Opening the lines of communication

FIRST-OF-A-KIND INVESTOR HELPLINE RAISES THE WINDOW ON CANADA’S STOCK EXCHANGE SYSTEM

With the launch of a first-of- a-kind helpline for investors, investment advisers and businesses, Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc. has removed yet another barrier to transparency in Canada’s stock exchange system.

Canada’s new stock exchange is the first to establish an information line to address any enquiries about the exchange, a NEO Exchange listed security, or what makes the NEO Exchange different.

No other exchange in the country has taken the bold step of opening up itself — and the industry — to questions from Canadians at every level be they individuals, high-volume trading institutions or companies looking to raise capital.

“This new helpline is a unique avenue for exploring Canada’s capital markets and to get answers directly from the exchange. It also offers advisers and (members of ) the general public the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of what’s happening on the NEO Exchange and how orders are treated fairly,” says Pierre Daillie, managing director of AdvisorAnalyst.com.

“Given the move toward more disclosure in the industry, providing this additional level of transparency is a very progressive move,” Daillie says.

The NEO Exchange launched t he t oll- f ree helpline to allow Canadians open access to the stock exchange, says Lloyd Clarke, head of trading operations. The helpline is not only for those doing business with NEO Exchange, “it’s for everyone with an interest in, and covers everything related to, Canada’s capital markets,” he says. “Callers can ask about market structure, how securities listed on other exchanges trade on the NEO Exchange, and how we are helping to level the playing field in Canada.”

Those answering hotline telephones are the same people who provide market intelligence to the NEO Exchange’s traditional customers — investment dealers and advisers, notes Clarke.

“They are trained and skilled in helping those who have questions about the market in Canada. Whether callers need basic information or want to discuss more complex market structure issues, our goal is to provide answers that inform, educate and, ultimately, allow Canadians to make better choices,” Clarke says.

Building relationships with stakeholders, influencers, stock issuers and others affected by Canada’s capital markets is a core focus of the NEO Exchange. The ultimate goal is to increase investor confidence, support public company access and re- engage the dealer community.

Confidence in the financial industry waned following the 2008 financial crisis. When that kind of event occurs it undermines trust in the market and leaves a sense of opacity, says Daillie.

“The stock exchange business has always operated in the background without being questioned, but why not? Investors want and need to know about order flow, unfair advantage and monopolistic behaviour,” he says.

“Now it’s all available at the end of a telephone. Having the opportunity to speak directly to exchange staff and ask what is happening behind the scenes has real value in the drive to rebuild trust and demonstrate transparency.”

Facilitating an open dialogue also promotes growth and inclusion, says Linda Farha, president of Zenergy Communications, a Toronto- based integrated marketing and communications company specializing in corporate communications and investor relations. “It helps to build a larger community that is engaged and invested in the success of the organization. These are the people who ultimately become brand ambassadors,” she says.

“In today’s era of Internet and digital communication, transparency is a necessity if you want to survive and succeed in business,” she says.

“No one wants to invest in a company they feel is holding back information.”

NEO Exchange’s new helpline helps facilitate a deeper understanding of the trading world, instills confidence in the NEO Exchange and brings clarity for leaders who may be looking to take their companies public, adds Farha. “It’s taking the NEO Exchange mantra of levelling the playing field and putting it into action.”

As disruptors in the stock exchange arena, the NEO Exchange is breaking down barriers and driving innovation rather than building walls around an oldschool mentality, she adds.

“This will help them connect with a younger generation who are typically open- minded and innovative. In doing so, the NEO Exchange will create a community that is as distinctly unique as itself.”

The NEO Exchange toll- free helpline (1-844-567- 6424) is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

“I encourage everyone to give the helpline a call,” says Daillie. “The NEO Exchange has done something for the Canadian securities industry that it has been asking for for some time, greater transparency and open communication. You won’t know what you’re missing until you ask.”

GIVEN THE MOVE TOWARD MORE DISCLOSURE I N THE I NDUSTRY, PROVIDING THIS ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY IS A VERY PROGRESSIVE MOVE