The Asia Pacific Exchange Limited (APX) is one of the securities exchange groups operating in Australia. Regulated by the Australia Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) APX is required at all time to conduct business in a manner that is fair, orderly and transparent. AIMS Financial Group (AIMS) became a major shareholder of APX in October 2008, providing an essential source of funds for APX to pursue its domestic business strategy, which includes providing quality services to local listed companies and corporations. This has also allowed APX to become more proactive in developing growth in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on longer term business opportunities in China.
Although APX received its stock exchange license from ASIC in August 2004, it draws on eight years of experience gained through the successful operation of its predecessor, Exempt Markets (EM). In its role as a securities exchange, APX provides listing facilities and services to companies and securities issuers, as well as all the necessary facilities for stock brokers, investors and traders to buy and sell securities such as shares issued by companies, fixed interest instruments, and units issued by trusts.
Some of the key features of the APX market are: minimal constraints on the structure of the listed companies, thereby facilitating a more attainable entry level; an effective trading platform utilizing state-of-the-art technology enabling brokers to place orders, and investors to track those orders, electronically; uncomplicated trading, clearing and settlement systems, catering for low and medium volume markets; and a panel of specialist participants on hand to support members while at the same time ensuring that the market has integrity and the information supplied is of value.
The primary commercial roles of APX include creating opportunities for companies to create capital through selling shares to investors; creating opportunities for investors to play the market at the level that suits their needs; facilitating company growth and mobilizing capital for investments through various channels. Research has revealed that companies listed with a stock exchange tend to have more credibility with the public as they are accountable to all their shareholders, big and small, and are therefore, more inclined to be meticulous about maintaining management records and adhering to general corporate governance that privately-held companies may be. The Asia Pacific Exchange offers all the assistance that companies need to enter the realms of listed companies, as well as providing traders and investors with world-class facilities in which to trade.
