Announcing the certification, MCX said the exchange has become the world's first and only multi-commodity exchange to achieve the milestone of bagging ISO/IEC 27001:2005.

ISO/IEC 27001:2005 (formerly known as BS 7799-2:2002) is a benchmark that calls for standard requirements of a robust Information Security Management System.

The certification helps to identify, manage and minimise the range of threats that information is subject to. The benchmark is designed to ensure globally the selection of adequate and proportionate security controls that protect information assets and provide confidence to all interested parties, including customers.

Reacting to the unique achievement, Joseph Massey, Deputy Managing Director, MCX, said that information security is a clear business enabler for the exchange.

"By continuously focusing on this aspect, we intend to protect the interests of all stakeholders. This global certification reinforces our methodical approach to information security, which is so critical to our business," he said.

Massey added that MCX will always adhere and commit to global standards of excellence along with being transparent in all transactions.

P Kaladharan, chief technology officer, MCX, said: "This is a very prestigious and distinct achievement. MCX is committed to demonstrating best practices in information security, which will create a robust platform for information exchange that, in turn, is critical for Exchange operations."

Among the top ten commodity derivatives exchanges in the world, MCX ranks No 1 in silver, No 2 in natural gas and No 3 in crude oil and gold futures trading globally.

MCX said in a statement that the achievement reinforces the exchange's commitment to its clientele and to other key stakeholders such as investors and regulators by ensuring confidentiality, integrity, availability and compliance of its robust information systems.

"In today's environment where security is a major concern, the certification underscores MCX's mission of providing the most secure environment for conducting business," it said.

MCX has already got ISO 9001:2000 certification for Quality Management System (QMS).

"This unique combination and global certification and best practices will give MCX a strategic and critical edge in the commodity space," the exchange said.