Wells Fargo (WFC.US) is actively expanding into the options clearing business as client demand grows. The bank's global markets division plans to follow industry peers like Bank of America (BAC.US) and Goldman Sachs (GS.US) by using its own capital to provide clearing guarantees for client options trades, acting as a critical risk intermediary between clients and clearinghouses. However, its potential market share remains uncertain.

The initiative is still in its early stages. Notably, Wells Fargo removed a regulatory cap in June that had previously restricted its assets from exceeding $1.95 trillion. DJ Langis, co-head of equities in the global markets division, revealed that the bank began exploring options clearing well before the 2025 asset cap lift.

Langis added that Wells Fargo is restructuring its securities sales and trading operations to better serve market makers, leading to team expansion. Major market makers like Citadel Securities and Jane Street rely on clearing brokers for trade settlements. Reports indicate these firms may start clearing through Wells Fargo in the second half of 2026.