Thursday, August 5, 2010

Invest in Bonds - SGX

SGX launches initiatives to enhance listing, trading of fixed income products
By Jonathan Peeris | Posted: 05 August 2010 1131 hrs 
 
 
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SGX Exchange
  
 
SINGAPORE : Singapore Exchange (SGX) has launched its first initiatives to enhance the listing, trading and distribution of fixed income products to build a more vibrant bond market in Asia.

These initiatives include drawing more Singapore-listed companies and other organisations to issue bonds for listing and trading on SGX.

The listing and trading of fixed income securities such as preference shares and convertible bonds will also be encouraged.

SGX also plans to halve the time taken to approve bond listings by streamlining the processes involved.

By the first quarter of next year, SGX expects to offer an on-exchange secondary market for individual and institutional investors to trade Singapore Government Securities (SGS).

SGX's Central Depository has been a custodian of individual investors' SGS holdings since April 1 this year.

A total of 1,229 bonds are currently listed on SGX.

In fiscal year 2010, 200 bonds were listed involving programmes to raise over S$100 billion.

SGX has also appointed Ms Tng Kwee Lian, formerly from UOB Asset Management, as Senior Vice President and Head of Fixed Income to drive the promotion of bond trading to high net worth and individual investors.

President of SGX Gan Seow Ann said SGX offers an unparalleled value proposition to issuers and investors of bonds.

That's because issuers can leverage on SGX's international distribution platform while market participants will have access to one of the world's leading trading venues.

- CNA/il