Estonia's Prime Minister Siim Kallas welcomed the launch of the common trading environment.
"HEX's aim is to create opportunities for success stories by connecting investors, issuers and capital. I believe that HEX's extensive member and market information vendor networks will provide leverage and stimulus to the Estonian capital markets and enhance the liquidity and visibility of Estonian equities," said Jukka Ruuska, President and CEO of HEX Group.
"We are proud to launch this joint platform with HEX, as a pioneer among emerging European markets. The benefits of consolidation among European marketplaces are obvious, particularly so for the smaller marketplaces," said Gert Tiivas, CEO of HEX Tallinn and Senior Vice President of HEX's Baltic Operations.
Trading in Estonian securities now takes place in euros on HEX's trading platform in a harmonised regulative environment. In addition to the Estonian brokers, the TSE listed securities are now accessible to HEX members. On February 25, HEX members Mandatum Stockbrokers and Nordea Securities started trading in TSE products, whereas Evli Bank and Credit Suisse First Boston Europe have already been approved and will follow shortly.
"Enabling easy access for European investors and intermediaries to the interesting companies in the fast-growing Baltic area is key to overcome the disadvantages of small size of the domestic market. The best Baltic companies, both listed and those considering listing, will now have direct access to a large audience of potential investors, who are eager to participate in their growth," said Tiivas.
HEX is a growing, international company that operates the national securities and derivatives exchange and central securities depository in Finland. Furthermore, HEX offers securities and information services for the markets. HEX has 40 active members, who trade from Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Paris and Amsterdam.
