Trop-X, the Seychelles Securities Exchange, opened its doors for the first time on Friday November 30 with the launch of three initial equities boards that allow for the listing and trading of shares of both domestic and foreign companies.

The Venture Capital (VCAP) Board is aimed at start-up companies, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Board is aimed at companies with at least a year’s operating track record wishing to expand their operations while the Main Board is aimed at established companies looking to either raise additional funds or increase value to their shareholders.

Francois Venter, director of Trop-X, explained that while the exchange is now open for business, the processes and procedures for listing a company on the exchange will take a minimum of six weeks and can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the listing.

Mr Venter said that Trop-X and its sponsor advisors, Constant Capital and Grant Thornton, were currently in discussions with two foreign companies which are interested in listing on the Trop-X exchange.

Mr Venter indicated that the sponsor advisors were also engaged in discussions with local companies, three of which are considering listing in the first quarter of 2013.

Bobby Brantley, director of Operations and Finance at Trop-X, informed the press that the Bonds and Derivatives Boards will be launched within the first half of 2013.

He said that part of Trop-X’s success in attracting international interest is due to the Trop-X’s adherence to international best practice, the level of experience and expertise held by the Trop-X team and the robust regulatory framework put in place by the Seychelles International Business Authority (Siba).

Wendy Pierre, chief executive officer of Siba, said that the launch of the first Seychelles Securities Exchange represents the culmination of five years of government and private sector collaboration initiated by the passing of the Securities Act in 2007 and is a significant step in expanding the breadth of the financial services on offer in Seychelles.

The regulatory environment developed and implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank and Siba are stringent while providing sufficient flexibility to allow the development and creation of a sustainable market infrastructure.

Trop-X is located on the first floor of Eden Plaza, Eden Island, Seychelles. The company has embarked on a comprehensive marketing and sensitisation campaign to disseminate information to the general public and the business community regarding Trop-X’s services on offer and how individuals and companies can take part.

Trop-X wishes to inform the public that it is available to answer any questions that they may have and the firm can be contacted via e-mail (info@trop-x.com) or telephone (+248 4346800). Any persons interested in obtaining further information can visit www.trop-x.com

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What is Trop-X?
Trop-X is the Seychelles securities exchange.  A securities exchange provides the infrastructure for companies to raise capital and for stock brokers to buy and sell shares for investors.

What is a sponsor advisor?
A sponsor advisor is a company approved by Trop-X to provide advice, representation and services to companies looking to list on the exchange.  The sponsor advisor manages the admission of new companies on Trop-X.  Typically the sponsor advisor will be an investment bank, accounting firm or broker.
Who is Grant Thornton?
A sponsor advisor that is also an accounting/auditing firm with offices internationally.
Email: nico.ackermann@za.gt.com

Who is Constant Capital?
A sponsor advisor and a broker with offices in Seychelles and Continental Africa.
Email: daron@constantcap.sc

Forrás: www.nation.sc