participants and central banks on a
global basis to apply to the wholesale FX market, and the effect of its publication on conduct and future regulation
continues to evolve. Cboe FX issued a Statement of Commitment declaring its commitment to conduct its FX market
activities in a manner consistent with the principles of the FX Global Code. Amendments to the FX Global Code, changes
in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations by applicable governmental bodies and regulatory
organizations, or the adoption of new legal or regulatory requirements, may also adversely affect our spot FX business.
Further, our FX NDF business may also be adversely affected by proposed regulatory changes to the rules governing
swap execution facilities.
It is also possible that there will be additional legislative, regulatory, and enforcement changes, priorities or efforts in
the environment in which we operate, or plan to operate, our businesses. Actions on any of the specific regulatory issues
currently under review in the U.S. or internationally and other proposals could have a material impact on our business.
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In addition, U.S. and foreign legislatures and regulators could impose legislative or regulatory changes that could
materially adversely impact the ability of our market participants to use our markets or participate in the securities industry
at all. Any such changes could result in the loss of a significant number of market participants or a reduction in trading
activity on our markets, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
operating results. Changes or proposed changes in regulation may also result in additional costs of compliance and
modification of market participants’ trading activity on our Exchanges and markets.
Any infringement by us on intellectual property rights of others could result in litigation and could have a
material adverse effect on our operations.
Our competitors, as well as others, have obtained, or may obtain, patents or may otherwise hold intellectual property
rights that are related to our technology or the types of products and services we offer or plan to offer. We may not be
aware of all intellectual property that may pose a risk of infringement by our products, services or technologies. In
addition, some potential patent applications in the U.S. are confidential until a patent is issued, and therefore we cannot
evaluate the extent to which our products, services or technologies may be covered or asserted to be covered in pending
patent applications. Thus, we cannot be sure that our products, services or technologies do not infringe on the rights of
others or that others will not make claims of infringement against us. Claims of infringement are not uncommon in our
industry, and even if we believe that such claims are without merit, they can be time-consuming and costly to defend and
divert management resources and attention. If one or more of our products, services or technologies were determined to
infringe a patent or other intellectual property right held by another party, we may be required to pay damages, stop using,
developing or marketing those products, services or technologies, obtain a license from the intellectual property rights
holders, or redesign those products, services or technologies to avoid infringement. If we were required to stop using,
developing or marketing certain products, services or technologies, our business, financial condition and operating results
could be materially harmed. Moreover, if we were unable to obtain required licenses, we may not be able to redesign our
products, services or technologies to avoid infringement, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and operating results.
Misconduct by our TPHs, members, participants or others could harm us.
We run the risk that our TPHs, members, participants, other persons who use our markets or our products, other
persons for whom we clear transactions, our employees or those with which we have business relationships may engage
in fraud, market or product manipulation, or other misconduct, which could result in regulatory and legal sanctions and
penalties and serious harm to our reputation, especially because we are the parent company of SROs. It is not always
possible to deter misconduct, or market or product manipulation, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this
activity may not be effective in all cases. In addition, misconduct, or market or product manipulation by, or failures of,
participants on our or other exchanges may discourage trading on our Exchanges or of our products, which could reduce
revenues.
Potential conflicts of interest between our for-profit status and our regulatory responsibilities may adversely
affect our business.
As a for-profit business with regulatory responsibilities, we are responsible for disciplining TPHs and members for
violating our rules, including by imposing fines and sanctions. This may create a conflict of interest between our business
interests and our regulatory responsibilities. Any failure by us to fulfill our regulatory obligations could significantly harm
our reputation, increase regulatory scrutiny or cause the SEC or CFTC to take action against us, all of which could
materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
BIDS Trading’s ability to operate under its current regulatory framework is dependent upon the sufficiency of a
novel operational and governance framework we have developed to govern our relationship with BIDS Trading
and our ability to comply with such framework and if we fail to adhere to such framework or the BIDS Trading
ATS is otherwise deemed a “facility” of our registered national securities exchanges, our business, financial
condition and operating results may be adversely affected.
The U.S. equities ATS operated by BIDS Trading is regulated as a broker-dealer sponsored alternative trading
system and not a registered national securities exchange. Because we acquired BIDS Trading, it is now under common
ownership with our registered national securities exchanges that, in some cases, offer trading in the same securities as
those traded on the BIDS Trading ATS. Absent sufficient separation, this common ownership of an ATS and registered
national securities exchanges offering trading in the same securities presents the potential for the BIDS Trading ATS to
be deemed a “facility” of our registered national securities exchanges. If the BIDS Trading ATS were to be deemed to be
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a “facility” of our registered national securities exchanges, certain exchange regulations could be extended to the BIDS
Trading ATS, which could have a material adverse impact on BIDS Trading’s business model. This could reduce the BIDS
Trading ATS’ competitiveness and volumes and could result in a reduction of the value of the BIDS Trading ATS to us.
This could also potentially result in fines or other penalties being assessed against us for our failure to operate the BIDS
Trading ATS as a “facility,” which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating
results.
To mitigate the risk that the BIDS Trading ATS is deemed a “facility” of our registered national securities exchanges,
we have developed and implemented an operational and governance framework for our ownership of BIDS Trading that is
intended to preserve the strategic, technological, business, and operational independence of the BIDS Trading ATS from
our registered national securities exchange businesses, such that the BIDS Trading ATS and our registered national
securities exchanges would not be deemed to be integrated or otherwise linked for “facility” purposes. This framework is
supported by highly detailed policies, procedures and controls. However, because of the lack of precedent for common
ownership of an ATS and registered national security exchanges offering trading in the same securities, there is risk that
our framework and supporting policies, procedures and controls could be deemed to be insufficient to prevent the BIDS
Trading ATS from being deemed to be a “facility” of our registered national securities exchanges. In addition, because of
the comprehensive and highly detailed nature of our framework and supporting policies, procedures and controls, there is
risk that we could inadvertently fail to fully adhere to our operational and governance framework and related policies,
procedures and controls. There is also risk that new legislation or regulation, or changes in existing regulation or other
government action, relating to “facilities” of registered national securities exchanges and/or the common ownership of an
ATS and registered national securities exchanges offering trading in the same securities could materially affect our ability
to own and operate the BIDS Trading ATS under the current operational and governance framework, including without the
BIDS Trading ATS being deemed a “facility” of our registered national securities exchanges. Occurrence of any of the
risks described in this paragraph could result in the BIDS Trading ATS being deemed to be a “facility” of our registered
national securities exchanges, which could reduce the BIDS Trading ATS’ competitiveness and volumes and could result
in a reduction of the value of the BIDS Trading ATS to us, and could also potentially result in fines or other penalties being
assessed against us for our failure to operate the BIDS Trading ATS as a “facility,” which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
If our risk management and compliance methods are not effective, we may suffer adverse consequences, such
as investigations and enforcement actions from regulators, our business, financial condition and operating
results may be adversely affected.
We maintain risk management, compliance and monitoring policies, procedures and programs that are reasonably
designed to help with our compliance with applicable laws and rules and to prevent, detect, deter, monitor and manage
our risks, including enterprise risk, compliance, regulatory, and internal audit programs, but such policies, procedures and
programs may not be fully effective in their operation. Further, we face the risk of intervention by regulatory authorities,
including extensive examination and surveillance activity. In the case of actual or alleged non-compliance with applicable
laws or regulations, we could be subject to investigations and judicial or administrative proceedings that may result in
penalties, settlements or civil lawsuits, including by customers, or third parties, for damages, which may be substantial.
For example, the SEC has previously brought actions against exchange operators, including us, for failing to fulfill their
obligations to have an effective regulatory system. Any failure to comply with applicable laws and rules could materially
adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and operating results and, in extreme cases, our ability to
conduct our business or portions thereof. As the parent company for SROs, other markets, and a clearinghouse, we are
responsible for maintaining markets that comply with securities and futures laws, SEC, FCA, AFM, DNB, CIRO, OSC,
ASIC, JFSA, JSDA, ESMA, and CFTC regulations and the rules of the respective exchanges, markets and clearinghouse.
We have methods to identify, monitor and manage our risks. Management of legal, compliance, and regulatory risk,
among other risks, requires policies and procedures to properly monitor and manage risk. Additionally, as we continue to
integrate the technology, associates, and processes of recent acquisitions, we may not be able to identify additional risks.
Further, the practices we utilize to integrate these acquisitions may not be effective at identifying or monitoring and
managing risks related to ongoing integration activities. If our policies, procedures, and compliance systems are not
effective or we are not successful in monitoring or evaluating the risks to which we are or may be exposed, our business,
reputation, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. We cannot provide assurance
that our policies and procedures will always be effective, or that our management, compliance department, risk
department, regulatory department and related enterprise risk management framework, including the three lines of
defense approach, and internal audit department would be able to identify any such ineffectiveness. If these departments
or the enterprise risk management framework, and related policies and procedures are not effective, we may be subject to
monetary or other penalties by our regulators, and our insurance policies may not provide adequate coverage.
52
Our ability to implement or amend rules could be limited or delayed because of regulation, which could
negatively affect our ability to implement needed changes.
Our Exchanges registered with the SEC must submit proposed rule changes to the SEC for its review and, in many
cases, its approval. Even where a proposed rule change may be effective upon filing with the SEC, the SEC retains the
right to suspend and disapprove such a rule change. Also, the CFTC may stay or disapprove rules that we file with it for
Cboe Digital futures exchange and clearinghouse, CFE, or Cboe SEF. The rule review process can be lengthy and can
significantly delay the implementation of proposed rule changes that we believe are necessary to the operation of our
markets. If the SEC or CFTC delays, including because of a government shutdown, or does not allow one of our
Exchanges to implement a rule change, this could negatively affect our ability to make needed changes or implement
business activities.
Similarly, the SEC must approve amendments to our exchange subsidiaries’ certificates of incorporation and bylaws
as well as certain amendments to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Cboe Global Markets. The SEC may
decide not to approve a proposed amendment or may delay such approval in a manner that could negatively affect our
ability to make a desired change, which could prevent or delay us from improving the operations of our markets or
recognize income from new products.
Changes in the tax laws and regulations affecting us, our products and our market participants could have a
material adverse effect on our business.
Legislation may be proposed, both domestically and internationally, that could add a transaction tax on our products
or change the way that our market participants are taxed on the products they trade on our markets. A number of federal,
state and local jurisdictions in the U.S. and EU Member States have considered a financial transaction tax, but many
details remain to be discussed and agreed, including how to assess the tax. Additionally, legislation has been proposed
from time to time on a federal level that would introduce in the U.S. mark-to-market tax treatment for all derivatives
contracts and require gains and losses be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Implementation of such taxes could result in
a reduction in volumes and liquidity, which would have a negative impact on our operations.
In addition to proposed tax changes that could affect our market participants, like other corporations, we are subject
to taxes at federal, state and local levels, as well as in non-U.S. jurisdictions. More specifically, some jurisdictions where
we operate are implementing Pillar 2 laws to effectuate a 15% minimum tax as of January 1, 2024. Currently, we do not
expect a material tax cost to arise from the implementation of such legislation, as drafted. Changes in tax laws, including
Pillar 2 laws, regulations or policies or successful claims by tax authorities could result in our having to pay higher taxes,
which would in turn reduce our net income. If this occurs, we may experience a higher effective tax rate.
We are subject to litigation risks and other liabilities.
Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of litigation and other liabilities. Although under current law we
expect to be immune from private suits arising from conduct within our regulatory authority and from acts and
forbearances incident to the exercise of our regulatory authority, we expect this immunity will only cover certain of our
activities in the U.S., and we could be exposed to liability under foreign, national and local laws, court decisions and rules
and regulations promulgated by regulatory agencies.
Some of our other liability risks arise under the laws and regulations relating to the tax, employment, intellectual
property, anti-money laundering, technology export, cybersecurity, foreign asset controls, foreign corrupt practices,
employee labor and employment areas, including anti-discrimination and fair-pay laws and regulations, and the
businesses of companies listed on any of our exchanges. Liability could also result from disputes over the terms of a trade
executed on one of our markets, claims that a system failure or delay cost a customer money, claims we entered into an
unauthorized transaction or claims that we provided materially false or misleading statements in connection with a
transaction.
For example, we are subject to on-going legal disputes that could result in the payment of fines, penalties or
damages and could expose us to additional liability in the future. See Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report for
a general description of our legal proceedings and claims and Note 23 (“Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees –
Legal Proceedings”) to the consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are included elsewhere in this
Annual Report, for a summary of specific legal proceedings.
53
Further, we could incur significant expenses vigorously defending the claims mentioned above (including those found
to be barred due to immunity) and any future claims, even those without merit, which could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and operating results. The outcomes of existing claims and any future claims cannot be determined
and an adverse resolution of any lawsuit or claim against us may require us to pay substantial damages or impose
restrictions on how we conduct business, either of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and
operating results. In addition, we may have to establish accruals for those matters in circumstances when a loss
contingency is considered probable and the related amount is reasonably estimable. Any such accruals may be adjusted
as circumstances change.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock and Indebtedness
We have outstanding indebtedness and commitments, which may decrease our business flexibility and
adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $647.9 million of senior unsecured notes due 2027, $494.8 million of senior
unsecured notes due 2030, $296.4 million of senior unsecured notes due 2032, no funds outstanding under our revolving
credit facility and no funds outstanding under the Cboe Clear Europe credit facility. In 2023, we terminated and paid off
outstanding amounts under our term loan facility. The financial and other covenants to which we have agreed and our
indebtedness may have the effect of reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions,
thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less indebtedness and making us
more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions. Further, we may default on our obligations or
violate the covenants, in which case, we may be required to seek a waiver of such default or the debt obligations may be
accelerated. A default under any of our indebtedness with cross default provisions could result in a default on our other
indebtedness. Our indebtedness may also increase future borrowing costs, and the covenants pertaining thereto may also
limit our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock, increase dividends or obtain additional financing to fund
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate requirements. We are also required to dedicate a
larger portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our
cash flow for other purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, regulatory capital requirements, and general
corporate purposes. Also, our ability to fund capital expenditures and return capital to stockholders may depend on the
amount of capital held due to regulatory capital requirements and the amount of capital committed related to lines of credit
granted by the Company to our subsidiaries in connection with their regulatory capital requirements.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our debt obligations and to fund planned capital expenditures
depend on our ability to generate cash from our operations. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic,
financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we cannot
service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets, seeking additional equity or reducing or
delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances, any of which could impede the
implementation of our business strategy or prevent us from entering into transactions that would otherwise benefit our
business. Additionally, we may not be able to affect such actions, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms, or at
all. Any of the foregoing consequences could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating
results.
Deterioration in our credit profile may increase our costs of borrowing money.
As of December 31, 2023, we have investment grade credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings (A-) and Moody’s
Investor Service (A3). Ratings from credit agencies are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our securities, and each
rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. There is no assurance that we will maintain such credit
ratings, since credit ratings may be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in its judgment, the circumstances
warrant. If a rating agency were to downgrade our rating below investment grade, our borrowing costs could increase.
If our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and intangible assets become
impaired, the resulting charge to earnings may be significant.
We are required to assess investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries and intangible assets for impairment at least
annually. Goodwill impairment testing is performed annually in the fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if conditions
exist that indicate that the asset may be impaired. In the future, we may take charges against earnings resulting from
impairment. For example, in 2022, the Company previously recorded goodwill impairment charges of $460.9 million
54
related to Cboe Digital, resulting in decreases in the carrying value of Cboe Digital. Any determination requiring the write-
off of a significant portion of our goodwill, long-lived assets, intangible assets or investments in non-consolidated
subsidiaries could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
As a result of the Company’s annual impairment analysis, completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, in which all
reporting units estimated fair value exceeded their carrying value, we do not consider our goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangibles to have a significant risk of impairment.
Any decision to pay dividends on our common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends
upon the earnings and cash flow of our operating subsidiaries. Accordingly, there can be no guarantee that we
will pay dividends to our stockholders.
Any decision to pay dividends on our common stock in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors,
which may determine not to declare dividends at all or at a reduced amount. The board’s determination to declare
dividends will depend upon our profitability and financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by
applicable law and the SEC and other factors that the board deems relevant. As a holding company with no significant
business operations of its own, Cboe Global Markets depends entirely on distributions, if any, it may receive from its
subsidiaries to meet its obligations and pay dividends to its stockholders. If these subsidiaries are not profitable, or even if
they are and they determine to retain their profits for use in their businesses, we will be unable to pay dividends to our
stockholders.
Certain provisions in our organizational documents and governing law could prevent or delay a change of
control.
Our organizational documents contain provisions that could block actions that stockholders might find favorable,
including discouraging, delaying or preventing a change of control or any unsolicited acquisition proposals for us. These
include provisions:
•
•
•
prohibiting stockholders from acting by written consent;
requiring advance notice of director nominations and of business to be brought before a meeting of stockholders;
and
limiting the persons who may call special stockholders’ meetings.
In addition, our organizational documents include provisions that:
•
•
restrict any person from voting or causing the voting of shares of stock representing more than 20% of our
outstanding voting capital stock; and
restrict any person from beneficially owning shares of stock representing more than 20% of the outstanding
shares of our capital stock.
Furthermore, our Board of Directors has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to
fix the rights and preferences of these shares without stockholder approval. Any series of our preferred stock is likely to
be senior to our common stock with respect to dividends, liquidation rights and, possibly, voting rights. The ability of the
Board of Directors to issue preferred stock also could have the effect of discouraging unsolicited acquisition proposals,
thus materially adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.
Delaware law makes it difficult for stockholders that have recently acquired a large interest in a corporation to cause
the merger or acquisition of the corporation against the board’s wishes. Under Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, a Delaware corporation may not engage in any merger or other business combination with an interested
stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder except in
limited circumstances, including by approval of the corporation’s Board of Directors.
Furthermore, the European countries where we operate regulated entities, such as the UK and Netherlands, may
require prior governmental approval before an investor acquires 10% or more of the outstanding shares of our common
stock.
55
Risks Relating to Our Cboe Digital Business
We may not realize the expected benefits of our acquisition of Cboe Digital and the acquisition introduces
additional risks to our business due to its evolving business model.
On May 2, 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of ErisX, which was subsequently rebranded as Cboe
Digital. Cboe Digital operates a U.S.-based digital asset spot market, a regulated futures exchange and a regulated
clearinghouse. Leveraging digital asset data from Cboe Digital’s and our existing index calculation capabilities, we intend
to develop and distribute digital asset indices for potential use in exchange traded products and other derivative product
opportunities. We also plan to develop a robust market data offering based on actionable bid and offer prices from the
Cboe Digital spot crypto market, and ultimately intend to develop a benchmark to help Cboe Digital’s industry partners
and other market participants evaluate the appropriateness of crypto execution prices and offer digital asset trading to
their clients. We are subject to increased financial and reputational risks if there is a failure to develop and launch one or
more of the anticipated products, or if the development or launch of a new product is unsuccessful. Also, there can be no
assurance that we will be able to maintain the necessary regulatory approvals or receive support from market participants,
industry partners and users to develop and launch products as planned, that Cboe Digital will continue to operate as
anticipated, or that we will realize the expected return on our investment. Furthermore, our investment in Cboe Digital
entails numerous risks, including risks relating to our ability to:
• manage the complexity of its business model to stay current with the industry;
•
•
• maintain required licenses and regulatory approvals for its business.
successfully enter categories and markets in which it may have limited or no prior experience;
successfully develop and integrate products, systems or personnel into its business operations; and
In addition, certain market participants acquired minority ownership interests in Cboe Digital and intend to serve as
partners in the growth of the business. If these market participants do not serve as partners in the growth of the business,
then we may not be able to realize the expected return on our investment. Insufficient participation from market
participants in ownership and partnership may adversely affect the ability of Cboe Digital to operate as anticipated or
grow, which may have a material adverse effect on the Cboe Digital business.
As digital assets technologies evolve, Cboe Digital may add, modify or discontinue certain aspects of its business
model relating to the product mix and service offerings. Future additions and modifications to Cboe Digital’s business will
increase the complexity of its business and may place significant strain on our management, personnel, operations,
systems, technical performance, financial resources and internal financial control and reporting functions. We cannot offer
any assurance that these or any other additions or modifications will be successful or will not result in harm to our
business. Additionally, sources of Cboe Digital revenue are dependent on digital assets and the broader blockchain
ecosystem. Due to the highly volatile nature of the blockchain ecosystem and the prices of digital assets, Cboe Digital’s
operating results have fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, significantly from period to period in accordance with
market sentiments and movements in the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Additionally, the blockchain ecosystem is highly innovative, rapidly evolving and characterized by intense
competition, experimentation and frequent introductions of new products and services, and is subject to uncertain and
evolving industry and regulatory requirements. We expect competition to increase in the future as existing and new
competitors introduce new products or enhance existing products that may compete with Cboe Digital. We have limited
experience applying Cboe Digital’s technology platform to a global exchange and clearing infrastructure for digital assets.
The creation and operation of a global digital assets spot and derivatives trading market is subject to potential technical,
legal and regulatory constraints. Any problems that we encounter with the operation of the Cboe Digital systems, including
technical, legal and regulatory problems, could negatively impact our business and plan of operations.
The characteristics of digital assets and digital asset platforms have been, and may in the future continue to be,
exploited to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, ransomware scams and other
types of cybercrime, as well as other technical issues, which could adversely affect the Cboe Digital business.
Additionally, illegal activity conducted by other digital asset platforms in the digital asset space may erode trust
in the digital asset industry which could have a broad-based negative reputational effect on the Cboe Digital
business.
Digital assets and the digital asset industry are relatively new and, in many cases, lightly regulated or largely
unregulated. Digital asset platforms on which digital assets trade pose special risks, as these platforms are generally
relatively new and the rules governing their activities are unsettled and their activities could be largely unregulated, and
may therefore be more exposed to theft, fraud, and failure than established, regulated exchanges for other products.
56
Some types of digital assets, particularly cryptocurrencies, have characteristics, such as the speed with which
transactions can be conducted, the ability to conduct transactions without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the
ability to engage in transactions across multiple jurisdictions, the irreversible nature of certain transactions and encryption
technology that anonymizes these transactions, that make those assets potentially susceptible to use in illegal activity
such as fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, ransomware scams and other types of cybercrime. Digital asset platforms
have been shut down or experienced losses of assets placed on the platform as a result of cybercrime, and any such
event is likely to result in the complete loss of assets placed on such a platform. Any governmental or regulatory action
against such a digital asset trading platform may cause assets on such platform to become frozen for a substantial period
of time or forfeited, and could result in material opportunity costs or even in the total loss of such assets. In addition,
banks may refuse to process or support wire transfers to or from digital asset trading platforms.
While we believe that our risk management and compliance framework is reasonably designed to detect any such
illicit activities, we cannot ensure that we will be able to detect such illegal activity in all instances. Because the speed,
irreversibility and anonymity of certain digital asset transactions potentially makes them difficult to track, fraudulent
transactions may be more likely to occur. Cboe Digital may be specifically targeted by individuals seeking to conduct
transfers for fraudulent purposes, and it may be difficult or impossible for us to detect and avoid such transactions in
certain circumstances.
Various other technical issues with blockchain networks have also been uncovered from time to time that resulted in
disabled functionality, exposure of certain users’ personal data, theft of users’ assets, and other negative consequences,
and which required resolution with the attention and efforts of their global miner, user and development communities. If
any such risks or other risks materialize, the development and growth of digital assets may be significantly affected and,
as a result, our Cboe Digital business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Recent illegal activity by other institutions in the digital asset space may have a negative impact on our customer’s
and regulators’ view of the digital asset industry as a whole and result in broadly applied reputational harm. Though we
cannot control the actions of other entities in the digital asset space, Cboe Digital subscribes to strict risk management
processes that are reviewed and updated to help prevent illegal activity from occurring within Cboe Digital.
Digital assets, digital asset trading platforms and blockchains are currently subject to many different, and
potentially overlapping, regulatory regimes, and may in the future be subject to different regulatory regimes than
those that are currently in effect. The current and future operation of Cboe Digital may increase our regulatory
costs and risks, and there can be no assurance that our employees or agents will not violate applicable laws and
regulations.
Various aspects of the business that we are engaging in, or planning to engage in, through Cboe Digital are heavily
regulated. The Cboe Digital futures exchange and clearinghouse are regulated by the CFTC. The Cboe Digital
clearinghouse is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a money services business; licensed as a
money transmitter in many U.S. states and territories; and holds a BitLicense from the New York Department of Financial
Services. Further, the regulatory and legislative framework is unsettled with respect to many forms of digital assets, which
means that federal or state regulators or legislators may in the future curtail or prohibit the acquisition, use or redemption
of certain digital assets. Ownership of, holding or trading in certain digital assets may become subject to litigation. In light
of recent events in the digital asset environment, including the volatility of digital asset markets in 2022, ongoing litigation
between digital asset market participants and federal regulators, and large-scale enforcement activity such as the Binance
guilty plea, Federal regulators, state regulators and legislators are increasingly looking to take regulatory or legislative
actions, such as the potential digital asset legislation discussed above. Such action may require additional resources for
Cboe Digital to comply with any new regulations and laws and increase the cost and/or subject us and other companies to
additional regulations and laws regarding custody or facilitating the trading of digital assets, which may have a material
adverse effect on the Cboe Digital business. As a money service business, we are also subject to federal and state anti-
money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws and regulations.
In addition, as we expand the Cboe Digital business to new products and services, we may come under the
jurisdiction of additional regulators - both with respect to jurisdiction and subject matter. Certain jurisdictions may impose
restrictions on the ability to trade specific certain digital assets or at all. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with
existing or new laws, regulations, or orders of any governmental authority (including changes to or expansion of the
interpretation of those laws, regulations, or orders), including those discussed in this risk factor, may subject us to
significant fines, penalties, criminal and civil lawsuits, forfeiture of significant assets, and enforcement, result in additional
compliance and licensure requirements, increase regulatory scrutiny of its business, restrict Cboe Digital’s operations,
and force Cboe Digital to change its business practices, make product or operational changes, or delay planned product
launches or improvements.
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We currently maintain policies and procedures designed to reasonably help ensure compliance with applicable laws
and regulations, but there can be no assurance that we or our employees or agents will be able to comply with all of the
regulatory regimes that currently apply, or may in the future be applied, to the Cboe Digital platform or the digital assets
supported by the Cboe Digital platform. Cboe Digital follows best practices designed to restrict unauthorized access by
individuals or entities in jurisdictions where it is impermissible to trade digital assets. We do not have exposure to any
regulators outside of the United States and routinely seek out and receive legal analyses on which jurisdictions we can
offer our services to and which customers may avail themselves of our products and services. Additionally, we evaluate
which digital assets to include on our platform pursuant to a digital asset listing policy, which includes review by
operational, legal and compliance functions. The SEC and its staff have taken the position that certain digital assets fall
within the definition of a “security” under the federal securities laws, and it is possible the SEC may take this position with
respect to assets that may be transacted on the Cboe Digital platform. The legal test for determining whether any given
asset is a security is a highly complex, fact-driven analysis that evolves over time, and the outcome is difficult to predict.
The SEC generally has not provided advance guidance or confirmation on the status of any particular digital asset as a
security. Furthermore, the SEC’s views in this area have evolved over time, and it is difficult to predict the direction or
timing of any continuing evolution. In addition, a platform trading a digital asset determined to be a security may be
required to register and be regulated by the SEC. A failure by us, including our employees or agents, to comply with
applicable laws and regulations and subsequent judgment or settlement against us under these laws could subject us to
monetary penalties, damages, expenses, and/or have a significant reputational impact.
Digital asset custodial solutions and related technology, including our systems and custodial arrangements, are
subject to risks related to a loss of funds due to theft of digital assets, employee or vendor sabotage, security
and cybersecurity risks, system failures and other operational issues which could cause damage to our
reputation and brand. There is also legal uncertainty regarding digital asset custodian arrangements.
The secure storage and transmission of digital assets and data over networks is a critical element of our digital asset
operations. The exchanges, brokers, dealers, banks or such other cryptocurrency custodial institutions selected by us to
act as custodians may become insolvent or suffer from any of the custody risks described herein, causing us to lose all or
a portion of the digital assets held by those custodians. Threats to the storage and transmission of digital assets and data
may come from external factors such as governments, organized crime, hackers and other third parties such as
outsourced or infrastructure-support providers and application developers, or may originate internally from an employee or
service provider to whom we or our custodians have granted access to our systems.
Digital asset transactions may be irrevocable, and stolen or incorrectly transferred digital assets may be irretrievable.
Once a transaction has been verified and recorded in a block that is added to the blockchain, an incorrect transfer of a
digital asset generally will not be reversible, and we or our custodians may not be capable of seeking compensation for
any such transfer or theft. It is possible that, through computer or human error, or through theft or criminal action, the
digital asset could be transferred in incorrect amounts or to unauthorized third parties, or to uncontrolled accounts. Such
events could have a material adverse effect on the ability of Cboe Digital to continue as a going concern, which may have
an adverse effect on our business.
While we and our digital asset custodians maintain cybersecurity procedures and policies, those procedures and
policies may not be adequate to avoid the potential losses caused by security breaches, and we or our custodians may
lose digital assets without any recourse. Unlike bank accounts or accounts at some other financial institutions, in the
event of loss or loss of utility value, there is no public insurer, such as the Securities Investor Protection Corporation or the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, to offer recourse to us or to any investor and the misappropriated digital assets
may not easily be traced to the bad actor.
Cboe Digital takes several steps to isolate the digital assets held for customers from its own assets and to structure
customer accounts in a way that reinforces customer ownership of digital assets. Primarily, Cboe Digital holds customer
digital assets separate from its own assets in customer accounts, referred to as wallets, with long-term storage by a third
party custody provider and licensed trust company. When Cboe Digital holds digital asset for customers to enable the
inbound receipt and outbound transmittal of virtual currencies, customer digital assets are held in omnibus wallets titled
for the benefit of customers of Cboe Digital. Digital assets of customers (but not Cboe Digital) are held together in the
omnibus wallets, and Cboe Digital maintains the records of the amount and type of digital asset owned by each of its
customers in the omnibus wallets. Cboe Digital does not hold its own corporate assets together with the customer digital
assets in the omnibus wallets, other than corporate assets that are held in omnibus wallets to facilitate customer
transactions relating to the digital assets contained in the omnibus wallet, including in order to pay customary transaction
fees and expenses. Because Cboe Digital does not have a trading entity for proprietary or liquidity trading purposes, Cboe
Digital maintains its own digital assets only to facilitate customer trading. Cboe Digital does not currently pledge,
rehypothecate, or invest customer digital assets although its customer agreements and rulebook permit it to do so in the
58
future. Additionally, Cboe Digital does not otherwise use customer digital assets for its own corporate or business
purposes. A failure of Cboe Digital’s policies and procedures regarding the separation of customer assets could subject
Cboe Digital to regulatory scrutiny and could adversely affect Cboe Digital’s digital asset business.
The obligations associated with these custodial and other arrangements to safeguard digital assets involve unique
risks and uncertainties not present in arrangements to safeguard assets that are not digital assets. While other types of
assets held in a similarly-segregated manner have been deemed not to be part of the custodian’s bankruptcy estate under
various regulatory regimes, bankruptcy courts have not yet fully considered the appropriate treatment of custodial
holdings of digital assets, and any such determination may be highly fact-specific. Despite Cboe Digital’s efforts, through
contractual terms and account set up, to structure customer accounts and wallets in a manner that reinforces customer
ownership of the assets, there can be no assurance that courts will not consider such assets as part of Cboe Digital’s or a
Cboe Digital custodian’s bankruptcy estate. In that event, digital assets that Cboe Digital or its custodian holds on behalf
of Cboe Digital customers may become subject to the bankruptcy proceedings, and such customers could be treated as
general unsecured creditors. Moreover, even if digital assets ultimately are not treated as part of Cboe Digital’s or a Cboe
Digital custodian’s bankruptcy estate, the lack of precedent and the fact-dependent nature of the determination could
delay the return of such digital assets to customers or result in the return of all or a portion of the cash value of the digital
assets rather than the digital assets themselves. As a result of these and other risks, customers may find digital assets to
be more risky and less attractive than other assets, which could reduce demand for Cboe Digital’s digital asset services
and could adversely impact Cboe Digital’s digital asset business.
Further, when cryptocurrency custodial solutions (whether involving Cboe Digital systems or others) experience
system failures or other operational issues, such events could result in a reduction in digital asset prices or confidence
and impact the success of Cboe Digital, and may ultimately have a material adverse effect on the ability of Cboe Digital to
continue as a going concern.
While Cboe Digital and its vendors have experienced in the past cybersecurity threats and events of varying degrees,
we are not aware of any of these threats or events having a material impact on Cboe Digital’s business, financial condition
or operating results to date. However, there can be no assurance that we or our vendors and custodians will not
experience future threats or events that may be material. If any such threats or events materialize, we may be subject to
contractual restrictions, liability and damages, loss of business, penalties, unfavorable publicity, and increased scrutiny by
regulators, which may have an adverse effect on our business.
Digital assets are subject to volatile price fluctuations which can impact the Cboe Digital business.
The digital asset market has been characterized by significant volatility and unexpected price movements. Certain
crypto assets may become more volatile and less liquid in a very short period of time, resulting in market prices being
subject to erratic and abrupt market movement, which could harm the Cboe Digital business and the carrying value of the
Digital reporting unit. The Company previously recorded goodwill impairment charges related to Cboe Digital, resulting in
decreases in the carrying value of Cboe Digital. Prices of digital assets have fluctuated widely for a variety of reasons and
may continue to experience significant price fluctuations. Such volatility could have a significant impact on the fair market
value of digital assets and there can be no assurance that ongoing volatility will positively impact the value of digital
assets. Factors that may affect the price of digital assets include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
total digital assets in existence;
global digital assets supply and demand;
investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation of fiat currencies;
digital asset market fragmentation and consolidation;
fiat currency withdrawal and deposit policies of digital asset trading platforms and liquidity of such markets;
interruptions in service from, bankruptcy of, or failure of major digital asset trading platforms;
cyber theft of digital assets from online digital asset wallet providers, or news of such theft from such providers,
or theft from individual digital asset wallets;
investment and trading activities of hedge funds and other large digital asset investors;
•
• monetary policies of governments, sanctions, trade restrictions, currency devaluations and revaluations;
•
regulatory measures, if any, that restrict or facilitate the ability to buy, sell or hold digital assets or use digital
assets as a form of payment;
availability and popularity of businesses that provide digital asset-related services;
•
• maintenance and development of the open-source software protocol of the digital asset network;
•
• manipulative trading activity on digital asset trading platforms, which are largely unregulated;
global or regional political, economic or financial events and uncertainty;
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•
•
•
•
•
the adoption of digital assets as a medium of exchange, store-of-value or other consumptive asset and the
maintenance and development of the open-source software protocol of the applicable digital asset;
forks in the applicable digital asset network;
consumer preferences and perceptions;
an active derivative market for digital assets; and
fees associated with processing a transaction of digital assets and the speed at which such transactions are
settled.
Volatility and unexpected price movements may be a factor in whether customers maintain their deposits on Cboe
Digital Exchange. Excessive redemptions or withdrawals by customers may have an adverse impact on the profitability of
the Cboe Digital business.
Cboe Digital’s clearinghouse operations are exposed to risks, including credit, liquidity, market and other risks
related to the potential defaults of clearing members and other counterparties.
Cboe Digital is subject to risks related to operating its clearinghouse, Cboe Clear Digital, which is a derivatives
clearing organization (“DCO”) registered with the CFTC. Risks associated with the operation of Cboe Clear Digital include
failing to meet strict business continuity requirements and regulatory oversight, risks of default by clearing members and
counterparties due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. There is no guarantee the
collateral deposited will continue to maintain its value, and the use of digital assets as collateral may introduce additional
volatility in value. Further, to help ensure an orderly market, Cboe Digital maintains digital assets to support its clearing
operations which may be subject to significant changes in value and therefore exposed to market risk with the fluctuation
in market prices. Cboe Digital monitors this risk on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The business model is such that
Cboe Digital earns digital assets and at times may accumulate positions that are subject to market risk. Customer
positions do have market risk based on daily activity and settlement prices. The provision of non-material limits in spot
trading introduces potential additional risk as, if a participant is permitted to trade on limits but defaults on their obligation
to settle, Cboe Clear Digital may be required to fulfill the defaulting party’s obligations to its trading counterparty(ies),
which may have an adverse effect on our business. Spot limits are provided in the form of intraday credit to trade certain
digital assets and USD. USD cash collateral is collected to mitigate credit risk due to default. Trading in Bitcoin and Ether
futures with margin treatment began in January 2024 and we could experience losses in excess of the collateral, which
may have an adverse effect on our business, if a clearing participant defaults on its obligations to our clearinghouse, and
its margin and its guaranty fund deposits are insufficient to meet its obligations. Please also refer to the risk factors above
for a discussion of other risks associated with the use of digital assets. These risks could subject Cboe Digital to
substantial losses, not being able to meet short term liquidity demands due to settlement activity, reputational harm,
regulatory consequences, including litigation, fines and enforcement actions, and the inability to operate its business.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
We maintain policies, procedures and controls designed to safeguard against cybersecurity incidents by protecting
the confidentiality, integrity, availability and reliability of our systems, networks and information. These policies,
procedures and controls are subject to monitoring, auditing, and evaluation practices, pursuant to our Enterprise Risk
Management program, which is supported by a three-line defense strategy that includes, the business lines, the
Enterprise Risk Management Committee, the Risk Management and Information Security Department, the Compliance
Department and the Internal Audit Department. Further, we have developed and conduct at least annually cybersecurity
and data privacy training programs for our employees and our third-party consultants who have access to our systems. At
least annually, we also conduct simulations, tabletop exercises, independent third-party cybersecurity penetration
assessments, and response readiness tests. In addition, the information technology systems of our self-regulatory
organizations are subject to periodic reviews, audits, and inspections by regulatory authorities. We also conduct diligence
on cybersecurity practices in connection with our overall risk assessment when evaluating expansion into new regions,
strategic opportunities, and new products.
We engage assessors, consultants, auditors and other third parties in connection with developing and evaluating our
overall risk management framework. Additionally, our internal audit team periodically engages third parties to co-source
internal audits of our information security processes. We strive to utilize best practices in our information security
management and follow applicable industry standards.
60
In support of our risk management framework, we maintain a vendor management policy and program to manage
third-party risk. Embedded in our vendor management policy is a defined process to assess the risks related to new
vendors. Vendors deemed to be high risk are re-assessed annually. These assessments include security questionnaires
and reviews of Service Organization Controls (SOC) Reports, where applicable. Cboe uses a third-party service to help
monitor the security posture of our vendors that process and/or store confidential Cboe information.
We have committees, response and management teams, and dedicated positions for managing and assessing
cybersecurity risk, including a Chief Information Security Officer, a Chief Risk Officer, an Enterprise Risk Management
Committee and a dedicated internal information security team. Our Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Risk
Officer have extensive experience in the industry. Our Chief Information Security Officer has over 20 years of experience
leading information security programs including 12 years of experience in cybersecurity consulting, building efficient and
sustainable cybersecurity programs for large, complex and heavily regulated global enterprises. Our Chief Information
Security Officer is currently responsible for developing and executing the Company’s global security strategy and
roadmap along with its long-range plan to meet industry and regional regulatory compliance requirements. We have an
information security department with associates who are located around the globe. Our Chief Risk Officer’s tenure with
Cboe spans 23 years, during which time he has held senior positions in information security and risk management. He is
currently responsible for oversight of the Company’s risk function including the enterprise risk management, information
security, privacy, vendor management, and IT asset management programs.
Our incident response team is responsible for identifying potential cybersecurity incidents and communicating
information regarding the nature and severity of the incident to senior management and others as required by the
Company’s written Incident Response Plan. Cybersecurity incidents are tracked pursuant to our incident monitoring
processes defined within the Incident Response Plan. Potential cybersecurity incidents may also be reported to our
Disclosure Committee to determine if further action and/or public disclosure is required. We have also put in place a
vulnerability management program through which our systems are routinely scanned to help identify vulnerabilities and
track remediation activities.
The Board recognizes that our business depends on the confidentiality, integrity, availability, performance, security,
and reliability of our data and technology systems and devotes time and attention to the oversight of cybersecurity and
information security risk. In particular, the Board’s Risk Committee receives recurring updates and reports on information
security-related topics from senior management, including from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk
Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer. More specifically, the Risk Committee receives recurring presentations
from senior management on cybersecurity, including architecture and resiliency, incident management, business
continuity and disaster recovery, significant information technology changes, data privacy, insider threats, physical
security, information related to third-party cyber assessments and risks associated with the use of third party service
providers. The Risk Committee also reviews and approves any changes to the related information security and privacy
program charter. Further, summaries of the proceedings from prior Risk Committee meetings are provided to the Board
on a routine basis.
We have experienced in the past, and we expect to continue to experience, cybersecurity threats and events of
varying degrees. However, we are not aware of any of these threats or events having a material impact on our business
or our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition results to date. We cannot assure you that we will not
experience future threats or events that may be material. Please also refer to the risk factors above for additional
information.
61
Item 2.
Properties
The Company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas,
Europe, Asia and Australia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. Our principal
properties as of December 31, 2023 are listed in the table below:
Location
Classification
400 South La Salle Street,
Chicago, Illinois
433 West Van Buren Street,
Chicago, Illinois
8050 Marshall Drive,
Lenexa, Kansas
141 West Jackson Boulevard,
Chicago, Illinois
Gustav Mahlerplein 73-83,
Amsterdam, Netherlands
17 State Street,
New York, New York
11 Monument Street,
London, United Kingdom
1 Farrer Place, Sydney 2000
Australia
Former global
headquarters and office
space; prior trading floor
New global headquarters
and office space
Office space
Trading floor and office
space
Office space
Owned/Leased
Owned*
Lease Expiration
N/A
Approximate Size
300,000 sq. ft.
Leased
Leased
Leased
August 2035
185,000 sq. ft.
February 2027, with two
5 year renewal options
October 2032
62,000 sq. ft.
40,000 sq. ft.
Leased
January 2032
29,500 sq. ft.
Office space
Leased
December 2027
22,000 sq. ft.
Principal UK office space
Leased
Office space
Leased
March 2027, with one 5
year renewal option
December 2026
21,000 sq. ft.
18,000 sq. ft.
Rockwell Business Center
Office space
Leased
November 2028
10,500 sq. ft.
Sheridan, Sheridan Street
Corner United Street,
Highway Hills
Mandaluyong
City 1550 Philippines
One Liberty Plaza,
New York, New York
65 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Office space
Office space
Leased
Leased
May 2027
8,500 sq. ft.
June 2028
8,000 sq. ft.
*Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cboe Building Corporation, we own the building that was previously the global
headquarters. As a result of the Merger, there was a reduction in employee workspace needed in Chicago, which led to
the decision to market for sale the former headquarters location. The building is currently classified as held for sale. See
Note 7 (“Property and Equipment, Net”) of the consolidated financial statements included herein for further information.
We believe that our properties are in good operating condition and adequately serve our current business operations.
Generally, our properties are not earmarked for use by a particular segment. Instead, most of our properties are used by
two or more segments. We also anticipate that suitable additional or alternative space will be available at commercially
reasonable terms for future expansion to the extent necessary.
Our primary data center in the United States is in Secaucus, New Jersey, and its disaster recovery center is in
Chicago, Illinois. In Europe, our primary data center is in Slough, England and the secondary data center is in Park Royal,
London. In Asia Pacific, our primary data centers are in Tokyo, Japan and Sydney, Australia and secondary data centers
are located in Osaka City, Japan and Sydney, Australia.
See Note 7 (“Property and Equipment, Net”) and Note 24 (“Leases”) to the consolidated financial statements included
herein for further information.
62
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Cboe incorporates herein by reference the discussion set forth in Note 21 (“Income Taxes”) and Note 23
(“Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees”) of the consolidated financial statements included herein.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
63
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Common Stock
The Company’s common stock is listed on Cboe BZX under the trading symbol CBOE. As of January 31, 2024, there
were approximately 116 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
Each share of common stock, including restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, is entitled to receive
dividend and dividend equivalents, respectively, if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Company’s expectation is to continue to pay dividends. The decision to pay a dividend, however, remains within
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and may be affected by various factors, including our earnings,
financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness and other considerations our Board of Directors deems
relevant. Future debt obligations and statutory provisions, among other things, may limit, or in some cases prohibit, our
ability to pay dividends.
As a holding company, the Company’s ability to declare and continue to pay dividends in the future with respect to its
common stock will also be dependent upon the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends to it under applicable corporate
law.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Not applicable.
Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Share Repurchase Program
In 2011, the Board of Directors approved an initial authorization for the Company to repurchase shares of its
outstanding common stock of $100 million and subsequently approved additional authorizations, for a total authorization
of $1.8 billion. The program permits the Company to purchase shares, through a variety of methods, including in the open
market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws. It does not obligate the
Company to make any repurchases at any specific time or situation.
Under the program, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 661,721 shares of common
stock at an average cost per share of $126.80, totaling $83.9 million. Since inception of the program through
December 31, 2023, the Company has repurchased 19,610,088 shares of common stock at an average cost per share of
$72.21, totaling $1.4 billion. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $384.0 million of availability remaining under its
existing share repurchase authorizations.
64
The table below shows the purchases of equity securities by the Company which settled during the three months
ended December 31, 2023, reflecting the purchase of common stock under the Company's share repurchase program:
Period
October 1 to October 31, 2023 . . . . . . . .
November 1 to November 30, 2023 . . . .
December 1 to December 31, 2023 . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
— $
—
33,507
33,507
$
Total Number of
Approximate Dollar
Shares Purchased Value of Shares that May
as Part of Publicly Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
(in millions)
Announced Plans
or Programs
$
—
—
33,507
33,507
389.8
389.8
384.0
Average Price
Paid per Share
—
—
173.59
173.59
Purchase of common stock from employees
During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023, we purchased shares from employees in connection with the
settlement of employee tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock
awards. The table below represents repurchases made by or on behalf of us or any “affiliated purchaser” of our common
stock during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023:
Period
October 1 to October 31, 2023 . . . . . . . .
November 1 to November 30, 2023 . . . .
December 1 to December 31, 2023 . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total number of shares
purchased
Average price paid
per share
$
—
243
52
295
—
176.66
134.03
169.18
65
Stockholder Return Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total return provided to stockholders on our common stock since
December 31, 2018 against the return of the S&P 500 Index and a customized peer group that includes CME Group Inc.,
Intercontinental Exchange Inc., and Nasdaq, Inc.
An investment of $100, with reinvestment of all dividends, is assumed to have been made in our common stock, the
index and the peer groups on December 31, 2018, and its performance is tracked on an annual basis through
December 31, 2023.
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return of the
Company, Peer Groups, Industry Indices and/or Broad Markets
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Cboe Global Markets, Inc., the S&P 500 Index
and a Peer Group
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. . . .
S&P 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Peer Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12/18
100.00
100.00
100.00
12/19
124.16
125.72
122.67
12/20
97.88
148.85
142.87
12/21
139.21
191.58
197.23
12/22
136.20
156.88
162.00
12/23
196.64
198.13
182.70
66
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided to
assist the reader in understanding the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and critical accounting
estimates and policies through the eyes of our management team. The following discussion should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from
the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. See “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” above.
A detailed comparison of the Company’s 2022 operating results to its 2021 operating results can be found in the
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section in the Company’s 2022
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 17, 2023 at www.sec.gov.
INTRODUCTION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is organized as follows:
• Executive Summary – Includes an overview of the Company’s business; a description of notable recent
developments, current economic, competitive and regulatory trends relevant to our business; the Company’s
current business strategy; and the Company’s primary sources of operating and non-operating revenues and
expenses.
• Results of Operations – Includes an analysis of the Company’s 2023 and 2022 financial results and a
discussion of any known events or trends which are likely to impact future results.
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources – Includes a discussion of the Company’s future cash requirements, capital
resources, and financing arrangements.
• Critical Accounting Estimates – Provides an explanation of accounting estimates which may have a significant
impact on the Company’s financial results and the judgments, assumptions, and uncertainties associated with
those estimates.
• Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Includes an evaluation of recent accounting pronouncements and the
potential impact of their future adoption on the Company’s financial results.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overview
Cboe Global Markets, Inc., the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge
trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in
multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, FX, and digital assets, across North America, Europe, and Asia
Pacific. Above all, the Company is committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to
pursue a sustainable financial future.
Cboe’s subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In
addition, the Company operates Cboe Europe, one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns
Cboe Clear Europe, a leading pan-European equities and derivatives clearinghouse, BIDS Holdings, which owns a
leading block-trading ATS by volume in the U.S., and provides block-trading services with Cboe market operators in
Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan, Cboe Australia, an operator of trading venues in Australia, Cboe Japan, an
operator of trading venues in Japan, Cboe Digital, an operator of a U.S. based digital asset spot market and a regulated
futures exchange, Cboe Clear Digital, an operator of a regulated clearinghouse, and Cboe Canada Inc., a recognized
Canadian securities exchange. Cboe subsidiaries also serve collectively as a leading market globally for exchange-traded
products (“ETPs”) listings and trading.
The Company is headquartered in Chicago with offices in Amsterdam, Belfast, Hong Kong, Kansas City, London,
Manila, New York, San Francisco, Sarasota Springs, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto.
67
Business Segments
The Company operates six reportable business segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia
Pacific, Futures, Global FX, and Digital, which is reflective of how the Company's chief operating decision-maker reviews
and operates the business, as discussed in Note 1 (“Nature of Operations”). Segment performance is primarily evaluated
based on operating income (loss). The Company’s chief operating decision-maker does not use segment-level assets or
income and expenses below operating income (loss) as key performance metrics; therefore, such information is not
presented below. The Company has aggregated all of its corporate costs, as well as other business ventures, within the
Corporate Items and Eliminations totals based on the decision that those activities should not be used to evaluate the
operating performance of the segments; however, operating expenses that relate to activities of a specific segment have
been allocated to that segment.
Options. The Options segment includes options on market indices (“index options”), as well as on the stocks of
individual corporations (“equity options”) and on ETPs such as exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and exchange-traded
notes (“ETNs”), which are “multi-listed” options and listed on a non-exclusive basis. These options are eligible to trade, as
applicable, on Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX, and/or other U.S. national security exchanges. Cboe Options is the
Company’s primary options market and offers trading in listed options through a single system that integrates electronic
trading and traditional open outcry trading on the Cboe Options trading floor in Chicago. C2 Options, BZX Options, and
EDGX Options are all-electronic options exchanges, and typically operate with different market models and fee structures
than Cboe Options. The Options segment also includes applicable market data fees revenues generated from the
consolidated tape plans, the licensing of proprietary options market data, index licensing, routing services, and access
and capacity services.
North American Equities. The North American Equities segment includes U.S. equities and ETP transaction
services that occur on fully electronic exchanges owned and operated by BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, equities
transactions that occur on the BIDS Trading platform in the U.S. and Canada, and Canadian equities and other
transaction services that occur on or through Cboe Canada Inc.’s order books. The North American Equities segment also
includes listing services on Cboe Canada Inc., corporate and ETP listings on BZX, applicable market data fees revenues
generated from the consolidated tape plans, the licensing of proprietary equities market data, routing services, and
access and capacity services.
Europe and Asia Pacific. The Europe and Asia Pacific segment includes the pan-European listed equities and
derivatives transaction services, ETPs, exchange-traded commodities, and international depository receipts that are
hosted on MTFs operated by Cboe Europe Equities (Cboe Europe and Cboe NL equities exchanges) and Cboe Europe
Derivatives (“CEDX”). It also includes the ETP listings business on RMs and clearing activities of Cboe Clear Europe, as
well as the equities transaction services of Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan, operators of trading venues in Australia and
Japan, respectively, along with equities transactions that occur on the BIDS Trading platform in Australia and Japan.
Cboe Europe operates lit and dark books, a periodic auctions book, and Cboe BIDS Europe, a Large-in-Scale (“LIS”)
trading negotiation facility for UK symbols. Cboe NL, launched in October 2019 and based in Amsterdam, operates similar
business functionality to that offered by Cboe Europe, and provides for trading only in European Economic Area (“EEA”)
symbols. Cboe Europe Derivatives, a pan-European derivatives platform launched in September 2021, offers futures and
options based on Cboe Europe equity indices, and single stock options. This segment also includes Cboe Europe, Cboe
NL, CEDX, Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from
access and capacity services.
Futures. The Futures segment includes transaction services provided by CFE, a fully electronic futures exchange,
which includes offerings for trading of VIX futures and other futures products, the licensing of proprietary market data, as
well as access and capacity services.
Global FX. The Global FX segment includes institutional FX trading services that occur on the Cboe FX fully
electronic trading platform, non-deliverable forward FX transactions (“NDFs”) offered for execution on Cboe SEF, as well
as revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from access and capacity services. The segment
68
includes transaction services for U.S. government securities executed on the Cboe Fixed Income fully electronic trading
platform.
Digital. The Digital segment includes a U.S. based digital asset spot market, a regulated futures exchange, and a
regulated clearinghouse, as well as revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from access and
capacity services.
Executive Transitions
On July 6, 2023, Brian Schell, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, announced his
departure from the Company to pursue a new professional opportunity outside of the exchange industry. Jill Griebenow,
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, was appointed to serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer effective July 10, 2023, and currently serves as Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer.
On September 18, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), Edward T. Tilly, former Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
resigned and voluntarily terminated his employment with the Company. Mr. Tilly also resigned as Chairman of the
Company’s Board of Directors, effective as of the Effective Date. Mr. Tilly’s resignation followed the conclusion of an
investigation led by the Board of Directors and outside independent counsel that was launched in late August 2023. The
Board of Directors determined that Mr. Tilly did not disclose personal relationships with colleagues, which violated the
Company’s policies and stands in stark contrast to the Company’s values. The conduct was not related to and does not
impact the Company’s strategy, financial performance, technology and market operations, financial reporting or internal
controls over financial reporting. Following Mr. Tilly’s resignation, Fredric J. Tomczyk, an existing director of the Company,
was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of the Effective Date. As a result of Mr. Tomczyk’s
appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tomczyk stepped down from the Board of Directors’ Compensation
Committee and Finance and Strategy Committee as of the Effective Date. Also as of the Effective Date, William M.
Farrow III was appointed as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors (replacing his prior role as Lead Director of
the Board of Directors).
General Factors Affecting Results of Operations
In broad terms, our business performance is impacted by a number of drivers, including macroeconomic events
affecting the risk and return of financial assets, investor sentiment, the regulatory environment for capital markets,
geopolitical events, tax policies, central bank policies and changing technology, particularly in the financial services
industry. We believe our future revenues and net income will continue to be influenced by a number of domestic and
international economic trends, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
trading volumes on our proprietary products such as VIX options and futures and SPX options;
trading volumes in listed equity securities, options, futures, and ETPs in North America, Europe, and Asia
Pacific, clearing volumes in listed equity securities and ETPs in Europe, volumes in listed equity options,
volumes in digital assets, and volumes in institutional FX trading;
the demand for and pricing structure of the U.S. tape plan market data distributed by the SIPs, which determines
the pool size of the industry market data fees we receive based on our market share;
consolidation and expansion of our customers and competitors in the industry;
the demand for information about, or access to, our markets and products, which is dependent on the products
we trade, our importance as a liquidity center, quality and integrity of our proprietary indices, and the quality and
pricing of our data and access and capacity services;
continuing pressure in transaction fee pricing due to intense competition in the North American, European, and
Asia Pacific markets;
significant fluctuations in foreign currency translation rates or weakened value of currencies; and
regulatory changes and obligations relating to market structure, digital assets and increased capital
requirements, and those which affect certain types of instruments, transactions, products, pricing structures,
capital market participants or reporting or compliance requirements.
A number of significant structural, political and monetary issues, global conflicts continue to confront the global
economy, and instability could continue, resulting in an increased or subdued level of inflation, market volatility, potential
recessions, supply chain constraints, changes in trading volumes, greater uncertainty, inflationary increases in our
expenses, such as compensation inflation, and increased costs and uncertainties related to CAT and the ability to collect
on the promissory notes related to the funding of CAT may have an adverse effect on our financial results.
69
Components of Revenues
The components of revenues are described below:
Cash and Spot Markets
Revenue aggregated into cash and spot markets includes associated transaction and clearing fees, the portion of
market data fees relating to associated U.S. tape plan market data fees, associated regulatory fees, and associated other
revenue from the Company’s North American Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Global FX, and Digital segments.
Data and Access Solutions
Revenue aggregated into data and access solutions includes access and capacity fees, proprietary market data fees,
and associated other revenue across the Company’s six segments.
Derivatives Markets
Includes associated transaction and clearing fees, the portion of market data fees relating to associated U.S. tape
plan market data fees, associated regulatory fees, and associated other fees from the Company’s Options, Futures,
Europe and Asia Pacific, and Digital segments.
Components of Cost of Revenues
Liquidity Payments
Liquidity payments are primarily correlated to the volume of securities traded on our markets. As stated above, we
record the liquidity rebates paid to market participants providing liquidity, in the case of Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX,
and Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives, and Cboe Digital, as cost of revenue. BYX and EDGA offer a pricing model
where we rebate liquidity takers for executing against an order resting on our book, which is also recorded as a cost of
revenues.
Routing and Clearing
Various rules require that U.S. options and equities trade executions occur at the National Best Bid and Offer
displayed by any exchange. Linkage order routing consists of the cost incurred to provide a service whereby Cboe
equities and options exchanges deliver orders to other execution venues when there is a potential for obtaining a better
execution price or when instructed to directly route an order to another venue by the order provider. The service affords
exchange order flow providers an opportunity to obtain the best available execution price and may also result in cost
benefits to those clients. Such an offering improves our competitive position and provides an opportunity to attract orders
which would otherwise bypass our exchanges. We utilize third-party brokers or our broker-dealer, Cboe Trading, to
facilitate such delivery. Also included within routing and clearing are the Order Management System and Execution
Management System (“OMS” and “EMS”, respectively) fees incurred for U.S. Equities Off-Exchange order execution, as
well as settlement costs incurred for the settlement process executed by Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe Clear Digital.
Section 31 Fees
Exchanges under the authority of the SEC (Cboe Options, C2, BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA as well as CFE to the
extent that CFE offers trading in security futures products) are assessed fees pursuant to the Exchange Act designed to
recover the costs to the U.S. government of supervision and regulation of securities markets and securities professionals.
We treat these fees as a pass-through charge to customers executing eligible listed equities and listed equity options
trades. Accordingly, we recognize the amount that we are charged under Section 31 as a cost of revenues and the
corresponding amount that we charge our customers as regulatory transaction fees revenue. Since the regulatory
transaction fees recorded in revenues are equal to the Section 31 fees recorded in cost of revenues, there is no impact on
our operating income. Cboe Trading, Cboe Europe, Cboe NL, BIDS, MATCHNow, Cboe FX, Cboe Australia, Cboe Japan,
Cboe Digital, and Cboe Canada are not U.S. national securities exchanges, and accordingly are not charged Section 31
fees.
70
Royalty Fees and Other Cost of Revenues
Royalty fees primarily consist of license fees paid by us for the use of underlying indices in our proprietary products
usually based on contracts traded. The Company has licenses with the owners of the S&P 500 Index, S&P 100 Index and
certain other S&P indices, FTSE Russell indices, the DJIA, MSCI, and certain other index products. This category also
includes fees related to the dissemination of market data related to S&P indices and other products through Cboe Global
Indices Feed (“CGIF”).
Other cost of revenues primarily consists of interest expense from clearing operations, electronic access permit fees
and other miscellaneous costs associated with other revenue.
Components of Operating Expenses
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits represent our largest expense category and tend to be driven by our staffing
requirements, financial performance, and the general dynamics of the employment market. Stock-based compensation is
a non-cash expense related to employee equity awards. Stock-based compensation can vary depending on the quantity
and fair value of the award on the date of grant and the related service period.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense results from the depreciation of long-lived assets purchased, the amortization
of purchased and internally developed software, and the amortization of intangible assets.
Technology Support Services
Technology support services consists primarily of costs related to the maintenance of computer equipment
supporting our system architecture, circuits supporting our wide area network, support for production software, operating
system license and support fees, fees paid to information vendors for displaying data and off-site system hosting fees.
Professional Fees and Outside Services
Professional fees and outside services consist primarily of consulting services, which include supplemental staff
activities primarily related to systems development and maintenance, legal, regulatory and audit, and tax advisory
services, as well as compensation paid to non-employee directors, including stock-based compensation and deferred
compensation.
Travel and Promotional Expenses
Travel and promotional expenses primarily consist of advertising, costs for special events, sponsorship of industry
conferences, options education seminars and travel-related expenses.
Facilities Costs
Facilities costs primarily consist of expenses related to owned and leased properties including rent, maintenance,
utilities, real estate taxes and telecommunications costs.
Acquisition-Related Costs
Acquisition-related costs relate to acquisitions and other strategic opportunities. The acquisition-related costs include
fees for investment banking advisors, lawyers, accountants, tax advisors, public relations firms, severance and retention
costs, capitalized software and facilities, and other external costs directly related to mergers and acquisitions.
71
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill impairment consists of charges to impair goodwill of our reporting units if the carrying value exceeds the
implied fair value.
Other Expenses
Other expenses represent costs necessary to support our operations that are not already included in the above
categories, including, but not limited to the impairment of digital assets held presented in intangible assets, net as part of
the ordinary operations of the Digital segment and changes in contingent consideration.
Non-Operating (Expenses) Income
Income and expenses incurred through activities outside of our core operations are considered non-operating and
are classified as other (expense) income. These activities primarily include interest earned on the investing of excess
cash, interest expense related to outstanding debt facilities, income and unrealized gains and losses related to
investments held in a trust for the Company’s non-qualified retirement and benefit plans, including non-employee director
deferred compensation, realized gains and losses related to the Company’s previously held minority investments, income
earned related to the Company’s minority investments, equity earnings or losses from our investments in other business
ventures, impairment of the Company’s investments, investment establishment costs associated with new business
ventures, and loan forgiveness provided under the Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program
(“PPP”). See Note 12 (“Debt”) for additional information regarding the PPP.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following are summaries of changes in financial performance and include certain non-GAAP financial measures.
Management uses these non-GAAP measures internally in conjunction with GAAP measures to help evaluate our
performance and to help make financial and operational decisions. These non-GAAP financial measures assist
management in comparing our performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision making by removing
the impact of certain items management believes do not reflect our underlying operations.
We believe our presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency into financial measures
used by management and is useful to investors for period-to-period comparisons of our ongoing operating performance.
These non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with, or as an alternative to, GAAP financial
measures and may be calculated differently from non-GAAP measures used by other companies, which reduces their
usefulness as comparative measures. We encourage analysts, investors and other interested parties to use these non-
GAAP measures as supplemental information to the GAAP financial measures included herein, including our consolidated
financial statements, to enhance their analysis and understanding of our performance and in making comparisons. Please
see the footnotes below for definitions, additional information, and reconciliations from the closest GAAP measure.
72
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Overview
The following summarizes changes in financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the
year ended December 31, 2022:
Total Revenues (in millions)
$3,773.5
$3,958.5
Revenues Less Cost of Revenues
(in millions)
$1,918.0
$1,741.7
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net Income (in millions)
$761.4
2023
$235.0
2022
EBITDA(1)
EBITDA Margin(1)
$1,252.1
65.3%
$655.2
37.6%
2023
2022
2023
2022
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1)
$1,244.8
$1,135.6
64.9%
65.2%
2023
2022
2023
2022
Basic Earnings Per Share
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(1)
$7.16
2023
$2.20
2022
$7.13
2023
$7.80
$6.93
$2.19
2022
2023
2022
(1) These are Non-GAAP figures for which reconciliations are provided below (in millions, except percentages, earnings per share, and
as noted below).
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organic net revenue (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA margin (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted EBITDA (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted EBITDA margin (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted earnings (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted earnings margin (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted Diluted earnings per share (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,773.5
1,855.5
1,918.0
860.1
1,057.9
1,047.6
286.2
761.4
7.16
7.13
1,910.4
1,252.1
65.3 %
1,244.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
64.9 %
828.1
$
43.2 %
106.2
7.80
$
* Not meaningful
73
3,958.5
2,216.8
1,741.7
1,252.1
489.6
432.9
197.9
235.0
2.20
2.19
$
$
$
1,135.6
1,741.7
655.2
$
$
37.6 %
$
65.2 %
$
739.8
42.5 %
106.7
6.93
$
(185.0)
(361.3)
176.3
(392.0)
568.3
614.7
88.3
526.4
4.96
4.94
168.7
596.9
27.7 %
109.2
(0.3)%
88.3
0.7 %
(0.5)
0.87
(5)%
(16)%
10 %
(31)%
116 %
142 %
45 %
224 %
225 %
226 %
10 %
91 %
*
10 %
*
12 %
*
(0)%
13 %
(1) Organic net revenue is defined as revenues less cost of revenues excluding revenues less cost of revenues of any
acquisition that has been owned for less than one year. Revenues from acquisitions that have been owned at least
one year are considered organic and are no longer excluded from organic net revenue from either period for
comparative purposes. Organic net revenue does not represent, and should not be considered as, an alternative to
revenues less cost of revenues, or net revenue, as determined in accordance with GAAP. We have presented
organic net revenue because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our performance and we use it as
the basis for monitoring our operating financial performance before the effects of acquisitions. We also believe that it
is frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies. We believe that
investors may find this non-GAAP measure useful in evaluating our performance compared to that of peer companies
in our industry. Other companies may calculate organic net revenue differently than we do. Organic net revenue has
limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results
as reported under GAAP.
Year Ended
December 31,
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Recent acquisitions:
1,918.0 $
2023
(in millions)
2022
(in millions)
1,741.7
Acquisition revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Organic net revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(7.6) $
1,910.4 $
—
1,741.7
(2) EBITDA is defined as income or loss before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA
is defined as EBITDA before acquisition-related costs, impairment of investment, gain on investment, investment
establishment costs, goodwill impairment, loan forgiveness, income from investments, and change in contingent
consideration. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not represent, and should not be considered as, alternatives to net
income as determined in accordance with GAAP. We have presented EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because we
consider them important supplemental measures of our performance and believe that they are frequently used by
analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies. In addition, we use adjusted EBITDA
as a measure of operating performance for preparation of our forecasts and evaluating our leverage ratio for the debt
to earnings covenant included in our outstanding credit facility. Other companies may calculate EBITDA and adjusted
EBITDA differently than we do. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not
consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
(3) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
(4) Adjusted EBITDA margin represents adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
(5) Adjusted earnings is defined as net income adjusted for amortization of purchased intangibles, acquisition-related
costs, impairment of investment, gain on investment, investment establishment costs, goodwill impairment, loan
forgiveness, income from investments, certain tax reserve changes, deferred tax re-measurements, change in
contingent consideration, and net income or loss allocated to participating securities, net of the income tax effects of
these adjustments. Adjusted earnings does not represent, and should not be considered as, an alternative to net
income, as determined in accordance with GAAP. We have presented adjusted earnings because we consider it an
important supplemental measure of our performance and we use it as the basis for monitoring our own core
operating financial performance relative to other operators of exchanges. We also believe that it is frequently used by
analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies. We believe that investors may find
this non-GAAP measure useful in evaluating our performance compared to that of peer companies in our industry.
Other companies may calculate adjusted earnings differently than we do. Adjusted earnings has limitations as an
analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported
under GAAP.
(6) Adjusted diluted earnings per share represents adjusted earnings divided by diluted weighted average shares
outstanding.
74
The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders to EBITDA and adjusted
EBITDA (in millions) for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:
Net income (loss) allocated to
Year Ended December 31,
2023
Options
North
American
Equities
Europe
and Asia
Pacific Futures
Global
FX
Digital
Corporate
Total
(0.1)
common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 572.6 $ 104.1 $ 20.4 $ 52.4 $ 23.9 $ (34.1) $ 18.2 $
(2.0) 49.1
Interest expense (income), net . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision (benefit) . . . . . . . . . 275.7
30.1
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . .
EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 878.3
—
—
—
—
757.5
50.4
286.2
158.0
1,252.1
7.4
1.8
(2.1)
(14.4)
Adjusted EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 878.3 $ 180.2 $ 56.6 $ 87.8 $ 42.8 $ (38.1) $ 37.2 $ 1,244.8
Acquisition-related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of investment . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from investment . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in contingent consideration . . . .
(10.4) (34.6)
—
(39.1) 32.7
4.8
1.8
(2.1)
—
(1.4)
14.8
69.4
186.9
0.8
—
—
(7.5)
—
0.5
18.4
42.8
—
—
—
—
4.8
6.8
30.7
62.7
0.8
—
—
(6.9)
33.4
2.0
87.8
—
—
—
—
1.0
—
—
—
—
7.4
Net income (loss) allocated to
Year Ended December 31,
2022
Options
North
American
Equities
Europe
and Asia
Pacific
Futures
Global
FX
Digital
Corporate
Total
—
—
8.0
26.5
(0.4)
20.5
74.1
EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765.3 220.1 74.6 57.8 30.7 (484.0)
common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 478.1 $ 125.9 $ 22.8 $ 12.8 $ 9.1 $ (369.7) $ (44.9) $
Interest expense (income), net . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision (benefit) . . . . . . . . . 260.7
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . .
234.1
56.4
197.9
166.8
655.2
19.9
10.6
(1.3)
(7.5)
460.9
3.0
(5.2)
Adjusted EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 765.3 $ 218.8 $ 78.2 $ 57.8 $ 30.7 $ (14.9) $ (0.3) $ 1,135.6
Acquisition-related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of investment . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment establishment costs . . . . . . .
Change in contingent consideration . . . .
9.5
—
—
—
(1.3)
—
—
—
— 460.9
—
—
—
—
(0.4)
—
0.1 (119.0) (13.6)
4.7
21.9
3.9
—
—
—
—
—
(5.2)
3.6
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(9.3)
2.9
10.6
6.8 42.4
37.0
(7.5)
—
3.0
—
49.2
—
2.6
75
The following is a reconciliation of net income allocated to common stockholders to adjusted earnings (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2023
757.5 $
116.6
7.4
1.8
—
—
(2.1)
—
—
(14.4)
(6.0)
(2.7)
1.1
(30.7)
(0.4)
828.1 $
234.1
124.3
19.9
10.6
(1.3)
(7.5)
—
460.9
3.0
(5.2)
48.5
—
(2.0)
(143.7)
(1.8)
739.8
Net income allocated to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition-related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment establishment costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in contingent consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Release) increase of tax reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax re-measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax effect of adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income allocated to participating securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
76
The following summarizes changes in certain operational and financial metrics for the year ended December 31,
2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022:
Index Options
Multi-Listed Options
U.S. Equities - Exchange
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2023
2022
Average Daily Volume
Revenue per contract
Canadian Equities
140
136.1
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2023
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2023
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Average Daily Volume
Revenue per contract
European Equities
10.8
9.4
2023
2022
2.0
1.5
1.0
)
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2023
2022
Average Daily Volume
Net capture per 100 touched shares
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
R
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T
Cboe Clear Europe - Trades
Cleared
1,493.3
0.014
1,500
1,200
1,172.0
900
600
300
0
R
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0.011
0.007
0.004
0.000
2023
2022
Trades Cleared
Fee per trade cleared, in EUR
Average Daily Volume
Average Daily Notional Value
Net capture per 10,000 touched shares, in CAD
Net capture per matched value in basis points, in EUR
77
The following summarizes changes in certain operational and financial metrics for the year ended December 31,
2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 (continued from previous page):
Cboe Clear Europe - Net
Settlement Volume
10.3
10.0
1.2
0.9
0.6
0.3
R
U
E
n
i
,
t
n
e
m
e
l
t
t
e
s
r
e
p
e
e
f
t
e
N
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
b
n
i
D
U
A
(
e
m
u
o
V
y
l
l
i
a
D
e
g
a
r
e
v
A
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
m
n
i
(
e
m
u
o
V
l
t
n
e
m
e
l
t
t
e
S
t
e
N
10.0
7.5
5.0
2.5
0.0
Australian Equities
Japanese Equities
0.225
0.8
0.188
0.7
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
b
n
i
Y
P
J
(
l
e
m
u
o
V
y
l
i
a
D
e
g
a
r
e
v
A
200
150
100
50
0
D
U
A
n
i
i
,
s
t
n
o
p
s
i
s
a
b
e
u
l
a
v
l
a
n
o
i
t
o
n
d
e
h
c
t
a
m
r
e
p
e
r
u
t
p
a
c
t
e
N
176.6
142.9
2023
2022
Y
P
J
n
i
i
,
s
t
n
o
p
s
i
s
a
b
e
u
l
a
v
l
a
n
o
i
t
o
n
d
e
h
c
t
a
m
r
e
p
e
r
u
t
p
a
c
t
e
N
0.275
0.260
0.245
0.230
0.215
0.150
0.113
0.075
2023
2022
2023
2022
0.0
0.2
Net Settlement Volume
Net fee per settlement, in EUR
Average Daily Volume (AUD billions)
Average Daily Volume (JPY billions)
Net capture per matched notional value basis points, in AUD
Net capture per matched notional value basis points, in JPY
)
s
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
t
n
i
(
e
m
u
o
V
y
l
i
a
D
e
g
a
r
e
v
A
l
250
200
150
100
50
Futures
223.3
218.2
Global FX
45
44.7
40.9
2.0
1.6
1.2
0.8
t
c
a
r
t
n
o
c
r
e
p
e
u
n
e
v
e
R
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
b
n
i
$
(
e
u
l
a
V
l
a
n
o
i
t
o
N
y
l
i
a
D
e
g
a
r
e
v
A
40
35
0.4
30
2023
2022
Average Daily Volume
Revenue per contract
2023
2022
Average Daily Notional Value
Net capture per one million dollars traded
4
3
2
1
d
e
d
a
r
t
s
r
a
l
l
o
d
n
o
i
l
l
i
m
e
n
o
r
e
p
e
r
u
t
p
a
c
t
e
N
78
The following table includes operational and financial metrics for our Options, North American Equities, Europe and
Asia Pacific, Futures, and Global FX segments. The metrics listed for Canadian Equities in the table below include Cboe
Canada as a result of the acquisition completed during 2022. Therefore, the metrics shown in the table below in Canadian
Equities do not include Cboe Canada for the periods preceding the acquisition. The following summarizes changes in
certain operational and financial metrics for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022:
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
(in millions, except percentages, trading days, and as noted below)
2022
Increase/
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
Options:
Average daily volume (ADV) (in millions of contracts):
Market ADV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total touched contracts (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-listed contract ADV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index contract ADV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Options revenue per contract (RPC) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-listed options RPC (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index options RPC (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Options market share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-listed options market share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Equities:
U.S. Equities:
U.S. Equities - Exchange:
ADV:
Total touched shares (in billions) (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market ADV (in billions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. Equities - Exchange (net capture per one hundred touched shares) (3). . . . . . .
U.S. ETPs: launches (number of launches) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. ETPs: listings (number of listings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange:
ADV:
Total touched shares (in millions) (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange (net capture per one hundred touched shares) (4) . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Equities:
ADV (matched shares, in millions) (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net capture (per 10,000 touched shares, in Canadian dollars) (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe and Asia Pacific:
European Equities:
ADNV:
Matched ADNV (Euros - in billions) (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market ADNV (in billions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Euros) (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Clear Europe:
Trades cleared (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fee per trade cleared (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
European equities market share cleared (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net settlement volume (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net fee per settlement (13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australian Equities:
ADNV (AUD - in billions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market share - Continuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Australian Dollars) (14) . . . . . . . . . .
Japanese Equities:
ADNV (JPY - in billions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market share - Lit Continuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Yen) (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Futures:
ADV (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue per contract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Global FX:
ADNV ($ - in billions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trading days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net capture (per one million dollars traded) (16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average British pound/U.S. dollar exchange rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average Euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average Euro/British pound exchange rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average Australian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average Japanese Yen/U.S. dollar exchange rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
$
€
€
€
$
¥
$
$
$
$
$
£
$
$
* Not meaningful
Note, the percent change listed represents the change in the unrounded metrics figures.
44.2
14.6
10.8
3.8
250
0.276
0.060
0.893
33.1 %
26.8 %
1.5
11.0
12.8 %
0.018
124
666
78.0
0.126
250
136.1
250
3.994
9.4
39.1
256
24.0 %
0.226
1,172.0
0.009
34.3 %
10.0
0.917
0.7
252
18.7 %
0.158
176.6
246
4.0 %
0.252
223.3
250
1.755
44.7
20.0 %
259
2.64
1.243
0.741
1.081
0.870
0.664
0.007
$
$
$
€
€
€
$
¥
$
$
$
$
$
£
$
$
41.1
13.6
10.8
2.8
251
0.234
0.063
0.879
$
33.2 %
28.2 %
1.7
11.9
13.6 %
$
$
0.021
80
592
90.4
0.113
251
91.8
250
4.966
€
10.8
46.2
257
23.5 %
0.231
1,499.9
0.008
€
32.6 %
10.3
0.881
€
$
0.8
253
16.6 %
0.164
¥
142.9
244
3.6 %
0.252
218.2
251
1.674
$
$
40.9
17.6 %
260
2.69
1.237
0.769
1.054
0.852
0.694
0.008
$
$
$
£
$
$
3.1
1.0
—
1.0
(1)
0.042
(0.003)
0.014
(0.1)%
(1.4)%
(0.2)
(0.9)
(0.8)%
(0.003)
44
74
(12.4)
0.013
(1)
44.3
—
(0.972)
(1.4)
(7.1)
(1)
0.5 %
(0.005)
(327.9)
0.001
1.7 %
(0.3)
0.036
(0.1)
(1)
2.1 %
(0.006)
33.7
2
0.4 %
—
5.1
(1)
0.081
3.8
2.4 %
(1)
(0.05)
0.006
(0.028)
0.027
0.018
(0.030)
(0.001)
8 %
7 %
0 %
33 %
(0)%
18 %
(5)%
2 %
*
*
(12)%
(7)%
*
(11)%
55 %
13 %
(14)%
11 %
(0)%
48 %
— %
(20)%
(13)%
(15)%
(0)%
*
(2)%
(22)%
9 %
*
(3)%
4 %
(10)%
(0)%
*
(4)%
24 %
1 %
*
0 %
2 %
(0)%
5 %
9 %
*
(0)%
(2)%
0 %
(4)%
3 %
2 %
(4)%
(7)%
79
(1) Touched volume represents the total number of shares of equity securities and ETFs internally matched on our
exchanges or routed to and executed on an external market center.
(2) Average revenue per contract, for options and futures represents total net transaction fees recognized for the period
divided by total contracts traded during the period.
(3) Net capture per one hundred touched shares refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments and routing and
clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA and
the number of trading days.
(4) Net capture per one hundred touched shares refers to transaction fees less order and execution management system
(OMS/EMS) fees and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BIDS
Trading and the number of trading days for the period.
(5) Matched volume represents the total number of shares of equity securities and ETFs activity executed on our
exchanges.
(6) Net capture per 10,000 touched shares refers to transaction fees divided by the product of one-ten thousandth ADV
of shares for Cboe Canada and MATCHNow and the number of trading days.
(7) Matched ADNV represents the average daily notional value of shares or contracts executed on our exchanges.
(8) Net capture per matched notional value refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in British pounds divided by
the product of ADNV in British pounds of shares matched on Cboe Europe Equities and the number of trading days.
(9) Trades cleared refers to the total number of non-interoperable trades cleared.
(10) Fee per trade cleared refers to clearing fees divided by number of non-interoperable trades cleared.
(11) European Equities market share cleared represents Cboe Clear Europe’s client volume cleared divided by the total
volume of the publicly reported European venues.
(12) Net settlement volume refers to the total number of settlements executed after netting.
(13) Net fee per settlement refers to settlement fees less direct costs incurred to settle divided by the number of
settlements executed after netting.
(14) Net capture per matched notional value refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Australian dollars divided
by the product of ADNV in Australian dollars of shares matched on Cboe Australia and the number of Australian
Equities trading days.
(15) Net capture per matched notional value refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Japanese Yen divided by
the product of ADNV in Japanese Yen of shares matched on Cboe Japan and the number of Japanese Equities
trading days.
(16) Net capture per one million dollars traded refers to net transaction fees less liquidity payments, if any, divided by the
Spot and SEF products of one-thousandth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX Markets and the number of trading days,
divided by two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction.
80
Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased $185.0 million, or 5%, compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in cash and spot markets revenue, driven by a decline in volumes traded
on the U.S. Equities and European Equities exchanges, coupled with a decrease in the Section 31 fee rate following a
rate change in February 2023, partially offset by an increase in derivatives markets revenue as a result of increased index
options trading volumes and increases in access and capacity fees and proprietary market data across segments.
The following summarizes changes in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 (in millions, except percentages):
Cash and spot markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data and access solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
Cash and Spot Markets
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
1,445.1
539.2
1,789.2
3,773.5
$
$
2022
1,777.6
497.0
1,683.9
3,958.5
$
$
Increase/
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
(332.5)
42.2
105.3
(185.0)
(19)%
8 %
6 %
(5)%
Cash and spot markets revenue decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022, primarily due to decreases in transaction and clearing fees and regulatory fees, partially offset by an
increase in other revenue. Transaction and clearing fees decreased primarily due to a 12% decrease in total touched
shares on the U.S. Equities exchanges, a 13% decrease in European Equities matched ADNV, and a 22% decrease in
trades cleared by Cboe Clear Europe, partially offset by additional transaction and clearing fees attributable to Cboe
Canada, which was acquired in the second quarter of 2022. Regulatory fees decreased primarily due to a 36% decrease
in the Section 31 fee rate, from an average of $16.26 per million dollars of covered sales for the year ended
December 31, 2022 to an average rate of $10.35 per million dollars of covered sales for the year ended December 31,
2023. Other revenue increased primarily due to an increase in operating interest income attributable to Cboe Clear
Europe as a result of the changing interest rate environment, coupled with additional interest earned in accordance with
its investment policy. See Note 14 (“Clearing Operations”) for additional information.
Data and Access Solutions
Data and access solutions revenue increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in access and capacity fees and proprietary market data fees. Access and
capacity fees increased primarily due to increased physical port fees in the Options, North American Equities, and Europe
and Asia Pacific segments and increased logical port fees in the Options, North American Equities, and Global FX
segments, both driven by an increase in subscribers and pricing. Proprietary market data fees increased primarily due to
an increase in proprietary market data fees in the Options segment, coupled with an increase in proprietary market data
fees attributable to Cboe Canada.
Derivatives Markets
Derivatives markets revenue increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in transaction and clearing fees, partially offset by a decrease in
regulatory fees. Transaction and clearing fees increased primarily due to a 33% increase in index options ADV and a 5%
increase in Futures net capture. Regulatory fees decreased primarily due to a 36% decrease in the Section 31 fee rate,
from an average of $16.26 per million dollars of covered sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 to an average rate
of $10.35 per million dollars of covered sales for the year ended December 31, 2023.
81
Cost of Revenues
The following tables reconcile the disaggregated cost of revenues captions presented on the consolidated statements
of income to the net revenue captions presented on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (in millions):
Liquidity payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Routing and clearing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 31 fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liquidity payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Routing and clearing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 31 fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended December 31,
2023
Data and
Access
Solutions
Derivatives
Markets
— $
—
—
9.1
9.1
$
548.5 $
27.9
34.5
156.9
767.8 $
Year Ended December 31,
2022
Data and
Access
Solutions
Derivatives
Markets
— $
—
—
9.2
9.2
$
646.2 $
27.2
53.0
110.3
836.7 $
$
$
$
$
Total
1,385.8
79.1
185.7
204.9
1,855.5
Total
1,670.2
83.2
329.8
133.6
2,216.8
Cash and
Spot Markets
837.3
51.2
151.2
38.9
1,078.6
$
$
Cash and
Spot Markets
1,024.0
56.0
276.8
14.1
1,370.9
$
$
Total cost of revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31,
2022 primarily due to decreased cash and spot markets and derivatives markets cost of revenues driven by a decrease in
liquidity payments as a result of a decrease in volumes traded on the U.S. Equities exchanges and multi-listed options
declining market share, coupled with a decrease in Section 31 fees as a result of a decrease in the Section 31 fee rate,
partially offset by an increase in royalty fees in the Options segment and an increase in other revenue attributable to Cboe
Clear Europe.
The following summarizes the changes in the disaggregated cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023
compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 (in millions, except percentages):
Liquidity payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Routing and clearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 31 fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
Liquidity Payments
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
1,385.8
79.1
185.7
204.9
1,855.5
$
$
2022
1,670.2
83.2
329.8
133.6
2,216.8
$
$
Increase/
(Decrease)
Percent
Change
(284.4)
(4.1)
(144.1)
71.3
(361.3)
(17)%
(5)%
(44)%
53 %
(16)%
Liquidity payments decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31,
2022 primarily due to a decrease in volumes traded on the U.S. Equities exchanges and a decline in multi-listed options
market share.
Routing and Clearing
Routing and clearing fees decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in routed shares on the U.S. Equities exchanges, partially offset by an
uptick in routed trades on the Options exchanges.
82
Section 31 Fees
Section 31 fees decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
primarily due to a 36% decrease in the Section 31 fee rate, from an average rate of $16.26 per million dollars of covered
sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 to an average rate of $10.35 per million dollars of covered sales for the year
ended December 31, 2023.
Royalty Fees and Other Cost of Revenues
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year
ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in trading volumes of licensed products in the Options segment
and increases in royalty fee rates, coupled with an increase in operating interest expense attributable to Cboe Clear
Europe as a result of the changing interest rate environment and additional interest expense in accordance with its
investment policy. See Note 14 (“Clearing Operations”) for additional information.
Revenues Less Cost of Revenues
Revenues less cost of revenues increased $176.3 million, or 10%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared
to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in derivatives markets revenues less cost of revenues
driven by an increase in index options trading volumes, coupled with an increase in access and capacity fees and
proprietary market data across segments, and additional revenues less cost of revenues attributable to Cboe Canada,
partially offset by a decrease in cash and spot markets revenues less cost of revenues driven by a decrease in volumes
traded on the U.S. Equities and European Equities exchanges and increases in royalty fees in the Options segment.
The following summarizes the components of revenues less cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023,
presented as a percentage of revenues less cost of revenues and compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 (in
millions, except percentages):
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
366.5
530.1
1,021.4
1,918.0
$
$
2022
406.7
487.8
847.2
1,741.7
Percent
Change
(10)%
9 %
21 %
10 %
Percentage of
Revenues Less
Cost of
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
19 %
28 %
53 %
100 %
23 %
28 %
49 %
100 %
Cash and spot markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Data and access solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . $
Cash and Spot Markets
Cash and spot markets revenues less cost of revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared
to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to decreases in transaction and clearing fees less liquidity payments
and routing and clearing costs (“net transaction and clearing fees”) in the North American Equities and Europe and Asia
Pacific segments, coupled with a decrease in industry market data fees. Net transaction and clearing fees decreased
primarily due to a 12% decrease in total touched shares on the U.S. Equities exchanges, an 11% decrease in U.S.
Equities exchanges net capture, and a 13% decrease in European Equities matched ADNV. Industry market data fees
decreased primarily due to a decrease in U.S. tape plan revenue driven by a 1% decline in market share on the U.S.
Equities exchanges.
Data and Access Solutions
Data and access solutions revenues less cost of revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2023
compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in access and capacity fees and proprietary
market data fees. Access and capacity fees increased primarily due to increased physical port fees in the Options, North
American Equities, and Europe and Asia Pacific segments and increased logical port fees in the Options, North American
Equities, and Global FX segments, both driven by an increase in subscribers and pricing. Proprietary market data fees
increased primarily due to an increase in proprietary market data fees in the Options segment, coupled with an increase in
proprietary market data fees attributable to Cboe Canada.
83
Derivatives Markets
Derivatives markets revenues less cost of revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in net transaction and clearing fees driven by a 33%
increase in index options ADV, partially offset by a 6% decrease in multi-listed options net capture and an increase in
royalty fees due to an increase in trading volumes of licensed products in the Options segment and increases in royalty
fee rates.
Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, total operating expenses
decreased primarily due to goodwill impairment recorded in 2022, partially offset by increases in compensation and
benefits and technology support services compared to the prior period. The following summarizes changes in operating
expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 (in millions, except
percentages):
Year Ended
December 31,
Increase/
Percent
Compensation and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technology support services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Professional fees and outside services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Travel and promotional expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facilities costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition-related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation and Benefits
2023
$ 425.8
158.0
$
99.7
92.0
37.6
25.7
7.4
—
13.9
$ 860.1
62.8
(8.8)
22.0
2022
363.0 $
166.8
77.7
89.0
23.7
25.1
19.9
460.9
26.0
(Decrease) Change
17 %
(5)%
28 %
3 %
59 %
2 %
(63)%
(100)%
(47)%
(31)%
0.6
(12.5)
(460.9)
(12.1)
$ 1,252.1 $ (392.0)
3.0
13.9
Compensation and benefits increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a $50.3 million increase in salaries driven by merit and cost-of-living increases and
increased headcount. Additionally, there was a $13.3 million increase in benefits primarily due to an increase in the
market value of the non-qualified deferral plan and increases in payroll benefits, taxes, and employer contributions as a
result of the aforementioned increase in salaries. The increases were partially offset by a $13.9 million decrease in
bonuses. Cboe Digital and Cboe Canada contributed $17.4 million of the overall increase in compensation and benefits
for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to decline in amortization under the discounted cash flow method for the intangibles
acquired in the Merger, partially offset by an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses related to the acquisition
of Cboe Digital and Cboe Canada.
Technology Support Services
Technology support services costs increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in purchased hardware, software maintenance, hardware maintenance,
primary data center hosting expenses, cloud services, and market data technology support services, due in part to the
acquisitions of Cboe Digital and Cboe Canada, and the Cboe Asia Pacific technology migrations, which was completed in
2023.
84
Professional Fees and Outside Services
Professional and outside services fees increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in consulting fees, legal fees, and audit fees, partially offset by decreases
in recruiting fees and regulatory costs associated with CAT expenses.
Travel and Promotional Expenses
Travel and promotional expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in marketing and advertising expenses driven by the Company’s
rebranding, advertising campaigns and sponsorships, and special events.
Facilities Costs
Facilities costs increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
primarily due to an increase in office rent and real estate taxes, partially offset by a decrease in utilities.
Acquisition-Related Costs
Acquisition-related costs decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in general and administrative costs and retention-related compensation
costs associated with prior acquisitions.
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill impairment decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31,
2022 due to impairment recognized for the Digital reporting unit in 2022.
Other Expenses
Other expenses decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
primarily due to a reduction in expected contingent consideration related to Cboe Canada and Cboe Japan recorded in
2023 as well as decreases in charitable contributions and taxes, licenses, and permits.
Operating Income
As a result of the items above, operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1,057.9 million,
compared to operating income of $489.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $568.3 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
primarily due to additional borrowings on the Term Loan in the second quarter of 2022, as well as an increase in the
SOFR rate, partially offset by principal repayments on the Term Loan in 2022 and 2023, which was paid off in
October 2023.
Interest Income
Interest income increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
primarily due to increases in interest rates in 2023.
Earnings in Investments
Earnings in investments increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31,
2022 primarily due to a $32.8 million increase in the gain on the Company’s investment in 7Ridge Fund (which owns
Trading Technologies) recorded in 2023 compared to 2022, coupled with a $7.1 million increase in non-qualified deferred
85
compensation, partially offset by a $7.5 million gain on the Company’s ownership of Cboe Digital, which was recorded in
2022 and did not recur in 2023.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a $10.6 million impairment adjustment related to the Company’s previously held
investment in American Financial Exchange, LLC recorded in 2022, which did not recur in 2023, coupled with $2.1 million
in dividend income from the Company’s minority ownership of Vest Group, Inc. recorded in the third quarter of 2023,
partially offset by a $1.8 million impairment adjustment related to the Company’s investment in Effective Investing Limited
recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Income Before Income Tax Provision
As a result of the above, income before income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $1,047.6
million compared to income before income tax provision of $432.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an
increase of $614.7 million.
Income Tax Provision
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the income tax provision was $286.2 million compared to $197.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $88.3 million, primarily due to an increase in income before income
tax provision. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 27.3%, compared to a rate of 45.7% for
the year ended December 31, 2022. The lower effective tax rate in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the
year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to the impact of the Cboe Digital goodwill impairment had on income in
2022.
The following table is a reconciliation of the GAAP effective tax rate to the effective tax rate excluding goodwill
impairment and Section 199 matters for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:
GAAP effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax effect of goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax effect of Section 199 related matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate excluding goodwill impairment and Section 199 matters . . . . . . . .
Net Income
Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022
27.3 %
— %
1.2 %
28.5 %
45.7 %
(8.5)%
(5.5)%
31.7 %
As a result of the items above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $761.4 million, or 40% of
revenues less cost of revenues, compared to $235.0 million, or 14% of revenues less cost of revenues, for the year ended
December 31, 2022, an increase of $526.4 million, or 224%.
Segment Operating Results
We report results from our six segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Futures, Global
FX, and Digital. Segment performance is primarily based on operating income (loss). We have aggregated all corporate
costs, as well as other business ventures, within Corporate Items and Eliminations as those activities should not be used
to evaluate a segment’s operating performance. All operating expenses that relate to activities of a specific segment have
been allocated to that segment. Operating expenses increased or decreased in certain segments for the year ended
December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases or decreases in the
allocation of shared-service expenses.
86
The following summarizes our total revenues by segment (in millions, except percentages):
$4,000.0
$3,500.0
$3,000.0
$2,500.0
Total revenues by segment
$3,777.6
$74.9
$281.2
2%
8%
$3,958.2
$68.9
$264.6
2%
7%
$1,353.0
36%
$1,681.7
42%
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
m
n
i
(
$2,000.0
$129.0
3%
$119.8
3%
$1,500.0
$1,000.0
$500.0
$-
$1,939.5
51%
$1,823.2
46%
2023
2022
Options
Futures
North American Equities
Europe and Asia Pacific
Global FX
Note, the chart excludes Digital revenues of $(4.1) million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022, respectively.
Percentage of
Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
Percent
Change
6 %
(20)%
6 %
8 %
9 %
*
(5)%
51 %
36 %
8 %
3 %
2 %
— %
100 %
46 %
42 %
7 %
3 %
2 %
— %
100 %
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
$ 1,939.5
1,353.0
2022
$ 1,823.2
1,681.7
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Equities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe and Asia Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Futures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Global FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
264.6
119.8
68.9
0.3
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,773.5 $ 3,958.5
281.2
129.0
74.9
(4.1)
* Not meaningful
87
The following summarizes our revenues less cost of revenues by segment (in millions, except percentages):
Total revenues less cost of revenues by segment
$1,923.3
$73.5
4%
$190.2 10%
$365.3
19%
$125.1 6%
$1,169.2
61%
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
m
n
i
(
$2,000.0
$1,750.0
$1,500.0
$1,250.0
$1,000.0
$750.0
$500.0
$250.0
$-
$1,742.1
$67.9
4%
$196.1 11%
$378.9
22%
$116.0
7%
$983.2
56%
Options
Futures
North American Equities
Europe and Asia Pacific
Global FX
2023
2022
Note, the chart excludes Digital revenues less cost of revenues of $(5.3) million and $(0.4) million for the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
$ 1,169.2
365.3
190.2
125.1
73.5
(5.3)
$ 1,918.0
2022
$
983.2
378.9
196.1
116.0
67.9
(0.4)
$ 1,741.7
Percentage of
Total Revenues
less Cost of Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
Percent
Change
19 %
(4)%
(3)%
8 %
8 %
*
10 %
61 %
19 %
10 %
6 %
4 %
— %
100 %
56 %
22 %
11 %
7 %
4 %
— %
100 %
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Equities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe and Asia Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Futures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Global FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . .
* Not meaningful
88
Options
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues, operating expenses, operating income, EBITDA and
EBITDA margin for our Options segment (in millions, except percentages):
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
317.9
Operating income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 851.3
EBITDA (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA margin (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
878.3
$
75.1 %
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
$ 1,169.2
$
2022
983.2
242.7
$ 740.5
765.3
77.8 %
Percent
Change
19 %
31 %
15 %
15 %
*
Percentage
of Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
60 %
16 %
44 %
45 %
*
54 %
13 %
41 %
42 %
*
* Not meaningful
(1) See footnote (2) to the table under “Overview” above for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, and
management’s reasons for using such non-GAAP measures.
(2) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
Revenues less cost of revenues increased $186.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the
year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in net transaction and clearing fees driven by a 33% increase
in index options ADV, an increase in proprietary market data fees, and increases in physical and logical port fees, partially
offset by an increase in royalty fees driven by an increase in trading volumes of licensed products and increases in royalty
fee rates and a 6% decrease in multi-listed options net capture. For the year ended December 31, 2023, operating
income for the Options segment increased $110.8 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due
to an increase in revenues less cost of revenues, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. Operating
expenses increased $75.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31,
2022 primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits, technology support services, and travel and promotional
expenses.
North American Equities
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues, operating expenses, operating income, EBITDA and
EBITDA margin for our North American Equities segment (in millions, except percentages):
Year Ended
December 31,
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 365.3
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 118.0
EBITDA (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA margin (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
247.3
$
2023
2022
$ 378.9
232.3
$ 146.6
220.1
186.9
$
58.1 %
51.2 %
Percentage
of Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
27 %
18 %
9 %
14 %
*
23 %
14 %
9 %
13 %
*
Percent
Change
(4)%
6 %
(20)%
(15)%
*
* Not meaningful
(1) See footnote (2) to the table under “Overview” above for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, and
management’s reasons for using such non-GAAP measures.
(2) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
Revenues less cost of revenues decreased $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the
year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees driven by a 12%
decrease in total touched shares on the U.S. Equities exchanges and an 11% decrease in U.S. Equities exchanges net
capture, coupled with a decline in market data fees as a result of a decrease in U.S. tape plan revenue due to a 1%
decline in market share on the U.S. Equities exchanges, partially offset by an increase in revenues less cost of revenues
attributable to Cboe Canada, coupled with increases in logical and physical port fees. For the year ended
89
December 31, 2023, operating income for the North American Equities segment decreased $28.6 million compared to the
year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in operating expenses, coupled with a decrease in revenues
less cost of revenues. Operating expenses increased $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits, travel and promotional
expenses, and technology support services, partially offset by decreases in depreciation and amortization, acquisition
related costs, and other expenses driven by the gain on change in contingent consideration related to Cboe Canada.
Europe and Asia Pacific
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues, operating expenses, operating income, EBITDA and
EBITDA margin for our Europe and Asia Pacific segment (in millions, except percentages):
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
EBITDA (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
EBITDA margin (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Year Ended
December 31,
$
2023
190.2
157.5
32.7
62.7
$
$
33.0 %
2022
196.1
158.0
38.1
74.6
38.0 %
Percentage
of Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
68 %
56 %
12 %
22 %
*
74 %
60 %
14 %
28 %
*
Percent
Change
(3)%
(0)%
(14)%
(16)%
*
* Not meaningful
(1) See footnote (2) to the table under “Overview” above for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, and
management’s reasons for using such non-GAAP measures.
(2) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
Revenues less cost of revenues decreased $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year
ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees driven by a 13% decrease in
European Equities matched ADNV and a 22% decrease in trades cleared by Cboe Clear Europe, partially offset by a 9%
increase in the fee per trade cleared by Cboe Clear Europe, coupled by an increase in proprietary market data fees and
physical port fees. For the year ended December 31, 2023, operating income for the Europe and Asia Pacific segment
decreased $5.4 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in revenues less cost
of revenues, partially offset by a decrease in operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased $0.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in other
expenses driven by the reduction in expected contingent consideration related to Cboe Japan, coupled with decreases in
depreciation and amortization and acquisition related costs, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits,
technology support services, and professional fees and outside services.
90
Futures
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues, operating expenses, operating income, EBITDA, and
EBITDA margin for our Futures segment (in millions, except percentages):
Year Ended
December 31,
Percent
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
EBITDA (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
EBITDA margin (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
2023
125.1
39.0
86.1
87.8
$
$
70.2 %
2022
116.0
60.8
55.2
Change
8 %
(36)%
56 %
52 %
*
57.8
49.8 %
Percentage
of Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
97 %
30 %
67 %
68 %
*
97 %
51 %
46 %
48 %
*
* Not meaningful
(1) See footnote (2) to the table under “Overview” above for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, and
management’s reasons for using such non-GAAP measures.
(2) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
Revenues less cost of revenues increased $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year
ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in net transaction and clearing fees as a result of a 5% increase in
net capture and a 2% increase in ADV, coupled with an increase in physical port fees. For the year ended December 31,
2023, operating income for the Futures segment increased $30.9 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2022
primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses, coupled with an increase in revenues less cost of revenues. Operating
expenses decreased $21.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31,
2022 primarily due to decreases in compensation and benefits and professional fees and outside services.
Global FX
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues, operating expenses, operating income, EBITDA and
EBITDA margin for our Global FX segment (in millions, except percentages):
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
EBITDA (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
EBITDA margin (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
73.5
48.8
$
24.7
$
42.8
58.2 %
67.9
59.1
8.8
30.7
45.2 %
Percentage
of Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
98 %
65 %
33 %
57 %
*
99 %
86 %
13 %
45 %
*
Percent
Change
8 %
(17)%
181 %
39 %
*
* Not meaningful
(1) See footnote (2) to the table under “Overview” above for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, and
management’s reasons for using such non-GAAP measures.
(2) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
Revenues less cost of revenues increased $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year
ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase in net transaction and clearing fees driven by a 9% increase in
ADNV, coupled with an increase in logical port fees, partially offset by a 2% decrease in net capture. For the year ended
December 31, 2023, operating income for the Global FX segment increased $15.9 million compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses, coupled with an increase in revenues less cost of
revenues. Operating expenses decreased $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year
91
ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to decreases in compensation and benefits, depreciation and amortization, and
professional fees and outside services.
Digital
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues, operating expenses, operating loss, EBITDA, and
EBITDA margin for our Digital segment (in millions, except percentages):
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA margin (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
(5.3)
41.4
(46.7)
(39.1)
$
$
$
2022
$
(0.4)
491.0
$ (491.4)
$ (484.0)
* %
* %
Percent
Change
* %
(92)%
90 %
92 %
*
Percentage
of Total
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
2022
* %
* %
* %
* %
*
* %
* %
* %
* %
*
* Not meaningful
(1) See footnote (2) to the table under “Overview” above for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, and
management’s reasons for using such non-GAAP measures.
(2) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues.
The Digital segment was established in the second quarter of 2022 following the acquisition of ErisX, which was
subsequently rebranded to Cboe Digital. Revenues less cost of revenues decreased $4.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to the contra-revenue recorded in
connection with the non-recourse notes accounted for as options, beginning in the second quarter of 2023. For the year
ended December 31, 2023 operating loss for the Digital segment decreased $444.7 million compared to the year ended
December 31, 2022 primarily due to a $460.9 million goodwill impairment adjustment recorded in 2022, which did not
recur in 2023, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits, depreciation and amortization, and other
expenses.
92
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Below are charts that reflect elements of our capital allocation:
)
s
n
o
i
l
l
i
m
n
I
(
$2,000.0
$1,500.0
$1,000.0
$500.0
$-
Outstanding Debt
$1,439.2
$1,439.2
$1,742.0
$1,437.3
$304.7
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Dividends Paid
(in millions)
$223.5
$209.4
Repurchases under Share
Repurchase Program
(in millions)
$83.9
$100.9
Dividends per share
$2.10
$1.96
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
We expect our cash on hand at December 31, 2023 and other available resources, including cash generated from
operations, to be sufficient to continue to meet our cash requirements for the foreseeable future. In the near term, we
expect that our cash from operations and availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, and potentially participating in
future financing transactions to obtain additional capital will meet our cash needs to fund our operations, capital
expenditures, interest payments on debt, debt repayments, any dividends, potential strategic acquisitions, opportunities
for common stock repurchases under the previously announced program, and payouts related to the unfavorable decision
in the Section 199 litigation. See Note 12 (“Debt”) and Note 25 (“Subsequent Events”) to the consolidated financial
statements for further information.
Cboe Clear Europe also has a €1.25 billion committed syndicated multicurrency revolving and swingline credit facility
agreement with Cboe Clear Europe as borrower and the Company as guarantor of scheduled interest and fees on
borrowings (but not the principal amount of any borrowings) (the “Facility”). The Facility is available to be drawn by Cboe
Clear Europe towards (a) financing unsettled amounts in connection with the settlement of transactions in securities and
other items processed through Cboe Clear Europe’s clearing system and (b) financing any other liability or liquidity
requirement of Cboe Clear Europe incurred in the operation of its clearing system. Borrowings under the Facility are
secured by cash, eligible bonds and eligible equity assets deposited by Cboe Clear Europe into secured accounts. As a
result, should the Facility be drawn by Cboe Clear Europe it could potentially impact Cboe Clear Europe’s liquidity, and
we can give no assurance that this Facility will be sufficient to meet all of such obligations or sufficiently mitigate Cboe
Clear Europe’s liquidity risk to meet its payment obligations when due. Additionally, a default of the Facility may allow
lenders, under certain circumstances, to accelerate any related drawn amounts and may result in the acceleration of the
Company’s other outstanding debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies, which may limit the
Company’s liquidity, business and financing activities. The Facility was amended on June 29, 2023, which extended the
term of the facility through June 28, 2024.
Our long-term cash needs will depend on many factors, including an introduction of new products, enhancements of
current products, capital needs of our subsidiaries, the geographic mix of our business and any potential acquisitions. We
believe our cash from operations and the availability under our Revolving Credit Facility will meet any long-term needs
unless a significant acquisition or acquisitions are identified, in which case we expect that we would be able to borrow the
necessary funds and/or issue additional shares of our common stock to complete such acquisition(s).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and all non-restricted, highly liquid investments, including short-
term repurchase agreements, with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash and cash
93
equivalents as of December 31, 2023 increased $110.5 million from December 31, 2022 primarily due to the results of
operation and proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale financial investments, partially offset by principal payments
on the Term Loan Agreement, outflows from cash dividends, purchases of available-for-sale financial investments, share
repurchases, contributions to investments, and purchases of property and equipment. See “Cash Flow” below for further
discussion.
Our cash and cash equivalents held outside of the United States in various foreign subsidiaries totaled $244.3 million
and $226.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The remaining balance was held in the United States
and totaled $298.9 million and $206.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The majority of cash held
outside the United States is available for repatriation, but under current law, could subject us to additional United States
income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits.
Our financial investments include deferred compensation plan assets as well as investments with original or acquired
maturities longer than three months but that mature in less than one year from the balance sheet date and are recorded at
fair value. As of December 31, 2023, financial investments primarily consisted of U.S. Treasury securities and deferred
compensation plan assets.
Cash Flow
The following table summarizes our cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in
millions):
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,075.6 $
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash
(55.1)
(656.1)
2023
For the Year Ended
December 31,
2022
651.1 $ 596.8
(352.7)
(200.3)
(835.1)
81.7
2021
equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52.8
(10.0)
(9.1)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted
cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
417.2 $ (112.3)
$
34.7
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash
equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (margin deposits, clearing funds,
and interoperability funds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (included in other current assets) . . . . . . .
Customer bank deposits (included in margin deposits, clearing funds,
$
543.2 $
432.7
$
341.9
834.8
5.1
530.3
4.2
745.9
4.4
and interoperability funds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.0
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,397.1 $
12.7
—
979.9 $ 1,092.2
As of December 31,
2022
2023
2021
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $314.2 million higher than
net income. The variance is primarily attributable to the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, driven by margin
deposits, clearing funds and interoperability funds adjustment related to Cboe Clear Europe of $282.6 million and the
adjustment for depreciation and amortization expense of $158.0 million, partially offset by the change in Section 31 fees
payable of $95.2 million.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $1,075.6 million and $651.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in net cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily
due to the change in net income, the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, driven by margin deposits, clearing
funds, and interoperability funds related to Cboe Clear Europe, and the change in benefit for deferred income taxes,
partially offset by the adjustment for goodwill impairment and the change in Section 31 fees payable.
94
Net cash provided by operating activities was $416.1 million higher than net income for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022. The variance is primarily attributable to the adjustment for goodwill impairment of $460.9 million, the
adjustment for depreciation and amortization expense of $166.8 million, and the change in Section 31 fees payable of
$106.3 million, partially offset by the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents of $217.5 million, driven by the
change in margin and clearing funds related to Cboe Clear Europe for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the
benefit for deferred income taxes of $155.7 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $651.1 million and $596.8 million for the years ended December 31,
2022 and 2021, respectively. The change in net cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily due to the
adjustment for goodwill impairment and the change in Section 31 fees payable, partially offset by the change in net
income, the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, driven by margin deposits and clearing funds related to Cboe
Clear Europe, the change in benefit for deferred income taxes, and the change in accounts receivable.
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities primarily consisted of purchases of
available-for-sale financial investments of $89.8 million, contributions to investments of $57.1 million, and purchases of
property and equipment and leasehold improvements of $45.0 million, partially offset by proceeds from maturities of
available-for-sale financial investments of $135.7 million.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $55.1 million and $835.1 million for the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022, respectively. The variance is primarily due to the change in acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and the
change in proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale financial investments, partially offset by the change in
contributions to investments for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities primarily consisted of acquisitions,
net of cash acquired of $708.3 million, purchases of available-for-sale financial investments of $104.7 million, and
purchases of property and equipment and leasehold improvements of $59.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from
maturities of available-for-sale financial investments of $51.2 million.
Net Cash Flows (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of principal
payments of the current portion of long-term debt of $305.0 million, cash dividends on common stock of $223.5 million,
and share repurchases of $83.9 million.
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities were ($656.1) million and $81.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The variance is primarily due to the change in proceeds from the long-term
debt issuance and the change in principal repayments of long-term debt, partially offset by the change in payments of
contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $81.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. During
the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of proceeds from the
long-term debt issuance of $663.6 million, partially offset by principal repayments of long-term debt of $220.0 million, cash
dividends on common stock, share repurchases, and payments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
Net cash flows used in financing activities totaled $200.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the
year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of cash dividends paid on
common stock of $193.3 million and share repurchases of $81.3 million, partially offset by proceeds from long-term debt
of $110.0 million.
95
Financial Assets
The following summarizes our financial assets excluding margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds
as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 543.2 $
Financial investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less deferred compensation plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less cash collected for Section 31 fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted cash (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57.5
(36.7)
(30.5)
533.5 $
$
2023
2021
As of December 31,
2022
432.7 $ 341.9
37.1
(28.0)
(25.9)
325.1
91.7
(27.5)
(93.7)
403.2
$
(1) Adjusted cash is a non-GAAP measure and represents cash and cash equivalents plus financial investments, minus
deferred compensation plan assets and cash collected for Section 31 fees. We have presented adjusted cash
because we consider it an important supplemental measure of our liquidity and believe that it is frequently used by
analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies.
Debt
The following summarizes our debt obligations as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in millions):
Term Loan Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.650% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.625% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.000% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving Credit Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Clear Europe Credit Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2021
2023
— $
As of December 31,
2022
305.0 $ 160.0
650.0
650.0
500.0
500.0
—
300.0
—
—
—
—
(10.7)
(13.0)
$ 1,299.3
$ 1,439.2 $ 1,742.0
650.0
500.0
300.0
—
—
(10.8)
At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the covenants of our debt agreements.
In addition to the debt outstanding, as of December 31, 2023, we had an additional $400.0 million available through
our revolving credit facility, with the ability to borrow another $200.0 million by increasing the commitments under the
facility, subject to the agreement of the applicable lenders. Together with adjusted cash, we had nearly $1.0 billion
available to fund our operations, capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, debt repayments and any dividends, net of
minimum regulatory capital requirements of $145.7 million, which are subject to potential applicable regulatory restrictions
and approvals and potential associated tax costs, as of December 31, 2023.
Dividends
The Company’s expectation is to continue to pay dividends. The decision to pay a dividend, however, remains within
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and may be affected by various factors, including our earnings,
financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness and other considerations our Board of Directors deems
relevant. Future debt obligations and statutory provisions, among other things, may limit, or in some cases prohibit, our
ability to pay dividends.
Share Repurchase Program
In 2011, the Board of Directors approved an initial authorization for the Company to repurchase shares of its
outstanding common stock of $100 million and subsequently approved additional authorizations, for a total authorization
of $1.8 billion. The program permits the Company to purchase shares through a variety of methods, including in the open
market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws. It does not obligate the
96
Company to make any repurchases at any specific time or situation. Share repurchases are repurchased to the
Company’s Treasury stock and ultimately retired or they are available to be redistributed.
Under the program, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 661,721 shares of common
stock at an average cost per share of $126.80, totaling $83.9 million. Since inception of the program through
December 31, 2023, the Company has repurchased 19,610,088 shares of common stock at an average cost per share of
$72.21, totaling $1.4 billion. The Company retired 2,453,428 and 744,127 shares of treasury stock in the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R. 5376 (commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act of
2022 or simply the “IRA”). Tax measures contained in the IRA include, among other items, a new excise tax of 1% on
repurchases of stock by domestic corporations with stock traded on established securities markets. The amount on which
the tax is imposed is reduced by the value of any stock issued by such corporation during the tax year and the tax
generally applies to stock buy-back transactions occurring after December 31, 2022. This new tax has not had a material
impact to the Company as of December 31, 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $384.0 million of availability remaining under its existing share
repurchase authorizations.
Lease and Obligations
The Company currently leases additional office space, data centers and remote network operations center, with lease
terms remaining from 1 month to 162 months as of December 31, 2023.
Total rent expense related to current and former lease obligations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and
2021 totaled $34.5 million, $30.0 million and $25.6 million, respectively. In addition to our lease obligations, we have
contractual obligations related to certain operating leases, data and telecommunications agreements, and our long-term
debt outstanding.
Purchase obligations include our estimate of the minimum outstanding obligations under agreements to purchase
goods or services that we believe are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including fixed
or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed or minimum and maximum amounts to be paid; and the approximate timing
of the transaction. Purchase obligations include certain licensing agreements with various licensors which contain annual
minimum fee requirements as well as payments calculated using agreed upon contract rates and reported cleared
volumes. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancellable at any time without penalty.
We have excluded from the contractual obligations listed below $848.8 million in margin deposits, clearing funds, and
interoperability funds related to Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe Clear Digital. Clearing participants of Cboe Clear Europe
are required to make deposits to a clearing fund. The cash deposits made by clearing participants are recorded in the
consolidated balance sheet as current assets with equal and offsetting current liabilities. See Note 14 (“Clearing
Operations”) to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe Clear
Digital and the margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds.
Future minimum payments under these leases and agreements were as follows as of December 31, 2023:
Payments Due by Period
Total
Less than
1 year
More than
1 year
Contractual Obligations
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal payments of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest payments on debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
188.1 $
863.5
1,450.0
561.6
$ 3,063.2 $
26.6
77.5
—
40.9
145.0
$
161.5
786.0
1,450.0
520.7
$ 2,918.2
Commercial Commitments and Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2023, our commercial commitments and contractual obligations included operating leases, data
and telecommunications agreements, equipment leases, our long-term debt outstanding, contingent considerations,
97
software development activities and other obligations. See Note 23 (“Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees”) to
the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of commitments and contingencies, Note 12 (“Debt”) for a
discussion of the outstanding debt, Note 14 (“Clearing Operations”) for information on Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe
Digital’s clearinghouse exposure guarantees, and Note 24 (“Leases”) for discussion on operating leases and equipment
leases.
Guarantees
We use Wedbush and Morgan Stanley to clear our routed equities transactions for our U.S. Equities exchanges.
Wedbush and Morgan Stanley guarantee the trade until one day after the trade date, after which time the National
Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) provides a guarantee. The BIDS Trading ATS platform delivers matched trades
to BofA Securities, Inc. (“BOA”), which delivers the matched trades to the NSCC. BOA guarantees the trade until one day
after the trade date, after which time the NSCC provides a guarantee. In the case of failure to perform on the part of
Wedbush or Morgan Stanley on routed transactions for our U.S. Equities exchanges, we provide the guarantee to the
counterparty to the trader. In the case of failure to perform on the part of BOA on transactions for the BIDS Trading ATS
platform, BIDS has obligations to the counterparties to satisfy the trades. OCC acts as a central counterparty on all
transactions in listed equity options in our Options segment, and as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of
our options transactions. We believe that any potential requirement for us to make payments under these guarantees is
remote and accordingly, have not recorded any liability in the consolidated financial statements for these guarantees.
Similarly, with respect to trades in U.S. listed equity options and futures occurring on Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX, and
CFE, we deliver matched trades of our customers to the OCC, which acts as a central counterparty on all transactions
occurring on these exchanges and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of those matched options and
futures trades. With respect to U.S. government securities transactions executed on Cboe Fixed Income, we use Mirae
Asset Securities (USA) Inc. to deliver matched trades to the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) Government
Securities Division (GSD), which acts as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Fixed Income and,
as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of those matched trades. With respect to Canadian equities, we
deliver matched trades of our customers to The Canadian Depository for Securities, which acts as a central counterparty
on all transactions occurring on Cboe Canada Inc. and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of our
matched Canadian equities trades. With respect to trades in options and futures occurring on Cboe Europe Derivatives,
we deliver matched trades of our customers to Cboe Clear Europe, which acts as a central counterparty on all
transactions occurring on Cboe Europe Derivatives and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of those
matched options and futures trades. With respect to Australian equities and derivatives, we deliver matched trades of our
customers to ASX Clear Pty Ltd and ASX Settlement Pty Ltd. ASX Clear Pty Ltd acts as a central counterparty on all
transactions occurring on Cboe Australia and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement on all of our matched trades
in Australia. With respect to Japanese equities, we deliver matched trades of our customers to the Japanese Securities
Clearing Corporation, which acts as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Japan and, as such,
guarantees clearance and settlement on all of our matched trades in Japan. With respect to trades in digital assets
occurring on Cboe Digital Exchange, we deliver matched trades of our customers to Cboe Clear Digital, which acts as a
central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Digital Exchange and, as such, guarantees clearance and
settlement of all of those matched spot and futures trades.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of the amounts of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the
Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to areas that require a significant level of judgment or are
otherwise subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience,
observance of trends in particular areas, information available from outside sources and various other assumptions that
are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Information from these sources form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that may not be readily apparent from other sources.
We have identified the estimates below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of
operations. The impact of, and any associated risks related to, these estimates on our business operations is discussed
throughout "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." For a detailed
discussion on these estimates and other accounting policies, see Note 2 (“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”) to
the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Description
Our acquisitions of Bats, Silexx Financial Systems, LLC (“Silexx”), Livevol, Inc. (“LiveVol”), Hanweck, FT Options,
Trade Alert, BIDS Holdings, Cboe Asia Pacific, Cboe Digital, and Cboe Canada Inc. resulted in the recording of goodwill
and other intangible assets, while our acquisition of Cboe Clear Europe, resulted in a bargain purchase gain and other
intangible assets. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and
Other, we test the carrying values of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, or
more frequently when events or changes in circumstances signal indicators of impairment are present.
Judgments and Uncertainties
The estimated fair values of our reporting units are based on the market approach and the income approach (using
discounted estimated future cash flows). The estimated fair values of indefinite-lived intangibles are based on the cost
method and income approach. The discounted estimated future cash flow analysis requires judgments about the discount
rate, forecasted revenue growth rate, and operating expenses, that are inherent in these fair value estimates over the
estimated remaining operating period. Additionally, the analysis contains uncertainty surrounding future events. As such,
actual results may differ from these estimates and lead to a revaluation of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets,
and/or our reporting units.
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
If updated estimates indicate that the fair value of goodwill or any indefinite-lived intangibles is less than the carrying
value of the asset, an impairment charge is expected to be recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the
period of the change in estimate, which could result in a material change to the consolidated financial statements.
Following the acquisition of Cboe Digital in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, negative events and trends in the
broader digital asset environment emerged, such as deleveraging and bankruptcies, and certain negative trends in the
broader digital asset environment that started in late 2021 intensified, such as the decline in digital asset prices, overall
market activity, and market capitalization. Additionally, following the acquisition of Cboe Digital, the efforts to syndicate
minority ownership interests in Cboe Digital to potential investors during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 became more
challenging, and the outlook for the Digital segment’s future market growth was negatively impacted. The Company
considered these developments, in particular the syndication efforts during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, to be
potential indications of impairment and performed an interim impairment test for the goodwill recognized in the Digital
reporting unit during the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The Company concluded that the carrying value of the reporting
unit exceeded its estimated fair value, which was based on the income approach and corroborated with the market
approach, and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $460.1 million in the consolidated statements of income during
the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and also recognized a deferred tax asset of $116.2 million. This deferred tax asset,
resulting from the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over book goodwill, relates to future tax deductions the Company
expects to realize to reduce potential tax payments on future income. As a result, the carrying value of Cboe Digital
decreased by $343.9 million, to $220.0 million as of June 30, 2022. The Company also performed testing over the
intangible assets recognized as a result of the Cboe Digital acquisition during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and
based on the results of the assessments, determined there was no impairment required as the fair value approximated
the carrying value. No other long lived assets were recognized as a result of the acquisition and subject to further
assessment.
As a result of the finalization of the net working capital calculation associated with the acquisition of Cboe Digital
during the quarter ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded additional goodwill of $0.8 million. Subsequently,
the Company concluded that the indicators of impairment outlined in the previous paragraph continued to be relevant and
recorded an additional goodwill impairment charge of $0.8 million in the consolidated statements of income for the three
months ended September 30, 2022, resulting in the write-down of the carrying value of the goodwill associated with the
acquisition of Cboe Digital to zero.
During the Company’s annual goodwill impairment analysis, completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, management
identified a potential risk of goodwill impairment for the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit. Under the income
approach, which used the discounted cash flow model, the fair value of the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit
exceeded its carrying value by less than 5%. The reporting unit held $563.2 million of goodwill as of December 31, 2023.
Key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model include forecasted revenue growth rates, as well as forecasted
operating margins. Management has assessed these assumptions against the historical performance of the reporting unit,
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industry data, and selected guideline companies, where applicable, and found the assumptions used to be reasonable.
Management notes there are key uncertainties, which includes uncertainties about forecasted expenses associated with
the reporting unit’s ongoing initiatives as well as continued macroeconomic uncertainties in the region where the reporting
until primarily operates, which could negatively impact the forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margin
assumptions. Therefore, management acknowledges the existence of uncertainties surrounding the potential for goodwill
impairment within the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit, but concluded that the reporting unit is not impaired for the
year ended December 31, 2023.
As a result of the Company’s annual impairment analysis, in which the Company’s other reporting units estimated fair
values were substantially in excess of their carrying values, we do not consider our goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangibles to have a significant risk of additional impairment, except as outlined above for the Europe and Asia Pacific
segment, at December 31, 2023.
Income Taxes
Description
The Company’s consolidated global income tax provision, deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation allowances,
and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are determined through the interpretation of tax laws and assumptions of
future events to calculate an expectation of future tax consequences.
Judgments and Uncertainties
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its tax estimates and judgments. This evaluation is based on factors
including historical experience, such as the conclusions of examinations by tax authorities, changes in tax laws or rates,
new examination activity, and results of any related legal processes. We use judgment in the evaluation of uncertain tax
positions and the estimation of unrecognized tax benefits when determining the largest amount greater than 50% likely to
be realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority, assessing the likelihood of the benefit being realized upon
settlement, and the calculating expected ultimate settlement amount.
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Significant changes in these estimates or judgments may result in an increase or decrease to our tax provision in a
future period. Additionally, it is possible that the ultimate settlement may differ from the liabilities for unrecognized tax
benefits currently reported if tax authorities ultimately reach a conclusion that differs from the Company’s expectation. We
believe assumptions made regarding income taxes to be reasonable and do not believe any change in the judgments
made by management would result in a material change to the consolidated financial statements.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 3 (“Recent Accounting Pronouncements”) to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of
recently adopted and recently issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to the Company.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As a result of our operating activities, we are exposed to market risks such as foreign currency exchange rate risk,
equity risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk. We have implemented policies and procedures to measure,
manage and monitor and report risk exposures, which are reviewed regularly by management and our Board of Directors.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our operations in Europe, Canada and Asia are subject to increased currency translation risk as revenues and
expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the British pound, Euro, Australian dollar, and Canadian dollar.
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We also have de minimis exposure to other foreign currencies, including the Japanese Yen, Philippine Peso, Singapore
dollar, and Hong Kong dollar.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, our exposure to foreign-denominated revenues less cost of revenues and
expenses is presented by primary foreign currency in the following table (in millions, except percentages):
Year Ended
December 31, 2023
British
Pounds (1)
Euros (1)
Australian
Dollars (1)
Foreign denominated % of:
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7 %
8.9 %
Impact of 10% adverse currency fluctuation on:
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.0
7.6
$
3.3 %
6.6 %
$
6.4
5.7
2.1 %
4.8 %
3.9
4.1
(1) An average foreign exchange rate to the U.S. dollar for the period was used. See Item 7 (“Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) for the table summarizing the changes in certain
operational and financial metrics for more information.
Equity Risk
Our investment in European, Canadian, and Asia Pacific operations is exposed to volatility in currency exchange
rates through translation of our net assets or equity to U.S. dollars. The assets and liabilities of our European businesses
are denominated in British pounds or Euros. The assets and liabilities of our Canadian businesses are denominated in
Canadian dollars. The assets and liabilities of our Asia Pacific businesses are denominated in Australian dollars,
Japanese Yen, Singapore dollars, Hong Kong dollars, or Philippine Pesos. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may
create volatility in our reported results as we are required to translate foreign currency reported statements of financial
condition and operational results into U.S. dollars for consolidated reporting. The translation of these non-U.S. dollar
statements of financial condition into U.S. dollars for consolidated reporting results in a cumulative translation adjustment,
which is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net within stockholders' equity on our consolidated
balance sheet.
Our primary exposure to this equity risk as of December 31, 2023 is presented by foreign currency in the following
table (in millions):
Net equity investment in Cboe Europe Equities and Derivatives,
Cboe Clear Europe, and Cboe Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impact on consolidated equity of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation . . . . . . .
$
633.6 $
63.4
175.9 $
17.6
531.7
53.2
British
Pounds (1)
Euros (1)
Canadian
Dollars (1)
(1) Converted to U.S. dollars using the foreign exchange rate of British pounds per U.S. dollar, Euros per U.S. dollar, and
Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.
Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk from third parties, including customers, counterparties and clearing agents. These
parties may default on their obligations due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. We limit
our exposure to credit risk by considering such risk when selecting the counterparties with which we make investments
and execute agreements.
We do not have counterparty credit risk with respect to trades matched on our exchanges in the U.S., Canada, and
Europe. With respect to listed equities, we deliver matched trades of our customers to the NSCC without taking on
counterparty risk for those trades. NSCC acts as a central counterparty on all equity transactions occurring on BZX, BYX,
EDGX and EDGA and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of our matched equity trades. Similarly, with
respect to U.S. listed equity options and futures, we deliver matched trades of our customers to the OCC, which acts as a
central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX and CFE and, as such, guarantees
clearance and settlement of all of our matched options and futures trades. With respect to U.S. government securities
transactions, we deliver matched trades to FICC’s GSD without taking on counterparty risk for those trades. FICC GSD
acts as a central counterparty on all U.S. government securities transactions occurring on Cboe Fixed Income and, as
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such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of those matched trades. With respect to Canadian equities, we deliver
matched trades of our customers to The Canadian Depository for Securities, which acts as a central counterparty on all
transactions occurring on MATCHNow and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement of all of our matched Canadian
equities trades. The BIDS Trading ATS platform delivers matched trades to BOA, which delivers the matched trades to
the NSCC. BOA guarantees the trade until one day after the trade date, after which time the NSCC provides a guarantee.
Thus, BIDS Trading is potentially exposed to credit risk to the counterparty between the trade date and one day after the
trade date in the event BOA fails. With respect to Australian equities and derivatives, we deliver matched trades of our
customers to ASX Clear Pty Ltd and ASX Settlement Pty Ltd. ASX Clear Pty Ltd acts as a central counterparty on all
transactions occurring on Cboe Australia and, as such, guarantees clearance and settlement on all of our matched trades
in Australia. With respect to Japanese equities, we deliver matched trades of our customers to the Japanese Securities
Clearing Corporation, which acts as a central counterparty on all transactions occurring on Cboe Japan and, as such,
guarantees clearance and settlement on all of our matched trades in Japan.
With respect to orders Cboe Trading routes to other markets for execution on behalf of our customers, Cboe Trading
is exposed to some counterparty credit risk in the case of failure to perform on the part of our clearing firms, Morgan
Stanley or Wedbush. Morgan Stanley and Wedbush guarantee trades until one day after the trade date, after which time
NSCC provides a guarantee. The BIDS Trading ATS platform delivers matched trades to BOA, which delivers the
matched trades to the NSCC. Thus, Cboe Trading is potentially exposed to credit risk to the counterparty to a trade routed
to another market center between the trade date and one day after the trade date in the event that Morgan Stanley or
Wedbush fails. The BIDS Trading ATS platform is potentially exposed to counterparty credit risk on equities trades
between the trade date and one day after the trade date in the event that BOA fails. We believe that any potential
requirement for us to make payments under these guarantees is remote and accordingly, have not recorded any liability in
the consolidated financial statements for these guarantees.
Historically, we have not incurred any liability due to a customer’s failure to satisfy its contractual obligations as
counterparty to a system trade. Credit difficulties or insolvency, or the perceived possibility of credit difficulties or
insolvency, of one or more larger or more visible market participants could also result in market-wide credit difficulties or
other market disruptions.
We do not have counterparty credit risk with respect to institutional spot FX trades occurring on our platform because
Cboe FX is not a counterparty to any FX transactions. All transactions occurring on our platform occur bilaterally between
two banks or prime brokers as counterparties to the trade. While Cboe FX does not have direct counterparty risk, Cboe
FX may suffer a decrease in transaction volume if a bank or prime broker experiences an event that causes other prime
brokers to decrease or revoke the credit available to the prime broker experiencing the event. Therefore, Cboe FX may
have risk that is related to the credit of the banks and prime brokers that trade FX on the Cboe FX platform.
We also have credit risk related to transaction fees that are billed in arrears to customers on a monthly basis. Our
potential exposure to credit losses on these transactions is represented by the receivable balances in our balance sheet.
Our customers are financial institutions whose ability to satisfy their contractual obligations may be impacted by volatile
securities markets.
The Company is exposed to further credit and investment risk through our clearing operations. Cboe Clear Europe
holds material amounts of clearing participant collateral, both cash and non-cash deposits, which are held or invested
primarily to provide security of capital while minimizing credit risk as well as liquidity and market risks. Cboe Digital holds
amounts of clearing participant collateral including cash and digital assets, which are held primarily to provide security of
capital while minimizing credit risk as well as custody, valuation and market risks. The following is a summary of the risks
associated with these deposits and how these risks are mitigated:
• Credit Risk - The credit risk is predominantly in the event a clearing participant fails to meet a financial or
contractual obligation and related to custodians and settlement banks. Cboe Clear Europe attempts to mitigate
this risk through minimum participant requirements for clearing participants and monitoring their financial health.
To cover potential loss to Cboe Clear Europe in the event of a clearing participant default, collateral is required
from clearing participants. Besides potential defaults of clearing participants, the main credit risk faced by the
clearinghouse is exposure to clearing participants when a trade fails to settle. To help mitigate this risk, a fail fee
is charged to discourage late settlements. This fee covers Cboe Clear Europe’s costs but also acts as a
deterrent as required by applicable settlement efficiency regulation. Cboe Clear Digital sets minimum financial
requirements on custodian institutions and any clearing member that may expose the clearinghouse to credit
risk. The financial strength of custodians and such clearing members are monitored routinely. Furthermore, Cboe
Digital requires clearing members to post collateral (full or margined, depending on the product eligible for
clearing) or other forms of financial guarantee and their trading activities are subject to pre-trade checks
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enforced by Cboe Digital Exchange and administered by Cboe Clear Digital. On June 5, 2023, the CFTC
approved an amended order of registration for Cboe Clear Digital to clear digital asset futures on a margined
basis for futures commission merchants. The new products launched January 12, 2024. As of December 31,
2023, Cboe Digital does not expect a material loss concerning credit risk on any member participant, custodian,
or settlement bank.
•
Liquidity Risk - Liquidity risk is the risk Cboe Clear Europe may not be able to meet its payment obligations in the
right currency, in the right place and at the right time. To help mitigate this risk, Cboe Clear Europe monitors its
liquidity requirements closely and maintains funds and assets in a manner which attempt to minimize the risk of
loss or delay in the access by the clearinghouse to such funds and assets. For example, holding funds with a
central bank where possible or making only short-term investments serves to help reduce liquidity risks. Liquidity
is mainly required for securities settlement. The payment and settlement obligations generally stem from the
function of Cboe Clear Europe as a cash equity clearinghouse: shares are bought and sold by clearing
participants on a trading platform or OTC, and netted to settle two days later. During the settlement the actual
payment for and delivery of the shares take place, this process requires intraday liquidity. If counterparties, which
receive shares against payment, are unable to settle, an overnight liquidity need arises. The overnight liquidity is
typically very short term, and is usually limited to a few days. Cboe Clear Digital monitors its liquidity
requirements closely and maintains funds and assets in a manner which attempt to minimize the risk of loss or
delay in the access by the clearinghouse to such funds and assets. For example, only allowing highly liquid USD
denominated assets to be posted as collateral. Cboe Clear Digital may not be able to meet its payment
obligations in a timely manner in the event of delay in payment or default by a clearing member.
Cboe Clear Europe entered into a €1.25 billion committed syndicated multicurrency revolving and swingline
credit facility that is available to be drawn by Cboe Clear Europe towards (a) financing unsettled amounts in
connection with the settlement of transactions in securities and other items processed through Cboe Clear
Europe’s clearing system and (b) financing any other liability or liquidity requirement of Cboe Clear Europe
incurred in the operation of its clearing system, however we can give no assurance that this facility will be
sufficient to meet all such obligations or sufficiently mitigate Cboe Clear Europe’s liquidity risk to meet its
payment obligations when due.
• Custody Risk – Cboe Digital holds customer digital clearing assets through accounts with third party custodians
and, in the case of hot and warm wallets, through self-custody. Cboe Digital’s custody strategy is designed to
maximize liquidity and efficient access to assets by making those assets readily available. Cboe Digital monitors
its cash and the digital asset balances it maintains with custodians. Digital assets require control of one or more
unique public and private keys relating to the local or online digital wallet in which the digital assets are held. The
networks require one or more private keys relating to a digital wallet to authorize a spending transaction. If
private keys are lost or destroyed, this could prevent the ability to transfer the corresponding digital asset.
Security breaches, computer malware, and computer hacking attacks have been a prevalent concern in digital
asset markets. Cboe Digital has committed to securely store digital assets it holds on behalf of users. As such,
Cboe Digital may be liable to its users for losses arising from theft or loss of user private keys. Cboe Digital has
no reason to believe it will incur any expense associated with such potential liability because (i) it has no known
or historical experience of claims to use as a basis of measurement, (ii) it accounts for and continually verifies
the amount of digital assets within its control, and (iii) it has established security around custodial private keys to
minimize the risk of theft or loss.
• Valuation Risk - Cboe Digital is exposed to risk with respect to digital asset prices and valuations which are
largely based on the supply and demand for those digital assets in financial markets. Cboe Digital’s valuation
governance framework includes numerous controls and other procedural safeguards that are intended to
maximize the quality of fair value measurements. New products and valuation techniques are reviewed and
approved by senior management. Cboe Digital’s valuation process for digital assets are fair value estimates that
are also validated by the finance control function independently. Independent price verification is performed by
finance control through benchmarking fair value estimates with observable market prices or other independent
sources. Reasonably designed controls and governance framework are in place and are intended to help ensure
quality third-party pricing sources were used.
• Market Risk - Cboe Clear Europe is also exposed to market risk in the event that a clearing participant defaults
and the market prices of the securities in its open positions have moved adversely so the clearinghouse can only
close out the participant’s obligations at a loss. To help mitigate market risk, Cboe Clear Europe collects
collateral on an end of day and intraday basis from clearing participants to cover for the probable loss during
normal market conditions, together with contributions to the clearing fund to cover losses if a default occurred
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during extreme but plausible market conditions. Adverse movements in exchange rates affecting the value of
obligations and collateral are factored into the calculation of the amount of collateral to be collected. To help
ensure an orderly market, Cboe Digital maintains digital assets to support its clearing operations which may be
subject to significant changes in value and therefore exposed to market risk with the fluctuation in market prices.
Cboe Digital monitors this risk on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The business model is such that Cboe
Digital earns digital assets and at times may accumulate positions that are subject to market risk. Customer
positions do have market risk based on daily activity and settlement prices. Cboe Clear Digital is also exposed to
market risk in the event that a clearing participant defaults and the market prices of the securities in its open
positions have moved adversely so the clearinghouse can only close out the participant’s obligations at a loss or
the clearing participant has already realized trading losses in excess of the collateral at the time of default or the
combination of the two. Cboe Clear Digital collects collateral on an end of day and intraday basis from clearing
participants that are clearing margin eligible futures contracts. Cboe Clear Digital only allows collateral in USD at
this time. Cboe Clear Digital maintains pre-funded resources to cover probable losses during normal market
conditions due to default of clearing participants. Cboe Clear Digital clearing members clearing spot digital
assets mostly operate on a fully funded basis. Cboe Clear Digital may allow certain well qualified members to
trade in the spot market without fully funding their accounts. Cboe Clear Digital collects collateral from such
members to cover probable losses under extreme but plausible market conditions as determined by Cboe Clear
Digital. The adequacy of such collateral is routinely reviewed.
•
Investment Risk – Cboe Clear Europe as of December 31, 2023 held $834.6 million of clearing member margin
deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds which are held or invested primarily to provide security of
capital while minimizing credit, market and liquidity risks. Effective August 14, 2023, Cboe Clear Europe enacted
changes in its rules, and is able to invest the cash collateral received in the form of interoperability fund deposits
from clearing participants in certain investments, typically securities issued by pre-approved sovereign issuers
and reverse repurchase agreements with overnight maturities. When investments are made in accordance with
the policy, Cboe Clear Europe receives the amount of investment earnings and pays the clearing participants
those earnings minus a set basis point cost of collateral. Cboe Clear Europe is able to direct the investment of
the cash interoperability fund deposits received from the clearing participants within the program parameters and
receive an economic benefit from those investments. See Note 14 (“Clearing Operations”) for more information.
In the event that a sovereign government or reverse repurchase agreement counterparty defaults, the value we
hold as collateral might not be sufficient to cover our capital requirements in the event of defaults. While Cboe
Clear Europe seeks to achieve a reasonable rate of return which may generate interest income for clearing
participants, Cboe Clear Europe is primarily concerned with preservation of capital and managing the risks
associated with these deposits. As Cboe Clear Europe passes on interest revenues (minus costs) to the clearing
members, this could include negative or reduced yield due to market conditions. While Cboe Clear Europe has
policies and procedures that strive to help ensure that clearing participant collateral is protected, Cboe Clear
Europe cannot absolutely assure that these measures and safeguards will be sufficient to protect margin
deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds from a default or that we will not be materially and adversely
affected in the event of a significant default.
On a regular basis, we review and evaluate changes in the status of our counterparties’ creditworthiness. Credit
losses such as those described above could adversely affect our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Any such effects to date have been minimal.
Interest Rate Risk
We have exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relating to our cash and cash equivalents, financial
investments, and indebtedness. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our cash and cash equivalents and financial
investments were $600.7 million and $524.4 million, respectively, of which $244.3 million and $226.1 million is held
outside of the United States in various foreign subsidiaries in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The remaining cash and cash
equivalents and financial investments are denominated in U.S. dollars. We do not use our investment portfolio for trading
or other speculative purposes. Due to the nature of these investments, we have not been exposed to, nor do we
anticipate being exposed to, material risks due to changes in interest rates, assuming no change in the amount or
composition of our cash and cash equivalents and financial investments.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $1,439.2 million in outstanding debt, all of which relates to our Senior Notes, which
bear interest at fixed interest rates. Changes in interest rates will have no impact on the interest we pay on fixed-rate
obligations. We are also exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of borrowings under our Revolving Credit
Agreement and the Cboe Clear Europe Credit Facility, as these facilities bear interest at fluctuating rates. As of December
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31, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement or Cboe Clear Europe Credit
Facility, respectively. See Note 12 (“Debt”) to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of debt agreements.
Liquidity Risk
We are exposed to liquidity risk under certain circumstances in relation to the cross-acceleration and cross-default
provisions within the Term Loan Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement as a result of the Company, as
guarantor, entering into the Cboe Clear Europe Credit Facility. A default of the Facility may allow lenders to accelerate
any related drawn amounts and may result in the acceleration of the Company’s other outstanding debt to which a cross-
acceleration or cross-default provision applies, which may limit the Company’s liquidity, business and financing activities.
See Note 12 (“Debt”) to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of debt agreements.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 185) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
107
111
112
113
114
115
116
106
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income,
changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023,
and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and
2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 16, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated
financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate
to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially
challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our
opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit
matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they
relate.
Evaluation of goodwill impairment analysis for the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit
As discussed in Notes 2 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company tests goodwill for impairment at
the reporting unit level annually, or in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value may be
impaired. This involves estimating the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model.
107
We identified the evaluation of the Company’s goodwill impairment analysis for the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit
as a critical audit matter. The determination of the fair value of the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit required
management to make assumptions about the forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margin assumptions within
the discounted cash flow model used in the income approach. Evaluating these assumptions involved a higher degree of
auditor judgment and the use of professionals with specialized skills and knowledge. Changes to these assumptions could
impact the conclusions reached regarding the recoverability of goodwill for the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and
tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Europe and Asia Pacific reporting unit goodwill
impairment analysis, including controls over the forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margin assumptions. We
evaluated the Company’s forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margins by comparing historical revenue growth
rate and operating margin forecasts to actual results. In addition, we involved valuation professionals with specialized
skills and knowledge, who assisted with evaluating the forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margin
assumptions by comparing them to peer companies.
Evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits
As discussed in Notes 2 and 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognizes the tax benefit from an
uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing
authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit recognized in the consolidated financial
statements from such a position is measured based upon the largest benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being
realized upon ultimate settlement.
We identified the evaluation of unrecognized tax benefits in certain jurisdictions as a critical audit matter. A higher degree
of auditor judgment and the involvement of professionals with specialized skills and knowledge was required to evaluate
the Company’s estimate of tax benefits to be realized upon ultimate settlement of its tax positions.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and
tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits process,
including controls over the estimate of tax benefits to be realized upon ultimate settlement of tax positions. We evaluated
the Company’s ability to estimate its unrecognized tax benefits by comparing historical unrecognized tax benefits to actual
results upon the conclusion of examinations by applicable taxing authorities. In addition, we involved tax professionals
with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in:
● analyzing the Company’s tax positions, including the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits
● evaluating changes in applicable laws and regulations
●
inspecting settlements with applicable taxing authorities.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 16, 2024
108
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established
in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated
financial statements), and our report dated February 16, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated
financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also
included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
109
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Kansas City, Missouri
February 16, 2024
/s/ KPMG LLP
110
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2023 and 2022
(In millions, except share and per share data)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, net of $4.5 allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023 and $2.2 at
December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease right of use assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 31 fees payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of contingent consideration liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current unrecognized tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current portion of contingent consideration liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
December 31, December 31,
2023
2022
$
543.2 $
57.5
432.7
91.7
337.3
848.8
51.3
74.5
66.7
1,979.3
345.3
—
109.2
8.7
136.6
3,140.6
1,561.5
206.3
7,487.5 $
412.7 $
51.9
5.9
848.8
51.3
1.0
—
11.8
1,383.4
1,439.2
243.8
217.8
150.8
—
67.5
3,502.5
369.8
543.0
22.9
48.3
47.6
1,556.0
253.2
2.3
108.2
—
111.7
3,122.8
1,662.8
181.9
6,998.9
420.2
147.1
11.7
543.0
22.9
3.5
304.7
24.1
1,477.2
1,437.3
196.1
222.9
129.3
15.0
55.8
3,533.6
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 325,000,000 shares authorized, 105,556,817 and 105,527,815
shares issued and outstanding, respectively at December 31, 2023 and 107,670,248 and
105,951,199 shares issued and outstanding, respectively at December 31, 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 29,002 shares at December 31, 2023 and 1,719,049
shares at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1
(10.5)
1,478.6
2,525.2
(9.4)
3,985.0
7,487.5 $
$
—
1.1
(131.0)
1,455.1
2,171.1
(31.0)
3,465.3
6,998.9
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
111
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
(In millions, except per share data)
Revenues:
2023
2022
2021
Cash and spot markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,445.1 $ 1,777.6 $ 1,660.5
Data and access solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
427.7
1,406.6
Derivatives markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,494.8
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
539.2
1,789.2
3,773.5
497.0
1,683.9
3,958.5
Cost of revenues:
Liquidity payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Routing and clearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 31 fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenues less cost of revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technology support services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Professional fees and outside services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Travel and promotional expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facilities costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition-related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-operating (expenses) income:
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings in investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,385.8
79.1
185.7
204.9
1,855.5
1,918.0
425.8
158.0
99.7
92.0
37.6
25.7
7.4
—
13.9
860.1
1,057.9
(62.4)
12.0
39.5
0.6
1,047.6
286.2
761.4
(3.9)
Net income allocated to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 757.5 $
7.16 $
Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
7.13 $
Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,670.2
83.2
329.8
133.6
2,216.8
1,741.7
363.0
166.8
77.7
89.0
23.7
25.1
19.9
460.9
26.0
1,252.1
489.6
1,650.7
87.8
179.6
100.6
2,018.7
1,476.1
288.5
167.4
66.7
83.7
9.7
22.2
15.6
—
16.4
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(60.0)
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(7.5)
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529.0
(1.7)
234.1 $ 527.3
4.93
4.92
2.20 $
2.19 $
Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
105.8
106.2
106.3
106.7
107.0
107.2
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
112
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
(In millions)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 761.4 $ 235.0 $ 529.0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:
2023
2022
2021
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized holding losses on financial investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Post-retirement benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(19.3)
—
(0.1)
509.6
Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1.7)
Comprehensive income allocated to common stockholders, net of income tax . . . $ 779.1 $ 147.5 $ 507.9
(85.6)
(0.8)
(0.2)
148.4
(0.9)
24.6
(2.8)
(0.2)
783.0
(3.9)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
113
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Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of debt issuance cost and debt discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in contingent consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Realized gain on available-for-sale financial investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for accounts receivable credit losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit for deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge of investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity (earnings) loss in investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and customer bank deposits (included in margin deposits, clearing funds,
and interoperability funds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (included in other current assets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 31 fees payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from acquisition-related escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributions to investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of available-for-sale financial investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale financial investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of property and equipment and leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal payments of current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issuance costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends on common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchases of common stock from employee stock plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from Cboe Digital syndication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents:
2023
2022
2021
$
761.4
$
235.0
$
529.0
158.0
2.6
(14.4)
(2.7)
4.0
(15.2)
41.3
0.1
1.8
—
(36.9)
—
39.4
282.6
—
(26.3)
(17.4)
(26.7)
(19.1)
(95.2)
(5.8)
(2.8)
47.7
(0.8)
1,075.6
—
—
(57.1)
(89.8)
135.7
0.8
—
0.3
(45.0)
(55.1)
—
(305.0)
—
(223.5)
(13.9)
(16.7)
(13.1)
—
(83.9)
(656.1)
52.8
417.2
166.8
2.4
(5.2)
—
1.1
(155.7)
30.7
0.3
10.6
460.9
(4.2)
(7.5)
(49.8)
(217.5)
—
(5.4)
(4.0)
(20.8)
38.8
106.3
(4.1)
(3.8)
89.1
(12.9)
651.1
(708.3)
—
(14.6)
(104.7)
51.2
—
1.1
—
(59.8)
(835.1)
663.6
(220.0)
(4.9)
(209.4)
(8.9)
(0.6)
(38.7)
1.5
(100.9)
81.7
(10.0)
(112.3)
167.4
2.2
(2.7)
—
0.4
(18.9)
26.6
0.4
5.6
—
0.4
—
12.0
(66.2)
4.4
10.3
(8.8)
(47.4)
45.0
(112.1)
4.9
3.9
33.2
7.2
596.8
(151.5)
0.6
(209.8)
(101.2)
160.2
—
—
—
(51.0)
(352.7)
110.0
(20.0)
—
(193.3)
(6.2)
(0.4)
(9.1)
—
(81.3)
(200.3)
(9.1)
34.7
Beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
End of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
979.9
1,397.1
$
1,092.2
979.9
$
1,057.5
1,092.2
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (included in margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (included in other current assets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer bank deposits (included in margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental disclosure of cash transactions:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash paid for interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
Accounts receivable acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial investments acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data processing software and other assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease right of use asset acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets, net acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease liability - non-current acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contingent consideration related to acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activities:
$
$
$
$
$
$
543.2
834.8
5.1
14.0
1,397.1
286.4
56.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital investor member revenue asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital option grant liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
—
(3.2)
3.2
432.7
530.3
4.2
12.7
979.9
271.1
51.0
4.4
1.5
1.6
593.5
164.1
1.6
2.0
1.2
—
(6.1)
—
(0.6)
(1.2)
(10.1)
(22.6)
(0.4)
1.3
(19.9)
21.4
$
$
$
$
341.9
745.9
4.4
—
1,092.2
209.8
42.1
3.5
—
1.0
133.6
73.8
3.1
—
—
0.5
(1.8)
(0.1)
—
—
(49.6)
(15.6)
—
—
—
—
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
115
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Cboe Global Markets, Inc., the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge
trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in
multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, FX, and digital assets, across North America, Europe, and Asia
Pacific. Above all, the Company is committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to
pursue a sustainable financial future.
Cboe’s subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In
addition, the Company operates Cboe Europe, one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns
Cboe Clear Europe, a leading pan-European equities and derivatives clearinghouse, BIDS Holdings, which owns a
leading block-trading ATS by volume in the U.S., and provides block-trading services with Cboe market operators in
Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan, Cboe Australia, an operator of trading venues in Australia, Cboe Japan, an
operator of trading venues in Japan, Cboe Digital, an operator of a U.S. based digital asset spot market and a regulated
futures exchange, Cboe Clear Digital, an operator of a regulated clearinghouse, and Cboe Canada Inc., a recognized
Canadian securities exchange. Cboe subsidiaries also serve collectively as a leading market globally for exchange-traded
products (“ETPs”) listings and trading.
The Company is headquartered in Chicago with offices in Amsterdam, Belfast, Hong Kong, Kansas City, London,
Manila, New York, San Francisco, Sarasota Springs, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Principles of Accounting
These consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States (“GAAP”) as established by FASB.
(b) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis to include the accounts and
transactions of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries and all significant intercompany accounts
and transactions have been eliminated.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates
based upon historical experience, observance of trends, information available from outside sources and various other
assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different conditions or assumptions.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for
a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented
have been included.
Segment information
The Company operates six reportable business segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia
Pacific, Futures, Global FX, and Digital which is reflective of how the Company's chief operating decision-maker reviews
and operates the business. See Note 16 (“Segment Reporting”) for more information.
116
(c) Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as disclosure of the amounts
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Material
estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include the valuation of goodwill,
indefinite-lived intangible assets, and unrecognized tax benefits.
(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are exposed to concentrations of credit risk. The Company maintains
cash at various regulated financial institutions and brokerage firms which, at times, may be in excess of the federal
depository insurance limit. The Company’s management regularly monitors these institutions and believes that the
potential for future loss is remote. The Company considers liquid investments, including short-term repurchase
agreements, with original or acquired maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
(e) Financial Investments
Financial investments are classified as trading or available-for-sale.
Trading financial investments represent financial investments held by Cboe Trading that retain the industry-specific
accounting classification required for broker-dealers and marketable securities held in a rabbi trust for the Company’s
non-qualified retirement and benefit plans. The investments held by the broker-dealer subsidiary are recorded at fair value
with changes in unrealized gains and losses reflected within interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of
income. The investments held in a trust are recorded at fair value with changes in unrealized gains or losses recorded
within other income (expense) and the equal and offsetting charges in the related liability are recorded in compensation
and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of income as it relates to employee compensation plans and
recorded in professional fees and outside services expense in the consolidated statements of income as it relates to non-
employee director compensation plans.
Available-for-sale financial investments are comprised of the financial investments not held by Cboe Trading,
including highly liquid U.S. Treasury securities. Unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, are included as a
component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Interest on financial investments, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recognized as
income when earned. Realized gains and losses on financial investments are calculated using the specific identification
method and are included in interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
(f) Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable are concentrated with the Company’s member firms and market data distributors and are carried
at amortized cost. The Company nets transaction fees and liquidity payments for each member firm on a monthly basis
and recognizes the total owed from a member firm as accounts receivable, net and the total owed to a member firm as
accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. On a periodic basis, management evaluates
the Company’s accounts receivable and records an allowance for expected credit losses using an aging schedule. The
aging schedule applies loss rates based on historical loss information and, as deemed necessary, is adjusted for
differences in the nature of the receivables that exist at the reporting date from the historical period. Due to the short-term
nature of the accounts receivable, changes in future economic conditions are not expected to have a significant impact on
the expected credit losses.
The accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for credit losses on the consolidated balance sheets and the
associated losses are presented in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
(g) Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to seven years. Expenditures for
117
repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is calculated using
the straight-line method over the shorter of the related lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets.
Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company bases this evaluation on such
impairment indicators as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future
profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment
indicators are present that would indicate that the carrying value of any asset may not be recoverable, the Company
determines whether an impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis of the asset at
the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. In the event of impairment, the Company recognizes a loss for the
difference between the carrying value and the estimated value of the asset as measured using quoted market prices or, in
the absence of quoted market prices, a discounted cash flow analysis.
The Company expenses software development costs as incurred during the preliminary project stage, while
capitalizing costs incurred during the application development stage, which includes design, coding, installation and
testing activities.
(h) Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable
intangible assets of a business acquired. Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reporting units based on the assignment
of the fair values of each reporting unit of the acquired company. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the
reporting unit level annually, or in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value may be
impaired. Interim impairment testing was performed during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 due to the acquisition of
Cboe Digital, resulting in an impairment charge to goodwill. During the quarter ended September 30, 2022 the Company
concluded that the factors indicative of impairment were still relevant, resulting in the write-down of the remaining carrying
value of goodwill to zero. See Note 10 (“Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Net, and Digital Assets Held”) for additional
information. The annual impairment test is performed during the fourth quarter using October 1 carrying values, and if the
fair value of the reporting unit is found to be less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded. The Company
performed its 2023 annual goodwill impairment test and determined that no additional impairment existed.
Intangible assets, net, primarily include acquired trademarks and trade names, customer relationships, strategic
alliance agreements, licenses and registrations and non-compete agreements. Intangible assets with finite lives are
amortized based on the discounted cash flow method applied over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets and
are tested for impairment if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value may be impaired.
Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at
least annually, usually concurrently with goodwill. Impairment exists if the fair value of the asset is less than the carrying
value, and in that case, an impairment loss is recorded. The Company performed its 2023 annual intangible assets
impairment test using October 1, 2023 carrying values and determined that no additional impairment existed.
(i) Treasury Stock
The Company accounts for the purchase of treasury stock under the cost method with the shares of stock
repurchased reflected as a reduction to Cboe stockholders’ equity and included in common stock in treasury, at cost in
the consolidated balance sheets. Shares repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase program are either
available to be redistributed or they are retired. The Company accounts for the retirement of treasury stock by deducting
its par value from common stock and reflecting any excess of cost over par value as a deduction from additional paid-in-
capital or retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheets.
(j) Foreign Currency
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into
U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect as of each balance sheet date. Statements of income and cash flow
amounts are translated using the average exchange rate during the period. The cumulative effects of translating the
balance sheet accounts from the functional currency into the U.S. dollar at the applicable exchange rates are included in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency
gains and losses are recorded as other (expense) income, net in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s
operations in the United Kingdom, Amsterdam, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, and Hong Kong are
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recorded in Pounds sterling, Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Japanese Yen, Singapore dollars, Philippine
pesos, and Hong Kong dollars, respectively.
(k) Income Taxes
Deferred taxes are recorded on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible
temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for
taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by valuation allowances when, in the opinion of
management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an unrecognized tax benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax
position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based upon the technical merits of the position. The
tax benefit recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position is measured based on the largest
benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Also, interest and penalties
expense is recognized on the full amount of deferred benefits for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company’s policy is to
include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision within the consolidated
statements of income.
The Company elected to account for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) in the period in which it is incurred,
and therefore, has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in the consolidated financial statements.
(l) Revenue Recognition
For further discussion related to revenue recognition of fees, such as transaction and clearing fees and liquidity
payments, access and capacity fees, market data fees, and regulation transaction and Section 31 fees, see Note 4
(“Revenue Recognition”).
Concentrations of Revenue
For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, one customer accounted for approximately 11% of
the Company’s total revenue. The revenues associated with this customer are included in the Options, North American
Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Global FX and Futures segments and totaled $389.4 million, $415.3 million, and $376.2
million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
No customer is contractually or otherwise obligated to continue to use the Company’s services. The loss of, or a
significant reduction of, participation by these customers may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business,
financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The two largest clearing members clear the majority of the market-
maker sides of transactions at all of the Company’s U.S. options exchanges. If either of these clearing members were to
withdraw from the business of market-maker clearing and market-makers were unable to transfer to another clearing
member, this could create significant disruption to the U.S. options markets, including Cboe’s.
(m) Earnings Per Share
The computation of basic earnings per share is calculated by reducing net income for the period by dividends paid or
declared and undistributed net income for the period that are allocated to participating securities to arrive at net income
allocated to common stockholders. Net income allocated to common stockholders is divided by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period to determine net income per share allocated to common
stockholders.
The computation of diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income allocated to common stockholders
by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would
have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued. The dilutive effect is calculated using
the more dilutive of the two-class or treasury stock method.
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(n) Stock-Based Compensation
The Company grants stock-based compensation to its employees through restricted stock units and grants restricted
stock units, starting in 2023, to its directors. The Company records stock-based compensation expense for all
stock-based compensation granted based on the grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes stock-based
compensation expense related to stock-based compensation awards with graded vesting that have a service condition on
a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award.
The amount of stock-based compensation expense related to awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units is
based on the fair value of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. common stock at the date of grant. The fair value is based on a
current market-based transaction of the Company’s common stock. If a market-based transaction of the Company’s
common stock is not available, then the fair value is based on an independent third-party valuation using equal weighting
of two valuation analysis techniques, discounted cash flows and valuation multiples observed from publicly traded
companies in a similar industry.
On November 18, 2022, Cboe Digital Holdings Inc. (“Cboe Digital Holdings”) entered into minority interest purchase
agreements with certain digital asset industry participants, pursuant to which Cboe Digital Holdings agreed to issue
Restricted Common Units in Cboe Digital. Cboe Digital Holdings also entered into a Warrant Agreement to issue Common
Units of Cboe Digital in the future. Certain Cboe Digital investor members paid for the Restricted Common Units through
the issuance of promissory notes, which are nonrecourse in nature. The issuances of Restricted Common Units are
accounted for as in-substance stock options. A certain Cboe Digital investor member paid for the Restricted Common
Units in exchange for cash. Expense associated with the Restricted Common Units is recognized as contra-revenue
ratably over a five-year period. The Company uses a Black Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of the in-
substance stock option created by the Restricted Common Units and promissory notes as well as the fair value of the
Warrant Units. Contra-revenue will be recognized while the performance conditions of the Warrant Units remain probable
in conformance with the requirements in ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Further adjustments will be
recognized in each reporting period until performance is complete relating to changes in the fair value of the option and
Warrant liabilities in accordance with ASC 718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation. See Note 19 (“Stock-Based
Compensation”) for additional information.
Certain Cboe Digital investor members can earn additional Restricted Common Units if they meet certain
performance-based metrics outlined in an equity incentive program (“Incentive Program Units”). The Incentive Program
Units are subject to the same terms and conditions as the other Restricted Common Units and are similarly liability-
classified awards. Cboe Digital authorized a maximum of 20 Common Units to be distributed over the two-year life of the
incentive program. The cost associated with the Incentive Program Units will be recognized as contra-revenue ratably
over the remaining service period associated with the Incentive Program Units. Further adjustments will be recognized in
each reporting period until performance is complete relating to changes in the fair value of the incentive program liabilities
in accordance with ASC 718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation. Based on the recorded balance of the liabilities, any
measurement uncertainty related to this Level 3 measurement is immaterial as of December 31, 2023. See Note 19
(“Stock-Based Compensation”) for more information.
(o) Business Combinations
The Company records identifiable assets, liabilities and goodwill acquired in a business combination at fair value at
the acquisition date. Additionally, transaction-related costs are expensed in the period incurred.
(p) Debt Issuance Costs
All costs incurred to issue debt are capitalized as a contra-liability and amortized over the life of the debt using the
interest method.
(q) Investments
The Company generally accounts for investments using the measurement alternative when it owns less than 20% of
the outstanding voting stock of a company, there is an absence of readily determinable fair value for the respective
investment, and the Company has an inability to exercise significant influence over the investment based upon the
respective ownership interests held. The Company recognizes dividend income when declared.
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In general, the equity method of accounting is used when the Company owns 20% to 50% of the outstanding voting
stock of a company and when it is able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of a
company. For equity method investments, the Company records the pro-rata share of earnings or losses each period and
records any dividends received as a reduction in the investment balance. The equity method investment is inclusive of
other-than-temporary declines in value, recognized by the investee, who considers a variety of factors such as the
earnings capacity of the investment and the fair value of the investment compared to its carrying value. If the estimated
fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value and the decline in value is considered to be other than
temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized in the financial statements as an
impairment.
(r) Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. For arrangements where the Company is
the lessee, operating leases are included in operating lease right of use (“ROU”) assets, accrued liabilities, and non-
current operating lease liabilities on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. The Company does not have any
finance leases as of December 31, 2023.
ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments
over the lease term at commencement date. ROU assets also include any initial direct costs incurred and any lease
payments made at or before the lease commencement date, less lease incentives received. The Company uses its
incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the lease
liabilities, as the rate implicit in the Company’s leases are generally not reasonably determinable. Lease terms may
include options to extend or terminate when the Company is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease
expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company also has lease arrangements with lease and non-lease components. The Company elected the
practical expedient not to separate non-lease components from lease components for the Company’s leases. The
Company elected to apply the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption in which ROU assets and lease
liabilities are not recognized for short-term leases. For short-term operating leases, lease expense is recognized on a
straight-line basis over the lease term.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and the
Company recognizes lease expense in facilities costs within the consolidated statements of income for these leases on a
straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can
extend the lease term from one to five years or more, and some of which include the Company’s option to terminate the
leases within one year. When the implicit rate in the Company’s lease is not reasonably determinable, the Company
applies an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining
the present value of lease payments.
(s) Margin Deposits, Clearing Funds, and Interoperability Funds
Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds in the form of cash contributions by Cboe Clear Europe’s
clearing participants where title has transferred to Cboe Clear Europe are included as current assets with equal and
offsetting current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. As a result of an update in its rules, effective August 14,
2023, Cboe Clear Europe may invest interoperability fund deposits provided by clearing participants subsequent to the
effective date of the rules change. In accordance with the updated policy, Cboe Clear Europe has the option to maintain
cash deposits provided by clearing participants at Clearstream Banking S.A., in the same manner done previously, or
invest the cash in certain investments within the parameters of its investment policy. As such, the interoperability fund
deposits are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of the effective date of the rules change. Changes in margin
deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds, are presented net in the “restricted cash and cash equivalents and
customer bank deposits (included in margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds)” line in the operating
section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. Similarly, cash flows associated with related investment agreements
as well as interest income earned on such investments will be classified as cash flows from operating activities in the
consolidated statement of cash flows. Both activities are part of Cboe Clear Europe’s principal operating activities and are
presented within the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows.
When investments are made in accordance with its investment policy, Cboe Clear Europe receives the amount of
investment earnings and pays clearing participants those earnings minus a set basis point cost of collateral. Related
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interest income and interest expense are presented gross in the consolidated statement of income in other revenue and
other cost of revenue, respectively, as it relates to a core operating activity of Cboe Clear Europe.
See Note 14 ("Clearing Operations") for more information.
Cboe Clear Digital is authorized, by license or not subject to licensing, to conduct money services business (“MSB”)
services in 50 U.S. jurisdictions. Cboe Clear Digital performs a guarantee function whereby Cboe Clear Digital helps to
ensure that the obligations of the transactions it clears are fulfilled. Cboe Clear Digital attempts to mitigate this risk by
performing internal compliance and due diligence procedures as well as implementing internal risk controls. Cboe Clear
Digital 's due diligence procedures include review of the personal and corporate information, financial position of the
member participant, and monitoring of Cboe Clear Digital's risk exposure thresholds.
(t) Digital Assets Held
The Company determined that digital assets held should be accounted for under ASC 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill
and Other, and included on the consolidated balance sheets within intangibles, net. As there is no inherent limit imposed
on the useful life of the digital assets, they are classified as indefinite lived intangible assets and are not subject to
amortization. Instead, they must be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances change
that indicate that it’s more likely than not that the asset is impaired (i.e., if an impairment indicator exists). Therefore, the
value of digital assets is determined at the date of acquisition and will only be remeasured in the event the Company
concludes impairment exists. The Company will not record any increases in value during the period the digital assets are
held; the only gains that will be recorded will be upon disposition (if the proceeds exceed the carrying value at the time of
the disposition).
(u) Digital Assets – Safeguarded Assets and Liabilities
In accordance with the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (“SAB 121”), the Company recorded a liability with
respect to its obligation to safeguard customers' digital assets (Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities) along with a
corresponding asset (Digital assets - safeguarded assets). The safeguarded assets and liabilities are measured at the fair
value of the digital assets that the Company is safeguarding on behalf of its customers. In the event that the Company or
its vendors fail to safeguard the customers’ digital assets, any resulting loss will reduce the safeguard asset with a
corresponding loss recorded in other expenses in the consolidated statement of income.
3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Adopted
On March 31, 2022, SAB 121 was issued, which sets out interpretive guidance from the staff of the SEC regarding
the accounting for obligations to safeguard digital assets that an entity holds for its platform users. The guidance requires
an entity to recognize a liability for the obligation to safeguard the users’ assets and recognize an associated asset for the
digital assets held for users. Both the liability and asset will be measured initially and subsequently at the fair value of the
digital assets being safeguarded. The guidance also requires additional disclosures related to the nature and amount of
digital assets held on behalf of its platform users, with separate disclosure for each significant digital asset, and the
vulnerabilities the entity has due to any concentration in such activities. The guidance, effective for interim or annual
periods ending after June 15, 2022, was adopted by the Company as of June 30, 2022. As a result of adopting SAB 121,
the Company recorded digital assets - safeguarded assets, with corresponding digital assets - safeguarded liabilities of
$22.4 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2022, with no impact to the consolidated statements of income and cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Issued, not yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable
Segment Disclosures. This ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced
disclosures about significant segment expenses. For public entities, the update is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company expects to
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adopt the update for the financial statements issued for the year ending December 31, 2024 and does not anticipate a
material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Crypto Assets (Subtopic
350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets. This ASU addresses the accounting and disclosure
requirements for certain crypto assets and requires entities to subsequently measure certain crypto assets at fair value,
with changes in fair value recorded in earnings in each reporting period. In addition, entities are required to provide
additional disclosures about the holdings of certain crypto assets. For public entities, the update is effective for fiscal
years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company expects to adopt
the update for the financial statements issued in the first quarter of 2025 and does not anticipate a material impact to the
consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax
Disclosures. This ASU addresses investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through
improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. For
public entities, the update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company expects to adopt
the update for the financial statements issued for the year ending December 31, 2025 and does not anticipate a material
impact to the consolidated financial statements.
4. REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company presents three financial statement revenue captions within its consolidated statements of income that
reflect the Company’s diversified products, expansive geographical reach, and overall business strategy. Below is a
summary of the Company’s financial statement revenue captions:
Revenues
• Cash and spot markets – includes associated transaction and clearing fees, the portion of market data fees
relating to associated U.S. tape plan market data fees, associated regulatory fees, and associated other revenue
from Cboe’s North American Equities, Europe and Asia Pacific, Global FX, and Digital segments.
• Data and access solutions – includes access and capacity fees, proprietary market data fees, and associated
other revenue across Cboe’s six segments.
• Derivatives markets – includes associated transaction and clearing fees, the portion of market data fees relating
to associated U.S. tape plan market data fees, associated regulatory fees, and associated other revenue from
Cboe’s Options, Futures, Europe and Asia Pacific, and Digital segments.
The Company’s main types of revenue contracts consist of the following, which are disaggregated from the
consolidated statements of income.
• Transaction and clearing fees – Transaction fees represent fees charged by the Company for meeting the point-
in-time performance obligation of executing a trade on its markets. These fees can be variable based on trade
volume tiered discounts; however, as all tiered discounts are calculated monthly, the actual discount is recorded
on a monthly basis. Transaction fees are recognized across all segments. Clearing fees, which include
settlement fees, represent fees charged by the Company for meeting the point-in-time performance obligation for
transactions cleared and settled by Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe Clear Digital, the derivatives clearing
organization for Cboe Digital. Clearing fees can be variable based on trade volume tiered discounts; however, as
all tiered discounts are calculated monthly, the actual discount is recorded on a monthly basis. Clearing fees are
recognized in the Europe and Asia Pacific and Digital segments. Transaction and clearing fees, as well as any
tiered volume discounts, are calculated and billed monthly in accordance with the Company’s published fee
schedules.
• Access and capacity fees – Access and capacity fees represent fees assessed for the opportunity to trade,
including fees for trading-related functionality across all segments, terminal and other equipment rights,
maintenance services, trading floor space and telecommunications services. Facilities, systems services and
other fees are generally monthly fee-based. These fees are billed monthly in accordance with the Company’s
published fee schedules and recognized on a monthly basis when the performance obligations are met. All
123
access and capacity fees associated with the trading floor are recognized over time in the Options segment, as
the performance obligations are met.
• Market data fees – Market data fees represent the fees received by the Company from the U.S. tape plans and
fees charged to customers for proprietary market data. Fees from the U.S. tape plans are collected monthly
based on published fee schedules and distributed quarterly to the Exchanges based on a known formula. A
contract for proprietary market data is entered into and charged on a monthly basis in accordance with the
Company’s published fee schedules as the service is provided. Proprietary market data also includes revenue
from various licensing agreements. Both types of market data are satisfied over time, and revenue is recognized
on a monthly basis as the customer receives and consumes the benefit as the Company provides the data to
meet its performance obligation. U.S. tape plan market data is recognized in the North American Equities and
Options segments. Proprietary market data fees are recognized across all segments.
• Regulatory fees – There are two types of regulatory fees that the Company recognizes. The first type represents
fees collected by the Company to cover the Section 31 fees charged to the Exchanges by the SEC for meeting
the point-in-time performance obligation of executing a trade on its markets. The fees charged to customers are
based on the fee set by the SEC per notional value of U.S. Equities exchange transactions and per round turn of
Options transactions executed on the Company’s U.S. securities markets. These fees are calculated and billed
monthly and are recognized in the North American Equities and Options segments. As the Exchanges are
responsible for the ultimate payment to the SEC, the Exchanges are considered the principal in these
transactions. Regulatory fees also include the options regulatory fee (“ORF”) which supports the Company’s
regulatory oversight function in the Options segment, along with other miscellaneous regulatory fees, and neither
can be used for non-regulatory purposes. The ORF and miscellaneous fees are recognized when the
performance obligation is fulfilled.
• Other revenue – Other revenue primarily includes interest income on investments (including from investments of
interoperability fund deposits) from clearing operations, all fees related to the trade reporting facility operated in
the Europe and Asia Pacific segment, listing fees, and revenue associated with advertisements through the
Company’s websites.
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All revenue recognized in the consolidated statements of income is considered to be revenue from contracts with
customers, with the exception of interest income from clearing operations. The following table depicts the disaggregated
revenue contract types listed above within each respective financial statement caption in the consolidated statements of
income (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Transaction and clearing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access and capacity fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market data fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulatory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Transaction and clearing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access and capacity fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market data fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulatory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Transaction and clearing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access and capacity fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market data fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulatory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash
and Spot
Markets
Data and
Access
Solutions
Derivatives
Markets
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,149.7
—
71.3
153.8
70.3
1,445.1
Cash
and Spot
Markets
1,375.5
—
80.3
280.2
41.6
1,777.6
Cash
and Spot
Markets
1,366.5
—
91.6
161.6
40.8
1,660.5
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
347.5
188.7
—
3.0
539.2
$
1,681.6 $
—
33.7
69.9
4.0
1,789.2 $
2,831.3
347.5
293.7
223.7
77.3
3,773.5
Data and
Access
Solutions
Derivatives
Markets
Total
— $
324.2
168.7
—
4.1
497.0
$
1,563.3 $
—
33.2
84.5
2.9
1,683.9 $
2,938.8
324.2
282.2
364.7
48.6
3,958.5
Data and
Access
Solutions
Derivatives
Markets
Total
— $
280.7
130.0
—
17.0
427.7
$
1,326.6 $
—
30.5
46.7
2.8
1,406.6 $
2,693.1
280.7
252.1
208.3
60.6
3,494.8
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The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to segment (in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Transaction and clearing fees . . .
Access and capacity fees . . . . . .
Market data fees . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulatory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Timing of revenue recognition
Services transferred at a point in
time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Services transferred over time . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Transaction and clearing fees . . .
Access and capacity fees . . . . . .
Market data fees . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulatory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Timing of revenue recognition
Services transferred at a point in
time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Services transferred over time . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Transaction and clearing fees . . .
Access and capacity fees . . . . . .
Market data fees . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regulatory fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Timing of revenue recognition
Services transferred at a point in
time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Services transferred over time . . .
North
American
Options Equities
Europe and
Asia Pacific
Futures
Global FX
Digital
Corporate
Items and
Eliminations
Total
$ 1,583.7 $
161.0
118.8
69.6
6.4
946.3
117.1
128.3
153.8
7.5
$ 1,939.5 $ 1,353.0
$ 1,659.7 $ 1,107.6
245.4
$ 1,939.5 $ 1,353.0
279.8
$ 1,471.7 $ 1,155.3
109.3
131.2
280.2
5.7
$ 1,823.2 $ 1,681.7
151.7
108.7
84.2
6.9
$ 1,562.8 $ 1,441.2
240.5
$ 1,823.2 $ 1,681.7
260.4
$ 1,231.2 $ 1,173.1
98.0
134.6
161.6
3.2
$ 1,505.0 $ 1,570.5
124.0
84.3
46.6
18.9
$ 1,296.7 $ 1,337.9
232.6
$ 1,505.0 $ 1,570.5
208.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
145.6
36.3
36.7
—
62.6
281.2
208.2
73.0
281.2
161.9
34.0
33.1
—
35.6
264.6
197.5
67.1
264.6
145.3
31.2
25.6
—
38.2
240.3
183.5
56.8
240.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
98.0
22.0
8.5
0.3
0.2
129.0
98.5
30.5
129.0
91.6
19.9
8.0
0.3
—
119.8
91.9
27.9
119.8
95.2
18.7
6.6
0.1
—
120.6
95.3
25.3
120.6
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
62.2
10.7
1.4
—
0.6
74.9
62.8
12.1
74.9
58.0
9.3
1.2
—
0.4
68.9
58.4
10.5
68.9
48.3
8.8
1.0
—
—
58.1
48.3
9.8
58.1
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(4.5) $
0.4
—
—
—
(4.1) $
(4.5) $
0.4
(4.1) $
0.3 $
—
—
—
—
0.3 $
0.3 $
—
0.3 $
— $
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
—
— $
— $ 2,831.3
347.5
—
293.7
—
223.7
—
—
77.3
— $ 3,773.5
— $ 3,132.3
—
641.2
— $ 3,773.5
— $ 2,938.8
324.2
—
282.2
—
—
364.7
48.6
—
— $ 3,958.5
— $ 3,352.1
—
606.4
— $ 3,958.5
— $ 2,693.1
280.7
—
252.1
—
208.3
—
60.6
0.3
$ 3,494.8
0.3
0.3
—
0.3
$ 2,962.0
532.8
$ 3,494.8
Contract liabilities as of December 31, 2023 primarily represent prepayments of transaction fees and certain access
and capacity and market data fees to the Exchanges. The revenue recognized from contract liabilities and the remaining
balance is shown below (in millions):
Balance at
December 31, 2022
$
Liquidity provider sliding scale (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Total deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $
11.7
11.7 $
Cash
Additions
Revenue
Recognized
7.2 $
18.7
25.9 $
Balance at
December 31, 2023
—
6.1
6.1
(7.2) $
(24.3)
(31.5) $
(1) Liquidity providers are eligible to participate in the sliding scale program, which involves prepayment of transaction
fees, and to receive reduced fees based on the achievement of certain volume thresholds within a calendar month.
These transaction fees are amortized and recorded ratably as the transactions occur over the period.
5. ACQUISITIONS
On May 2, 2022, the Company purchased ErisX, which was subsequently rebranded to Cboe Digital. Cboe Digital
operates a U.S. based digital asset spot market, a regulated futures exchange and a regulated clearinghouse. Ownership
of Cboe Digital allows the Company to enter the digital asset spot and derivatives marketplaces through a digital-first
platform developed with industry partners to focus on robust regulatory compliance, data and transparency. Eris
Innovations Holdings, LLC (formerly Eris Exchange Holdings, LLC) was not a part of this transaction and the Company
126
retains its minority equity ownership interest in Eris Innovations Holdings, LLC. Of the acquisition’s purchase price, $460.9
million was allocated to goodwill, $95.0 million was allocated to intangible assets, and $8.4 million was allocated to
working capital. Prior to signing the acquisition agreement, the Company held a minority investment in ErisX. As a result
of the acquisition of the remaining portion of ErisX, the Company recognized a $7.5 million gain, reflecting the change in
fair value of the minority investment in ErisX as a result of the acquisition, which is included in other income (expense),
net in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2022. See below for further discussion of
intangible assets acquired. Additionally, the Company performed impairment testing during the year ended December 31,
2022, as there were market events that indicated it was more likely than not that these assets were impaired, resulting in
the recognition of impairment charges to goodwill. See Note 10 (“Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Net, and Digital Assets
Held”) for more information on the impairments.
On June 1, 2022, the Company purchased Aequitas Innovations Inc. and Neo Exchange Inc. which at the time were
recognized Canadian securities exchanges and were subsequently rebranded to Cboe Canada. Cboe Canada is a fintech
organization that is comprised of a fully registered Canadian securities exchange with a diverse product and services set
ranging from corporate listings to cash equities trading and a non-listed securities distribution platform. With ownership of
Cboe Canada, the Company expects to further grow Canada as a hub for global equities trading. As of December 31,
2022, the allocation of purchase price includes adjustments within the measurement period resulting in a decrease to
intangible assets, an increase in net working capital and a reduction in contingent consideration. See the table below for
more information about the adjustments made to the Cboe Canada purchase price allocation. See below for further
discussion of intangible assets acquired and Note 15 (“Fair Value Measurement”) for the impact of the allocation
adjustments on the Company’s financial liabilities.
The following table presents the details of the adjustments made to the initial purchase price allocation for the Cboe
Canada acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2023 (in millions):
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net working capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contingent consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Initial purchase
price allocation
Total
Adjusted purchase
132.4 $
130.1
(6.9)
(54.3)
0.2 $
adjustments price allocation
132.6
69.1
9.7
(10.1)
(61.0)
16.6
44.2
The following table presents the details of intangible assets as of the acquisition date, inclusive of purchase price
adjustments outlined above (in millions, except as stated). All acquired intangible assets with finite lives are amortized
using the straight-line method.
Trading registrations and licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and tradenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total identifiable intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
25.0
—
70.0
—
95.0
Indefinite $
10
$
15.1
37.4
16.2
0.4
69.1
Cboe Digital
Useful Life
(Years)
Cboe Canada
Useful Life
(Years)
Indefinite
15
7
5
Acquisition-related costs relate to acquisitions and other strategic opportunities. The Company expensed $7.4 million
of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2023, all of which related to professional fees and other
expenses. These acquisition-related expenses are included in acquisition-related costs in the consolidated statements of
income.
The Company expensed $19.9 million of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2022, all of
which related to professional fees and other expenses. These acquisition-related expenses are included in acquisition-
related costs in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company expensed $15.6 million of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2021 which
primarily included $15.0 million of professional fees, and $0.6 million of impairment charges related to facilities. These
acquisition-related expenses are included in acquisition-related costs in the consolidated statements of income.
127
6. INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company's investments were comprised of the following (in millions):
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Equity method investments:
Investment in 7Ridge Investments 3 LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity method investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
292.0
292.0
$
Other equity investments:
Investment in Eris Innovations Holdings, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in Globacap Technology Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in CSD Br . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in Coin Metrics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in Cboe Vest Financial Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in Effective Investing Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in OCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other equity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other equity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.0
16.0
5.9
5.0
2.9
—
0.3
3.2
53.3
215.4
215.4
20.0
—
5.9
5.0
2.9
1.8
0.3
1.9
37.8
Total investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
345.3
$
253.2
Equity Method Investments
The Company’s investment in the 7Ridge Fund represents a nonconsolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”). The
Company has determined that consolidation of the VIE is not required as the Company is not the primary beneficiary of
the 7Ridge Fund, as it does not have controlling financial interest and lacks the ability to unilaterally remove the general
partner, 7Ridge Investments 3 GP Limited, direct material strategic decisions, or dissolve the entity (i.e. the Company
does not have unilateral substantive “kick-out” or “liquidation” rights).
The Company’s interest in the 7Ridge Fund is equal to the carrying value of the investment as of December 31,
2023, or $292.0 million, which includes periodic capital contributions to the 7Ridge Fund, as well as the Company’s share
of 7Ridge Fund’s profit or loss, including gains or losses arising from the fair value measurement of the investment held
by the 7Ridge Fund, booked against the investment account. The carrying value of the investment is included in
investments within the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s maximum loss exposure, in the unlikely event that all
of the VIE’s assets become worthless, is limited to the carrying value of Company’s investment.
Other Equity Investments
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company invested $5.0 million in a funding raise by Coin Metrics, Inc., a digital
asset intelligence and crypto data startup, $5.9 million in a funding raise by CSD Br, a Brazilian bank and financial
intermediary, and completed the purchase of ErisX, which was subsequently rebranded to Cboe Digital. Eris Innovations
Holdings, LLC was not a part of this transaction and the Company retains its minority equity ownership interest in Eris
Innovations Holdings, LLC. See Note 5 (“Acquisitions”) for more information. In the third quarter of 2022, the Company
invested $1.8 million in a funding raise by Effective Investing Limited, an emerging global sustainability data provider
measuring the social and environmental impact of companies and investment portfolios. In the fourth quarter of 2022 the
Company invested an additional $0.1 million in a funding raise by StratiFi Technologies, Inc, a risk management platform
that provides a one-stop-shop solution for portfolio risk analysis. The Company previously held a minority stake in StratiFi
and the funding raise allowed the Company to maintain its current investment percentage.
In the second quarter of 2023, the Company invested $16.0 million in Globacap Technology Limited, a white label
service provider to capital market participants, which focuses on three core areas: private placement, securities
administration, and secondary liquidity. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company invested $1.3 million in Osaka Digital
Exchange, an equity proprietary trading system in the Japanese equity markets focused on launching the first secondary
trading market for security tokens in Japan.
128
Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2023, Effective Investing Limited, a minority investment of the Company included
within other equity investments, announced plans to wind down the company. The Company wrote off the investment as
of December 31, 2023. The loss related to the write-off was included within other income (expense), net in the
consolidated statements of income.
The carrying value of other equity investments is included in investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The
Company accounts for these investments using the measurement alternative given the absence of readily determinable
fair values for the respective investments and due to the Company’s inability to exercise significant influence over the
investments based upon the respective ownership interests held.
7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2023
1.5 $
—
322.9
324.4
(215.2)
109.2 $
2022
7.7
68.8
291.3
367.8
(259.6)
108.2
December 31, December 31,
Depreciation expense using the straight-line method was $33.0 million, $35.3 million and $33.5 million for the years
ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company’s former headquarters location was originally classified as held for sale on May 1, 2019, but was
returned to held and used on May 1, 2021 due to the time elapsed since active marketing for the sale of the building
commenced. The Company continued discussions with potential buyers. Effective July 27, 2023, the Company entered
into an agreement to sell its former headquarters building, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company
classified the associated land, building, and certain furniture and equipment of the former headquarters location as held
for sale, performed an impairment assessment, and ceased depreciation effective August 1, 2023. Negotiations are
ongoing and the Company expects to complete the sale in the first half of 2024. In connection with the sale, the Company
anticipates providing seller financing to the purchaser in the form of a promissory note for a portion of the purchase price
of the former headquarters. As of December 31, 2023, the total value of the property held for sale on the consolidated
balance sheet was $8.7 million.
8. CREDIT LOSSES
Current expected credit losses are estimated for accounts receivable and certain notes receivable.
Accounts receivable represent amounts due from the Company’s member firms. The allowance for accounts
receivable credit losses is calculated using an aging schedule.
The allowance for notes receivable credit losses is associated with notes receivable included within other assets, net
on the consolidated balance sheets and relates to promissory notes to fund the implementation and operation of the
consolidated audit trail (“CAT”), which notes are to be repaid by Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC (“CATLLC”). CAT involves
the creation of an audit trail that is required by SEA Rule 613, and it strives to enhance regulators’ ability to monitor
trading activity in the U.S. markets through a phased implementation. CATLLC is a national market system plan that was
created by self-regulatory organizations that include the Company’s six Exchanges, the other U.S. national securities
exchanges and FINRA (who collectively are referred to as the “Plan Participants”) to implement and operate the CAT. The
funding of the CAT’s implementation and operations is ultimately expected to be provided by Plan Participants and by
broker-dealers (who are referred to as “Industry Members”). However, the funding to date has solely been provided to
CATLLC by the Plan Participants in exchange for promissory notes.
On September 6, 2023, the SEC issued an order approving an amendment to the CAT national market system plan
to implement a revised funding model (“CAT Funding Model”) for Consolidated Audit Trail, LLC (“CATLLC”) to fund the
CAT. The approved CAT Funding Model contemplates two categories of CAT fees calculated based on the “executed
equivalent shares” of transactions in eligible securities: (i) CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to Industry Members who are
CAT Executing Brokers (the brokers responsible for executing each side of the transaction) to recover a portion of
129
historical CAT costs previously paid to CATLLC by the Plan Participants; and (ii) CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to CAT
Executing Brokers and Plan Participants to fund prospective CAT costs. To date, the funding of the CAT has solely been
provided by the SROs/Plan Participants has been done in exchange for promissory notes. The funds generated from the
assessment of CAT fees to recover a portion of historical CAT costs will be used by CATLLC to repay a portion of these
promissory notes to the Plan Participants.
The Plan Participants submitted fee filings during the first week of January 2024 with the SEC to implement the
applicable transaction-based fee rates that are to be assessed by CATLLC to CAT Executing Brokers to recover a portion
of historical CAT costs incurred prior to 2022. Additional CAT fees related to other historical CAT costs and to prospective
CAT costs are planned to be introduced at a later time through separate fee filings submitted by the Plan Participants.
Once the CAT fee related to ongoing prospective CAT costs becomes effective through fee filings submitted by the Plan
Participants, it is anticipated there will no longer be any need for Plan Participants to fund CATLLC in exchange for
promissory notes. On January 17, 2024, the SEC issued orders suspending each Plan Participant’s fee filing and
instituting proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove the fees, which orders were published in the
Federal Register on February 13, 2024. Comments are due March 5, 2024, and rebuttal comments are due March 19,
2024.
Until the fees for historical CAT costs that are associated with the promissory notes are collected from CAT Executing
Brokers and remitted by CATLLC to the Plan Participants, and until CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to CAT Executing
Brokers and Plan Participants to fund prospective CAT costs are implemented, the Plan Participants may continue to
incur additional significant costs, including additional promissory notes to fund CAT. Additionally, portions of promissory
notes related to the funding of the implementation and operation of the CAT may not be collectible, including if the SEC
finds that the SROs/Plan Participants did not satisfy any of the financial accountability milestones. The allowance for
notes receivable credit losses associated with the CAT is calculated using a methodology that is primarily based on the
structure of the notes and various potential outcomes under the CAT Funding Model. See Note 23 (“Commitments,
Contingencies, and Guarantees”) for more information.
The following represents the changes in allowance for credit losses during the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022 (in millions):
Allowance for
notes receivable
credit losses
Allowance for
accounts receivable
credit losses
Total
allowance for
credit losses
Balance at December 31, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current period provision for expected credit losses . . . .
Write-offs charged against the allowance . . . . . . . . . . .
Recoveries collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Current period provision for expected credit losses. . . .
Write-offs charged against the allowance . . . . . . . . . . .
Recoveries collected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
30.1 $
—
—
—
30.1 $
—
—
—
30.1 $
1.0 $
1.6
(0.1)
(0.3)
2.2 $
4.0
(1.6)
(0.1)
4.5 $
31.1
1.6
(0.1)
(0.3)
32.3
4.0
(1.6)
(0.1)
34.6
130
9. OTHER ASSETS, NET
Other assets, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Software development work in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Data processing software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data processing software, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2023
3.5 $
128.1
(88.3)
43.3
163.0
206.3 $
2022
8.9
124.2
(78.8)
54.3
127.6
181.9
December 31, December 31,
(1) At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the majority of the balance included notes receivable, net of allowance, a contra-
revenue asset, and long-term prepaid assets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the notes receivable, net balance was
$136.9 million and $102.9 million, respectively. See Note 8 (“Credit Losses”) for more information on the notes receivable
included within other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 19 (“Stock-Based Compensation”) for
more information on the contra-revenue asset related to the issuance of Cboe Digital Restricted Common Units and
Warrant Units included within other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
the contra-revenue asset balance was $18.1 million and $19.9 million, respectively.
Amortization expense related to data processing software was $8.4 million, $7.2 million, and $7.3 million for the years
ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
10. GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET, AND DIGITAL ASSETS HELD
The following table presents the details of goodwill by segment (in millions):
Balance as of December 31, 2021 . . . $
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in foreign currency
exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2022 . . . $
Changes in foreign currency
Options
Europe and
Asia Pacific
North American
Equities
1,876.9 $ 575.5 $ 267.2 $
3.4
—
—
0.2
132.4
—
—
—
—
Global FX
305.8 $
—
—
—
Digital
Total
— $ 3,025.4
4.4
592.5
(460.9)
0.8
460.1
(460.9)
—
(8.7)
305.8
$
2,000.8
$
(29.9)
549.0
$
—
267.2 $
—
(38.6)
— $ 3,122.8
exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2023 . . . $
—
305.8 $
3.6
14.2
2,004.4 $ 563.2 $ 267.2 $
—
—
17.8
— $ 3,140.6
Goodwill has been allocated to specific reporting units for purposes of impairment testing - Options, North American Equities,
Europe and Asia Pacific, and Global FX. No goodwill has been allocated to Futures. See below for further details on Cboe Digital’s
goodwill. Goodwill impairment testing is performed annually in the fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if conditions exist that
indicate that the asset may be impaired.
Following the acquisition of Cboe Digital, which closed on May 2, 2022, in the quarter ended June 30, 2022, negative events
and trends in the broader digital asset environment emerged, such as deleveraging and bankruptcies, and certain negative trends
in the broader digital asset environment that started in late 2021 intensified, such as the decline in digital asset prices, overall
market activity, and market capitalization. Additionally, following the acquisition of Cboe Digital, the efforts to syndicate minority
ownership interests in Cboe Digital to potential investors during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 became more challenging, and
the outlook for the Digital segment’s future market growth was negatively impacted. The Company considered these developments,
in particular the syndication efforts during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, to be potential indications of impairment and performed
an interim impairment test for the goodwill recognized in the Digital reporting unit during the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The
Company concluded that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value, which considered both market
and income approaches, and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $460.1 million in the consolidated statements of income
during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and also recognized a deferred tax asset of $116.2 million. This deferred tax asset,
resulting from the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over book goodwill, relates to future tax deductions the Company expects to
realize to reduce potential tax payments on future income. As a result, the carrying value of Cboe Digital decreased by $343.9
million, to $220.0 million
131
as of June 30, 2022. The Company also performed an impairment assessment over the intangible assets recognized as a
result of the Cboe Digital acquisition during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, and based on the results of the assessments,
determined there was no impairment required as the fair value approximated the carrying value. No other long lived assets
were recognized as a result of the acquisition.
As a result of the finalization of the net working capital calculation associated with the acquisition of Cboe Digital during
the quarter ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded additional goodwill of $0.8 million. Subsequently, the
Company concluded that the indicators of impairment outlined in the previous paragraph continued to be relevant and
recorded an additional goodwill impairment charge of $0.8 million in the consolidated statements of income for the three
months ended September 30, 2022. The Company determined there were no further impairment indicators for the year
ended December 31, 2023.
The following table presents the details of the intangible assets by segment (in millions):
Options
North American
Equities
Europe and
Asia Pacific
Global FX
Digital
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021 . . . $
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in foreign currency
exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2022 . . . $
Dispositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in foreign currency
exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2023 . . . $
159.1 $
—
—
(13.0)
—
146.1 $
—
(12.0)
991.4 $
(61.0)
130.1
(62.1)
426.4 $
—
—
(25.6)
91.7 $
—
—
(18.9)
— $ 1,668.6
(61.0)
—
226.0
95.9
(124.3)
(4.7)
(5.6)
992.8 $
—
(59.5)
(40.9)
359.9 $
—
(21.5)
—
72.8 $
—
(16.6)
—
(46.5)
91.2 $ 1,662.8
(0.8)
(0.8)
(116.6)
(7.0)
—
2.0
134.1
$
935.3
$
14.1
352.5
$
—
56.2 $
—
16.1
83.4 $ 1,561.5
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, amortization expense was $116.6 million, $124.3 million
and $126.6 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense is $93.9 million for 2024, $77.3 million for
2025, $70.0 million for 2026, $63.2 million for 2027, and $57.6 million for 2028.
132
The following tables present the categories of intangible assets by segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in
millions, except as stated):
Options
North American
Equities
Europe and
Asia Pacific
December 31, 2023
Trading registrations and licenses . . . . $
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market data customer relationships . . .
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and tradenames . . . . . . . .
Digital assets held . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . .
95.5 $
46.6
53.6
28.1
12.9
—
(102.6)
$ 134.1 $
Global FX Digital
— $
606.0 $ 209.6 $
413.9
322.0
56.9
8.2
—
216.1
61.6
34.2
2.4
—
(471.7)
935.3 $ 352.5 $
(171.4)
140.0
64.4
22.5
1.2
—
(171.9)
56.2 $
25.0
—
—
70.0
—
0.1
(11.7)
83.4
December 31, 2022
North American Europe and
Asia Pacific
Equities
Options
Trading registrations and licenses . . . . $
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market data customer relationships . . .
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and tradenames . . . . . . . .
Digital assets held . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . .
95.5 $
46.6
53.6
28.1
12.9
—
(90.6)
$ 146.1
$
Global FX Digital
— $
605.3 $ 199.5 $
412.8
322.0
56.4
8.2
—
208.9
58.4
32.8
2.3
—
(411.9)
992.8
(142.0)
359.9
$
140.0
64.4
22.5
1.2
—
(155.3)
$
72.8 $
25.0
—
—
70.0
—
0.9
(4.7)
91.2
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (in years)
Indefinite
15
8
7
6
Indefinite
Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (in years)
Indefinite
16
9
8
7
Indefinite
Cboe Digital holds customer digital assets in customer accounts, referred to as wallets, either through a licensed trust
company, third-party custodian or in separate and distinct wallets managed by Cboe Digital. Cboe Digital, together with its
third-party custodian, secures customers’ digital assets and protects them from loss or theft. Customer digital assets are
held in omnibus wallets for the benefit of customers of Cboe Digital and Cboe Digital maintains the records of the amount
and type of digital asset owned by each of its customers in omnibus wallets. The amount of customer digital assets held
by Cboe Digital is reflected within digital assets – safeguarded assets and digital assets – safeguarded liabilities in the
consolidated balance sheets. In addition, Cboe Digital maintains an immaterial amount of its own digital assets to facilitate
customer trading.
11. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Compensation and benefit-related liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Royalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rebates payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketing fee payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current unrecognized tax benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . $
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
$
$
77.1
44.9
70.3
20.8
75.1
17.5
82.3
24.7
412.7 $
90.2
33.3
87.7
—
75.2
15.9
90.4
27.5
420.2
133
12. DEBT
The Company’s debt consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Term Loan Agreement due December 2023, floating rate . . .
$650 million fixed rate Senior Notes due January 2027,
stated rate of 3.650% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$500 million fixed rate Senior Notes due December 2030,
stated rate of 1.625% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$300 million fixed rate Senior Notes due March 2032,
stated rate of 3.000% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving Credit Agreement
Cboe Clear Europe Credit Facility
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
—
1,439.2 $
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
— $
$
304.7
647.9
494.8
296.5
647.3
494.0
296.0
—
—
1,742.0
As described below in further detail the Company repaid in full all outstanding indebtedness under the Term Loan
Agreement totaling $305.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Term Loan Agreement
On March 22, 2018, the Company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”). The
Term Loan Agreement matured on December 15, 2023 and initially provided for a senior unsecured term loan facility in an
aggregate principal amount of $300 million, which amount was later increased to allow for an additional draw of $110
million on June 25, 2021 in order to fund a portion of the acquisition of Cboe Asia Pacific (formerly Chi-X Asia Pacific
Holdings Limited) and was increased on March 29, 2022 to allow for additional delayed draws of $190 million on April 29,
2022 to fund a portion of the Cboe Digital (formerly ErisX) acquisition, and $175 million on May 31, 2022 to fund a portion
of the Cboe Canada (formerly NEO) acquisition. On each of August 25, 2022 and September 22, 2022, the Company
repaid $50 million, respectively, of outstanding indebtedness under the Term Loan Agreement, and on each of
November 1, 2022, December 1, 2022, and December 27, 2022, the Company repaid $40 million, $50 million, and $30
million, respectively, of outstanding indebtedness under the Term Loan Agreement totaling $220 million repaid during the
year ended December 31, 2022. On May 12, 2023, June 21, 2023, September 28, 2023, October 20, 2023, and
October 27, 2023, the Company repaid $65 million, $75 million, $90 million, $60 million and $15 million respectively, of
outstanding indebtedness under the Term Loan Agreement, totaling $305 million repaid during the year ended
December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 the Term Loan Agreement matured and was repaid in full.
Loans under the Term Loan Agreement bore interest, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the Secured Overnight
Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator) plus a
margin of 0.65 percent per annum or (ii) a daily floating rate based on the agent’s prime rate (subject to certain minimums
based upon the federal funds effective rate or SOFR) plus a margin of 0.50 percent per annum.
The Term Loan Agreement contained customary representations, warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants
for facilities of its type, including financial covenants, events of default, including cross-defaults from the Company’s other
indebtedness, and indemnification provisions in favor of the lenders thereunder. The negative covenants included
restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens, the incurrence of indebtedness by the Company’s subsidiaries and
fundamental changes, subject to certain exceptions in each case. The financial covenants required the Company to meet
a quarterly financial test with respect to a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 4.00 to 1.00 and a
maximum consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00; provided that the consolidated leverage ratio may,
subject to certain triggering events set forth in the Term Loan Agreement, be increased to 4.25 to 1.00 or 4.00 to 1.00
(from 3.50 to 1.00) for four consecutive fiscal quarters following certain acquisitions, provided this increase may be made
only once and at the time it exercises such financial covenant step-up, the Company shall be exercising a like step-up
under its revolving credit facility.
Senior Notes
On January 12, 2017, the Company entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”), by and between the Company and
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association), as trustee, in connection
with the issuance of $650 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 3.650% Senior Notes due 2027 (“3.650%
Senior Notes”). The form and terms of the 3.650% Senior Notes were established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate,
dated as of January 12, 2017, supplementing the Indenture. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the
134
3.650% Senior Notes to fund, in part, the Merger, including the payment of related fees and expenses and the repayment
of Bats’ existing indebtedness, and the remainder for general corporate purposes. The 3.650% Senior Notes mature on
January 12, 2027 and bear interest at the rate of 3.650% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 12 and
July 12 of each year, commencing July 12, 2017.
On December 15, 2020, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.625% Senior Notes due
2030 ("1.625% Senior Notes"). The form and terms of the 1.625% Senior Notes were established pursuant to an Officer’s
Certificate, dated as of December 15, 2020, supplementing the Indenture. The Company used the net proceeds from the
1.625% Senior Notes to finance the acquisition of BIDS Trading, repay a portion of amounts outstanding under the term
loan facility and all outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility and the remainder for general corporate
purposes, which may include the financing of future acquisitions or the repayment of other outstanding indebtedness. The
1.625% Senior Notes mature on December 15, 2030 and bear interest at the rate of 1.625% per annum, payable semi-
annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2021.
On March 16, 2022, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Senior Notes due 2032
(“3.000% Senior Notes” and, together with the 1.625% Senior Notes and the 3.650% Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”).
The form and terms of the 3.000% Senior Notes were established pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, dated as of
March 16, 2022, supplementing the Indenture. The Company used the net proceeds from the 3.000% Senior Notes,
together with cash on hand, and the proceeds of additional borrowings, to partially fund its acquisition of Cboe Digital. The
3.000% Senior Notes mature on March 16, 2032 and bear interest at the rate of 3.000% per annum, payable semi-
annually in arrears on March 16 and September 16 of each year, commencing September 16, 2022.
The Senior Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally with all of the Company’s other
existing and future unsecured, senior indebtedness, but are effectively junior to the Company’s secured indebtedness, to
the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and will be structurally subordinated to the secured and
unsecured indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The Company has the option to redeem some or all of the Senior Notes, at any time in whole or from time to time in
part, at the redemption prices set forth in the applicable Officer’s Certificate. The Company may also be required to offer
to repurchase the Senior Notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event (as such term is defined in
the applicable Officer’s Certificate) at a repurchase price equal to 101 percent of the aggregate principal amount of Senior
Notes to be repurchased.
Indenture
Under the Indenture, the Company may issue debt securities, which includes the Senior Notes, at any time and from
time to time, in one or more series without limitation on the aggregate principal amount. The Indenture governing the
Senior Notes contains customary restrictions, including a limitation that restricts the Company’s ability and the ability of
certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to create or incur secured debt. Such Indenture also limits certain sale and
leaseback transactions and contains customary events of default. At December 31, 2023, the Company was in
compliance with these covenants.
Revolving Credit Agreement
On February 25, 2022, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the
“Revolving Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated the prior revolving credit agreement.
The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a senior unsecured $400 million three-year revolving credit facility (the
“Revolving Credit Facility”) that includes a $25 million swing line sub-facility. The Company may also, subject to the
agreement of the applicable lenders, increase the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility by up to $200 million,
for a total of $600 million. Subject to specified conditions, the Company may designate one or more of its subsidiaries as
additional borrowers under the Revolving Credit Agreement provided that the Company guarantees all borrowings and
other obligations of any such subsidiaries under the Revolving Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, no
subsidiaries were designated as additional borrowers.
Funds borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be used to fund working capital and for other general
corporate purposes, including the making of any acquisitions the Company may pursue in the ordinary course of its
business. As of December 31, 2023, no borrowings were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Accordingly,
135
at December 31, 2023, $400 million of borrowing capacity was available for the purposes permitted by the Revolving
Credit Agreement.
Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the Relevant
Rate (defined herein) plus a margin (based on the Company’s public debt ratings) ranging from 0.75 percent per annum
to 1.25 percent per annum or (ii) a daily fluctuating rate based on the administrative agent’s prime rate (subject to certain
minimums based upon the federal funds effective rate or Term SOFR), which is subject to a 1 percent floor, plus a margin
(based on the Company’s public debt ratings) ranging from zero percent per annum to 0.25 percent per annum. “Relevant
Rate” means with respect to any committed borrowing or swingline borrowing denominated in (a) Dollars, Term SOFR
plus a spread adjustment of 0.10 percent per annum, (b) Sterling, SONIA plus a spread adjustment of 0.0326 percent per
annum and (c) Euros, EURIBOR, as applicable, provided that each Relevant Rate is subject to a 0 percent floor.
Subject to certain conditions stated in the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company and any subsidiaries
designated as additional borrowers may borrow, prepay and reborrow amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility at any
time during the term of the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Agreement will terminate and all amounts
owing thereunder will be due and payable on February 25, 2027, unless the commitments are terminated earlier, either at
the request of the Company or, if an event of default occurs, by the lenders (or automatically in the case of certain
bankruptcy-related events). The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and
affirmative and negative covenants for facilities of its type, including financial covenants, events of default and
indemnification provisions in favor of the lenders. The negative covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of
liens, the incurrence of indebtedness by the Company’s subsidiaries and fundamental changes, subject to certain
exceptions in each case. The financial covenants require the Company to meet a quarterly financial test with respect to a
minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 4.00 to 1.00 and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of
not greater than 3.50 to 1.00; provided that the consolidated leverage ratio may, subject to certain triggering events set
forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement, be increased to 4.25 to 1.00 on one occasion and 4.00 to 1.00 on another
occasion, in each case, for four consecutive fiscal quarters; provided that, prior to the exercise of the second such
financial covenant step-up, the maximum consolidated leverage ratio shall have returned to a level of 3.50 to 1.00 for at
least two consecutive fiscal quarters. At December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and
did not exercise financial covenant step-up.
Cboe Clear Europe Credit Facility
On July 1, 2020, EuroCCP (subsequently rebranded to Cboe Clear Europe), as borrower, the Company, as
guarantor, entered into a Facility Agreement (as subsequently amended and restated, the “Facility” or “Cboe Clear
Europe Credit Facility”) with Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Designated Activity Company, as co-ordinator,
facility agent, lender, sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner, Citibank N.A., as security agent, and certain other lenders
named therein. The Facility was amended and restated, on July 1, 2021, June 30, 2022, and June 29, 2023, as described
below.
The Facility provides for a €1.25 billion committed syndicated multicurrency revolving and swingline credit facility
(i) that is available to be drawn by Cboe Clear Europe towards (a) financing unsettled amounts in connection with the
settlement of transactions in securities and other items processed through Cboe Clear Europe’s clearing system and
(b) financing any other liability or liquidity requirement that Cboe Clear Europe incurred in the operation of its clearing
system and (ii) under which the scheduled interest and fees on borrowings (but not the principal amount of any
borrowings) are guaranteed by the Company. Subject to certain conditions, Cboe Clear Europe is able to increase the
commitments under the Facility by up to €500 million, to a total of €1.75 billion.
Borrowings under the Facility are secured by cash, eligible government bonds and eligible equity assets deposited by
Cboe Clear Europe into secured accounts. In addition, Cboe Clear Europe must ensure that at all times the aggregate of
(a) each clearing participant’s contribution to the relevant clearing fund, (b) each clearing participant’s margin amount and
(c) any cash equities purchased using the proceeds of the assets described in (a) and (b), less the amount of any such
clearing participant contribution, margin amount or cash equities which have been transferred to (or secured in favor
of) any provider of settlement or custody services to Cboe Clear Europe, is not less than €500 million.
Borrowings under the Facility’s revolving loans and non-U.S. dollar swingline loans bear interest at the relevant
floating base rate plus a margin of 1.60 percent per annum and (subject to certain conditions) borrowings under the
Facility’s U.S. dollar swingline loans bear interest as the higher of the relevant agent’s prime commercial lending rate for
U.S. dollars and 0.5 percent per annum over the federal funds effective rate. A commitment fee of 0.275 percent per
annum is payable on the unused and uncalled amount of the Facility during the availability period.
136
Subject to certain conditions stated in the Facility, Cboe Clear Europe may borrow, prepay and reborrow amounts
under the Facility at any time during the term of the Facility. The Facility will terminate and all amounts owing thereunder
will be due and payable on June 28, 2024, unless the commitments are terminated earlier, either at the request of Cboe
Clear Europe or, if an event of default occurs, by the Lenders (or automatically in the case of certain bankruptcy-related
events).
The Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants for facilities of its type, including events of
default of the Company and Cboe Clear Europe and indemnification provisions in favor of the Lenders. In particular, the
covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens by Cboe Clear Europe and its subsidiaries, and an event
of default will be triggered if Cboe Clear Europe ceases its business, subject to certain exceptions in each case. There is
also a requirement for the net worth of (a) the Company to be no less than $1.75 billion on the date of each drawdown
and delivery of compliance certificates and (b) Cboe Clear Europe to be the higher of €30 million and any such amount
required for Cboe Clear Europe to meet minimum liquidity regulations under applicable regulation at all times.
As of December 31, 2023, no borrowings were outstanding under the Facility. Accordingly, at December 31, 2023,
€1.25 billion of borrowing capacity was available for the purposes permitted by the Facility. At December 31, 2023, the
Company and Cboe Clear Europe were in compliance with applicable covenants.
Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program
On May 1, 2020, prior to Cboe’s acquisition of Cboe Digital, Cboe Digital (formerly ErisX) received $1.3 million of
proceeds from a loan issued under either the Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program
("PPP") under section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act or the SBA Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Loans
under Section 7(a)(37) of the SBA. On May 26, 2022, the PPP loan was forgiven and no further balance is due.
Notes Payments and Contractual Interest
The future expected repayments related to the Senior Notes as of December 31, 2023 are as follows (in millions):
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal amounts repayable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unamortized discounts on notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
—
—
650.0
800.0
1,450.0
(5.9)
(4.9)
1,439.2
Interest expense recognized on the Term Loan Agreement, the Senior Notes, and the Revolving Credit Agreement is
included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company is also obligated to pay commitment
fees under the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, Term Loan Agreement and Facility, which are also included in
interest expense.
Components of interest expense, net recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
Year Ended
December 31,
2022
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
Components of interest expense:
Contractual interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
$
59.8 $
2.6
62.4
(12.0)
50.4 $
$
57.6 $
2.4
60.0 $
(3.6)
56.4 $
45.7
2.3
48.0
(0.6)
47.4
137
13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET
The following represents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net by component (in
millions):
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustment
Unrealized
Investment
Gain/Loss
Total Accumulated Other
Post-Retirement
Benefits
Comprehensive
Income (Loss), Net
Balance at December 31, 2021 . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . $
14. CLEARING OPERATIONS
55.4 $
(85.6)
(30.2)
24.6
(5.6)
$
$
(0.1) $
(0.8)
(0.9)
(2.8)
(3.7)
$
$
0.3 $
(0.2)
0.1 $
(0.2)
(0.1) $
55.6
(86.6)
(31.0)
21.6
(9.4)
Cboe operates two clearing houses, Cboe Clear Europe and Cboe Clear Digital, each of which acts as a central
counterparty that provides clearing and settlement services.
Cboe Clear Europe
Cboe Clear Europe is a European equities central counterparty that provides post-trade services to stock exchanges,
MTFs, over-the-counter (“OTC”) equities trades and an equity derivatives exchange. Cboe Clear Europe clears equities
from eighteen European markets and the United States, as well as Depositary Receipts, ETFs, and equity-like
instruments. In September 2021 Cboe Clear Europe began clearing equity derivatives for ten European markets, initially
index futures and options and as of November 2023, single stock options. Through a novation process, Cboe Clear
Europe becomes the buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer, thereby protecting clearing participants from
counterparty risk and allowing the settlement of trades in the event of a clearing participant default.
Cboe Clear Europe only assumes the guarantor role if it has an equal and offsetting claim against a clearing
participant. For the period ended December 31, 2023, there have been no events of default for which a liability is required
to be recognized in accordance with GAAP.
Cboe Clear Europe Clearing Participant Deposits
Cboe Clear Europe generally requires all clearing participants to deposit collateral to help mitigate Cboe Clear
Europe’s exposure to credit risk in the event that a clearing participant fails to meet a financial or contractual obligation.
Margin Deposits
Margin deposits, which are predominately in the form of cash and cash equivalents, are deposits made by each
clearing participant to Cboe Clear Europe to cover some or all of the credit risk of its failure to fulfill its obligations in the
trade. Cboe Clear Europe maintains and manages all cash deposits related to margin deposits. Substantially all risks and
rewards of margin deposit ownership, including net interest income, belong to Cboe Clear Europe and are recorded in
cash and spot markets on the consolidated statements of income. In the event of a default, Cboe Clear Europe can
access the defaulting participant’s margin deposits to cover the defaulting participant’s losses. For more information, see
“Default and Liquidity Waterfalls” below.
Clearing Funds
The clearing fund mutualizes the risk of default among all clearing participants. Depending on their membership,
clearing participants contribute to the cash-equity and/or derivatives segment of the clearing fund. Although the entire
clearing fund is available to cover potential losses in the event that the margin deposits and the clearing fund deposits of
a defaulting clearing participant are inadequate to fulfill that clearing participant’s outstanding financial obligations, the
clearing fund first uses the product class segment of the Clearing Fund in which the defaulting participants was active
(see “Default and Liquidity Waterfalls” below). In the event of a default, Cboe Clear Europe is generally required to
liquidate the defaulting clearing participant’s open positions. To the extent that the positions remain open, Cboe Clear
Europe is required to assume the defaulting clearing participant’s obligations related to the open positions. Clearing
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participants are required to make contributions to the clearing fund that are proportional to their risk exposure in the form
of cash or non-cash contributions, which generally consist of highly liquid securities.
Interoperability Fund
For the cash equity business line, Cboe Clear Europe has entered into interoperable arrangements with two other
central counterparties (“CCPs”). Under these arrangements, margin is pledged to and from interoperable CCPs. The
interoperability fund consists of collateral provided by clearing participants that is pledged by Cboe Clear Europe to the
other interoperable CCPs, to cover margin calls Cboe Clear Europe receives from such interoperable CCPs.
Effective August 14, 2023, Cboe Clear Europe enacted changes to its rules, and is able to invest the cash collateral
received in the form of interoperability fund deposits from clearing participants in certain investments, typically securities
issued by pre-approved sovereign issuers and reverse repurchase agreements with overnight maturities. When
investments are made in accordance with Cboe Clear Europe’s investment policy, Cboe Clear Europe receives the
amount of investment earnings and pays clearing participants those earnings minus a set basis point cost of collateral. As
Cboe Clear Europe is able to direct the investment of the cash interoperability fund deposits received from the clearing
participants within the program parameters and receives an economic benefit from those investments, these amounts are
included in the Margin Deposits, Clearing Funds, and Interoperability fund captions in the consolidated balance sheets
and the related interest income and expense is recorded in other revenue and other costs of revenue respectively on the
consolidated statements of income.
Cboe Clear Europe Default and Liquidity Waterfalls
The default waterfall is the priority order in which the capital resources are expected to be utilized in the event of a
default where the defaulting clearing participant’s collateral would not be sufficient to cover the cost to liquidate its
portfolio. If a default occurs and the defaulting clearing participant’s collateral, including margin deposits and clearing fund
deposits, are depleted, then additional capital is utilized in the following order:
• Cboe Clear Europe dedicated own resources: The Cboe Clear Europe default waterfall first utilizes its dedicated
own resources in two forms and totaling 35% of Cboe Clear Europe capital requirements; the ‘first skin in the
game’, equal to 25% of Cboe Clear Europe capital requirements before the use of clearing fund contributions
described below and the ‘second skin in the game’, an amount between 10-25% of capital requirements as
discussed in Note 18 (“Regulatory Capital”).
• Clearing fund: Second, the Cboe Clear Europe default waterfall utilizes traditional CCP risk mutualization, in the
event that default losses fully exhaust Cboe Clear Europe’s dedicated own resources amount, whereby
contributions applicable to a particular product class are applied first to any loss attributable to that product class.
• Pro rata contributions: Third, if the default losses caused cannot be covered by the first two layers, the non-
defaulting clearing participants shall on demand make additional payments to Cboe Clear Europe on a pro rata
basis in proportion to the amount of their clearing fund contributions to cover any such remaining losses, which is
limited to an amount equal to twice their clearing fund contribution as established under Cboe Clear Europe’s
rules and regulations. In this scenario, contributions applicable to a particular product class are first applied to
any losses attributable to that product class.
In addition to the default waterfall, the liquidity waterfall is the priority order in which the liquidity resources are
expected to be utilized for Cboe Clear Europe’s ordinary course business operations and in situations when additional
liquidity resources and liquidity measures may be activated in case of a potential liquidity shortfall. Liquidity, intraday or
overnight, is mainly required for securities settlement. In ordinary course business circumstances, liquidity resources
include the collateral directly deposited with Cboe Clear Europe, FX swap arrangements, and reverse repurchase
agreements, as well as the use of the Facility.
Cboe Clear Digital
Cboe Clear Digital is a digital asset and digital asset derivatives clearinghouse and central counterparty that provides
clearing and settlement of digital asset trades. Cboe Clear Digital is registered as a Derivatives Clearing Organization
(“DCO”) regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and is registered with the U.S. Treasury
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) as a money services business (“MSB”). Cboe Clear Digital is
authorized by license or not subject to licensing, to conduct MSB services in 50 U.S. jurisdictions. Cboe Clear Digital
performs a guarantee function whereby Cboe Clear Digital helps to ensure that the obligations of the transactions it clears
are fulfilled. Cboe Clear Digital attempts to mitigate this risk by performing internal compliance and due diligence
139
procedures as well as implementing internal risk controls. Cboe Clear Digital 's due diligence procedures include review of
the personal and corporate information, financial position of the member participant, and monitoring of Cboe Clear
Digital's risk exposure thresholds. As of December 31, 2023, Cboe Clear Digital does not expect a material loss
concerning credit risk on any member participant.
Cboe Clear Digital Clearing Participant Deposits
Customer bank deposits
Cboe Clear Digital holds cash on behalf of its customers for the purposes of supporting clearing transactions.
Customer cash may be invested in approved investments and any interest or gain received, or loss incurred on invested
funds is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income. There was no interest, gains or losses on invested funds for
the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company includes customer cash related to the clearing activity on the
consolidated balance sheets in margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds, with a corresponding liability.
Digital assets - safeguarded assets
The Company holds digital assets on behalf of its customers. In accordance with the SEC issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin 121 (“SAB 121”), the Company includes customer digital assets on the consolidated balance sheets in digital
assets - safeguarded assets, with a corresponding offset in digital assets - safeguarded liabilities.
140
The details of our margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds as of December 31, 2023 and
December 31, 2022, are as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2023
Cboe Clear Europe central bank account . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Clear Europe reverse repurchase and other . . .
Cboe Clear Digital customer bank deposits . . . . . . . . .
Total cash margin deposits, clearing funds, and
Margin Deposits Clearing Funds
140.1
$
4.1
—
361.3
2.7
14.0
$
$
Interoperability Funds
271.0
55.6
$
—
Total
772.4
62.4
14.0
interoperability funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
378.0
$
144.2
$
326.6
$
848.8
December 31, 2023
Cboe Clear Europe non-cash contributions (1) . . . . . .
Cboe Clear Europe central bank account . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Clear Europe reverse repurchase and other
Cboe Clear Digital customer bank deposits . . . . . . . . .
Total cash margin deposits, clearing funds, and
Margin Deposits Clearing Funds
65.6
637.0 $
$
Interoperability Funds
228.0
$
Total
$ 930.6
December 31, 2022
Margin Deposits Clearing Funds
103.4
$
—
—
426.9
—
12.7
Interoperability Funds (2)
376.0
$
—
—
$
$
Total
906.3
—
12.7
interoperability funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
439.6
$
103.4
$
376.0
$
919.0
December 31, 2022
Cboe Clear Europe non-cash contributions (1) . . . . . .
Margin Deposits Clearing Funds
38.6
338.2 $
$
Interoperability Funds (2)
89.3
$
Total
$ 466.1
(1) These amounts are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets, as Cboe Clear Europe does not have the ability
to sell or repledge the amounts absent a clearing participant default.
(2) As of December 31, 2022, the interoperability funds were not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets, as Cboe
Clear Europe did not have the ability to sell or repledge the amounts absent a clearing participant default in respect of
non-cash contributions nor to invest the balances in respect of cash contributions at that point in time. See the
updated rule change in respect of cash contributions discussed above.
The table below presents the Company’s safeguarded digital assets held on behalf of its customers for the purposes
of supporting clearing transactions as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (in millions):
Digital assets - safeguarded assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
51.3
$
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
22.9
141
The following depicts the Company’s valuation of digital assets – safeguarded assets and safeguarded liabilities as of
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Digital Asset
Bitcoin ("BTC") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethereum ("ETH") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Litecoin ("LTC") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bitcoin Cash ("BCH") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
USD Coin ("USDC") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bitcoin ("BTC") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethereum ("ETH") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Litecoin ("LTC") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bitcoin Cash ("BCH") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
USD Coin ("USDC") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of Units
717
6,362
17,873
6,883
1,516,479
15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Number of Units
December 31, 2023
Valuation per Unit
821
6,270
16,329
1,374
506,652
$
$
42,492 $
2,282
74
261
1
$
Fair value (in millions)
34.9
14.3
1.2
0.4
0.5
51.3
December 31, 2022
Valuation per Unit
16,540 $
1,199
70
97
1
$
Fair value (in millions)
11.8
7.6
1.3
0.7
1.5
22.9
Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous
market for that asset or liability. The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would
use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. In addition, the fair value of liabilities should
include consideration of non-performance risk, including the Company’s own credit risk.
The Company applied ASC 820 – Fair Value Measurement, which provides guidance for using fair value to measure
assets and liabilities by defining fair value and establishing the framework for measuring fair value. ASC 820 applies to
financial and nonfinancial instruments that are measured and reported on a fair value basis. The three-level hierarchy of
fair value measurements is based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable.
Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the
Company’s market assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available and consists of the following
levels:
•
•
•
Level 1—Unadjusted inputs based on quoted markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2—Observable inputs, either direct or indirect, not including Level 1 measurements, corroborated
by market data or based upon quoted prices in non-active markets.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best assumptions of what market participants
would use in valuing the asset or liability.
The Company has included a tabular disclosure for financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a
recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
142
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value
on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2023
Assets:
U.S. Treasury securities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketable securities (1):
Mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital restricted common units liability (2) . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital warrant liability (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
20.8
$
20.8
$
— $
17.1
19.6
51.3
108.8
17.1
19.6
—
$
57.5
$
11.8 $
51.3
18.7
5.9
87.7
$
— $
—
—
—
— $
—
—
51.3
51.3 $
— $
51.3
—
—
51.3 $
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
11.8
—
18.7
5.9
36.4
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2022
Assets:
U.S. Treasury securities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marketable securities (1):
Mutual funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Money market funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities:
$
64.2 $
64.2 $
— $
15.3
12.2
22.9
114.6
$
15.3
12.2
22.9
114.6
$
$
—
—
—
— $
Contingent consideration liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital restricted common units liability (2) . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital warrant liability (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
___________________________________
(1) These amounts are reflected within financial investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2) These amounts are reflected within other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
39.1 $
22.9
15.5
5.9
83.4
—
—
— $
22.9
22.9
$
$
$
$
— $
—
—
—
— $
—
—
—
—
—
39.1
—
15.5
5.9
60.5
The following is a description of the Company’s valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value
on a recurring basis:
Financial Investments
Financial investments consist of highly liquid U.S. Treasury securities, and marketable securities held in a trust for the
Company’s non-qualified retirement and benefit plans, also referred to as deferred compensation plan assets. The
deferred compensation plan assets have an equal and offsetting deferred compensation plan liability based on the value
of the deferred compensation plan assets. These securities are valued by obtaining feeds from a number of live data
sources, including active market makers and inter dealer brokers and therefore categorized as Level 1. No material
adjustments were made to the carrying value of financial investments for the period ended December 31, 2023. See Note
17 (“Employee Benefit Plans”) for more information.
Digital Assets – Safeguarded Assets and Liabilities
Digital assets – safeguarded assets and liabilities represents the Company’s holdings of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin,
Bitcoin Cash, and USD Coin on behalf of the Company’s customers. The Company has determined the principal
marketplace for digital assets to be the spot market of Cboe Digital Exchange, LLC (“Cboe Digital Exchange”). The
143
Company valued digital assets – safeguarded assets, and digital assets – safeguarded liabilities by using the closing
prices at 4:00pm Central Time on Cboe Digital Exchange’s spot market (“Cboe Digital spot market”) as of December 31,
2023 for the underlying digital assets held on behalf of the Company’s customers. During the year ended December 31,
2023, these assets and liabilities were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as they are not traded
in active markets and are valued using prices that are quoted from an active exchange that has been identified as the
principal market for the underlying digital assets held on behalf of the Company’s customers. See Note 14 (“Clearing
Operations”) for additional details regarding digital assets held.
Contingent Consideration Liabilities
In connection with the acquisitions of Hanweck Associates, LLC (“Hanweck”), Cboe Asia Pacific, and Cboe Canada,
the Company entered into contingent consideration arrangements with the sellers. The total fair value of the liabilities at
December 31, 2023 was $11.8 million That value is based on the Company’s estimate of the likelihood that certain
performance targets in the respective acquisition agreements are expected to be accomplished. In connection with the
contingent consideration arrangements, the Company paid a total of $13.1 million in contingent consideration to the
sellers of Hanweck, Cboe Asia Pacific and Cboe Canada during the year ended December 31, 2023. Additionally, in
December 2023, as a result of updated projections which exhibited a decrease in the likelihood of Cboe Japan and Cboe
Canada achieving their contingency payment milestones as part of their purchase agreements, unmet milestones were
written off and resulted in a reduction of the contingent consideration liability of $14.4 million for the Company, which is
reflected within other expenses in the consolidated statements of income. In December 2022, MATCHNow contingent
consideration expired and the remaining balance was not achieved, and thus written off and resulted in an operating gain
of $5.2 million for the Company, which is reflected within other expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Because the fair value measurements relating to the contingent consideration liabilities are subject to management
judgment, measurement uncertainty is inherent in the valuation of the contingent consideration liabilities as of the
reporting date. Based on the recorded balance of the liabilities, any measurement uncertainty related to this Level 3
measurement is immaterial as of December 31, 2023.
Cboe Digital Syndication Liabilities
On November 18, 2022, Cboe Digital Holdings Inc. (“Cboe Digital Holdings”) entered into minority interest purchase
agreements with certain digital asset industry participants, pursuant to which Cboe Digital Holdings agreed to issue
Restricted Common Units in Cboe Digital. Cboe Digital Holdings also entered into a Warrant Agreement to issue Common
Units of Cboe Digital in the future. Certain Cboe Digital investor members paid for the Restricted Common Units through
the issuance of promissory notes, which are nonrecourse in nature and are accounted for as in-substance stock options.
The cost associated with the Restricted Common Units is recognized as contra-revenue ratably over a five-year period.
The Company uses a Black Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of the in-substance stock option
created by the Restricted Common Units and promissory notes as well as the fair value of the Warrant Units. Contra-
revenue will be recognized while the performance conditions of the Warrant Units remain probable in conformance with
the requirements in ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Further adjustments will be recognized in each
reporting period until performance is complete relating to changes in the fair value of the option and Warrant liabilities in
accordance with ASC 718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation. Based on the recorded balance of the liabilities, any
measurement uncertainty related to this Level 3 measurement is immaterial as of December 31, 2023. See Note 19
(“Stock-Based Compensation”) for more information.
Certain Cboe Digital investor members can earn additional Restricted Common Units if they meet certain
performance-based metrics outlined in an equity incentive program. The Incentive Program Units are subject to the same
terms and conditions as the other Restricted Common Units and are similarly liability-classified awards. Cboe Digital
authorized a maximum of 20 Common Units to be distributed over the two-year life of the incentive program. The cost
associated with the Incentive Program Units will be recognized as contra-revenue ratably over the remaining service
period associated with the Incentive Program Units. Further adjustments will be recognized in each reporting period until
performance is complete relating to changes in the fair value of the incentive program liabilities in accordance with ASC
718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation. Based on the recorded balance of the liabilities, any measurement
uncertainty related to this Level 3 measurement is immaterial as of December 31, 2023. See Note 19 (“Stock-Based
Compensation”) for more information.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets, such as goodwill and intangible assets, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. For
goodwill, the process involves using a market approach and income approach (using discounted estimated cash flows) to
144
determine the fair value of each reporting unit on a stand-alone basis. That fair value is compared to the carrying value of
the reporting unit, including its recorded goodwill. In connection with the annual impairment evaluation of goodwill and
indefinite lived intangibles, impairment is considered to have occurred if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than
the carrying value of the reporting unit. See “Digital Assets Held” below and Note 2 (“Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies”) for discussion of valuation considerations specific to digital assets held. For the other intangible assets, the
process also involves using a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of each intangible asset.
Impairment is considered to have occurred if the fair value of the intangible asset is lower than its carrying value. These
measurements are considered Level 3 and these assets are recognized at fair value if they are deemed to be impaired. In
addition, property held for sale as of December 31, 2023 was also measured at fair value at September 30, 2023. See
Note 7 (“Property and Equipment, Net”) for more information on property held for sale.
The Company performed impairment testing during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, as there were market events
that indicated it was more likely than not that Cboe Digital’s assets were impaired, resulting in the recognition of an
impairment charge to goodwill related to Cboe Digital. Subsequently, the Company concluded that the indicators of
impairment observed during the quarter ended June 30, 2022, continued to be relevant and recorded additional goodwill
impairment in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The Company
determined there were no further impairment indicators for the period ended December 31, 2022. See Note 10 (“Goodwill,
Intangible Assets, Net, and Digital Assets Held”) for more information on the impairment.
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values that are valued using the measurement alternative are
measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. No observable transactions or impairments impacted the measurements
of the investments accounted for as other equity investments. See Note 6 (“Investments”) for more information.
145
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
The following tables present the Company’s fair value hierarchy for certain assets and liabilities held by the Company
as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2023
Assets:
U.S. Treasury securities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation plan assets (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets held (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (3) . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital restricted common units liability (3) . . . . .
Cboe Digital warrant liability (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets:
U.S. Treasury securities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation plan assets (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets held (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities:
$
$
$
$
$
$
20.8
36.7
51.3
0.1
108.9
11.8
36.7
51.3
18.7
5.9
1,305.7
1,430.1
Total
64.2
27.5
22.9
0.9
115.5
$
$
$
$
$
$
20.8
36.7
—
0.1
57.6
$
$
—
—
51.3
—
51.3
— $
36.7
—
—
—
—
36.7
—
—
51.3
—
—
1,305.7
$ 1,357.0
December 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
64.2
27.5
22.9
0.9
115.5
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
$
$
Contingent consideration liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (3) . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital assets - safeguarded liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cboe Digital restricted common units liability (3) . . . . .
Cboe Digital warrant liability (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
________________________________________
(1) These amounts are reflected within financial investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2) These amounts are reflected within intangible assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3) These amounts are reflected within other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
39.1
27.5
22.9
15.5
5.9
1,573.9
1,684.8
—
—
—
—
—
1,573.9
$ 1,573.9
27.5
22.9
—
—
—
— $
50.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
11.8
—
—
18.7
5.9
—
36.4
Level 3
—
—
—
—
—
39.1
—
—
15.5
5.9
—
60.5
Certain financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income tax
receivable, accounts payable and Section 31 fees payable, and notes receivable are not measured at fair value on a
recurring basis, but the carrying values approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature.
Debt
The debt balance consists of fixed rate Senior Notes and a floating rate Term Loan Agreement. The fair values of the
Senior Notes are classified as Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy and are estimated using prevailing market quotes.
The fair value of the Term Loan Agreement was determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis and is considered
a Level 2 measurement.
146
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair values of the Company’s debt obligations were as follows (in millions):
Term Loan Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.650% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.625% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.000% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
— $
628.5
412.7
264.5
306.3
623.6
390.7
253.3
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Fair Value
Digital Assets Held
Digital assets held, which are included within intangible assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets, are valued
following a review of exchange prices for each specific digital asset throughout the holding period ended December 31,
2023. The Company will impair to the lowest observable value during the period for each digital asset type in accordance
with Cboe Digital’s policy, which states that the Company values digital assets held by using the closing prices at 4:00pm
Central Time on Cboe Digital Exchange’s spot market, which the Company determined is the principal market for digital
assets. As part of Cboe Digital’s pricing policy, the closing price on Cboe Digital’s spot market is compared to three other
exchanges (Coinbase, Bitstamp, and Kraken) and the CoinDesk Price Index to assess for reasonableness. These inputs
are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as Level 1 as the marketplace is considered active.
Information on Level 3 Financial Liabilities
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial liabilities
during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
Beginning of
Balance at Realized (Gains)
Losses during
Period
Period
Level 3 Financial Liabilities for the Year Ended December 31, 2023
Foreign
Currency
Balance at
Adjustments Additions
Settlements Translation End of Period
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration
liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
39.1 $
(14.4) $
— $
— $ (13.1) $
0.2 $
11.8
Cboe Digital restricted
common units liability . . .
15.5
0.1
3.1
Cboe Digital warrant
liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
5.9
60.5 $
—
(14.4) $
—
0.1 $
—
—
—
18.7
—
0.2 $
5.9
36.4
—
3.1 $ (13.1) $
Beginning of
Balance at Realized (Gains)
Losses during
Period
Period
Level 3 Financial Liabilities for the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Foreign
Currency
Adjustments Additions
Balances at
Settlements Translation End of Period
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration
liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
70.5 $
(5.2) $ (44.3) $ 57.7 $ (38.7) $
(0.9) $
39.1
Cboe Digital restricted
common units liability . . .
—
—
—
15.5
—
—
15.5
Cboe Digital warrant
liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
70.5 $
—
(5.2) $
—
(44.3) $
5.9
79.1
$
—
(38.7) $
—
(0.9) $
5.9
60.5
16. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company operates six reportable business segments: Options, North American Equities, Europe and Asia
Pacific, Futures, Global FX, and Digital which is reflective of how the Company's chief operating decision-maker reviews
and operates the business, as discussed in Note 1 (“Nature of Operations”). Segment performance is primarily evaluated
based on operating income (loss). The Company’s chief operating decision-maker does not use segment-level assets or
income and expenses below operating income (loss) as key performance metrics; therefore, such information is not
presented below. The Company has aggregated all of its corporate costs, as well as other business ventures, within the
Corporate Items and Eliminations totals based on the decision that those activities should not be used to evaluate the
147
operating performance of the segments; however, operating expenses that relate to activities of a specific segment have
been allocated to that segment.
Options. The Options segment includes options on market indices (“index options”), as well as on the stocks of
individual corporations (“equity options”) and on ETPs such as exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and exchange-traded
notes (“ETNs”), which are “multi-listed” options and listed on a non-exclusive basis. These options are eligible to trade, as
applicable, on Cboe Options, C2, BZX, EDGX, and/or other U.S. national security exchanges. Cboe Options is the
Company’s primary options market and offers trading in listed options through a single system that integrates electronic
trading and traditional open outcry trading on the Cboe Options trading floor in Chicago. C2 Options, BZX Options, and
EDGX Options are all-electronic options exchanges, and typically operate with different market models and fee structures
than Cboe Options. The Options segment also includes applicable market data fees revenues generated from the
consolidated tape plans, the licensing of proprietary options market data, index licensing, routing services, and access
and capacity services.
North American Equities. The North American Equities segment includes U.S. equities and ETP transaction
services that occur on fully electronic exchanges owned and operated by BZX, BYX, EDGX, and EDGA, equities
transactions that occur on the BIDS Trading platform in the U.S. and Canada, and Canadian equities and other
transaction services that occur on or through Cboe Canada Inc.’s order books. The North American Equities segment also
includes listing services on Cboe Canada Inc., corporate and ETP listings on BZX, applicable market data fees revenues
generated from the consolidated tape plans, the licensing of proprietary equities market data, routing services, and
access and capacity services.
Europe and Asia Pacific. The Europe and Asia Pacific segment includes the pan-European listed equities and
derivatives transaction services, ETPs, exchange-traded commodities, and international depository receipts that are
hosted on MTFs operated by Cboe Europe Equities (Cboe Europe and Cboe NL equities exchanges) and Cboe Europe
Derivatives (“CEDX”). It also includes the ETP listings business on RMs and clearing activities of Cboe Clear Europe, as
well as the equities transaction services of Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan, operators of trading venues in Australia and
Japan, respectively, along with equities transactions that occur on the BIDS Trading platform in Australia and Japan.
Cboe Europe operates lit and dark books, a periodic auctions book, and Cboe BIDS Europe, a Large-in-Scale (“LIS”)
trading negotiation facility for UK symbols. Cboe NL, launched in October 2019 and based in Amsterdam, operates similar
business functionality to that offered by Cboe Europe, and provides for trading only in European Economic Area (“EEA”)
symbols. Cboe Europe Derivatives, a pan-European derivatives platform launched in September 2021, offers futures and
options based on Cboe Europe equity indices, and single stock options. This segment also includes Cboe Europe, Cboe
NL, CEDX, Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from
access and capacity services.
Futures. The Futures segment includes transaction services provided by CFE, a fully electronic futures exchange,
which includes offerings for trading of VIX futures and other futures products, the licensing of proprietary market data, as
well as access and capacity services.
Global FX. The Global FX segment includes institutional FX trading services that occur on the Cboe FX fully
electronic trading platform, non-deliverable forward FX transactions (“NDFs”) offered for execution on Cboe SEF, as well
as revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from access and capacity services. The segment
includes transaction services for U.S. government securities executed on the Cboe Fixed Income fully electronic trading
platform.
Digital. The Digital segment includes a U.S. based digital asset spot market, a regulated futures exchange, and a
regulated clearinghouse, as well as revenue generated from the licensing of proprietary market data and from access and
capacity services.
148
Summarized financial data of reportable segments was as follows (in millions):
North
American
Equities
Europe and
Asia Pacific
Options
Futures
Global FX
Digital
Eliminations
Total
Corporate
Items and
Year ended December 31, 2023
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,939.5 $ 1,353.0
118.0
Operating income (loss) . . .
851.3
$ 281.2
32.7
$ 129.0
86.1
$ 74.9
24.7
Year ended December 31, 2022
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,823.2 $ 1,681.7
146.6
Operating income (loss) . . .
740.5
$ 264.6
38.1
$ 119.8
55.2
$ 68.9
8.8
$
$
(4.1) $
(46.7)
— $ 3,773.5
1,057.9
(8.2)
0.3 $
(491.4)
— $ 3,958.5
489.6
(8.2)
Year ended December 31, 2021
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,505.0 $ 1,570.5 $ 240.3 $ 120.6 $ 58.1 $
Operating income (loss) . . .
538.0
156.1
66.0
56.0
2.7
— $
—
0.3 $ 3,494.8
805.9
(12.9)
Geographical Information
The following summarizes revenues less cost of revenues based on primary jurisdiction (in millions):
Revenues less cost of revenues:
Year ended December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year ended December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year ended December 31, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,681.8
$
1,531.3 $
1,286.9 $
236.2 $
210.4 $
189.2 $
1,918.0
1,741.7
1,476.1
United States
Non-U.S.
Total
17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Eligible U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the Cboe Options SMART Plan (“SMART Plan”). The SMART
Plan is a defined contribution plan, which is qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k). In addition, eligible
employees may participate in the Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan. Each
plan is a defined contribution plan that is non-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code. The Deferred Compensation
Plan assets, held in a trust, are subject to the claims of general creditors of the Company and totaled $36.7 million at
December 31, 2023. Although the value of the plan is recorded in financial investments on the consolidated balance
sheets, there is an equal and offsetting liability in other non-current liabilities. The investment results of the Deferred
Compensation Plan has no impact on net income as the investment results are recorded in equal amounts to both other
income (expense), net and compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company
contributed $15.0 million, $14.4 million, and $11.8 million to the defined contribution plans for the years ended
December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Eligible employees outside of the U.S., which includes employees of Cboe Europe, Cboe NL, Cboe Clear Europe,
BIDS, Cboe Asia Pacific, and Cboe Canada Inc. are eligible to participate in various employee-selected stakeholder
contribution plans or plans covered by local jurisdictions or by applicable laws. The Company’s contribution amounted to
$4.3 million, $3.0 million, and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. This
expense is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of income.
Effective January 1, 2023, Directors may contribute a percentage of their cash and equity compensation to cash and
equity deferred compensation plans that are maintained by the Company and defer income taxes thereon.
18. REGULATORY CAPITAL
As broker-dealers registered with the SEC, Cboe Trading, BIDS Trading, and Cboe Fixed Income are subject to the
SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (“Rule 15c3-1”), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined
therein. The SEC’s requirement also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or a cash dividend paid if certain
minimum net capital requirements are not met. Cboe Trading, BIDS Trading, and Cboe Fixed Income compute the net
capital requirements under the basic method provided for in Rule 15c3-1. As of December 31, 2023, Cboe Trading and
BIDS Trading were required to maintain net capital equal to the greater of 6.67% of aggregate indebtedness items, as
defined, or $0.1 million. Cboe Fixed Income was required to maintain net capital equal to the greater of 6.67% of
aggregate indebtedness items, as defined, or $5.0 thousand.
149
As entities regulated by the FCA, Cboe Europe is subject to the Financial Resource Requirement (“FRR”) and Cboe
Chi-X Europe is subject to the Capital Resources Requirement (“CRR”). As a RIE, Cboe Europe computes its FRR in
accordance with its Financial Risk Assessment, as agreed by the FCA. In accordance with the Markets in Financial
Instruments Directive of the FCA requirements, Cboe Chi-X Europe computes its CRR as the greater of the base
requirement of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2023, or the summation of the credit risk, market risk and fixed overheads
requirements, as defined.
On March 8, 2019, Cboe NL received approval from the Dutch Ministry of Finance to operate a RM, a MTF, and an
approved publication arrangement in the Netherlands. As a RM, Cboe NL is subject to minimum capital requirements, as
established by the Dutch Ministry of Finance in the license dated March 8, 2019.
Cboe Clear Europe was granted authorization under European Market Infrastructure Regulation (“EMIR”) by the
National Competent Authority, DNB. Cboe Clear Europe is required by the EMIR, to maintain a minimum amount of
capital to reflect an estimate of the capital required to wind down or restructure the activities of the clearinghouse, cover
operational, legal and business risks and to reserve capital to meet credit, counterparty and market risks not covered by
the clearing participants’ collateral and clearing funds.
Prior to the amalgamation of Cboe Canada and MATCHNow into Cboe Canada Inc., effective January 1, 2024,
MATCHNow was regulated by CIRO. As of December 31, 2023, CIRO set and monitored regulatory capital requirements
for MATCHNow to protect its clients and counterparties. MATCHNow was required to maintain a prescribed minimum
level of risk adjusted capital in accordance with such requirements as CIRO may have from time to time prescribed.
Effective January 1, 2024 the amalgamated Cboe Canada Inc. is regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”)
in the same manner with which Cboe Canada is regulated by the OSC as described below.
As a designated contract market regulated by the CFTC, CFE is required to meet two capital adequacy tests: (i) its
financial resources must be equal to at least twelve months of its projected operating costs and (ii) its unencumbered,
liquid financial assets, which may include a line of credit, must be equal to at least six months of its projected operating
costs. The amounts presented below represent the greater of the two capital adequacy requirements.
As a swap execution facility regulated by the CFTC, Cboe SEF is required to meet two capital adequacy tests: (i) its
financial resources must exceed at least twelve months of its projected operating costs and (ii) its unencumbered, liquid
financial assets must be equal to the greater of: (a) three months of projected operating costs or (b) its projected wind-
down costs. The amounts presented below represent the greater of the two capital adequacy requirements.
As a designated contract organization regulated by the CFTC, Cboe Digital Exchange is required to meet two capital
adequacy tests: (i) its financial resources must be equal to at least twelve months of its projected operating costs and
(ii) its unencumbered, liquid financial assets, which may include a line of credit, must be equal to at least six months of its
projected operating costs. The amounts presented below represent the greater of the two capital adequacy requirements.
As a derivatives clearing organization regulated by the CFTC, Cboe Clear Digital is required to meet two capital
adequacy tests: (i) its financial resources must be equal to at least twelve months of its projected operating costs and
(ii) its unencumbered, liquid financial assets, which may include a line of credit, must be equal to at least six months of its
projected operating costs. The amounts presented below represent the greater of the two capital adequacy requirements.
Cboe Canada is regulated by the OSC. Cboe Canada is required to maintain sufficient financial resources for the
proper performance of its functions and to meet its responsibilities. Cboe Canada must calculate the following financial
ratios monthly: (i) current ratio, (ii) a debt to cash flow ratio, and (iii) a financial leverage ratio. Cboe Canada must report
the monthly calculations to the OSC on a quarterly basis. Effective January 1, 2024 the amalgamated Cboe Canada Inc.
is regulated by the OSC in the same manner.
Cboe Australia is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”). Cboe Australia is
required to maintain sufficient financial resources to operate the market properly in accordance with Section 794A(d) of
the Corporations Act, which Cboe Australia satisfies by maintaining a prudent cash reserve, which must be equal to at
least six months of its projected operating expenses.
Cboe Japan is regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (“JFSA”) and the Japan Securities Dealers
Association (“JSDA”). Cboe Japan is required to maintain a minimum level of regulatory capital ratio of 120% in
accordance with such requirements prescribed by the JFSA and JSDA.
150
The following table presents the Company’s subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements discussed above, as
well as the actual and minimum regulatory capital requirements of the subsidiary as of December 31, 2023 (in millions):
Actual
$
Regulatory Authority
Subsidiary
Cboe Trading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FINRA/SEC
BIDS Trading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FINRA/SEC
Cboe Fixed Income . . . . . . . . . FINRA/SEC
Cboe Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FCA
Cboe Chi-X Europe . . . . . . . . . FCA
Cboe NL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dutch Authority for Financial Markets
Cboe Clear Europe . . . . . . . . . DNB
MATCHNow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CIRO
CFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CFTC
Cboe SEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CFTC
Cboe Digital Exchange . . . . . . CFTC
Cboe Clear Digital . . . . . . . . . . CFTC
Cboe Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASIC
Cboe Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JFSA
19. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
15.6 $
3.4
6.4
71.4
0.1
17.2
80.9
6.3
59.2
2.4
49.6
32.0
12.0
8.7
Minimum
Requirement
0.9
0.4
0.1
29.5
0.1
5.9
49.1
0.2
37.5
2.1
5.2
5.6
5.1
4.0
Stock-based compensation is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is recognized over the
related service period, net of actual forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the related service is
performed, which is generally the same as the vesting period. Vesting may be accelerated for certain officers and
employees as a result of attaining certain age and service based requirements in the Company’s long-term incentive plan
and award agreements.
Stock-based compensation expense relating to employee awards is included in compensation and benefits and
acquisition-related costs in the consolidated statements of income. The Company recognized stock-based compensation
expense related to employee awards of $33.9 million, $30.7 million, and $26.6 million for the years ended December 31,
2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense relating to non-employee director awards is
included in professional fees and outside services in the consolidated statements of income. The Company recognized
stock-based compensation expense related to non-employee director awards of $1.9 million, $1.9 million, and $2.0 million
for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense relating to
Restricted Common Units and Warrant Units granted to investor members of Cboe Digital are recorded as contra-revenue
in the consolidated statements of income and is outlined further below.
151
The activity in the Company's restricted stock, consisting of restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units
(“RSUs”), and performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), was as follows:
RSAs and RSUs
The following table summarizes RSA and RSU activity during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Nonvested stock at January 1, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonvested stock at December 31, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonvested stock at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonvested stock at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of
shares
342,082 $
298,084
(166,598)
(30,249)
443,319 $
369,037
(201,457)
(54,837)
556,062 $
401,685
(237,315)
(82,251)
638,181 $
Weighted
average grant
date fair value
108.40
92.32
106.13
97.01
99.22
119.97
99.87
106.07
112.07
132.58
108.25
121.02
125.25
RSUs entitle the holder to one share of common stock upon vesting with the exception of certain jurisdictions where
the RSUs are settled in cash, typically vest over a three-year period, and vesting accelerates upon death, disability, or the
occurrence of a qualified termination following a change in control. Vesting will also accelerate upon a qualified retirement
where applicable and permitted. Where applicable and permitted, qualified retirement eligibility occurs once achieving 55
years of age and 10 years of service. Further, in connection with the grants of new equity awards starting in 2024, the
Board and Compensation Committee revised the award agreements to provide that in the event of a participant’s
retirement, all unvested outstanding RSUs and a pro-rata portion of unvested outstanding PSUs will continue to vest and
be distributed in accordance with the award’s original vesting and settlement schedule, even after the applicable
retirement date. Retirement eligibility will require, in addition to attaining 55 years of age and 10 years of aggregate
service, submission of 6 months of advanced written notice of a retirement and submission, approval, and satisfactory
completion of a transition plan. Unvested RSUs will be forfeited if the officer, or employee leaves the Company prior to the
applicable vesting date, except in limited circumstances.
RSUs granted to non-employee members of the Board of Directors have a one-year vesting period and vesting
accelerates upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. Unvested portions of the RSUs will be forfeited if
the director leaves the Board of Directors prior to the applicable vesting date.
The RSUs have no voting rights but entitle the holder to receive dividend equivalents.
There were no remaining nonvested RSAs as of December 31, 2023.
In the year ended December 31, 2023, to satisfy employees’ tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock, the
Company purchased 85,001 shares of common stock totaling $11.2 million as the result of the vesting of 219,527 shares
of restricted stock.
152
PSUs
The following table summarizes restricted stock units contingent upon achievement of performance conditions, also
known as PSUs, activity during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Nonvested stock at January 1, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonvested stock at December 31, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonvested stock at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nonvested stock at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of
Shares
122,666 $
71,302
(29,468)
(12,090)
152,410 $
64,668
(16,834)
(33,542)
166,702 $
87,146
(55,399)
(63,965)
134,484 $
Weighted
average grant
date fair value
115.18
98.32
111.45
110.20
108.41
141.41
96.00
95.40
125.08
144.35
130.05
141.49
127.72
PSUs include awards related to earnings per share during the performance period as well as awards related to total
shareholder return during the performance period. The Company used the Monte Carlo valuation model method to
estimate the fair value of the total shareholder return PSUs which incorporated the following assumptions for awards
granted in February 2023: risk-free interest rate (4.10)%, three-year volatility (33.5)% and three-year correlation with S&P
500 Index (0.53). Each of these performance shares has a performance condition under which the number of units
ultimately awarded will vary from 0% to 200% of the original grant, with each unit representing the contingent right to
receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The vesting period for the PSUs contingent on the achievement of
performance conditions is three years. For each of the performance awards, the PSUs will be settled in shares of the
Company’s common stock following vesting of the PSU assuming that the participant has been continuously employed
during the vesting period, subject to acceleration upon death, disability, or the occurrence of a qualified termination
following a change in control. Participants have no voting rights with respect to the PSUs until the issuance of the shares
of common stock. Dividends are accrued by the Company and will be paid once the PSUs, contingent on the achievement
of performance conditions, vest.
In the year ended December 31, 2023, to satisfy employees’ tax obligations upon the vesting of performance stock,
the Company purchased 21,459 shares of common stock totaling $2.7 million as the result of the vesting of 55,399 shares
of performance stock.
As of December 31, 2023, there were $49.0 million in total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted
stock, restricted stock units, and performance stock units. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 2.0 years. Forfeited PSUs include certain awards forfeited by Edward T. Tilly, former Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, who resigned and voluntarily terminated his employment with the Company on September 18,
2023.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In May 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (“ESPP”), under which a
total of 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock will be made available for purchase to employees. The ESPP is
a broad-based plan that permits employees to contribute up to 10% of wages and base salary to purchase shares of the
Company’s common stock at a discount, subject to applicable annual Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) limitations. Under
the ESPP, a participant may not purchase more than a maximum of 312 shares of the Company’s common stock during
any single offering period. No participant may accrue options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a
rate that exceeds $25,000 in fair market value of the Company’s common stock (determined at the time such options are
granted) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time. The exercise price per share of common
stock shall be 85% (for eligible U.S. and international employees) of the lesser of the fair value of the stock on the first day
of the applicable offering period or the applicable exercise date.
153
The Company records compensation expense over the offering period related to the discount that is given to
employees, which totaled $2.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and
2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, 552,734 shares were reserved for future issuance under the ESPP.
Cboe Digital Restricted Common Units
On November 18, 2022, Cboe Digital Holdings entered into minority interest purchase agreements with certain digital
asset industry participants, pursuant to which Cboe Digital Holdings agreed to issue 185 Restricted Common Units in
Cboe Digital. In addition, certain investor members and their affiliates are our customers, including trading permit holders,
trading privilege holders, participants, and members. Certain Cboe Digital investor members paid for the Restricted
Common Units through the issuance of promissory notes, which are nonrecourse in nature. The issuances of Restricted
Common Units for nonrecourse promissory notes are accounted for as in-substance stock options. The promissory notes
generally bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum and mature upon the earlier of the sale of vested Restricted Common
Units, or either November 18, 2032 or November 18, 2037. One Cboe Digital investor member paid for the Restricted
Common Units in exchange for cash.
The following table summarizes the option activity during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions,
except number of shares and contractual term):
Number of
shares
Weighted
average
exercise price
Outstanding at January 1, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $
185
—
185 $
—
—
185
$
— $
0.3
—
0.3 $
—
—
0.3
$
Aggregate
Weighted
average
remaining
intrinsic value contractual term
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6 years
—
6 years
—
—
5 years
Vesting of Restricted Common Units is based on certain conditions relating to the participation and performance of
the Cboe Digital investor members on the Cboe Digital platforms, generally over a five-year period. Performance is
generally measured based on participation on the Cboe Digital platforms and the investor members maintaining certain
average daily volumes on the platforms. Due to the existence of an option for investor members to sell their shares
immediately after vesting, the options are liability classified. The options expire upon the maturity of the promissory notes,
which is either November 18, 2032 or November 18, 2037, unless the options are exercised.
The cost associated with the options will be recognized as contra-revenue, net of actual forfeitures and based on the
continued probability of the satisfaction of performance conditions ratably over the vesting period. At December 31, 2022,
$14.0 million of contra-revenue related to the options grants was included in other assets, net within the consolidated
balance sheet. At March 31, 2023 the contra-revenue balance included in other assets, net within the consolidated
balance sheet included a $0.1 million adjustment to the Restricted Common Units contra-revenue asset as a result of the
finalization of the initial grant date fair value calculation. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $3.1 million
and zero contra-revenue related to the options grants was recognized, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
$11.0 million and $14.0 million of contra-revenue related to the options grants was included in other assets, net on the
consolidated balance sheets, respectively, and is expected to be recognized as contra-revenue in the consolidated
statements of income over the remaining contractual term.
Changes in the fair value of the options, subsequent to the grant date, is recognized in other income (expense), net in
the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the fair value of the options changes. The Company uses a
Black Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of the in-substance stock options which incorporated the following
assumptions as of December 31, 2023: risk-free interest rate range (3.81 to 3.90)%, expected dividend rate (0)%,
expected volatility (60 to 65)%, and expected term of 3.9 to 5.9 years. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there was
no change in the fair value of the options grants since the grant date.
Certain Cboe Digital investor members can earn additional Incentive Program Units. The Incentive Program Units are
subject to the same terms and conditions as the other Restricted Common Units and are similarly liability-classified
awards. Cboe Digital authorized a maximum of 20 Common Units to be distributed over the two-year life of the incentive
program. For the year ended December 31, 2023, $0.6 million of contra-revenue related to the Incentive Program Units
was recognized. As of December 31, 2023, $2.5 million of contra-revenue related to the Incentive Program Units is
154
included in other assets, net within the consolidated balance sheet and is expected to be recognized as contra-revenue in
the consolidated statements of income over the remaining service period associated with the Incentive Program Units.
Cboe Digital Warrant Units
On November 18, 2022, Cboe Digital Holdings entered into a Warrant Agreement with an investor member to acquire
up to 80 Common Units of Cboe Digital, subject to certain vesting events. The investor member is a customer of Cboe
Digital. The vesting of the Warrant Units is based upon the achievement of certain conditions relating to the service
provided by the investor member over a two-year period, of which some conditions represent conditions that are not
service, performance, or market conditions and, therefore, the Warrant Units are liability classified. As of December 31,
2023, 40 Warrant Units have vested, but no Warrant Units have been exercised.
The cost associated with the Warrant Units will be recognized as contra-revenue ratably throughout the expected life
of the Warrant Units before exercise. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $1.3 million and zero contra-
revenue related to the Warrant Units was recognized, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $4.6 million and
$5.9 million of contra-revenue related to the Warrant Units is included in other assets, net within the consolidated balance
sheets, respectively, and is expected to be recognized as contra-revenue in the consolidated statements of income over
the remaining life of the Warrant Units.
The following table summarizes the Warrant Unit activity during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in
millions, except number of shares):
Outstanding at January 1, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested, but not exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of
shares
Weighted
average
exercise price
— $
80
—
80 $
—
40
40
80 $
—
0.2
—
0.2
—
0.2
0.2
0.2
Changes in the fair value of the Warrant Units, subsequent to the grant date, is recognized in other income
(expense), net in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the fair value of the Warrant Units change.
The Company uses a Black Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of the Warrant Units which incorporated the
following assumptions as of December 31, 2023: risk-free interest rate (3.89)%, expected dividend rate (0)%, expected
volatility (65)%, and expected term of 4.0 years. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there was no change in the fair
value of the Warrant Units since the grant date.
20. EQUITY
Common Stock
The Company’s common stock is listed on Cboe BZX under the trading symbol CBOE. As of December 31, 2023,
325,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized, $0.01 par value, and 105,556,817 and
105,527,815 shares were issued and outstanding, respectively. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per
share.
155
Common Stock in Treasury, at Cost
The Company accounts for the purchase of treasury stock under the cost method with the shares of stock
repurchased reflected as a reduction to Cboe stockholders’ equity and included in common stock in treasury, at cost in
the consolidated balance sheets. Shares repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase program are retired or they
are available to be redistributed. When treasury shares are redistributed, they are recorded at the average cost of the
treasury shares acquired. When treasury shares are retired, they are removed from the common stock in treasury
balance. The Company held 29,002 and 1,719,049 shares of common stock in treasury as of December 31, 2023 and
December 31, 2022, respectively.
On December 14, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the retirement of 2,453,428 shares of treasury stock. These
shares represent shares that were repurchased as part of the Company's share repurchase program since October,
2022, and shares purchased from employees to cover payroll withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted
stock. The retirement was recorded as a decrease to treasury stock, common stock, retained earnings, and additional
paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets.
Share Repurchase Program
In 2011, the Board of Directors approved an initial authorization for the Company to repurchase shares of its
outstanding common stock of $100 million and subsequently approved additional authorizations, for a total authorization
of $1.8 billion. The Company expects to fund repurchases primarily through the use of existing cash balances. The
program permits the Company to purchase shares, through a variety of methods, including in the open market or through
privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws. It does not obligate the Company to make
any repurchases at any specific time or situation.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R. 5376 (commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act of
2022 or simply the “IRA”). Tax measures contained in the IRA include, among other items, a new excise tax of 1% on
repurchases of stock by domestic corporations with stock traded on established securities markets. The amount on which
the tax is imposed is reduced by the value of any stock issued by such corporation during the tax year and the tax
generally applies to stock buy-back transactions occurring after December 31, 2022. This new tax has not had a material
impact to the Company as of December 31, 2023.
Under the program, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company has repurchased 661,721 shares of
common stock at an average cost per share of $126.80, totaling $83.9 million. Since inception of the program through
December 31, 2023, the Company has repurchased 19,610,088 shares of common stock at an average cost per share of
$72.21, totaling $1.4 billion.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $384.0 million of availability remaining under its existing share
repurchase authorizations.
156
The table below shows the repurchased shares of common stock under the Company’s share repurchase program
during the periods presented as follows:
Shares Repurchased
Average Repurchase
Price Per Share
Amount of Repurchases
(in millions)
2023
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total open market common stock repurchases . . .
2022
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third quarter
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total open market common stock repurchases . . .
2021
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third quarter
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total open market common stock repurchases . . .
Purchase of Common Stock from Employees
33,507 $
—
61,141
567,073
661,721
132,111 $
—
147,139
596,988
876,238
— $
—
331,373
490,632
822,005
173.59 $
—
132.45
123.42
116.07 $
—
106.12
117.25
— $
—
101.57
96.97
5.8
—
8.1
70.0
83.9
15.3
—
15.6
70.0
100.9
—
—
33.7
47.6
81.3
The Company purchased 106,460 and 74,117 shares that were not part of the publicly announced share repurchase
authorization from employees for an average price paid per share of $130.35 and $119.45 during the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These shares consisted of shares retained to cover payroll withholding taxes
in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and performance share awards.
Preferred Stock
The Company has authorized the issuance of 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share,
issuable from time to time in one or more series. For the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company had
no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.
Dividends
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company declared and paid cash dividends per share of $2.10, for
an aggregate payout of $223.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company declared and paid cash
dividends per share of $1.96, for an aggregate payout of $209.4 million.
Each share of common stock, including RSUs and PSUs, is entitled to receive dividend and dividend equivalents,
respectively, if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company’s expectation is to
continue to pay dividends. The decision to pay a dividend, however, remains within the discretion of the Company’s Board
of Directors and may be affected by various factors, including earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of
indebtedness and other considerations the Board of Directors deems relevant. Future debt obligations and statutory
provisions, among other things, may limit, or in some cases prohibit, the Company’s ability to pay dividends.
As a holding company, the Company’s ability to declare and continue to pay dividends in the future with respect to its
common stock will also be dependent upon the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends to it under applicable corporate
law.
157
21. INCOME TAXES
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
As of December 31,
2023
2022
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued compensation and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Property, equipment and technology, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities:
19.3 $
12.7
83.7
42.6
84.2
242.5
(11.8)
230.7
Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, equipment and technology, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses or assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(384.7)
(17.4)
(4.4)
(33.9)
(440.4)
Net deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (209.7) $
16.1
16.0
95.1
37.1
75.7
240.0
(17.5)
222.5
(390.1)
(20.4)
(4.4)
(28.2)
(443.1)
(220.6)
The Company provides valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if, based on management’s assessment of
historical and projected future operating results and other available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of
the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances of $11.8 million and $17.5 million were recorded against
gross deferred tax assets for certain investments, net operating and capital losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022,
respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has capital loss carryforwards of $5.0 million, which, if unused, will expire in
2024 and 2025. The Company also has net operating loss carryforwards of $16.7 million, most of which have a 20 year
carryforward period.
The Company considers its non-U.S. earnings to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. to the extent these
earnings are not subject to U.S. income tax under an anti-deferral tax regime. As of December 31, 2023, the cumulative
amount of undistributed earnings in these subsidiaries is $116.6 million. Given our intent to reinvest these earnings for an
indefinite period of time, the Company has not accrued a deferred tax liability on these earnings. A determination of an
unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 consists of the following (in
millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
Current tax expense:
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 188.1 $ 210.4 $ 148.4
83.4
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.2
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
246.0
Total current tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
130.2
13.0
353.6
97.8
15.5
301.4
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(24.3)
(7.3)
12.7
(18.9)
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 286.2 $ 197.9 $ 227.1
(126.2)
(22.7)
(6.8)
(155.7)
(3.4)
1.5
(13.3)
(15.2)
158
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, income before taxes consists of the following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
$ 401.3 $ 714.0
U.S. operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42.1
Foreign operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,047.6 $ 432.9 $ 756.1
31.6
37.1
2023
$ 1,010.5
2022
2021
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for the years
ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is as follows:
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impact of federal, state and local tax law & rate changes, net . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uncertain tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deduction for foreign-derived intangible income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21.0 %
— %
4.3 %
2.9 %
(0.4)%
(0.5)%
— %
27.3 %
21.0 %
(0.5)%
4.5 %
20.6 %
(1.0)%
0.6 %
0.5 %
45.7 %
21.0 %
1.9 %
4.3 %
3.2 %
(0.6)%
— %
0.2 %
30.0 %
2023
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows
(in millions):
Balance as of January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross increases related to prior year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross decreases related to prior year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross increases related to current year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lapse of statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2023
212.1 $
—
(1.5)
31.1
(2.5)
(1.7)
237.5 $
2022
162.1 $
21.8
—
32.9
(3.7)
(1.0)
212.1 $
2021
138.6
3.4
(0.2)
26.5
—
(6.2)
162.1
As of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company had $196.6 million, $177.1 million, and $162.1
million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, net of federal benefit, which, if recognized in the future, would affect the
effective income tax rate. Reductions to unrecognized tax benefits from the lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations
and potential audit settlements during the next twelve months are estimated to be approximately $49.9 million.
Estimated interest costs and penalties are classified as part of the provision for income taxes in the Company's
consolidated statements of income and were $14.3 million, $39.1 million, and $9.7 million, for the periods
ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties were $88.5 million, $74.4 million
and $35.8 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The following table summarizes the tax years that are either currently under audit or remain open and subject to
examination by the tax authorities in the most significant jurisdictions in which Cboe operates:
U.S. Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New York City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020-2023
2015-2023
2020-2023
2015-2023
2015-2023
2020-2023
2017-2023
During 2023 the Company reached a settlement with the IRS under which the Company agreed to concede all
claimed Section 199 deductions in exchange for concession of the IRS asserted penalties. The Company accordingly
remeasured its Section 199 tax reserves and released its reserves associated with penalties and interest thereon during
the year.
159
22. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of basic net income per common share is calculated by reducing net income for the period by
dividends paid or declared and undistributed net income for the period that are allocated to participating securities to
arrive at net income allocated to common stockholders. Net income allocated to common stockholders is divided by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period to determine net income per share allocated
to common stockholders.
The computation of diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income allocated to common
stockholders by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common
shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued. The dilutive effect is
calculated using the more dilutive of the two-class or treasury stock method.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended
December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions, except per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2023
Basic earnings per share numerator:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 761.4 $ 235.0 $ 529.0
(1.7)
Net income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income allocated to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 757.5 $ 234.1 $ 527.3
(0.9)
(3.9)
Basic earnings per share denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
105.8
Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
7.16 $
106.3
2.20
107.0
4.93
$
Diluted earnings per share numerator:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 761.4 $ 235.0 $ 529.0
Net income allocated to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1.7)
$ 527.3
Net income allocated to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(0.9)
757.5 $ 234.1
(3.9)
$
Diluted earnings per share denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dilutive common shares issued under stock program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total dilutive weighted average shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
105.8
0.4
106.2
7.13 $
106.3
0.4
106.7
2.19 $
107.0
0.2
107.2
4.92
For the periods presented, the Company did not have shares of stock-based compensation that would have an anti-
dilutive effect on the computation of diluted earnings per share.
23. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND GUARANTEES
Legal Proceedings
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was subject to the various legal proceedings and claims discussed below,
as well as certain other legal proceedings and claims that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the
ordinary course of business.
The Company reviews its legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections and other legal
proceedings on an ongoing basis and follows appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure
decisions. The Company establishes accruals for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and can
be reasonably estimated, and the Company discloses the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss
in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for the consolidated financial statements to not be
misleading. The Company does not record liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable,
but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote.
The Company’s assessment of whether a loss is remote, reasonably possible, or probable is based on its assessment of
the ultimate outcome of the matter following all appeals.
160
As of December 31, 2023, the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that any material loss
exceeding the amounts already recognized for these legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews, inspections or
other legal proceedings, if any, has been incurred. While the consequences of certain unresolved proceedings are not
presently determinable, the outcome of any proceeding is inherently uncertain and an adverse outcome from certain
matters could have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company in any
given reporting period.
CAT Funding Model Order Litigation
On September 6, 2023, the SEC issued an order approving an amendment to the CAT National Market System Plan
to implement a revised funding model for CATLLC to fund the CAT (“CAT Funding Model Order”). The approved CAT
Funding Model contemplates two categories of CAT fees calculated based on the “executed equivalent shares” of
transactions in eligible securities: (i) CAT fees assessed by CATLLC to Industry Members who are CAT Executing
Brokers to recover a portion of historical CAT costs previously paid to CATLLC by the Plan Participants; and (ii) CAT fees
assessed by CATLLC to CAT Executing Brokers and Plan Participants to fund prospective CAT costs.
On October 17, 2023, the American Securities Association (“AMA”) and Citadel Securities, LLC (“Citadel”) filed a
Petition for Review of the CAT Funding Model Order in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit (“11th Circuit”). On
November 16, 2023, the Cboe securities exchanges, the NYSE securities exchanges, the Nasdaq securities exchanges
and CATLLC filed motions to intervene on behalf of the SEC. On January 17, 2024, the 11th Circuit granted each of the
motions to intervene on behalf of the SEC and established a briefing schedule. Briefing is expected to conclude during the
second quarter of 2024. This challenge or any other challenge to the SEC order approving the CAT Funding Model and/or
Plan Participant(s) fee filings may significantly delay implementation efforts. As a result, the Plan Participants may
continue to incur additional significant costs, and/or it may result in them not being able to collect on the promissory notes
related to the funding of the implementation and operation of the CAT. The Company believes the appeal is without merit
and intends to vigorously litigate the matter.
Other
As self-regulatory organizations under the jurisdiction of the SEC, Cboe Options, C2, BZX, BYX, EDGX and EDGA
are subject to routine reviews and inspections by the SEC. As a designated contract market under the jurisdiction of the
CFTC, CFE, and Cboe Digital Exchange are subject to routine rule enforcement reviews and examinations by the CFTC.
As a derivatives clearing organization under the jurisdiction of the CFTC, Cboe Clear Digital is also subject to routine
audits and examinations by state regulators. Cboe SEF, LLC is a swap execution facility registered with the CFTC and
subject to routine rule enforcement reviews and examinations by the CFTC. Cboe Trading, BIDS Trading and Cboe Fixed
Income are subject to reviews and inspections by FINRA. The Company has from time to time received inquiries and
investigative requests from the SEC’s Division of Examinations and the CFTC’s Division of Market Oversight as well as
the SEC Division of Enforcement and CFTC Division of Enforcement seeking information about the Company’s
compliance with its obligations as a self-regulatory organization under the federal securities laws and Commodity
Exchange Act as well as members’ compliance with the federal securities laws and Commodity Exchange Act.
In addition, while Cboe Europe, Cboe Chi-X Europe, Cboe Clear Europe, Cboe NL, Cboe Australia, Cboe Japan,
MATCHNow, and Cboe Canada have not been the subject of any litigation or regulatory investigation in the past that
resulted in a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, there
is always the possibility of such action in the future. As Cboe Europe and Cboe Chi-X Europe are domiciled in the UK, it is
likely that any action would be taken in the UK courts in relation to litigation or by the FCA in relation to any regulatory
enforcement action. As Cboe Clear Europe is domiciled in the Netherlands, it is likely that any action would be taken in
the Dutch courts in relation to litigation or by the DNB or Dutch Authority for Financial Markets in relation to any regulatory
enforcement action. For Cboe NL, also domiciled in the Netherlands, it is likely that any actions would be taken in the
Dutch courts in relation to litigation or Dutch Authority for Financial Markets in relation to any regulatory enforcement
action. As Cboe Australia is domiciled in Australia, it is likely that any action would be taken in the Australian courts in
relation to litigation or by the ASIC, in relation to any regulatory enforcement action. As Cboe Japan is domiciled in Japan,
it is likely that any action would be taken in the Japanese courts in relation to litigation or by the JFSA or the JSDA in
relation to any regulatory enforcement action. As Cboe Canada Inc. is domiciled in Canada, it is likely that any action
would be taken in the Canadian courts in relation to litigation or by the OSC and/or CIRO in relation to any regulatory
enforcement action.
Cboe Digital has committed to securely store all digital assets it holds on behalf of users. As such, Cboe Digital may
be liable to its users for losses arising from theft or loss of user private keys. Cboe Digital has no reason to believe it will
161
incur any expense associated with such potential liability because (i) it has no known or historical experience of claims to
use as a basis of measurement, (ii) it accounts for and continually verifies the amount of digital assets within its control,
and (iii) it has established security around custodial private keys to minimize the risk of theft or loss. There were no loss
events impacting safeguarded assets caused by the theft or loss of digital asset user private keys as of December 31,
2023.
The Company is also currently a party to various other legal proceedings in addition to those already mentioned.
Management does not believe that the likely outcome of any of these other reviews, inspections, investigations or other
legal proceedings is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations,
liquidity or capital resources.
See also Note 8 (“Credit Losses”) for information on promissory notes related to the CAT.
See also Note 21 (“Income Taxes”).
Contractual Obligations
The Company has contractual obligations related to licensing agreements with various licensors, some of which
included fixed fees and/or variable fees calculated using agreed upon contracted rates and reported cleared volumes.
Certain licensing agreements contain annual minimum fee requirements that total between $17.1 and $18.1 million each
year for the next five years. Cboe Canada Inc. has purchase obligations primarily related to software development
activities of $1.3 million in total over the next three years.
See Note 14 (“Clearing Operations”) for information on the clearinghouse exposure guarantees for Cboe Clear
Europe and Cboe Clear Digital.
See Note 24 (“Leases”) for information on lease obligations.
24. LEASES
The Company currently leases office space, data centers, remote network operations centers, and equipment under
non-cancelable operating leases with third parties as of December 31, 2023. Certain leases include one or more options
to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to five years or more, and some of which include
the Company’s option to terminate the leases within one year. During the year ended December 31, 2023, $44.5 million of
right of use assets and $44.5 million of lease liabilities were added related to new operating leases and existing lease
extensions.
The following table presents the supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2023
and 2022 (in millions):
Operating lease right of use assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total leased assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current operating lease liabilities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Non-current operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total leased liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
136.6 $
$
136.6
$
20.8
150.8
171.6 $
111.7
111.7
18.3
129.3
147.6
(1) These amounts are reflected within accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
162
The following table presents operating lease costs and other information as of and for the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022 (in millions, except as stated):
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
Year Ended
December 31,
2022
Operating lease costs (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
34.5 $
30.0
Lease term and discount rate information:
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.6
3.4 %
10.2
3.1 %
Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities . . . . .
$
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24.9 $
44.5
20.9
24.4
(1) Includes short-term lease and variable lease costs, which are immaterial.
The total rent expense related to lease obligations, reflected in technology support services and facilities costs line
items on the consolidated statements of income, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $34.5
million, $30.0 million, and $25.6 million, respectively.
The maturities of the lease liabilities are as follows as of December 31, 2023 (in millions):
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2028 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After 2028 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Present value of lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
$
December 31,
2023
26.6
26.8
27.9
23.5
21.3
75.8
201.9
(30.3)
171.6
(1) Total lease payments include $13.8 million related to options to extend lease terms that are reasonably certain of
being exercised.
25. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 4, 2024, using cash on hand, the Company paid $69.9 million to the IRS to satisfy its U.S. federal income
tax liabilities and accrued interest resulting from the settlement of Section 199 tax matters.
On February 7 and 8, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors and Compensation Committee, as applicable,
approved granting $38.2 million of RSUs and $5.9 million of PSUs, with an effective date of February 19, 2024, to certain
officers and employees at a fair value, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the pricing date of
February 19, 2024. The shares will have a three year vesting period based on achievement of certain service,
performance and/or market conditions and vesting accelerates upon the occurrence of a termination of employment
following a change in control of the Company or in the event of earlier death, or disability.
On February 8, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share. The
dividend is payable on March 15, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 29, 2024.
There have been no additional subsequent events that would require disclosure in, or adjustment to, the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023.
163
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company's management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has
evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and
Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered
by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The
Company’s internal control system has been designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the
Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2023. Management based its assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial
reporting described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included evaluating the design of our
internal control over financial reporting and testing the operational effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting. The results of its assessment were reviewed with the audit committee of the Board of Directors.
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have integrated the acquired Cboe Canada and Cboe Digital
operations into our overall internal controls over financial reporting.
No changes occurred in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during fourth quarter 2023 that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting. Based on its assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management believes
that, as of December 31, 2023, internal control over financial reporting is effective.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been
audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report on page 109.
Item 9B. Other Information
None of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading agreement (as defined in
Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) during the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
164
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
Information relating to our directors, including our audit committee and audit committee financial experts and the
procedures by which stockholders can recommend director nominees, and our executive officers will be in our definitive
Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders planned to be held on May 16, 2024, which will be filed
within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“2024 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated
herein by reference. Information relating to our executive officers is included on pages 32 and 33 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer, as well as all other employees and directors. Our Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics is available on our website at https://ir.cboe.com/corporate-governance/code-of-business-conduct-and-ethics. We
will also provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to stockholders at no charge upon written request.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information relating to our executive officer and director compensation and the compensation committee of our Board
of Directors will be in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners of our common stock, information relating to
the security ownership of our management, and equity compensation plan information will be in the 2024 Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be in the 2024
Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services will be in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated
herein by reference.
165
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this report
(1) Financial Statements
Our consolidated financial statements and the related reports of management and our independent
registered public accounting firm which are required to be filed as part of this report are included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning at page 107. These consolidated financial statements are as
follows:
• Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
• Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
• Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022
and 2021
• Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31,
2023, 2022 and 2021
• Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
• Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
The Company has not included any financial statement schedules because they are not applicable or the
required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits
See (b) Exhibits below
(b) Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
3.1 Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on October 17, 2017.
3.2 Seventh Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on August 5, 2021.
4.1 Indenture, dated as of January 12, 2017, by and between the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (f/k/a CBOE
Holdings, Inc.) and Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on January 12, 2017.
4.2 Officer’s Certificate, dated as of January 12, 2017, establishing the 3.650% Senior Notes due 2027 of Cboe
Global Markets, Inc. (f/k/a CBOE Holdings, Inc.), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on January 12, 2017.
4.3 Form of 3.650% Senior Notes due 2027 (included in Exhibit 4.2 hereto).
4.4 Officer’s Certificate, dated as of December 15, 2020, establishing the 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 of Cboe
Global Markets, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(File No. 001-34774) filed on December 15, 2020.
4.5 Form of 1.625% Senior Notes due 2030 (included in Exhibit 4.4 hereto).
166
4.6 Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 16, 2022, establishing the 3.000% Senior Notes due 2032 of Cboe
Global Markets, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(File No. 001-34774) filed on March 16, 2022.
4.7 Form of 3.000% Senior Notes due 2032 (included in Exhibit 4.6 hereto).
4.8 Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2019 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2020.
10.1 Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2018, by and among Cboe Global Markets, Inc., Bank of
America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lender parties thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on March 23, 2018.
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2020, by and among Cboe Global
Markets, Inc. and, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lender parties thereto,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774)
filed on June 3, 2020.
10.3 Amendment No. 2 to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2021, by and between Cboe Global
Markets, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and initial lender, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on July 1, 2021.
10.4 Amendment No. 3 to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2022, by and among between
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and initial lender, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on
April 1, 2022.
10.5 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2022, by and among Cboe
Global Markets, Inc., with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and as swing line lender, certain
lenders named therein, BofA Securities, Inc., as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner and certain
syndication agents named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 28, 2022.
10.6 Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated June 30, 2022, by and among European Central
Counterparty N.V., as borrower, Cboe Global Markets, Inc., as guarantor, Bank of America Europe
Designated Activity Company, as co-ordinator and facility agent and Citibank N.A., London Branch as security
agent relating to the Facility Agreement (as amended and restated), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on July 5, 2022.
10.7 Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated June 29, 2023, by and among Cboe Clear Europe N.V., as
borrower, Cboe Global Markets, Inc., as guarantor, Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, as
co-ordinator and facility agent and Citibank N.A., London Branch as security agent relating to a Facility
Agreement originally dated July 1, 2020, by and among the same parties (as previously amended and
restated by way of an amendment and restatement agreement dated July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022,
respectively, and further amended and restated, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34771) filed on July 5, 2023.
10.8 Restated License Agreement, dated November 1, 1994, by and between Standard & Poor's Financial
Services LLC (as successor-in-interest to Standard & Poor's, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.) and Cboe
Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) (the "S&P License Agreement"),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.9 Amendment No. 1 to the S&P License Agreement, dated January 15, 1995, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.10 Amendment No. 2 to the S&P License Agreement, dated April 1, 1998, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.11 Amendment No. 3 to the S&P License Agreement, dated July 28, 2000, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
167
10.12 Amendment No. 4 to the S&P License Agreement, dated October 27, 2000, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.13 Amendment No. 5 to the S&P License Agreement, dated March 1, 2003, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.14 Amended and Restated Amendment No. 6 to the S&P License Agreement, dated February 24, 2009,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.15 Amended and Restated Amendment No. 7 to the S&P License Agreement, dated February 24, 2009,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.16 Amendment No. 8 to the S&P License Agreement, dated January 9, 2005, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.9 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.17 Amendment No. 10 to the S&P License Agreement, dated June 19, 2009, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 333-140574) filed on April 12, 2010.+
10.18 Amendment No. 11 to the S&P License Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2010, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on May 11, 2010.
10.19 Amendment No. 12 to the S&P License Agreement, dated March 9, 2013, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on May 7, 2013. +
10.20 Amendment No. 12 to the S&P License Agreement, dated March 9, 2013 incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on August 4, 2023.+
10.21 Amendment No. 13 to the S&P License Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2017, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on
December 22, 2017.+
10.22 Amendment No. 14 to the S&P License Agreement, dated December 20, 2018, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2019.
10.23 Amendment No. 15 to the S&P License Agreement, dated January 25, 2019, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2019.
10.24 Amendment No. 16 to the S&P License Agreement, made as of April 1, 2020, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on July 31, 2020.
10.25 Amendment No. 17 to the S&P License Agreement, made as of August 1, 2020, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on October 30,
2020. +
10.26 Amendment No. 18 to the S&P License Agreement, made as of October 26, 2021, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on October 29,
2021.+
10.27 Amendment No. 19 to the S&P License Agreement, effective as of February 23, 2022, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on
April 29, 2022.
10.28 Amendment No. 20 to the S&P License Agreement, effective as of April 25, 2022, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on July 29, 2022.+
10.29 Amendment No. 21 to the S&P License Agreement, effective as of October 20, 2022, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on
November 4, 2022.
168
10.30 Amendment No. 22 to the S&P License Agreement, effective as of September 1, 2022, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on
November 4, 2022.+
10.31 Form of Amended and Restated Director Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on August 4, 2017.
10.32 Form of Second Amended and Restated Director Indemnification Agreement (filed herewith).
10.33 Offer Letter, dated September 18, 2023, between Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Fredric J. Tomczyk,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774)
filed on September 19, 2023.*
10.34 Relocation Benefits for Fredric J. Tomczyk (filed herewith).*
10.35 Employment Agreement, by and between Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Edward Tilly, dated February 9,
2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 14, 2023.*
10.36 Letter Agreement, dated September 18, 2023, between Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Edward T. Tilly,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774)
filed on September 19, 2023.*
10.37 Form of UK Executive Employment Agreement between Bats Global Markets, Inc. and certain executive
officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 3 to Bats Global Markets, Inc.’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-208565) filed on April 4, 2016.*
10.38 Relocation Benefits for David Howson, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on July 29, 2022.*
10.39 Cancellation Amendment of Employment Agreement and Participation in Executive Severance Plan, signed
November 16, 2022, by and between Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and David Howson, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on
November 17, 2022.*
10.40 Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Executive Retirement Plan,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-140574) filed on August 14, 2009.*
10.41 Amendments to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Executive
Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2017.*
10.42 Amendments to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Executive
Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.43 Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Supplemental Retirement Plan,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-140574) filed on August 14, 2009.*
10.44 Amendment No. 1 to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated)
Supplemental Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 001-34774) filed on November 12, 2010.*
10.45 Amendments to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated)
Supplemental Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2017.*
10.46 Amendments to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated)
Supplemental Retirement Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.47 Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Deferred Compensation Plan for
Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Amendment No. 4 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-140574) filed on August 14, 2009.*
169
10.48 Amendments to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Deferred
Compensation Plan for Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2017.*
10.49 Amendments to the Cboe Exchange, Inc. (f/k/a Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated) Deferred
Compensation Plan for Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.50 Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Severance Plan, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 12, 2021.*
10.51 First Amendment to the Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Amended & Restated Executive Severance Plan, dated
September 18, 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(File No. 001-34774) filed on September 19, 2023.*
10.52 Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on May 18, 2018.*
10.53 Second Amended and Restated Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (f/k/a CBOE Holdings, Inc.) Long-Term Incentive
Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File
No. 001-34774) filed on May 24, 2016.*
10.54 Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Director Equity Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on
February 17, 2023 *
10.55 Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Director Equity Deferral Plan, as amended and restated (filed herewith).*
10.56 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for Non-employee Directors), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on May 11, 2017.*
10.57 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for Non-employee CDN Directors), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on August 2, 2019.*
10.58 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Non-employee US and CDN Directors), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.59 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Non-employee CDN Directors), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.60 Form of 2020 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774)
filed on February 14, 2020.*
10.61 Form of 2020 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on
February 14, 2020.*
10.62 Form of 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Executive Officers), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.66 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2020.*
10.63 Form of 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2019 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2020.*
10.64 Form of 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.68 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2020.*
10.65 Form of 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (3 Year Cliff Vest), incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.69 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 22, 2020.*
170
10.66 Form of 2021 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 19, 2021.*
10.67 Form of 2021 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2020 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 19, 2021.*
10.68 Form of 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Executive Officers), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.69 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 19, 2021.*
10.69 Form of 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2020 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 19, 2021.*
10.70 Form of 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.71 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 19, 2021).*
10.71 Form of 2022 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2021 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.72 Form of 2022 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.62 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2021 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.73 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Executive Officers), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.63 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.74 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.64 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2021 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.75 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.65 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.76 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (relative total shareholder
return), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.66 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2021 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.77 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (earnings per share),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2021 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 18, 2022.*
10.78 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for David Howson, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on March 10, 2022.*
10.79 Form of 2023 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774)
filed on February 14, 2023.*
10.80 Form of 2023 Edward Tilly Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on
February 14, 2023.*
10.81 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Executive Officers), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.83 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.82 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return), incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.84 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
171
10.83 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share), incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.85 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (File
No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.84 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (relative total shareholder
return), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.86 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.85 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (earnings per share),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.87 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2022 (File No. 001-34774) filed on February 17, 2023.*
10.86 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated October 12, 2023, for Fredric J. Tomczyk, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-34774) filed on
November 3, 2023.*
10.87 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Vesting Dates, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34774) filed on August 18,
2023.*
10.88 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (3 Year Cliff Vest),
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File
No. 001-34774) filed on August 18, 2023.*
10.89 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (for Executive Officers) (filed herewith).*
10.90 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (relative total shareholder return) (filed herewith).*
10.91 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (earnings per share) (filed herewith).*
10.92 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (relative total
shareholder return) (filed herewith).*
10.93 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (earnings per share)
(filed herewith).*
10.94 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement without Retirement Vesting (3 Year Cliff Vest)
(filed herewith).*
21.1 Subsidiaries of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (filed herewith).
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
24.1 Powers of Attorney (incorporated by reference to the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 (filed herewith).
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 (filed herewith).
32.1 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of
the United States Code (filed herewith).
32.2 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of
the United States Code (filed herewith).
97.1 Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Executive Officer Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy (filed herewith).
101.INS iXBRL Instance Document (filed herewith).
101.SCH iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed herewith).
101.CAL iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.DEF iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase (filed herewith).
172
101.LAB iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.PRE iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded as Inline XBRL document).
*Indicates Management Compensatory Plan, Contract or Arrangement.
+Certain confidential portions (as indicated therein) of this exhibit have been omitted.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
173
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: February 16, 2024
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
(Registrant)
By:
Name:
Title:
/s/
Jill M. Griebenow
Jill M. Griebenow
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and
appoints Fredric J. Tomczyk, as attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, to sign on
his or her behalf, individually and in any and all capacities, including the capacities stated below, any and all amendments
to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-
fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ FREDRIC J. TOMCZYK
Chief Executive Officer
February 16, 2024
Fredric J. Tomczyk
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ JILL M. GRIEBENOW
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
February 16, 2024
Jill M. Griebenow
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ ALLEN L. WILKINSON
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
February 16, 2024
Allen L. Wilkinson
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ WILLIAM M. FARROW III
Chairman
February 16, 2024
William M. Farrow III
/s/ EDWARD J. FITZPATRICK
Director
Edward J. Fitzpatrick
February 16, 2024
/s/ IVAN K. FONG
Director
February 16, 2024
Ivan K. Fong
/s/ JANET P. FROETSCHER
Director
Janet P. Froetscher
/s/ JILL R. GOODMAN
Director
Jill R. Goodman
174
February 16, 2024
February 16, 2024
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ ERIN A. MANSFIELD
Director
Erin A. Mansfield
/s/ CECILIA H. MAO
Director
Cecilia H. Mao
February 16, 2024
February 16, 2024
/s/ ALEXANDER J. MATTURRI
Director
February 16, 2024
Alexander J. Matturri
/s/ JENNIFER J. McPEEK
Director
Jennifer J. McPeek
February 16, 2024
/s/ RODERICK A. PALMORE
Director
February 16, 2024
Roderick A. Palmore
/s/ JAMES E. PARISI
Director
James E. Parisi
February 16, 2024
175
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Investor Information
Stock Listing
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.’s common stock is listed
on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. under the ticker
symbol “CBOE.” On December 31, 2023, there were
105,527,815 shares of common stock outstanding.
Annual Meeting
The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be
held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Central
Time, via a live webcast at
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CBOE2024.
Holders of common stock of record at the close of
business on March 21, 2024 are entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting. A notice of meeting, proxy
statement and proxy card or voting instructions
were provided to stockholders of record with this
Form 10-K.
Transfer Agent
Registered stockholders can access their account
online. Log on to www.shareholder.broadridge.com/
cboe to view share balance, change address,
complete certain transactions and get answers to
other stock related inquiries. You can also write or
call the Cboe transfer agent at:
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
Phone: 1-877-830-4936
Fax: 215-553-5402
E-mail: shareholder@broadridge.com
Investor Relations
Direct inquiries to:
Investor Relations
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
433 W. Van Buren Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312-786-7559
E-mail: investorrelations@cboe.com
Investor information is available on the Investor
Relations section of the Cboe website,
http://ir.cboe.com, including SEC filings, quarterly
earnings releases, webcasts and presentations, press
releases, information on corporate governance
and a variety of stockholder resources, including
historical stock information, dividend payments, an
investor FAQ and a list of analysts who cover the
company.
Corporate Social Responsibility Report
This report provides insight into Cboe’s approach to
ESG with the goal of demonstrating how ESG
practices are integrated within our strategy, business
processes and culture. You can read the report
online at https://www.cboe.com/about/corporate-
social-responsibility/.
Corporate Information
Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world’s
leading derivatives and securities exchange network,
delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and
investment solutions to people around the world.
Cboe provides trading solutions and products
in multiple asset classes, including equities,
derivatives, FX, and digital assets, across North
America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are
committed to building a trusted, inclusive global
marketplace that enables people to pursue a
sustainable financial future. To learn more about the
Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com.
Independent Auditors for the 2023 Fiscal Year
KPMG LLP
Kansas City, MO