According to Reuters, which cited anonymous sources close to the matter, SIX is wanting to retain a majority interest in the SIX Financial Information division but could create a new legal entity for it.

Among the options discussed is a possible merger with another player in the market or a stake sale to a private equity firm, the sources reportedly said.

Discussions are said to be at an early stage, and a financial adviser has yet to be appointed.

SIX's latest financial report showed a net loss of CHF1.01bn (£0.9bn) in 2023, compared with a net profit of CHF185m the year before, partly due to a CHF862m impairment charge related to the significant decline in the share price of payments group Worldline.

Total operating income improved 2.1% year-on-year to CHF1.53bn, with the Financial Information unit accounting for CHF407m.