On 22 April, Keith Hiscock welcomed Alasdair Haynes of Aquis Exchange on to Hardman Talks. Alasdair and Keith discussed why Aquis could see success where previous stock exchanges have not, particularly through connecting retail investors to the market. Alasdair explained the paradigm shift that has occurred, as everything from work to entertainment has moved to digital – creating an opportunity for Aquis to become the digital investment tool of choice.
He takes us through companies’ progression from smaller markets to main market, while addressing the differences between Aquis and AIM, the importance of higher standards, institutional support and liquidity. Aquis positions itself as “the exchange of the future”, bringing information and opportunity to the retail market.
Alasdair is the founder and CEO of Aquis Exchange. He is the former CEO of Chi-X Europe and was responsible for growing the business into Europe’s largest equities trading platform and into profitability before its sale in late 2011. Prior to that, Alasdair spent 11 years heading up ITG’s international business, pioneering the introduction of electronic trading and crossing into the European and Asian marketplaces. Alasdair began his 30 plus-year career in the City with Morgan Grenfell and has held senior positions at a number of investment banks, including HSBC and UBS.
