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High-ranking financial market representatives presented the Croatian financial market at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange this morning, coinciding with today's accession of the Republic of Croatia to the EU. Josip Špoljarić, Consul General, Dr Boris Vujčić, Governor of the Croatian National Bank, and Ivana Gažić, CEO of the Zagreb Stock Exchange, symbolically rung in the start of trading. This was followed by a round table on the Croatian financial market by invitation of Deutsche Börse and sponsored by the Croatian Economic Association.
“For years we have maintained close, friendly relations to the Zagreb Stock Exchange and Croatian banks and brokers. Consequently, we are very pleased that the country's EU entry is forming a regulatory framework in which both the Croatian and the German capital markets can grow even closer together in the future and contribute to financing the real economy in both countries,” commented Alexander Höptner, Executive Vice President Market Data + Services at Deutsche Börse.
“Joining the EU is a historical moment for Croatia, especially for the Croatian financial market. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange has bestowed a great honour on us in inviting the Governor of the Croatian National Bank to ring the trading bell, symbolising the start of today's trading. This will be an important incentive for further successful collaboration in a common Europe,” remarked Consul General Josip Špoljarić.
National Bank Governor Dr Boris Vujčić: “Joining this large community of countries and the European single market is of historical importance to Croatia's citizens, the economy and its financial system. I feel extremely honoured by this invitation to open trading at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, thus symbolically representing the Republic of Croatia's entry into the European Union and the Croatian National Bank's new membership of the European central banking system.”
Ivana Gažić, CEO of Zagreb Stock Exchange said, “We are very optimistic about the EU entry as it opens up many new possibilities for Croatia and the Croatian capital market. This move will undoubtably increase visibility amongst foreign investors. We consider this a historical moment with great potential.”
Deutsche Börse Group has provided settlement and custody services to the Croatian capital market via its Clearstream subsidiary since 2005. The Republic of Croatia's EU accession opens up new prospects for expanding business relationships across all Deutsche Börse Group business areas.
