Forty years ago, we introduced electronic trading. Today electronic trading is the norm, making the world‘s capital markets move faster, more efficiently and more transparently. We now own and operate 24 markets, 3 clearinghouses and 5 central securities depositories supporting all asset classes and the entire lifecycle of a trade. That‘s why more than 70 marketplaces rely on our technology to power 1 in 10 of the world‘s securities transactions. Welcome to where exchanges are redefined.
On February 8, 1971, when every other financial market on the planet used a physical trading floor, we redefined the industry by launching the first electronic market. Many thought electronic trading was too disruptive and would not last. We saw it as an efficient way to develop and empower economies worldwide. Our technology and communication tools could directly connect market participants for the first time.
At that time, access to capital for growth companies was limited, and the venture capital firms seeding their innovations needed exit strategies. It was the advent of the Information Age with entrepreneurial companies developing unimaginable products and services. We embraced the future and shared their risk, inventing the modern IPO to fuel their technological, medical, and social advances. The capital they raised created millions of jobs along the way and shaped the modern world.
This revolutionary way of building economies rippled around the globe. Forty years later, the NASDAQ model is emulated by every major exchange in the world, creating openness, transparency and efficiency for all investors by providing equal and fair access to the marketplace. Technology is still at the heart of everything we do. We set the bar in 1971 and continue to raise it today, relentlessly redefining the role of the exchange in the global economy. That's why more than 70 marketplaces in 50 countries rely on us to power their markets - from centuries-old bellwethers to newly formed emerging markets. We power 1 out of every 10 securities transactions worldwide. Our unwavering commitment to champion opportunity continues to spur the world-advancing ingenuity of our 3,400 global listed companies. They look to us to influence smart regulation, drive fiscal policy, and foster investor trust so they can turn what if into why not.
Markets are the cornerstone of economies, fueling the progress that shapes our future. Without strong, transparent, nimble, and credible markets, innovation goes unrealized. We remain true to our mission: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS ACTION—FUELING THE WORLD'S ECONOMIC GROWTH ONE INVESTOR, ONE COMPANY, ONE MARKET AT A TIME. We will continue to lead change in the global economy because that's what disrupters do… we transform. And we're just getting started. Imagine what the next 40 years will bring.
Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. NASDAQ OMX cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections about our future financial results, growth, trading volumes, listings, IPOs, tax benefits and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the implementation dates and benefits of strategic and capital return initiatives, including a share buyback and/or dividend program (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements about the impact of statutory and regulatory changes, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond NASDAQ OMX‘s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, NASDAQ OMX‘s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in NASDAQ OMX‘s filings with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on NASDAQ OMX‘s website at http://www.nasdaqomx.com and the SEC‘s website at www.sec.gov. NASDAQ OMX undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
We intend to use our website, www.nasdaqomx.com, as a means for disclosing material non-public information and for complying with SEC Regulation FD and other disclosure obligations. These disclosures will be included on our website under “Investor Relations”.
Copyright 2012 The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. | All rights reserved.
