Two new trading participants; Erik Penser & UBS!

What is up at Burgundy?
Olof: We are focusing on meeting with potential and existing customers, in the Nordic countries and elsewhere, to listen to their needs and to tell them about the possibilities our business gives them.

Have you had any success with these talks so far?
Olof: Yes, last week we got two new trading participants; Erik Penser Bankaktiebolag and UBS Limited. We have also had several other investment banks that have shown serious interest of becoming trading participants.

How did the event in Oslo go?
Olof: I was very impressed with the turnout at our half-day event, on the topic of fragmentation in Oslo. Courtesy of DnB NOR, who provided excellent facilities. Lineup of speakers can be followed including their presentations on this website. Last year, I managed to gather 18 persons at this kind of event – last week we were completely full-booked..

How are the Norwegian firms coping with the fragmentation?
Olof: It is clear that many Norwegian firms are thinking about how to cope with fragmentation. Although Oslo Børs has been very good in keeping their market share so far – we expect that gravity will also come to this part of the world.

What other reflections did you do in Oslo?
Olof: Norwegians are a very interesting people – from being one of the poorest countries in the world to becoming one of the richest in 30+ years – nowadays, when Americans and Asian oil companies need drilling expertise, you’re more than likely to find them in Oslo. Once the Norwegian equity trading community decides on implementing fragmentation more seriously – don’t be surprised if you’ll find a consolidated order book of STATOIL at the Opera House where every seat has a small display, normally used for displaying the libretto in multiple languages.