AQSE becomes first cloud-based RIE

Aquis Exchange PLC

29 November 2023

 

29 November 2023

Aquis Exchange PLC

("Aquis", the "Company" or the "Group")

Aquis Stock Exchange becomes first cloud-based recognised investment exchange

Aquis Exchange PLC (AQX.L), the creator and facilitator of next-generation financial markets, announces that its primary and secondary markets exchange, the Aquis Stock Exchange, has become the first recognised investment exchange (RIE) to run a cloud-based matching engine.

At a time in which exchanges and exchange technology providers are exploring options to take advantage of the scale and flexibility of the cloud, Aquis has been the first to achieve full migration of the matching engine, the core component used to determine trades, of an RIE to the cloud.

Effective from 27 November 2023, all trades on the Aquis Stock Exchange are being matched and executed successfully while running on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which creates a seamless experience with benefits including:

-	Scalability: scalable capacity, which can be provisioned as needed;
-	Resilience: increased infrastructure and locations available for use during spikes in trading volumes, and for backup and failsafe purposes. This differs from traditional data centre and on-premise exchange setup, where regulated markets and trading venues typically need to procure significant spare capacity of physical infrastructure;
-	Flexibility: ability to respond in a more dynamic and timely manner to any unforeseen demand requirements, with provisioning on AWS being faster than an on-premise alternative;
-	Cost: cost efficiency savings relating to provisioning, staffing of physical locations, procurement of hardware and energy usage; and
-	Environmental: significant reduction in an exchange's environmental footprint through a decrease in data centre energy usage.

Alasdair Haynes, Chief Executive Officer at Aquis Exchange PLC said:

"This latest development further highlights the focus on innovation within the Group and represents an additional step in the execution of the Aquis Technologies strategy. The cloud-based matching engine enables the business to deliver transformation across the exchange space globally through the application of its cutting-edge, institutional-grade technology."

Adrian Ip, Managing Director, Aquis Technologies, said:

"Aquis has been a trailblazer in cloud deployment of exchange technology since 2020, when we first completed a proof of concept with AWS and the Singapore Exchange."

"Since then, we have provided full cloud and hybrid solutions for several clients, as well as launching Aquis Equinox - the world's first 24/7 matching engine. It is a natural progression to look at the ways in which cloud technology can benefit our own exchanges, and it's great to see Aquis Stock Exchange pave the way for other recognised investment exchanges."

Brian Cassin, Head Market Development for Capital Markets, AWS, said:

"By running on AWS, the Aquis Stock Exchange is driving transformation across the capital markets industry while continuing to enhance the scalability, functionality and innovation that will benefit its members and stakeholders in an environment where security and resiliency are our highest priority."

"We will continue to build on the experience Aquis has in creating and facilitating next-generation financial markets with the reliability, global presence, and security of AWS to help Aquis continue to expand and seamlessly transact billions of dollars in trades per day."

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Enquiries:

Aquis Exchange PLC	Tel: [phone]
Alasdair Haynes, CEO
Richard Fisher, CFO Adele Gilbert, Head of Marketing	Tel: [phone]
Investec Bank plc (Nominated Adviser and Broker)	Tel: [phone]
David Anderson
Bruce Garrow
Lydia Zychowska St John Hunter Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) Emma Gabriel George Grainger VSA Capital Limited (AQSE Corporate Adviser) Andrew Raca	Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Alma Strategic Communications (Financial PR Adviser)	Tel: [phone]
Josh Royston Rebecca Sanders-Hewett	[e-mail]
Kieran Breheny

Notes to editors:

About Aquis Exchange PLC

Aquis Exchange PLC ("Aquis") is a creator and facilitator of next-generation financial markets, through the provision of accessible, simple and efficient stock exchanges, trading venues and technology.

Aquis consists of four divisions:

Aquis Markets operates lit and dark order books, covering 16 European markets. For its lit books, Aquis uses a subscription pricing model which works by charging users according to the message traffic they generate, rather than a percentage of the value of each stock that they trade.

Aquis Technologies is the software and technology division of Aquis. It focuses on building better markets via the creation and licensing of cutting-edge, cost-effective exchange infrastructure technology and services, including matching engine and trade surveillance solutions.

Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE) is a stock market providing primary and secondary markets for equity and debt products. It is authorised as a Recognised Investment Exchange, which allows it to operate a regulated listings venue. The AQSE Growth Market is divided into two segments 'Access' and 'Apex'; the Access market focuses on earlier stage growth companies, while Apex is the intended market for larger, more established businesses.

Aquis Data generates revenue from the sale of data derived from Aquis Markets and Aquis Stock Exchange to non-Member market participants.

Aquis is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and France's Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution and L'Autorité des marchés financiers to operate Multilateral Trading Facility businesses in the UK & Switzerland markets and in EU27 markets respectively. Aquis Exchange PLC is quoted on the Aquis Stock Exchange and on the AIM Market (AIM) of the LSE. For more information, please go to www.aquis.eu.

 

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