EquiLend acquired Automated Equity Finance Markets, Inc. (aka AQS) and its associated middle-office and front-end software in July 2016. The acquired business and technology served as the basis for the newly launched EquiLend Clearing Services. In the short term, EquiLend Clearing Services will continue to operate the existing platform, including its trading and middle-office services. Meanwhile, EquiLend is developing a solution to manage centrally cleared transactions. EquiLend Clearing Services also has established a partnership with the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) to offer direct connectivity to the OCC for central clearing of securities finance trades. For more information, visit: http://www.equilend.com/services/ecs.php