DIFX to switch to Nasdaq trading platform as it prepares for derivatives launch

Dubai: 1 July, 2008 - The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) plans to introduce a new platform for trading its securities on July 4, 2008.

The trading platform, supplied by Nasdaq, will be used for all trades on the DIFX including equity derivatives, which the DIFX plans to list for the first time later in 2008 (subject to regulatory approval).

Peter FitzGerald, Chief Operating Officer of the DIFX, said: “Nasdaq will provide us with a proven world-class trading platform that will help to drive the expansion of the DIFX as the international exchange serving the Middle East. Derivatives are a key part of our growth strategy to offer new opportunities to investors.”

“Our switch to the new platform also marks a significant step in the integration of the global capital markets, by strengthening the DIFX’s links with Nasdaq.”

Nasdaq, the world’s largest exchange company, with markets in the United States and Europe, bought a one-third stake in the DIFX in February 2008. The other two-thirds are owned by Borse Dubai, which is a shareholder in Nasdaq. 

Markus Gerdien, Executive Vice President at Nasdaq, said: “The DIFX will deploy a trading engine with capacity and functionality advantages that enables them to drive liquidity, and introduce new products and services at their exchange. Nasdaq OMX is delighted to be the technology provider for the DIFX enabling them to better serve both regional and international customers. This announcement further supports the development of the DIFX as a financial center in the Middle East.”

The Nasdaq platform will exclusively handle all trades in DIFX securities, including its listed equities and structured products.

The DIFX’s plans to list derivatives including futures and options on equities that are listed on the exchange, as well as on the Dubai Financial Market and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. The DIFX also plans to list futures contracts based on the FTSE DIFX UAE 20 equity index.

About DIFX

The DIFX is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as international issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists shares, structured products, Sukuk (Islamic bonds) and conventional bonds.

The regulator of the DIFX is the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).  The DIFX is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

www.difx.ae

About The Nasdaq Group

The Nasdaq Group, Inc. is the world's largest exchange company. It delivers trading, exchange technology and public company services across six continents, and with over 3,900 companies, it is number one in worldwide listings among major markets. Nasdaq Group offers multiple capital raising solutions to companies around the globe, including its U.S. listings market; the OMX Nordic Exchange, including First North; and the 144A PORTAL Market. The company offers trading across multiple asset classes including equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structured products and ETFs. Nasdaq Group technology supports the operations of over 60 exchanges, clearing organizations and central securities depositories in more than 50 countries. OMX Nordic Exchange is not a legal entity but describes the common offering from Nasdaq Group exchanges in Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Iceland, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. For more information about Nasdaq, visit www.Nasdaqomx.com.

For more information, please contact

Mark Fisher
Head of Corporate Communications,
DIFX
Tel: +971 4 3612220
Mob: +971 50 6245805
Email: Mark.fisher@difx.ae

Silvia Davi
The Nasdaq Group
Tel: 1-646-441-5014
Email: Silvia.davi@Nasdaqomx.com

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