The Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) has reported that 2007 was a significant year
both for the Exchange and the continued development of the domestic capital market.
Highlights of the year, according to the Exchange, included an increasing number of international issuers and
companies listing their securities on the BSX, record domestic trading volume
and the designation of the BSX by the UK’s HM Revenue and Customs as a Recognised
Stock Exchange. In addition, the trading and settlement technology of the Exchange
was upgraded to the next and latest version of the OMX trading platform, keeping
the Exchange’s mission critical systems in line with cutting edge technology
for an operation of the its size.
The BSX/RG Composite Index ended the year at 4,969.92, up slightly from last
year’s close. Domestic trading volumes increased from 3.9 million shares
to 5.3 million, with a corresponding value of over $165 million, the second highest
value turnover level in the Exchange’s history.
The total market capitalization of the BSX as at 31 December 2006 (excluding
fund listings) stood at over $350 billion, of which approximately $2.7 billion
represented the domestic market.
As at 31 December 2007, 543 issuers were listed on the BSX. Included in the
new listings in 2007 were the Bermuda based insurers Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings
Limited, and Lancashire Holdings Limited. The Exchange also listed 110 international
derivative warrants listed by divisions of CALYON and Deutsche Bank. There were
also 20 new collective investment vehicles listed, and 10 subsequent issues processed
during the year.
In making the year-end announcement, BSX President and Chief Executive Officer
Greg Wojciechowski noted that: “2007 has been a very exciting year for the
BSX culminating in a strong finish in respect of the number of new listings
on the Exchange and the very important UK designation. The BSX team, through
an unwavering commitment to the development of this Exchange and that of the
domestic capital market remained focused, provided world class client support
and were able to deliver very impressive results for a small organization. I
take this time to recognize their efforts and those of many others who through
their commitment to their professional responsibilities have created an environment
and infrastructure in Bermuda for domestic and international business to flourish.
That includes the Ministry of Finance, the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the
brokerage and financial services community.”
He went on to add: “The BSX is a very well respected international
brand in the stock exchange industry and this without question is critically
important for the country as it provides yet another illustration of Bermuda’s
commitment to providing world class support to its key markets and clients."
"That said, the BSX remains entirely committed to the continued development of
the domestic capital market and supporting the creation and trading of exciting
new investment opportunities for Bermudians here at home. In this regard, we
shall continue to work with Bermuda pension providers to support their efforts
in allowing pensioners to request that a small portion of their pension monies
be allocated to the securities of well run and regulated Bermuda entities and
will continue our dialogues with the Government and corporate Bermuda to encourage
them to look to Bermuda’s public market as a source of funding for their
financing needs."
In closing, Mr. Wojciechowski stated: “The BSX team optimistically enters
2008 with a high level of energy that will translate into acceleration in the
commercial momentum the Exchange has seen in 2006/2007, Bermuda and the BSX
have many strengths which our closest competitors don’t including our
geographic strategic position. Bermuda is clearly the gateway between the European
and North American capital markets and the BSX will leverage this uniquely positioned
opportunity to continue to drive our business and results."