FEAS Yearbook FEAS Yearbook 2009 | Page 40

FEDERATION OF EURO-ASIAN STOCK EXCHANGES ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2009 BAKU STOCK EXCHANGE Khayal Abdinov Chairman In 2008 the annual turnover of Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) on all financial instruments reached approximately US$ 11.9 billion being the historical record for the Azeri stock exchange market. Compared to the same indicator of 2007, the BSE’s turnover increased by 73.4% in 2008. The BSE is planning to introduce a new trading platform in the first quarter of 2008 which differs from the previous one HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT The establishment of a stock exchange was a necessary step in the creation of a modern stock market in Azerbaijan. Due to its geopolitical location Azerbaijan is an important regional center of business activity. In this respect the availability of a stable and developed securities market plays a substantial role in the raising of investors’ confidence in the economy of Azerbaijan and the region. The shareholders of the BSE are leading Azeri and foreign banks and investment companies. The supreme decision-making authority of the Baku Stock Exchange is the General Shareholders Meeting. PAGE 38 In 2008 the annual turnover of Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) on all financial instruments reached approximately US$ 11.9 billion being the historical record for the Azeri stock exchange market. fundamentally, providing for remote access for the market participants. The exchange has also been continuing modernization of its internal rules and documents and this process will be in progress in 2009, too. The exchange has already finished preparation of its new corporate website (www.bfb.az), and is planning to launch it in the first quarter of 2008. The trading floor of the BSE is equipped with 30 computerized trading stations, 18 of which belong to the shareholders of the Exchange. The other 12 are available for new members. Legal bodies (banks, investment funds, broker firms) involved in professional activities in the securities market with special license from the State Committee for Securities can become members of the BSE. In 2008, the BSE is main focus targeted development of foreign relations. Particularly, the BSE visited and established fruitful relations with the world leading exchanges such as Deutsche Boerse, NASDAQ, and NYSE. Another success was hosting of the FEAS Working Committee meeting in Baku in May, 2008. FUTURE OUTLOOK The BSE plans for 2009: • to introduce its new trading platform in the first quarter of 2009; • to adopt new listing rules and modernize internal normative framework; • to launch a new corporate website (www.bfb.az); • to continue the intensive work with domestic potential issuers for bringing them to the market.